London, Ontario often gets overshadowed by its larger namesake in the United Kingdom, but this vibrant Canadian city has quietly become a cultural powerhouse in the southwestern region of the country. Known affectionately as the “Forest City” due to its lush, sprawling parklands and tree-lined streets, it offers a surprising depth of history, art, and family-friendly entertainment.
While many American travelers view it simply as a halfway point between Detroit and Toronto, those who stop to explore discover a destination rich with authentic experiences. From world-class museums and historic homes to bustling markets and scenic river walks, the city provides a relaxed pace without sacrificing sophistication.
The local food scene has exploded in recent years, fueled by the city’s growing diversity and a strong farm-to-table movement rooted in the surrounding agricultural belt. Simultaneously, the arts community thrives, supported by major institutions like the Grand Theatre and a host of independent galleries that line the downtown core.
Whether you are planning a weekend getaway from Michigan or New York, or you are simply curious about what this Canadian hub has to offer, you will find that the attractions here are both accessible and affordable. The exchange rate often favors the US dollar, making it an even more appealing option for a cross-border road trip.
This guide focuses on the best places to visit that highlight the unique character of London, Ontario. It skips the generic chains and focuses on the authentic, locally-loved spots that define the city’s identity.
Below is a curated list of the top spots you should not miss when visiting the region.
Fanshawe Pioneer Village
| Address | Spriet Family Visitor Centre, inside of, 1424 Clarke Rd, London, ON N5X 4A1, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | (519) 457-1296 |
Had an awesome day here at the village. The battle reenactment was top notch and very interactive with the crowd. Beautiful buildings and very interesting history.
The staff here really make a difference in your experience! Everyone was very kind and eager to tell us about their stations or the buildings we came across and really seemed to love sharing their knowledge with us.
The buildings are so pretty and fascinating to explore, you can spend a few hours away from the modern world in the village.
Highly recommend coming when the leaves are changing, so many leaves gently falling around the place really added to the atmosphere.
Lots of good photo opportunities here.
Very beautiful, clean and organized, and of course nice and welcoming staff ❤️👍
Great place to learn how the 19th century immigrants were arranging their settlement in Upper Canada. Vivid place, with many volunteers and performances. Kids 7yo and 11yo enjoyed the visit very much. We spent there 4 hours and learned a lot.
Nice bit of history in our own backyard. They have a great group of volunteers some in period costumes that help illustrate what life was like back in the day. The property has been set up as a walkable village and live museum.
Museum London
| Address | 421 Ridout St N, London, ON N6A 5H4, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | (519) 661-0333 |
A beautifully thought-out museum for London, Ontario. The donation-based, free admission is a wonderful touch. The cafe is also excellent for grabbing a quick bite or a drink. We especially loved the modern art section on the second floor. If you visit with the mindset of exploring locally significant works rather than expecting a massive world-class museum, it makes for a highly enjoyable activity.
The art work is beautiful and my family and I enjoyed it. The art was beautiful and thought provoking. Best way to know its a success in my opinion, is when seeing an art piece,it creates conversation with my kids which most of the pieces did.
I always enjoyed visiting Museum London due to its convenient location and interesting collection of art pieces including well-preserved paraphernalia related to the city's history. Admission is also free, which is a bonus, but you also have the option of donating if you so please.
Great place to spend an afternoon at. Air conditioned and you get to see history and some art.
Admission is by donation. There is a $5, $10, $20 tap or donation box at entrance.
3 levels of exhibit to walk around.
Parking is pay parking. $2 for 30 mins.
Thoroughly enjoyed the book launch for Behind the Bricks. A new book published about the Mohawk industrial Institute school on Six Nations.
Springbank Park
| Address | 1085 Commissioners Rd W, London, ON N6K 4Y6, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | (519) 661-5575 |
this is a great Park to bring your kids to. There is a very current up-to-date climbing equipment along with a splash pad. The Pats are well maintained although they can get busy at times. The smell of the river isn't that bad if you stay far enough away. There are ample public washrooms that are extremely clean and well-maintained.
Good for walking around the park! It's more like a park for nature sightseeing, so most people come here for picnics and relaxation. I got to see a lot of squirrels as well. The squirrels were really friendly (they even stood up to greet me as well).
