must visit places in london ontario

15 Unique Things to do in London, Ontario: Dive Deeper Into These London Attractions

Highlighting the top London, Ontario attractions to provide a complete list of fun things to do in London, Ontario. Hint – there’s certainly no shortage of them in Ontario’s 5th largest city!

For one reason or another, when it comes to tourism in this province, London is a city that’s too often overlooked. Yet, when you sit down to make a list of all the things to do in London, Ontario, it’s a really impressive display.

There are plenty of attractions in London, Ontario that make the city a worthwhile Ontario road trip destination . In fact, when the time is right, it’s an ideal city to head to for the weekend (or longer). London is an Ontario city with plenty of green space and parks, great restaurants and bars, access to fantastic sports and entertainment, and a real sense of community.

Of course, it’ll depend where you’re based in the province, but considering London is such a central hub, you’ve got highways galore that lead to the city’s doorstep. And it may not be the most breathtaking drive in Ontario , but it should be relatively painless.

Below, we’re going to carefully cover what to do in London, Ontario to ensure that you’re able to make the absolute most of your next visit there.

A Brief Intro to London, Ontario

London is often considered to be the hub of southwestern Ontario. They currently have a population of around 400,000 people, which makes London the fifth most populous city in the province. In fact, it’s Canada’s 11th largest metropolitan area.

London, Ontario is roughly equal distance from both Toronto and Detroit (about 200kms away from each). The city lies right where highway 401 and 402 meet each other, which makes it an easy drive as well from Windsor , Sarnia, and other population centres.

It’s known for a number of things, but education, healthcare, arts, music, and sports probably top the list. Notably, it’s the home to both Western University and Fanshawe College.

Increasingly, people are realizing that there are no shortage of activities in London, Ontario to appreciate, so it’s finally getting its due as a tourist destination.

* Please note that this article may contain affiliate links. Simply put, that means that we may get a small commission from some of our recommendations at absolutely zero extra cost to you.

Fun Things to Do in London, Ontario

There are plenty of London, Ontario attractions, but which ones should you prioritize on your next visit?

Here’s what to do in London, Ontario whenever you’re headed there next!

Visit Covent Garden Market

Located in downtown London, Ontario, Covent Garden Market bills itself as “London’s Original Market.” That seems only fair considering Covent Garden first opened its doors in 1845. You know, 20 or so years before Confederation – no big deal.

They’re a 7 day a week market which offers pretty much everything under the sun. They run an indoor market, as well as an outdoor farmers’ market. The outdoor market typically runs twice weekly, and you can get more details about that here .

Covent Garden features over 50 merchants and services, with everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to meats and cheeses. They also feature 18 restaurants on site, so if you get hungry shopping, you indulge in some prepared culinary delights.

Whether you’re aiming to do some shopping in London, Ontario, or just wander around, Covent Garden has to be on your list of places to visit.

Stroll Around Springbank Park

Springbank Park is the largest park in London, and it covers roughly 300 acres. It’s an ideal place to go for a walk and get some reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Springbank Park has no shortage of playgrounds and facilities for children, so it’s perfect for a family outing. With over 30km of trails, it’s also ideal for folks who are outdoorsy.

The Thames River runs through the park, which makes it extra picturesque. It’s a London, Ontario attraction where, once you arrive, you’re really not going to want to leave.

For visitors who are big into the outdoors, you’ll also want to take note of other spots in and around London such as Victoria Park , Gibbons Park , Sifton Bog , Westminster Ponds , the Fanshawe Conservation Area , and Komoka Provincial Park .

Appreciate London’s Restaurant Scene

The impressive diversity and quality of London’s restaurant scene just isn’t talked about as much as it should be in this province. In fact, that probably holds true for a city like Kingston as well.

To get your day started, we’d recommend Plant Matter Cafe on Richmond, and in particular, their Tofu Scramble Bagel. It’s all vegan, and it’s all delicious.

You’d also be remiss to leave London without eating at Hunter & Co , a tapas restaurant done very, very right. The other restaurant that comes to mind is Dimi’s Greek House , which serves a flaming saganaki that will steal your heart, and perhaps also Abruzzi , which serves authentic Italian right across the street from the Covent Garden Market.

