London Ontario, Canada Travel Guide
Maximize a short visit with a 24-hour layover, focusing on London's downtown core: Victoria Park, Covent Garden Market, Museum London or Banting House, and dinner on Richmond Row. A weekend getaway allows for exploration of downtown, cultural sites like Eldon House, and charming areas such as Wortley Village or Old East Village.
A one-week comprehensive experience includes in-depth London exploration plus day trips to Stratford for theater, a Lake Erie or Lake Huron beach town for relaxation, and nature excursions to Komoka Provincial Park or Fanshawe Conservation Area. For a two-week in-depth exploration, combine the one-week itinerary with multi-day extensions to Toronto, Niagara Falls, or Bruce Peninsula National Park. Long-term stays benefit from renting furnished accommodation and utilizing a car for extensive regional exploration.
Tailor your London experience to specific passions and interests.
Explore London's past with visits to Eldon House, Banting House National Historic Site, and Museum London. Explore historic architecture in Old East Village and Wortley Village. Day travels include St. Thomas for the Elgin County Railway Museum, Stratford for its historic architecture, and Dresden for the Uncle Tom's Cabin Historic Site.
Savor London's flavors at Covent Garden Market for fresh produce and prepared foods. Explore Old East Village breweries, like London Brewing Co-op, for craft beers. Enjoy independent eateries in OEV and Wortley Village, or fine dining downtown. Consider a culinary tour or cooking class.
Hike or cycle the Thames Valley Parkway. Enjoy camping, paddling, or hiking at Fanshawe Conservation Area. Experience mountain biking or seasonal skiing/snowboarding at Boler Mountain. Explore Komoka Provincial Park trails. Day trips include Pinery Provincial Park for dunes and Lake Huron beach activities, or Grand Bend/Port Stanley for water sports.
Spend a day at Storybook Gardens in Springbank Park. Visit the London Children's Museum for hands-on displays. Enjoy the indoor amusement park (The Factory) at 100 Kellogg Lane. Relax at Fanshawe Conservation Area's beach. Day trips include Grand Bend or Port Stanley beaches for classic kid-friendly entertainment, or African Lion Safari near Cambridge for wildlife.
Explore the art collection and displays at Museum London. Marvel at the historic architecture of The Grand Theatre and Aeolian Hall. Discover local art galleries and street art in Old East Village and Wortley Village. Day journeys include Stratford for its theater architecture and St. Marys for its distinctive limestone architecture.
Museum London for Canadian art and local exhibits.
The Grand Theatre, Aeolian Hall, and St. Marys limestone structures.
Public art and murals downtown and in Old East Village.
London welcomes various budgets, from frugal to luxurious.
Stay in hostels or budget Airbnb rooms. Prepare your own meals using groceries from supermarkets or fresh produce from Covent Garden Market. Utilize LTC public transit, walk, or cycle to get around. Focus on free attractions like parks, walking tours, and window shopping. Look for free community events and festivals.
Stay in mid-range hotels or comfortable Airbnb apartments. Enjoy a mix of casual and mid-range restaurants, sampling diverse cuisines. Use LTC and occasional ride-shares for transportation. Visit paid attractions like museums and theater performances, and include some day trips.
Stay in upscale hotels or boutique accommodations. Dine at fine restaurants, experiencing London's gourmet offerings. Utilize taxis, ride-shares, or private car services for easy transportation. Enjoy premium attractions, private tours, spa treatments, and exclusive events.
Travel during shoulder seasons (spring or autumn) for better accommodation rates and fewer crowds. Look for hotel packages that include breakfast or other amenities. Pack snacks and drinks to save on impulse purchases. Research free activities and attractions before you go.
Find tranquility and reflection in London. Visit St. Paul'the Cathedral of and St. Peter's Cathedral Basilica for quiet contemplation. Explore peaceful green spaces like Springbank Park for restorative walks. Attend a yoga class at one of London's many studios for a focus on well-being.
During the low season (winter), focus on indoor attractions like museums, art galleries, theater performances, and shopping. Enjoy lower prices and fewer crowds. Prepare for varied weather conditions by dressing in layers. Some outdoor activities like cross-country skiing or snowshoeing are possible if snow conditions are favorable.
Plan your itinerary around London's distinct seasons for unique offerings.
Summer months in London burst with outdoor activities and festivals. Focus on major events like Sunfest and the Home County Music & Art Festival. Enjoy dining on in the fresh air patios, visit nearby beaches at Grand Bend or Port Stanley, and engage in hiking or cycling along scenic trails.
Winter transforms London into a colder landscape, suitable for indoor activities and snow sports. Enjoy skiing or snowboarding at Boler Mountain. Explore indoor attractions like museums and theater performances. Ice skating at Victoria Park, if conditions permit, and holiday markets contribute to a festive atmosphere.
Plan your visit specifically around major events to experience London's cultural dynamism. The Stratford Festival season runs from April to October. London hosts Sunfest in July and the Home County Music & Art Festival also in July.
Spring (March-May) brings blooming flowers and milder weather, perfect for discovering parks and gardens. Autumn (September-November) showcases fall foliage, perfect for scenic drives and hiking. These shoulder seasons often offer lower accommodation rates and fewer crowds than summer.
During the low season (winter), focus on indoor attractions like museums, art galleries, theater performances, and shopping. Enjoy lower prices and fewer crowds. Be prepared for varied weather conditions by dressing in layers. Some outdoor activities like cross-country skiing or snowshoeing are possible if snow conditions are favorable.
Expect larger crowds at major attractions and festivals during peak seasons. Plan for longer wait times and book popular events or tours in advance.
Lodging and transportationation fill up quickly. Secure your bookings well ahead of time to avoid disappointment and higher prices.
