London Ontario, Canada Travel Guide
Stratford, about 45 minutes northeast, welcomes visitors with the Stratford Festival, presenting Shakespearean and contemporary plays. The downtown area has unique shops, gardens, and dining. Grand Bend, approximately an hour northwest, sits on Lake Huron. Port Stanley, 45 minutes south, is a historic fishing village on Lake Erie with a main beach and energetic harbor. St. Thomas, 30 minutes south, known as the "Railway Capital of Canada," houses the Elgin County Railway Museum. Niagara Falls, approximately a 2-hour head east, features iconic waterfalls, Clifton Hill entertainment, and the Niagara-on-the-Lake wine region.
Mainly accessible by car, these locations offer flexible exploration. For Niagara Falls, organized bus tours are available, simplifying travel and often including attractions. Consider a GetYourGuide day trip for a structured, hassle-free visit to major attractions.
Southwestern Ontario has various natural landscapes for outdoor enjoyment.
Pinery Provincial Park, near Grand Bend, showcases a rare oak savanna ecosystem, towering dunes, and trails for hiking, cycling, plus birding. Port Burwell Provincial Park, on Lake Erie, has a beach, bluffs, and hiking trails, also perfect for observing birds. Komoka Provincial Park, just west of London, offers woodland paths for hiking and nature observation.
Enjoy the sandy beaches of Grand Bend (Lake Huron), Port Stanley (Lake Erie), and Port Burwell (Lake Erie) for swimming, sunbathing, plus water-based fun. Drive through the agricultural heartland of Elgin, Middlesex, and Perth Counties to experience rural Ontario life and scenic farmlands. The landscape is mostly level to gently rolling; no mountains exist nearby.
Consider extending your trip to explore more of Ontario or neighboring regions.
Discover Canada's largest city, its attractions and diverse neighborhoods.
Fully experience the Falls and explore the charming wine region.
Encounter the Georgian Bay coastline, famous Grotto, and walking paths.
After London, Toronto and Niagara Falls are natural next steps for eastbound journeys, with options to continue to Montreal or Ottawa. To the west, cross the border to Windsor/Detroit for an international experience or continue along the Lake Huron shoreline.
The Great Lakes Circle Tour includes London as a stop on this scenic driving route, which circles the Great Lakes, offering diverse landscapes and towns. The Southwestern Ontario Coastal Route guides visitors along Lake Huron and Lake Erie, visiting beach towns, conservation areas, and cultural sites.
For those with more time, further exploration of Ontario and beyond expands the travel experience.
With more than a week, explore London's cultural scene. Attend workshops, explore niche attractions, or discover hidden culinary gems. Immerse yourself in the distinct atmospheres of different neighborhoods, revisiting favorite spots or finding new ones.
Adding multi-day extensions to major Ontario destinations like Toronto (1-2 days for city attractions and different neighborhoods) and Niagara Falls & Niagara-on-the-Lake (1-2 days for the Falls, wine region, historic town) enriches the journey. Consider a longer trip to Bruce Peninsula National Park (2-3 days) for dramatic Georgian Bay coastline hikes.
For stays longer than two weeks, renting a furnished apartment or an Airbnb offers a more local living experience. This approach provides a base for exploring various neighborhoods in depth, joining community groups or classes, and attending local events over an extended period.
Access to a car greatly enhances longer itineraries, especially for reaching more remote natural parks or exploring multiple towns efficiently. Public transit and intercity bus choices are available for major routes, but a private car provides unparalleled freedom and flexibility for comprehensive regional travel.
Beyond standard tourist attractions, longer stays present the chance to engage with local communities and events on a level. This could involve taking part in local festivals, volunteering for a cause, or attending local interest groups that align with personal hobbies.
Attend community events and local gatherings to experience London's social fabric.
Enroll in short-term classes or workshops to learn a new skill or explore local history.
Discover farmers' markets and niche food shops for unique local flavors.
London, Ontario serves as a gateway to diverse regional experiences, from natural wonders to cultural gems.
Visit Stratford for world-class theater or Dresden for heritage sites pertaining to the Underground Railroad.
Experience the beauty of Pinery Provincial Park or the scenic shorelines of Lake Huron and Lake Erie.
Enjoy beach towns like Grand Bend or Port Stanley, or a visit to St. Thomas's railway museum.
Provides the most flexibility for exploring diverse regional attractions and non-urban areas.
A convenient option for specific destinations like Niagara Falls, often including transport and guided commentary.
Available for connecting to major cities like Toronto, with options like Megabus and VIA Rail.
