Gander, Newfoundland

Oct 9

The flag of the Town of Gander, Newfoundland, is a meaningful representation of the town’s rich history, strong connection to aviation, and natural surroundings. Featuring a balanced and symbolic design, the flag reflects Gander’s identity as a vital hub for air travel and its deep-rooted association with both the land and sky. The flag’s elements are carefully chosen to honor the town’s namesake, its historical significance, and its ongoing legacy as a key player in global aviation.

The flag of Gander follows a Canadian pale design, consisting of three vertical stripes: a central white field flanked by two blue bars. This arrangement mirrors the Canadian national flag, emphasizing Gander’s place within Canada. The blue bars also represent Gander Lake and the Atlantic Ocean, key geographical features that define the town’s environment.

At the center of the flag is a circular seal, which takes up approximately three-fourths of the flag’s height. Inside the seal, a Canada goose (Branta canadensis) is depicted in flight, rendered in natural colors—black and golden yellow, with white outlining and a distinctive cheek patch. The bird is soaring toward the left, a direction often associated with forward movement and progress. Surrounding the central blue disc is a white ring that extends beyond the goose’s head and tail. The words TOWN OF GANDER are inscribed in black serif letters at the top and bottom, while the numbers 19 and 58 appear on the left and right, marking the year the town was officially incorporated. These elements are framed by concentric rings of blue, white, and blue, decreasing in width as they move outward.

The Canada goose is a direct reference to the town’s name. Gander was originally named after the species, as wild geese were abundant in the area before the town’s development. The choice of a flying gander further reinforces the theme of movement, flight, and travel, which has defined the town since its early days.

Flanking the central seal, near the top of each blue bar, are golden yellow winged shapes. These abstract four-pointed forms symbolize stylized aircraft, paying tribute to Gander’s long-standing role in aviation. Since the establishment of Gander International Airport in 1938—originally known as Newfoundland Airport—the town has been a crucial site for air travel, particularly during World War II and the early years of transatlantic flights.

Beyond its literal imagery, the flag’s color scheme carries additional significance. The predominant use of blue and white represents the sky, clouds, and water, tying the design to both nature and aviation. The gold accents symbolize sunlight and confidence, aligning with the colors of the Newfoundland and Labrador provincial flag.