There are no shortage of incredible restaurants in London, Ontario worth visiting.

Set Eyes on St. Peter’s Cathedral Basilica London

Everyone visiting this city should add a nice big walk up and down Dufferin Avenue to their list of things to do in London, Ontario . But, don’t forget to stop when you get to 196 Dufferin and take in this magnificent cathedral.

St. Peter’s Cathedral Basilica was first founded way back in 1834. Stained glass was added in 1889, but the interior that many would recognize today didn’t take shape until 1926. It was in 1958 that the two towers on the front facade were added, which, in our humble opinion, is when it became the photogenic staple that it is today.

The exterior is what St. Peter’s is known for, but the interior is not to be missed, either.

It’s still very much an active congregation, so you can stay tuned to their Facebook page for updates around future services, tours etc.

Bring the Family to Storybook Gardens

Storybook Gardens is a staple of London, Ontario tourism. It’s well known throughout southwestern Ontario as one of the premier places for family fun.

As you might have gathered by the name, the experience is centred around interactive areas where children can see well known stories come to life. That being said, they’re open year round, so in the summer they are known for their “Riverbank Splash Pad,” whereas in the winter it’s all about their skating trail.

Visit their website for more information visiting in the future, as well as online programming.

Storybook Gardens, by the way, is located in Springbank Park, which you’ll note we mentioned above as one of the top things to do in London, Ontario. Especially if you’ve got a family, those are two can’t miss experiences.

Check Out Fanshawe Pioneer Village

Fanshawe Pioneer Village is a captivating open-air heritage museum spanning over 30 acres. The goal? To meticulously recreate rural life in 19th-century Ontario, and it boasts more than 30 historic buildings including homes, barns, and workshops to do just that.

Staff and volunteers, (most of which are playfully attired in period-specific clothing), try to bring this era to life through immersive activities like cooking, farming, and crafting. The village hosts various events and demonstrations, providing visitors with hands-on experiences and insight into the past. It’s a living history museum committed to conserving Ontario’s rural heritage.

I personally strolled around the property at my own pace (there are plenty of maps and signs giving key information, but there are also educational programs and tours.

Fanshawe Pioneer Village stands as a testament to the importance of preserving the stories of the early days of Ontario, to understand how people lived in the past, so that we can build ourselves the best future we can.

See What’s On at Budweiser Gardens

Welcome to the largest sports-entertainment centre in southwestern Ontario – Budweiser Gardens!

A visit to Budweiser Gardens is no doubt one of the most fun things to do in London, Ontario. It’s perhaps best known the downtown home of the London Knights , which many would say is the most famous team in the Ontario Hockey League.

When able, it’s also a top-notch facility for concerts, performances and anything in between. When there are events taking place, nearby Dundas Place ( the city’s first “flex” street ) tends to be rocking, and it makes for a solid spot to grab a bite or a beer.

Down the line, when you’re visiting London, be sure to keep tabs on what’s going on at Budweiser Gardens. You can go see the Knights and see the future stars of sports, or catch a concert and see the current stars of music or comedy.

Take a Deep Breath at Westminster Ponds

Westminster Ponds is a true natural oasis located not all that far from the city’s urban core. Covering approximately 200 hectares , it’s comprised of a series of interconnected ponds, wetlands, and woodlands. This diverse ecosystem makes it a very popular destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

With 10 kilometres of walking trails , it’s ideal for those who like to add a little hiking to the mix. We simply used the trails to set eyes on the 5 different ponds , and that seemed to be a solid approach. As far as we understand, visitors can even fish or kayak on the ponds.

Westminster Ponds is not only a place of ecological significance but also a valuable resource for the community, offering a peaceful retreat for those seeking solace in the midst of the city.

Support Deserving Local Breweries

Of all the activities we recommend as far as what to do in London, Ontario, we get the sense that this might be the easiest one to convince you to add to the itinerary.

As you might have gathered from our borderline love letter to Leamington’s Cured Craft Brewing Co. – we love homegrown Ontario breweries.

When you’re able to, we’d personally recommend a visit to Powerhouse Brewing Company . They’ve created a home in the old Kellogg’s Factory, and are part of the effort to bring the property back to life. If you’ve got a love of IPAs, then you need to try “The Generator,” which is both tropical and refreshing.