The park is spectacular right now with a superb display of blooming spring flowers and giant blossoming trees. Bring the family and friends for some magnificent photo opportunities. A walk through the Graham Arboretum section will definitely put a smile on your faces. There are about 20 kms of paved multi- purpose trails with some parking immediately adjacent to the paths which makes this one of the most accessible parks in London. The signage is clearly marked and it provides excellent information about the nearest public restrooms, picnic areas, and attractions. The long bridge across the Thames River offers wonderful views and beautiful photo opportunities. The ancient willow trees along the shoreline pathway are fantastic. There is a long staircase from the upper parking lot off of Springbank Drive but the lower park can also be accessed by the paved roadway at the end of the parking area.
Beautiful weekend, park and trails were full of bikers, joggers, walkers, people with thier fur babies. We traveled with our RV., and stopped to have a barbq. Park is well groomed and maintained to perfection. A must spot to stop and enjoy the day with your family.
Very nice park. In the fall, a variety of colors. The river I think is suitable for rafting, the current is decent. Ducks and geese walking on all lawns and paths leave a lot of surprises))) it's a little uncomfortable. .the child liked it, a large area for running and walking. There are many barbecue areas.
Eldon House
| Address | 481 Ridout St N, London, ON N6A 2P6, Canada |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 12:00 – 5:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 5:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 5:00 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 5:00 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | (519) 661-5169 |
very cool historical home. My kids typed in the GPS "haunted houses in London, and this place came up. Very cool place to bring your kids to and teach them about history and the way people lived nearly 200 years ago. We didnt see any ghosts, but this place would be pretty fun to go to at night.
It was our first time attending the Afternoon Tea here. They had a good selection of teas and you can get any of them either hot or iced. We got a strawberry and a mango one. They also have a self-serve lemon water station which was a nice touch. We loved all the treats, especially the scones and chocolate cheesecake.
You can go on a tour of the house after you’re finished. We’d both been here before a long time ago but it was nice to go inside again and see all of the history. It’s all so well organized. The people who helped with the afternoon tea and inside the house were all very kind and amazing!! The afternoon tea will probably become an annual tradition for us if they keep having it in the future. 🙂
I spent a good hour at this place and I'm very glad that I did. This house museum took me back in time indeed. The staff was very friendly and they provided very helpful information that enriched my existence even further. If you're in London, I'd recommend visiting this place.
Hidden gem alert! This museum is a beautifully preserved piece of London's history. The 1834 home is full of character, and each room is a treasure trove of stories and artifacts. The staff are knowledgeable and passionate, adding to the experience.I love the sense of discovery as I wandered through the house.Highly recommend for anyone interested in history, architecture, or just looking for something unique to do in London. Must visit!
Wonderful walk through history. It was lovely to see and hear the history of the Eldon House. It is currently very old but the architecture is lovely. The foyer is my favorite part of the house as well as the kitchen. There is a beautiful yard connected to the house where they host tea which my family and I didn't do but the layout was beautiful.
Banting House National Historic Site
| Address | 442 Adelaide St N, London, ON N6B 3H8, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Phone | (519) 673-1752 |
What a privilege it was to tour this beautiful museum! Dr. Banting was the rarest of men whose life saved the lives of countless others. It was incredible to step into the very room where he came up with the concept of insulin! The museum has been thoughtfully curated by Grant Maltman, who was a very kind host during our visit. Jean gave us a warm welcome as she started us off on our tour, which was completed in excellent fashion by Hailey. There are many artifacts to view including the textbook Dr. Banting was reading that historic night. The house itself is in excellent shape and the interior details are beautiful. Hailey introduced us to the other aspects of Dr Banting’s life including his impressive artistic ability. All in all, this is a gem of a museum that celebrates the incredible man behind one of humanity’s greatest medical discoveries. Thank you to Grant, Jean, Hailey and all those who help to run this wonderful museum.
I thoroughly enjoyed the Museum!
We have Doctors, Nurses and Diabetics in our family so it was very relevant to me. A big shout out to Jay - our tour guide who was very knowledgeable and friendly! The Curator Grant also came out to say "Hello" even though he was busy with a new art exhibit by Dr. Banting - who knew he was an artist?
The information verbally given and on display really gave a thorough story of his remarkable and yet short life.
If you are not good with stairs you will still get enough downstairs, but the stairs were worth it for me and I was able to make it up even with my disability. The artwork and his personal bedroom with the original wallpaper, floor tile and bed post that he had when he started to create INSULIN in his mind at 2:00am on Oct. 31, 1920, would be emotional for some.
