Top 15 Must-See Attractions in London, Ontario

While London is often associated with the Thames River, Covent Garden Market, and Piccadilly Street, it is important to clarify that this London refers to a considerably smaller city situated in Southwestern Ontario. Known as ‘The Forest City,’ it was founded by clearing land amid a forest.

Currently, this rectangular city is among Ontario’s largest municipalities, comprising diverse commercial and residential neighborhoods. It boasts numerous landmarks and attractions, providing ample recreational opportunities. When exploring this section of Canada, London merits attention for its rich offerings.

Let’s delve into the top experiences in London, Canada:

1. Visit Victoria Park

Covering 7.3 hectares, Victoria Park serves as one of London’s key gathering spots. Originally established in 1874 as a British military base and cricket ground, it has since transformed into a recreational center.

This park hosts various annual events and features amenities such as a bandstand, skate park, and skating rink. Additionally, it contains several monuments, including the cenotaph and the Boer War Monument.

A unique activity found in the park is squirrel fishing, due to the abundant population of Eastern Grey squirrels that reside here. This experience is highly recommended for visitors.

2. Explore St. Peter’s Cathedral Basilica

St. Peter’s Cathedral Basilica, founded in August 1834, is a historic landmark. Following the destruction of the original log structure in 1845, the current magnificent French Gothic Revival church was constructed in 1851.

This cathedral is adorned with stunning stained glass windows and hosts a Casavant organ. The façade’s twin towers and the Lady Chapel were added in 1958, alongside remarkable interior paintings.

St. Peter’s Cathedral Basilica serves as the diocesan headquarters for the Roman Catholic Diocese of London. Visitors are welcome throughout the day and can attend mass as well.

3. Discover the Birth of Insulin at Banting House

Banting House, formerly the residence of Dr. Frederick Banting, the inventor of insulin, now operates as a museum dedicated to his life and groundbreaking discovery.

In 1997, the site was recognized as a National Historic Site of Canada. The museum showcases his desk, medicine cabinet, personal artwork, and various historical artifacts.

Visitors can explore the museum to learn about the creation of insulin and stroll through the adjacent Banting Square, featuring a garden, a life-sized sculpture of Dr. Banting, the Flame of Hope, and a large globe sculpture.

4. Explore Local Museums

London is home to several exceptional museums that appeal to history and art enthusiasts. Among them, the London Museum stands out as the most renowned.

Housing over 5,000 artworks and 45,000 artifacts, the majority of which were created by local artists, it also includes numerous pieces by the eminent Group of Seven.

Other noteworthy museums include the Museum of Ontario Archaeology, the Royal Canadian Regiment Museum, and the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame. Families visiting the city should also consider the London Regional Children’s Museum.

5. Attend Local Events

Throughout the year, London plays host to numerous festivals and events, enhancing the overall enjoyment of your visit depending on the timing of your stay.

Sunfest, occurring every July, ranks as the second-largest world music festival in Canada! It is held at Victoria Park and features live music alongside a fantastic array of international culinary offerings.

Food enthusiasts should not miss the London Ribfest, and theater lovers will find joy in attending the London Fringe Theatre Festival in June.

6. Tour a Local Brewery

As Canada’s largest brewery, Labatt’s headquarters are located in London, offering tours year-round. Each tour lasts approximately two hours and includes sampling of their products.

Reservations for brewery tours should be made in advance via email. All interested individuals may participate in the tour; however, you must be of legal drinking age to enjoy the beer samples.

Moreover, smaller breweries such as the family-operated Anderson Craft Ales and the Toboggan Brewing Company also provide tours. If you’re seeking a non-alcoholic experience, consider visiting Booch Organic Kombucha.

7. Visit Covent Garden Market

Established in 1845, Covent Garden Market is a cherished local landmark, reminiscent of its namesake in the UK. This market features various stalls offering fresh produce, including meats, fruits, and vegetables.

In addition to raw goods, Covent Garden Market features restaurants, bakeries, bars, and delis. Visitors can also purchase flowers, local crafts, and chocolates, with opportunities to unwind with a massage.