Toboggan Brewing Co . in downtown London, Ontario is a good London brewery to visit if you’re looking to grab a bite to eat as well, or perhaps for a date or outing. We’re a fan of their “Double Lunatic Fridge” – a slightly crazy name reserved for an adventurous beer.

If breweries are your thing, then here’s a detailed breakdown of the best breweries in London, Ontario .

Pop by the Jet Aircraft Museum

We were very fortunate to be shown around the Jet Aircraft Museum by some of the incredible volunteers at this small but mighty museum. A big shoutout to Jim Fisk in particular, who gave us a great picture of what makes this spot special, as well as Scott Ellinor and Bill Burns.

It’s a working museum, so this isn’t your prototypical museum visit. As Steve told me, “For every hour we fly, we have hundreds of hours of maintenance.”

Founded in 2009, this museum has become a hub for aviation enthusiasts and history buffs alike. It houses an impressive collection of operational jet aircraft, providing visitors with a rare opportunity to see these powerful machines up close. Among the notable exhibits is the Canadair CT-133 Silver Star, a versatile training jet that played a crucial role in the Royal Canadian Air Force. That’s a place we were able to sit in, in fact!

What sets the Jet Aircraft Museum apart is its commitment to offering immersive experiences. Visitors have the chance to participate in cockpit tours and even take to the skies in some of the museum’s aircraft through their flight experience programs. This hands-on approach provides a unique insight into the world of jet aviation and allows enthusiasts to appreciate the incredible technology and engineering behind these aircraft. We even spent some time on the simulator before heading out, and it was a blast!

It’s an invaluable resource for both preserving aviation history and educating the public about the significance of jet-powered flight, as well as Canada’s role in that history and, by proxy, our present and potential future role.

Play a Little Golf Near London

For those who are aching to be a little active when the visit London, it’s worth considering if you can sneak in a game of golf. Conversely, you could also plan an entire weekend just around golf in southwestern Ontario and base yourself in London.

It’s one of those activities in London, Ontario that a lot of visitors don’t have on their radar, but should .

We’d personally recommend FireRock Golf Club , which is only about a 15-20 minute drive from downtown. It’s a challenging yet enjoyable par 72 championship design, which ranges from 5672 yards to 7183 yards depending on which tees you’re playing from.

Another course worth considering is Forest City National Golf Club . It too is a 18 hole championship course, and it sits on 275 acres of incredible picturesque land on the southeast shore of Fanshawe Lake. It’s a course that will make you feel world’s away from the city.

Stay the Night

With its plethora of good restaurants, breweries and bars, London, Ontario suits a weekend visit awfully well.

Of course, if you’re looking to stay for the weekend, you’ll need a place to crash, so it’s a good thing there are plenty of London, Ontario hotels to choose from.

One option is The Park Hotel London . It’s an all-suite hotel which serves free breakfast. It’s one of the best bangs for your buck that you’ll find in the province.

Another option is Delta Hotels by Marriott London Armouries . It’s located in downtown London, and has a unique castle-like exterior that makes it one of more photogenic buildings in London, Ontario.

Our top choice, however, is the Idlewyld Inn & Spa , a historic property and local landmark since 1878 that is a truly unique accommodation choice in the province. We’d strongly recommend having dinner here as well, as the food is just sensational.

All of these hotels give you great walking access to many of the top attractions in London, Ontario.

See London, Ontario From Above with GL Heli

The nickname of London, Ontario is “The Forest City” for a reason. And that reason becomes very clear when you get aerial views.

You can cruise straight down Oxford Street and get a view of downtown London that you could have never imagined. Actually, you can get whatever views you want with GL Heli, as they’re all about catering to your needs.

Last we checked, they still ran a tour that was a glorified Tim Hortons run, where you take off from Kitchener and head a Timmy Ho’s parking lot!

Ideally, you can take a tour in autumn to fully experience the magic of “The Forest City,” but it’s going to be beautiful anytime of year. You can find out more details around that here .

Walk Around Wortley Village

We walked up from the Idlewyld, and kicked things off with a cup of joe from Locomotive Espresso South (on 350 Ridout St. South), and then walked through the neighbourhood from there towards the Westland Gallery . In their words, they “showcase emerging and established artists from London and area with new exhibitions every three weeks and an inventory of hundreds of original works of art.”