The room where the information about the Nobel Prize was part of the tour upstairs, and it too was very interesting, along with the artwork that they have of Dr. Banting's and then you pay for your $7.00 tour in the gift shop.
AWESOME! The best hour and $7.00 I ever spent!
Thank you Jay!
What a lovely welcome we had from Hannah. She was very knowledgeable and passionate about the museum and the discovery of insulin.
We visited while on holiday from England. My son is a type 1 diabetic so when we decided to come on holiday to Canada, a visit to Banting House and the Flame of Hope was a must. It did not disappoint. Very humbling to stand in the very room where Banting wrote his hypothesis. We will be forever grateful for the discovery of insulin and for the work that Banting and Best put into finding a way of living with diabetes.
Also though the flame is amazing, I hope to see it extinguished one day.
What a wonderful experience, learing about Banting's life, the discovery of Insulin and the ways that his research has changed the life for millions around the world. Fantastic knowledgeable staff with a welcoming atmosphere, absolutely recommended to anyone who is interested in history or science.
Amazing place! It provides so much inspiration / motivation to the younger generation on how innovation can bring change to the world. Life of Banting and the struggle he went through, before the discovery of Insulin has been clearly portrayed and preserved in the form of his home even today. Worth visiting!!
Sifton Bog
| Address | 1210 Oxford St W, London, ON N6H 1V7, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | (519) 661-4500 |
This visit was a return to the Bog after many years and visits as a kid. Nostalgia made it seem bigger in my imagination than it was last time I visited, but the area is still nice to walk through and such an interesting environmental area! The Boardwalk is still the highlight for me: very solid, well-maintained, and not super-wide: Wheelchairs will be able to access this, but people will have to use the little "pull off" sections of the boardwalk where it's wider to pass each other. There is lots of room on the platform at the end by the open water. It still fun to jump up and down and watch the trees move; the updated boardwalk doesn't allow that as much as when I was a kid. Now that I'm an adult, I can reach the trees off the side of the path and wiggle them myself. 🙂 The rest of the trails are mildly interesting, and beautiful in the fall - make sure you take a map, as they have the yellow blazes, but there are so many side trails that it sometimes becomes difficult to know exactly where you are and what trail hooks up with what other trail. Happy hiking!
Nice little stroll. Boardwalk is in good condition and looks to be well maintained. I found it super interesting when you step off the boardwalk onto the grass it moves quite a bit under your feet. Feels like a floating carpet. Free parking for approx 10-12 vehicles
A great escape from the city without going to far! The main trail to see the bog is well maintained, the path is clear and is fairly short. Easy walk for most people, takes about 10 - 15 min going at a leisurely pace. Only issue: the other trails are a little bit harder to follow and find, hence the 4 start rating. I believe the entrance gates are closed in the winter months, but it's a still accessible by foot.
Amazing and unique environment right in the middle of London. A glacier left a deep bowl shaped depression in the land at the end of the ice age and over thousands of years dead trees have created a Peat Bog. The resulting environment is very different from the rest of this area so you see very different species of trees and plants growing around the bog.
A wooden boardwalk has been constructed to prevent damage to the bog from human boots which provides a very pleasant walk through the bog and down to a small pond.
The pond is inhabited by frogs, toads and turtles including one very large turtle. Many different types of Dragonflies and Damselflies hover and dart low over the water while tadpoles swim in the margins.
A very pleasant place and a nice walk!
This place has 15000 years of history.! Formation of this place is phenomenal, do you believe me, if i say this place is formed by giant ice block.! Yes, its true, after many years it turns down into water, further formed as unstable land (also called as peat ).
This place actually of 23 hectares, after all this it cut down 0.2 hectare of pond.!
This place is amazing for evening walks with loved ones ..!😄
London Children's Museum
| Address | 100 Kellogg Ln, London, ON N5W 0B4, Canada |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM Thursday: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM Friday: 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM Saturday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | (519) 434-5726 |
Great for toddlers! It is like a village for kids. You can also celebrate birthdays here as there are rooms available for rent. You can bring your own food but there's also a cafeteria. There are different programs/activities throughout the day in different areas/rooms that are hosted by the staff. There is also a Star Lab that will be very much appreciated for a kid who enjoys playing astronaut.
We visited the London Children’s Museum for the first time during our trip to London after a friend recommended it — and it was definitely worth it!
