Ultimate Guide to London, Ontario: Top Attractions, Food and Fun
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Okay, let’s clear this up first: when I say London, I don’t mean Big Ben, the London Eye, or tea with the Queen. Nope, I’m talking about London, Ontario—Canada’s very own “Forest City.” It may not have the royal guards in fuzzy hats, but it does have leafy parks, great food, and enough fun to keep you busy for days.
I’ve spent plenty of time wandering around London (the Ontario one), and let me tell you—it’s way more exciting than people give it credit for. So grab a coffee, put on your comfy shoes, and let’s dive into the best things to do in London, Ontario.
Outdoor Adventures & Nature
Springbank Park
Springbank is basically London’s backyard. Joggers, families, picnickers—everyone hangs out here. I once biked the whole loop, told myself I deserved “just one ice cream” afterward, and then ate two. No regrets.
Victoria Park
This is the downtown hangout spot. In summer, it’s buzzing with festivals and food trucks. In winter, it turns into a skating rink where you can show off your moves (or cling to the railing like I do).
Fanshawe Conservation Area
Fanshawe is where you go if you want to pretend you’re Bear Grylls for a day. Hiking trails, canoe rentals, camping—you name it. I camped here once and woke up to birds chirping instead of my alarm. 10/10 recommend.
Thames River Trails
Yes, London has a Thames too! (Don’t expect bridges like the Tower Bridge, though.) These trails are perfect for a lazy walk, a long run, or even kayaking if you want to earn your post-adventure burger.
History & Culture
Museum London
This spot is like London’s brain: part art gallery, part history museum. I once walked in “just for a quick look” and ended up losing two hours. Oops.
Eldon House
If you like old houses with creaky floors and cool stories, Eldon House is your jam. It’s the oldest home in the city, and the gardens outside are straight out of a period drama.
Banting House National Historic Site
Fun fact: insulin was discovered right here. The museum celebrates that life-saving moment, and even if you slept through high school science, it’s worth checking out.
Royal Canadian Regiment Museum
History buffs, you’ll love this one. Uniforms, weapons, and stories of Canada’s military past—kind of like a history book, but with way cooler props.
Arts, Entertainment & Events
The Grand Theatre
Want a Broadway vibe without selling a kidney for tickets? The Grand Theatre delivers. I caught a musical here once and honestly forgot I wasn’t in New York.
Aeolian Hall
This is the kind of place where music sounds better just because of the atmosphere. Small, cozy, and intimate—like a concert in your living room, but with better acoustics.
London Music Hall
If you’re into loud, sweaty, high-energy shows, this is the place. From rock bands to DJs, it’s always a party. Just don’t wear white shoes—you’ll thank me later.
Festivals Galore
London has a festival for everything. Sunfest brings international music and food (a.k.a. the best excuse to eat way too much). Ribfest is basically a carnivore’s dream. And then there’s Rock the Park and Pride London. If you’re around in December, the holiday markets make the whole city feel like a snow globe.
Food, Drinks & Nightlife
Covent Garden Market
This is where foodies lose control. Fresh bread, local honey, handmade chocolates—I once came for “just coffee” and left carrying three grocery bags. Happens to the best of us.
Craft Breweries
London has hopped (pun intended) on the craft beer trend, and thank goodness for that. Anderson Craft Ales and Forked River Brewing are my personal faves. Grab a pint, pretend you know the difference between an IPA and a stout, and enjoy.
Restaurants to Try
- Garlic’s of London – Heaven for garlic lovers (maybe not for vampires).
- Abruzzi – Upscale Italian that makes you feel fancy.
- The Early Bird – Funky décor and portions big enough to feed your soul.
Nightlife
London’s nightlife has options for everyone. Pubs for casual nights, clubs if you want to dance until your feet hate you, and live music bars for when you just want good vibes and good tunes.
Family-Friendly Fun
Storybook Gardens
This one’s been making kids smile for generations. Fairy tales, splash pads, rides—it’s wholesome fun. Plus, it makes adults feel nostalgic (and slightly old).
East Park
Imagine a place where you can go-kart, play mini golf, and then splash around in a waterpark—all in one day. That’s East Park. I once went “just for an hour” and ended up spending the entire day there.
London Children’s Museum
This is hands-on learning that even adults secretly enjoy. You’ll find yourself “helping the kids” but actually having a blast yourself.
Fleetway
Bowling, arcade games, glow-in-the-dark mini golf—Fleetway is proof that you don’t have to be a kid to act like one.
Shopping & Local Finds
White Oaks Mall
For your big retail fix, White Oaks has all the chain stores you expect. (Dangerous if you have a credit card burning a hole in your pocket.)
Richmond Row
Trendy boutiques, cute cafés, indie shops—it’s basically Instagram come to life. Perfect for an afternoon of window shopping and people-watching.
Markets & Antiques
If you like the thrill of treasure hunting, London’s flea markets and antique shops won’t disappoint. You never know when you’ll stumble on the world’s coolest lamp or a retro vinyl.
Sports & Activities
Budweiser Gardens
Home to the London Knights hockey team, this is where the city’s sports spirit comes alive. Even if you don’t know the rules of hockey, the energy in the crowd will get you cheering.
Western University Sports
Western’s campus is gorgeous, and catching a game there is a fun way to spend an afternoon. Plus, you can say you supported the future sports stars before they hit the big leagues.
Golf Courses
If you’ve got patience (and a good swing), London’s golf courses are a relaxing way to spend the day. If you’re like me, you’ll probably lose more balls than you hit straight—but hey, it’s about the scenery, right?
Seasonal Activities
London’s got a different personality for every season, and honestly, it wears them all pretty well.
Spring – Cherry blossoms pop up in Victoria Park and suddenly everyone becomes a photographer. If you see a crowd of people pointing their phones at trees, don’t worry—you’ve found the spot.
Summer – Patios, festivals, and the kind of warm evenings that make you want to stay out way too late. Bonus: you can paddle down the Thames and pretend you’re on a Canadian version of the Amazon.
Fall – Pumpkin patches and apple orchards take over, and the leaves turn into a full-on Instagram filter. Wear a cozy sweater, grab a hot cider, and lean into the cliché—it’s worth it.
Winter – Skating rinks, Christmas lights, and enough hot chocolate to keep you warm (or hyper). The city basically transforms into a snow globe, minus the shaking.
Day Trips & Nearby Escapes
Port Stanley Beach
Only 40 minutes away and perfect for a beach day. Sand between your toes + fish and chips = happiness.
Stratford
Theatre lovers, this one’s for you. Shakespeare plays, cute shops, and enough charm to make you feel like you’re in Europe.
Niagara Region
A bit of a drive, but worth it for the wineries and, of course, the big waterfalls.
Final Thoughts
So here’s the deal: London, Ontario may not have Buckingham Palace or guards in fuzzy hats, but it doesn’t need them. This city has its own charm—a little bit of nature, a little bit of history, and a whole lot of good food and fun. It’s the kind of place where you can hike in the morning, stuff your face at a festival in the afternoon, and end the night with a craft beer downtown.
If you’re planning a weekend trip, or even just a day of exploring, London’s got enough variety to keep you busy without overwhelming you. Think of it as Canada’s friendly middle child—laid-back, welcoming, and full of surprises once you actually spend time with it.
Bottom line? Don’t overlook London, Ontario. Come for the trails, stay for the garlic bread, and leave wondering why you didn’t visit sooner.
