MileHacker Logo
What to Pack for London

What to Pack for London

London Ontario, Canada Travel Guide

Seasonal Essentials: Spring & Summer

Spring (March-May) a gradual thaw and renewal. Summer (June-August) is warm to hot and humid.

Clothing Focus

  • Spring: Light to medium-weight jacket, sweaters, long-sleeved shirts, waterproof outer layer.
  • Summer: Lightweight, airy clothes (cotton/linen), shorts, t-shirts, dresses, light sweater for evenings.
  • Swimsuit: Recommended for water activities at Fanshawe Lake or Great Lakes beaches.

Seasonal Essentials: Autumn & Winter

Autumn (September-November) delivers mild to cool weather. Winter (December-February) is cold with significant snowfall.

Clothing Focus

  • Autumn: Medium-weight sweaters, long-sleeved shirts, jeans, warm waterproof jacket.
  • Winter: Heavy, waterproof, windproof winter coat, warm sweaters, thermal base layers.
  • Accessories: Winter hat, scarf, gloves or mittens are necessary.

Footwear Guide

Comfortable Walking Shoes

Absolutely necessary for exploring the city on foot. You will walk more than you expect.

Daily exploration

Waterproof Boots

Useful for winter and damp weather in spring and fall. These keep your feet dry and warm.

Wet weather protection

Sandals/Flip-flops

Suitable for summer, especially for beach visits or casual wear.

Summer & beachwear

Essential Documents

Travel Documents

Careful organization of your documents prevents stress and ensures smooth travel. Keep both physical and digital copies.

  • Valid passport and visa/eTA documentation (original and copies).
  • Travel insurance policy information with emergency contacts.
  • International Driving Permit (IDP) if you plan to drive with a foreign license.
  • Vaccination records and health documentation, doctor's notes for medications.
  • Printed and digital copies of all reservations (flights, accommodation, tours).
  • Emergency contact information list, separate from your phone.
  • Student, senior, or press IDs for potential discounts at attractions.
  • Digital copies on cloud storage and printed copies in different bags.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Adapters

London has modern infrastructure. Prepare your electronics for Canadian standards.

Connectivity Essentials

  • Power Adapter: Canada uses 120V, 60Hz. Plug types A and B. Bring a From The usa or canada compatible adapter.
  • Mobile Phone: Most modern smartphones compatible. Check if unlocked to get LOCAL sim cards.
  • SIM Card Options: Bell, Rogers, Telus, and sub-brands available at airports or carrier stores.

Digital Preparedness

Ensure your valuable data is secure and accessible throughout your trip.

Backup & Apps

  • Photography Gear: Pack standard gear, extra batteries, and memory cards for extensive photography.
  • Portable Chargers: Useful for long days spent discovering when sockets are scarce.
  • Backup Options: Use cloud storage or an external hard drive to back up photos and important data.

Recommended Apps for London

Navigation & Transit

Google Maps, Apple Maps, Waze for directions. Transit app for LTC bus schedules.

Ride-Sharing & Communication

Uber, Lyft for rides. Google Translate for language assistance.

Local Services & Reviews

Yelp, Tripadvisor for discovering local restaurants and attractions.

Health & Wellness Essentials

Personal First Aid Kit

A well-stocked personal health kit addresses minor issues quickly and effectively.

Kit Contents

  • Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen).
  • Allergy medication, stomach remedies (antacids, anti-diarrhea).
  • Cold/flu medication for common ailments.

Prescription Medications

Bring a sufficient supply of prescription medications for your entire trip.

Medication Guidelines

  • Carry medications in original containers with pharmacy labels.
  • A doctor's note or a copy of your prescription is helpful, notably for controlled medications.
  • Pack over-the-counter medications like pain relievers or motion sickness pills.

Seasonal Health & Protection

Altitude & Motion Sickness

  • London is not at high altitude; motion sickness remedies are useful for bus or boat excursions.
  • Use for travel on nearby lakes like Huron or Erie.
  • Pack pain relievers, antacids, and motion sickness pills if you need them.

Insect Repellent & Sun Protection

  • Insect Repellent: Needed for warmer months, especially near water or wooded areas.
  • Sun Protection: High SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat are beneficial.
  • Water Purification: Not necessary for tap water in London, as it is safe to drink.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Hiking Gear

Pack gear tailored to your planned adventures. A daypack, water bottle, and comfy shoes for hiking are helpful.

  • Daypack for essentials.
  • Water bottle for hydration.
  • Comfortable hiking shoes or walking shoes.
  • Moisture-wicking socks for blister prevention.

Cycling Attire

A helmet is mandatory for those under 18 and recommended for all. Bring appropriate cycling apparel.

  • Helmet for safety.
  • Cycling apparel for comfort.
  • Water bottle.
  • Gloves for longer rides.

Water Sports Kit

A swimsuit, towel, and water shoes are helpful for nearby lakes. Kayaks or canoes are available for rent at Fanshawe Conservation Area.

  • Swimsuit.
  • Towel.
  • Water shoes.
  • Sunscreen.

Rent vs. Bring Decision Matrix

Items to Rent

  • Skates for ice skating (available at Victoria Park in winter).
  • Kayaks or canoes for activities on the water (available at Fanshawe Conservation Area).
  • Bicycles (rental choices available at London Bicycle Cafe).
  • Snowshoes for winter trails (check local sports rentals).

Items to Bring

  • Personal hiking boots if you prefer your own for comfort and fit.
  • Specialized camera equipment and accessories.
  • Guidebooks or maps for personal reference.
  • Personal eyewear or prescription safety glasses.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Travel Comfort & Security

These items contribute to comfort and security throughout your journey.

Essential Items

  • Comfort Items: Neck pillow, eye mask, and earplugs for flights or bus journeys.
  • Security Items: Luggage locks, a discreet money belt, and RFID blocking for credit cards.
  • Reusable Shopping Bag: Useful for shopping at local markets and stores.
  • Reusable Utensils: Reduce waste while enjoying meals on the go.

Sustainable Travel Items

London, Ontario, does not require specific unique items beyond general seasonal garments for typical tourist experiences.

Eco-Friendly Choices

  • Reusable Water Bottle: Helps reduce plastic waste and safely refill from tap water.
  • Digital Maps & Guides: Minimize paper consumption with smartphone apps.
  • Power Bank: Sustain devices without constantly searching for outlets.
  • Solid Toiletries: Reduce liquid waste and simplify packing.

Eco-Conscious Travel Gear

Reusable Water Bottle

Refill safely from tap water.

Reusable Shopping Bag

For local markets and acquisitions.

Travel Utensil Set

Reduce plastic waste on the go.

Solid Toiletries

Eco-friendly and travel-friendly.

London-Specific Recommendations

Local Exploration

  • Wortley Village: A delightful escape with boutiques and cafes.
  • Covent Garden Market: Fresh produce and prepared foods.
  • Nearby lakes: Pack for beach or water activities at Lake Huron or Erie.

Cultural & Outdoors

  • Stratford Festival: Consider attire for theater performances.
  • Thames Valley Parkway: Suitable clothing for cycling or walking.
  • Microbreweries: Casual attire for visits.

Packing Pro Tip

Pack a small, collapsible daypack. It becomes incredibly valuable for daily excursions, carrying water, snacks, and souvenirs.

Consider rolling clothes to save space and minimize wrinkles.

← Previous
Best Time to Visit London
← Back to London
Next →
How to Get to London

Next Up: How to Get to London. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Continue to How to Get to London