The museum is located at 100 Kellogg Lane, a fun complex that also includes The Factory, the Hard Rock Hotel, and several shops.
We went during March Break, and it was quite busy, so we were glad we reserved tickets in advance through their online page.
The museum is on the 4th floor of the building, and everything looks very new and well-maintained — it’s clear that a lot of care and support from donors has gone into creating the space. The staff were extremely friendly and welcoming.
The museum are best suited for toddlers up to around 10 years old. It reminded me a bit of the Strong Museum of Play in Rochester, but on a smaller scale.
Our child and her friend had an amazing time exploring — we attended an astronomy show and a fossil demonstration, and they especially loved the water play area.
There was a small incident where another child accidentally hit ours, but the staff handled it promptly and professionally, which we really appreciated.
After our visit, we enjoyed some ice cream downstairs at Shaw’s to wrap up a great day.
Overall, it was a wonderful, family-friendly experience — educational, fun, and full of energy.
Highly recommend for families visiting London!
The children’s museum is amazing after the relocation,everything feels brand new, modern, and very well organized. The kids absolutely loved it! There are so many fun and interactive activities to keep children engaged and entertained for hours. The space is clean, bright, and perfect for families. Definitely a great place to visit with kids.
We had an amazing first visit to the London Children’s Museum, and it truly exceeded our expectations. From the moment we walked in, it was clear that this place is thoughtfully designed with children in mind. The museum is packed with engaging, hands-on activities that encourage kids to explore, learn, and have fun at the same time.
There were so many interactive exhibits for the children to enjoy, keeping them fully engaged throughout our visit. We especially loved the different shows and educational sessions, where the kids learned about fossils and the stars in a fun and age-appropriate way. These programs were both entertaining and informative, sparking curiosity and excitement.
The water play area was definitely a highlight and a huge hit with the kids. They could have spent hours there experimenting and playing. Another favorite was the treehouse-style playground, which offered a great space for imaginative play and active fun.
One thing we really appreciated as parents was the abundance of seating areas throughout the museum. It made it easy to take breaks while still being close enough to watch the kids enjoy themselves.
The staff truly deserve a special mention. Everyone we encountered was super friendly, welcoming, and very interactive with the children. Their enthusiasm and patience added so much to the overall experience and made the visit even more enjoyable.
Overall, the London Children’s Museum is a fantastic place for families. It’s educational, engaging, and incredibly fun for kids of all ages. We will definitely be returning and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a meaningful and enjoyable family outing.
Visited the London Children's Museum and had a solid experience overall. There are plenty of engaging things to do to keep kids entertained, making it a fun destination. The staff was particularly great at keeping the space organized and putting things away. It is not a full-day event, though; expect to spend about half a day exploring everything. My only real wish is that there were more exhibits beyond just the top floor. Still, it is a worthwhile spot for a few hours of family fun.
Gibbons Park
| Address | 2A Grosvenor St, London, ON N6A 1Y4, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | (519) 661-4570 |
Pretty calm, quiet and a nice park to walk and picnic. I love the bridge, and you can enjoy the view of the river.
Also, there are some really old and beautiful trees, splash pads, a playground and an outdoor pool.
beautiful place to spend a pleasant moment. It is very spacious in general very clean and well maintained. Green areas, outdoor games and play with water. Recommended to spend a family time and an afternoon picnic. However, the only small detail that can be unfavorable is that on my visit the toilets were not available. There is a very dirty portable toilet.
Very creative spot, full of young people doing all kinds of sports. Walking trail can be annoying because of the amount of people and bicycles passing as high speed. Usually crowded, but most definitely beautiful! Amazing combination of city, bridges, creativity and nature. Worth checking out but be warned of the crowdedness!
What a lovely place for a nature retreat! It's connected with Harris Park, offering a scenic trekking path.
very beautiful park. paths along the river, playgrounds. a lot of space for recreation, competition. a large number of ducks and geese. convenient location. you can go over bridges to other parks.summer running water splash for kids
Harris Park
| Address | 531 Ridout St N, London, ON N6A 2P8, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | (519) 661-4500 |
Beautiful and quiet park right by the river! There is room for cyclists as well as joggers and walkers. The best part is the geese around.
They also have picnic benches for those who prefer to sit back and relax. I have only been the warmer seasons, it does feel refreshing on a hot summer day as there is cool breeze by the river side.
If I lived close by, I would love to go for a walk here everyday!
The only downside is no public restroom here.