In short, Wortley Village is a historic neighbourhood known for its vibrant community, well-preserved architecture, and lively commercial district. With charming streets lined by Victorian and Edwardian homes, it offers a blend of heritage and modern amenities, making it a cherished hub for residents and visitors alike.

Keep your eyes out for local shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants, and don’t be hesitant to pop into one of them and chat with the staff or owner. It’s a friendly, welcoming neighbourhood in our experience.

Take a Tour of Labatt Park

Labatt Park in London, Ontario, is a historic gem and the oldest continuously operating baseball grounds in the world .

Established in 1877, this iconic stadium has one of the richest baseball histories around, and a unique history at that. We didn’t fully grasp this (in fact, we feel many more Ontarians, especially sports enthusiasts, should have this on their radar), until we took the Labatt Park tour , which offers visitors a unique opportunity to step back in time and immerse themselves in the sport’s history.

Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour takes you through the various facets of the stadium, sharing anecdotes and insights about its significance in Canadian baseball. Visitors can explore the well-preserved grounds, view memorabilia, and learn about the legendary players who graced this hallowed field.

The tour also provides a glimpse into the vibrant community spirit that has thrived around Labatt Park for over a century. It’s not just a baseball stadium, but a living testament to the passion and love for the game that has been cherished by Londoners for generations. Whether you’re a die-hard baseball fan or simply interested in local history, the Labatt Park tour offers a captivating experience that celebrates the enduring legacy of this historic venue.

You can find more details about tours here.

Come Explore London, Ontario

London, Ontario offers a dynamic blend of culture, nature, and urban charm. From vibrant arts scenes to lush parks like Springbank Park, the city provides a lot of different experiences for the Ontario traveller. Not to mention, culinary delights abound, with eclectic dining options in charming districts like Wortley Village. Nature lovers can also find their fix in a way that’s quite unique for a city this size.

In the end, with welcoming locals and a rich history, London promises a very memorable visit.

That’s a wrap on our favourite London, Ontario attractions and activities. If you’ve got any you think we should add, just comment below! Please note, we’ve got an Ultimate Ontario Facebook Group if you’re looking for a community of likeminded Ontario adventurers.

We want to thank both London Tourism for hosting Ultimate Ontario for a visit to their city. Please note, our views and words are wholly our own.

Christopher Mitchell is the Cofounder of Ultimate Ontario. He’s visited over 80 countries, and has lived on 4 continents, but now has his eyes set squarely on exploring this incredible province, and helping others do the same.

Paula Schuck

Friday 29th of September 2023

Great roundup of my city. I’d add ski Boler in the winter. And I’d you have kids, visit the children’s museum! Storybook Gardens was always a favourite of mine as a kid. My mom would drive us there from Guelph every summer.

Christopher Mitchell

Monday 2nd of October 2023

Thanks for chiming in, my friend. Hope all is well!

Friday 28th of May 2021

This is really to good and help us thanks sharing this article and this information thing to do in London

Monday 31st of May 2021

So happy to hear it, thanks for letting us know!

Margarita Ibbott

Wednesday 10th of February 2021

What a lovely round up of The Forest City. We've been here for 22 years and we still love it. We got married at St. Peter's Cathedral in 1993.

Next time you are in London be sure and see the Royal Regiment Museum at Wolseley Barracks. I think you'll like it.

Thursday 11th of February 2021

Thanks so much, Margarita! I will certainly trust your advice on that and visit the next time I'm in your neck of the woods!

Monday 25th of January 2021

You have some great suggestions here. I love that London is close enough that we could make it a day trip if we wanted to - which we might just have to do when things are reopened and we can visit those breweries again. My husband is a craft beer lover and I'm not sure if he's had the chance to visit those locations. If not, that's going to be on our 'must visit soon' list lol

Thursday 28th of January 2021

Well thanks for chiming in, Britt! Really appreciate hearing your thoughts on this, and hope your husband enjoys the beers when he gets a chance to try them!