From May to December, the market extends its offerings outdoors with a farmers’ market, allowing you to sample fresh produce while engaging with local farmers about their crafts.

8. Experience Delaware Speedway

Located just a few minutes west of London is Delaware Speedway, recognized as one of Canada’s oldest continuously operating race tracks. Open since 1952, it has played host to numerous races over the years.

Delaware Speedway conducts races every Friday night from April to September and maintains a museum featuring original posters, programs, and photos documenting the history of races held at the venue.

Currently, the track hosts seven racing divisions and accommodates events such as the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series and the CASCAR Super Series.

9. Enjoy Thames Valley Trail

The 109-kilometer Thames Valley Trail meanders along the Thames and North Thames Rivers. This well-paved trail winds through several of London’s parks, including Gibbons Park and Springbank Park.

The trail extends from Delaware to St. Mary’s, traversing through the city and is conveniently marked, making navigation straightforward.

Embarking on the Thames Valley Trail is a delightful way to spend a pleasant day, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and elevated landscapes. Group hikes are available, or individuals may explore independently.

10. Visit Storybook Gardens

Storybook Gardens is a family-oriented amusement park that immerses visitors in a world akin to a storybook. The park operates year-round and features an array of attractions.

Guests can enjoy rides, games, recreational activities, and animals at Storybook Gardens. The park also showcases theatrical performances, vegetable garden exploration, and wagon rides.

Many attractions draw inspiration from fairy tales, such as Humpty Dumpty, the Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe, and Three Men in a Tub. In winter, visitors can partake in ice skating, while summer welcomes the splash park.

11. Engage in Activities at East Park

East Park Golf offers an extensive range of activities for all ages, combining a golf course and amusement park for family enjoyment.

The 18-hole golf course, designed by Robbie Robinson, presents an idyllic setting and is frequently recognized as London’s premier golf destination.

For those seeking amusement, East Park Golf’s amusement park features rock climbing, bumper cars, go-karting, and a waterpark to cool off during warmer months.

12. Self-Guided Tour with an App

Enhance your exploration of the city by downloading the ‘Heart of London App’ onto your mobile device. This app serves as a personal guide, sharing engaging stories as you traverse the city.

The app provides 90 minutes of commentary, encompassing 28 narratives regarding various historical sites in London, including the Eldon House, Middlesex County Building, the London Museum, and Labatt Park.

It also offers intriguing tales from historic events, making it an entertaining and educational way to explore the city independently.

13. Relax at Port Stanley Beach

Although London itself lacks a beach, Port Stanley, located approximately 40 kilometers south of the city, provides inviting sandy shores along the north side of Lake Erie, making it an excellent destination for sunny outings.

This charming harbor community features two sandy beaches, both recognized for their ‘Blue Beach’ designation. The beaches are accompanied by various restaurants and accommodation options for those wishing to extend their stay.

Additionally, the village is dotted with shops and marinas, along with a historic lifting bridge spanning Kettle Creek. The area also boasts charming historic homes worth exploring.

14. Enjoy Nature at Conservation Areas

Within a short distance from London, two conservation areas offer nature enthusiasts a chance to fully immerse in the wilderness. Both areas encompass camping options available from March to October.

Dalewood Conservation Area sprawls across 25 hectares of wetlands and features 200 serviced campsites, 12 kilometers of hiking trails, and an outdoor pool.

Meanwhile, the 10-hectare Lake Whittaker Conservation Area sits alongside Lake Whittaker, providing two beaches, a public boat launch, and canoe rentals. This area includes 205 campsites, some of which are serviced while others are not.

15. Step Back in Time at Fanshawe Pioneer Village

Experience a historical journey at Fanshawe Pioneer Village, an open-air museum that utilizes re-enactments to narrate the history of rural communities once prevalent in the region.

Encompassing approximately 19 hectares, Fanshawe Pioneer Village features 33 structures, both original and replicas, alongside a collection of over 25,000 artifacts.

The village’s layout consists of four distinct areas, each representative of varied periods in the area’s development from 1820 to 1920, complete with buildings and staff dressed in period costumes that reflect the lifestyle of that era.