This is a very calm and soothing place. I visit here whenever I feel down in the dumps. I spend my time hearing to chirping birds, watching ducks, and enjoying the river side view under the fountain. This place is so mesmerizing, and sunsets are so gorgeous i can't even explain in words. Do visit here once in a while. You will love it.
Went to Rock the Park. General Admission tickets. Sound was good, inside the gates or outside. Nice place to sit along the river and people watch and listen to great live music, even if you can't afford to attend the concert.
Very nice park right in downtown, but you wouldn't know it if it wasn't for the tall buildings in the background. It runs right along the river providing a nice place for a walk on either side of the river.
It’s very pretty and relaxed. A nice path for walks or biking and has great events when covid isn’t around. The geese were relatively friendly today too ha.
Ivey Park
| Address | Central London, London, ON N6A 5H4, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | (519) 661-2489 |
Lovely little park at the Forks of the Thames River. Playground for the kids and nice gardens to relax. The walkway along the river is actually a bike path so if walking one has to be aware. There is a coffee shop across the street that caters to cyclists. Though the views of the river are amazing, there are homeless people living and sleeping under the bridges.
Beautiful park, kept clean of garbage. Love walking the paths there, the scenery is breath-taking on the bridges at dusk. You would never know you were in the centre of a busy city. The Naval yard is interesting, they have stones for all the ships that retired. A must walk through!
This is the first time for us to come in this park. Cherry blossoms are very cool.Playground area is not too much. I smell Pee around the bridge. Totally , is good to visit here. We will come again. See you again.
All the years living in London I never knew about this very scenic spot at the end of Dundas Street. It’s a nice escape from the downtown scene. Great scenic views of the Forks of the Thames. I was there during the winter months so I’m sure it’s even better during the warmer seasons. 👍☺️
It was beautiful! Almost majestic when I thought of the busy world that surrounds this lush park I was bewildered on the wildlife still habituating within . A must see if nature, peace, relaxation are what your pursuant of .
Market Lane
| Address | 139 Dundas St, London, ON N6A 1E9, Canada |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | — |
@almorecoffee . Join our coffee community every Saturdays Street market during the summer. We are passionate about the perfect coffee cup
This place is a good addition to Downtown with its tables and chairs and Fanshawe's venue feature, but the remove of the bike stands on the southern end of it is unacceptable.
Lots of free community events happening here in the summer
Great Jazz ensemble . Loved it
Victoria Park
| Address | 580 Clarence St, London, ON N6A 3N1, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | — |
The one thing I love the most about Victoria Park is the different events that happen at the Park most weekends. Today, we caught a Hockey Cup final and some other time, it's a music festival. Victoria Park is a pretty large mostly quiet park in the heart of downtown London, ON. It's characterised by a large black gate and a couple of nice sculptures on the Park. It's very lovely especially during Summer. Although our evening at the Park was disrupted by Bees, but we still had a good time walking in the Park. Parking was not really an issue at the Park as we found a place to park easily.
Due to the nature of downtown, I won't advise anyone being at the Park till late but it's definitely a good experience to enjoy the Sun. I heard the Park is even more beautiful during Winter, looking forward to it.
Ambience ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Location ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Beautiful park in London, stopped here for a quick walk to see the Holy Roller tank from WWII. And it was well worth it. There are some benches to sit and reflect or rest your legs next to the tank. The squirrels are hilarious and will follow for snacks. I didn't spend a lot of time here, but would definitely stop again in my travels across Canada.
Downtown's London central Park. It's a medium size park but very beautiful, always clean and lively. It's also very vibrant. In summer is when I like it the most. Here, some festivals take place during the day being my favorite the sun fest. You can go running in here, have a picnic or just walk by.
Went during the winter. Definitely smaller in area than I expected but right in the center of the city. I can imagine it being a fun place to hangout during summers. For winter, there is a skating rink as well as cute Christmas decorations. Also nice little monuments around the park.
We almost go there everyday for a walk when it is sunny and bright. Absolutely love it. They have an once skating ring in winter but you can take a nice stroll around in summer. Since it's almost heart of downtown London, you get to enjoy close proximity to a lot of food places. I just wish it had more swings or any activities for kids.
Storybook Gardens
| Address | 1085 Commissioners Rd W, London, ON N6H 2N7, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | (519) 661-2489 |
Had a happy holiday and egg hunt there.
