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Things to Do in London

Things to Do in London

London Ontario, Canada Travel Guide

Outdoor Adventures

London's "Forest City" environment and natural areas are ideal for outdoor pursuits.

Hiking & Cycling

Thames Valley Parkway

Multi-use paved trail system (over 40 km) along the Thames River. Easy, accessible routes for walks or jogs.

Fanshawe & Kains Woods Trails

Fanshawe Conservation Area has unpaved trails from easy to moderate. Kains Woods offers more rugged, moderate hiking.

Boler Mountain

A ski hill in winter, transforms into a hub for mountain biking and hiking in summer. Varied difficulty levels.

Water Sports & Adventure

  • Fanshawe Lake: Canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming. Rentals available seasonally.
  • Nearby Great Lakes: Lake Huron & Erie offer swimming, boating, jet skiing.
  • The Factory (100 Kellogg Lane): Indoor ropes courses, ziplining, trampoline park for thrills.
  • Axe Throwing: Venues like Battle Axe Throwing offer this urban adventure sport.

Mountain Biking

  • Thames Valley Parkway: Extensive paved network ideal for road cycling.
  • Fanshawe Conservation Area: Dedicated mountain biking trails.
  • Boler Mountain: Dedicated mountain bike park with downhill trails.

Wildlife Encounters

  • No large-scale safaris.
  • Birdwatching opportunities exist.
  • Observe small mammals (deer, squirrels) in conservation areas.
  • Fanshawe Conservation Area and Komoka Provincial Park are good spots.

Winter Sports

  • Boler Mountain offers skiing and snowboarding in winter.
  • Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are possible on some trails.
  • Check the weather and availability seasonally.

Safety First

Always check weather conditions and trail difficulty before outdoor activities. Ensure you have appropriate supplies and water, especially for longer hikes or bike rides.

Cultural Immersion

Engage with London's culture through workshops, performances, and local projects.

Workshops & Classes

  • Museum London: Art workshops and educational programs for various age groups.
  • Local Art Studios: Many independent studios offer classes in pottery, painting, drawing.
  • Community Centres: Offer recreational and cultural classes from dance to crafts.
  • Cultural Centres: Often host various workshops reflecting diverse community traditions.

Cultural Performances

The Grand Theatre

Has professional theater productions, from classic plays to current works and musicals.

Aeolian Hall

Hosts live music performances across various genres, including folk, jazz, plus international music, in a personal setting.

Budweiser Gardens

A large venue for major concerts and touring shows, attracting international artists.

Community Tourism

Explore independent shops and microbreweries in Old East Village. Participate in local events and visit independent shops in Wortley Village to experience its strong community spirit.

Language Learning

London is mainly an English-speaking city. While no specific tourist-focused French language learning is advertised, local colleges and universities offer programs. English speakers have minimal language barriers.

Cultural Festivals

Sunfest (July, world music), Home County Music & Art Festival (July, folk music), London Fringe Festival (June, independent theater), TD Sunfest Jazz Festival (June), London Ribfest (August).

Relaxation & Wellness

Find opportunities for rest and rejuvenation in London.

Spa & Wellness

  • The Spa at Hotel Metro: Has a selection of services including massages and facials.
  • Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa: Provides various treatments for relaxation.
  • Yoga Studios: Various studios throughout the city have lessons for all levels.
  • Traditional Healing: Access typically through certain cultural communities; requires research.

Water Activities

Hot Springs

No natural hot springs exist in the London area.

Beach & Pool Clubs

Fanshawe Conservation Area has a supervised beach for summer swimming. Numerous hotels have indoor pools for year-round options. Public outdoor pools are available in summer.

Retreats

Dedicated yoga or meditation retreats usually outside the city in natural settings.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Live Music Venues

Aeolian Hall (intimate, folk/jazz), London Music Hall (touring bands), Budweiser Gardens (major concerts), local pubs.

Theater & Performances

The Grand Theatre (professional plays/musicals), Palace Theatre (community productions), Centennial Hall (touring shows).

Nightclubs & Bars

Richmond Row (main hub for clubs/bars, popular with students), other clubs and lounges downtown.

Shopping & Markets

Explore London's shopping scene, from old-fashioned markets to artisan boutiques.

Markets & Artisan Crafts

  • Covent Garden Market: Historic indoor market for produce, artisan goods, and prepared foods.
  • Western Fair Market: Weekend market for local produce, crafts, antiques, and food stalls.
  • Old East Village: Home to independent artisan shops and studios (pottery, jewelry).
  • Wortley Village: Boutique shops with unique handcrafted items and local art.

Souvenirs & Luxury Shopping

Souvenir Recommendations

Maple syrup, Canadian-themed apparel, local craft beer, items from local artisans, London Knights merchandise.

Luxury & Boutique Shopping

Masonville Place (large mall, national/international brands), Richmond Row (upscale boutiques), Wortley Village (unique, high-quality items).

Ethical Shopping

Look for "Made in Canada" labels, inquire about sourcing for imported goods, support independent local businesses.

Covent Garden Market

A historic indoor market, ideal for fresh produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, artisan products, and prepared foods.

Western Fair Market

A lively weekend market featuring local produce, crafts, antiques, and a range of cuisine stalls. It supports local vendors.

Souvenirs & Gifts

Find unique local items, Canadian-themed gifts, and sports merchandise to remember your trip by.

Shipping & Customs

Regulations
  • Standard international shipping rates and customs regulations apply.
  • Keep receipts for all purchases.
  • Be aware of any restrictions on bringing certain items into your home country.
Affiliate Resources for Planning

Souvenir Tip

For an unique souvenir, go to a local craft brewery in Old East Village. You can sample local brews and acquire some to take home.

Activity Planning Summary

Considerations

  • Check seasonal availability for outdoor and festival activities.
  • Plan travel routes between different activity locations.
  • Book well-liked tours or happenings in advance to secure spots.
  • Integrate dining experiences with your daily activity plans.

Maximizing Your Experience

  • Explore nearby communities beyond major attractions for unique finds.
  • Keep an eye out for unique photo opportunities in different areas.
  • Engage with locals and vendors for insider tips and stories.
  • Embrace London's blend of natural beauty and cultural diversity for a memorable trip.