This is not the magical Storybook Gardens of my youth (early 70’s) but it was so perfect on a hot summer’s day with my young grandchildren. They had a blast. The water park was perfect for hours of play and cooling off and the climbers were very inventive for imaginary play. It was so lovely to have a “low tech” play day outdoors 🌞
Not bad me but I’m going back to school elementary not high schools not my no no no. Bad luck with the so no go balck bad bad weather 7 8 old years 9 years older 😭😭😭😭😭😡😡😡
Was fun with the kids
Goose Island
| Address | XR98+XC Native Trail Tree, London, ON N6M 1C2, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
I didnt see any geese, but the experice was priceless, there is a many amount of toads present for a trail called goose island.
Would be better titled garbage Island for all the geese I saw. Waited over 24 hours, camped here over night and not one showed up.
Waited 15 min till a goose came up to us, didn't offer us menus or take our drink orders, we left and won't be back.
My cat ate a goose.
geese ate my cat
Walter J. Blackburn Memorial Fountain
| Address | West London, London, ON N6C 1A4, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | — |
Today was my lucky day! The impressive fountain was turned on and there was even a rainbow!!!! Wicked, cool, awesome!!!!
The fountain can be seen from various locations and bridges on the forks of the Thames River in London, Ontario.
I've shared some pictures from every bridge. Please come here and enjoy!
Although, I've been past here dozens of times and the fountain isn't always turned on!?!? Plus there is garbage on the ground under the fountain. Needs more regular cleaning.
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According to link online below it should be operational but it clearly is not very disappointed
Loves London Ontario
The fountain runs daily between 7 a.m. and 11p.m. with the small jets constantly running and the large jet engaging for 5 minutes every 15 minutes. The fountain has been designed to run year round. The result is an impressive addition to London's landscape, which enhances our park system and our downtown atmosphere. Such a lovely sight!
Nice add to what's becoming a nicer are to hang out on any of the shores surrounding the forks.
Interesting water sculpture at the forks of the Thames River. Takes about 5 minutes to go through its different stages of spouting water through it's jets. Beautiful from any angle and all times of the day.
Fountain was good but no proper view place, area was dirty and no maintenance
Tips for Visiting London, Ontario
To make the most of your trip to the Forest City, it helps to know a few local secrets regarding navigation, timing, and logistics. The city is spread out, and while the downtown core is walkable, some of the most beloved attractions require a short drive. Here are some practical tips to ensure your visit is smooth and enjoyable.
1. Plan Around the Seasons
London is a city of distinct seasons, and your itinerary should change depending on the weather. The outdoor attractions, such as the parks and gardens, are at their peak from late May through early October. If you visit during the winter, prioritize indoor venues like the museums and the indoor market, and be prepared for potential snow squalls that can affect driving conditions.
2. Take Advantage of the Currency Exchange
For US travelers, the exchange rate often provides significant purchasing power. However, you should check with your bank regarding foreign transaction fees. Many local businesses accept US dollars, but they will usually give you a poor exchange rate. It is almost always better to use a credit card with no foreign transaction fees or withdraw Canadian currency from a local ATM.
3. Use the Thames Valley Parkway for Scenic Travel
While you will need a car to see some of the outlying attractions, you can avoid traffic by walking or biking along the Thames Valley Parkway. This extensive network of paths connects many of the city’s major parks and the downtown core. It is a beautiful, flat route that offers a unique perspective on the city’s natural beauty.
4. Check Local Event Calendars
London is a festival city. Depending on the week you visit, you might encounter large crowds for events like Sunfest, the Western Fair, or the Home County Folk Festival. While these events are fantastic, they can impact hotel availability and parking. Check the local tourism calendar before booking to see if your visit coincides with a major event.
5. Parking is Easier Than You Think
Unlike larger cities like Toronto, parking in London is relatively stress-free and affordable. While there are paid lots downtown, street parking is often free on evenings and weekends. If you are visiting a specific museum or market, check their website for dedicated visitor parking lots to save time.
Exploring London, Ontario offers a refreshing blend of urban sophistication and small-town charm that is often missing in larger metropolitan areas. The city’s commitment to preserving its green spaces while fostering a thriving culinary and artistic scene makes it a rewarding stop for curious travelers.
Whether you spend your time wandering through historic sites, sampling local produce, or simply enjoying the view along the river, the city leaves a lasting impression. It stands as proof that you do not need to travel to the biggest city on the map to find world-class experiences.