Privacy Overview

12 Top-Rated Things to Do in London, Ontario

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated May 1, 2023

Although nowhere near as big as its namesake "across the pond" in England, London, Ontario offers plenty of fun things to do for day trippers and overnighters alike. Many of the best may even sound a little familiar.

Fancy a stroll along the banks of the Thames River, possibly crossing over it using Blackfriars Bridge? Or perhaps doing a little shopping in Covent Garden Market before visiting St. Paul's Cathedral?

Well, you can do all of this and more in this Canadian city of just over 405,000 people. One of the best places to visit in Ontario , it's only an hour's drive away from the state of Michigan and two hours from Niagara Falls , so given its proximity to the US border, it makes for a great base to explore southwestern Ontario, and even Toronto .

A university city, London offers plenty of cultural activities for visitors to partake in. Popular pastimes for tourists here to do some sightseeing include exploring London's museums and art galleries, or taking in a performance at the historic Grand Theatre.

For those who prefer outdoor activities, London boasts numerous parks and nature preserves, each with a variety of walking trails. More rigorous activities can be enjoyed here, too. Mountain bikers and hikers are well catered to at Boler Mountain, a popular adventure center that's transformed once the snow flies into a ski destination.

To learn more about this popular Canadian tourist destination, be sure to read through the following list of the best things to do in London, Ontario.

1. Take a Stroll around Springbank Park

2. meet canada's medical hero at banting house, 3. experience the past at fanshawe pioneer village, 4. learn about ontario's history at museum london, 5. relive your childhood at london children's museum, 6. experience family fun at storybook gardens, 7. shop at covent garden market, 8. enjoy the great outdoors at boler mountain, 9. learn about canada's military history, 10. tour london's oldest home at eldon house, 11. pay a visit to st. peter's cathedral basilica, 12. pay a visit to london's newest attraction: 100 kellogg lane.

Covering an area of nearly 350 acres adjacent to the Thames River in the city's western neighborhood, Springbank Park should be at the top of your list of places to visit in London.

It's not only the city's largest public space but also the prettiest, with 30 kilometers of trails meandering gently through a mix of pleasant gardens and unspoiled wilderness. It's also the city's oldest park and has been a popular place of relaxation since the late 1800s.

Some of the best paths closely follow the river, with plenty of benches offering places to sit and enjoy the views. For those with time on their hands, why not follow the well-marked trail network all the way to the city center? Although 10 kilometers away, you can make the whole trek without once having to face any vehicle traffic.

Springbank Park is especially popular with families. In addition to its many play areas with swings and slides, it's also home to Storybook Gardens. This popular family attraction has been entertaining youngsters here since it opened in the 1950s.

Address: 1085 Commissioners Road W, London, Ontario

For a relatively small country population-wise, Canada has certainly punched above its weight in the medical field. Perhaps the country's best-known "medical hero," Sir Frederick Banting had his eureka moment that led to the discovery of insulin here in London in 1920.

Now established as a museum, Banting House National Historic Site is known the world over as the "birthplace of insulin" and is a must-visit attraction. Established in 1984, the museum exhibits artifacts and informative displays about how Banting came to make his discovery, as well as the huge impact it has had around the world. Guided tours are available, and can be booked online through the Banting House website .

The Canadian Medical Hall of Fame is a related London tourist attraction that's well worth a visit. Established in 1994, the facility's exhibit hall features displays related to the many major medical breakthroughs that have put medicine in Canada on the map, including tributes to the country's first nursing and healthcare professionals.

Address: 442 Adelaide Street N, London, Ontario

Interested in learning about the first settlers to have made their home in and around London? Then a visit to Fanshawe Pioneer Village is a must-do.

Created in 1959 and located in the Fanshawe Conservation Area, this excellent open-air museum uses hands-on activities and re-enactments to vividly portray the lives of those who settled in the area in the 1800s and into the 20th century.

Highlights of a visit include the chance to explore four authentic communities from the pioneer days to the 1920s, featuring everything from a school to a church, as well as residential homes and farmsteads.

Guides in period costumes are on hand to explain traditional crafts, such as weaving and printing, with plenty of opportunities for old and young alike to try their hand at these and a variety of other traditional disciplines.

The village also hosts numerous events throughout the year . One of the most popular is their traditional Christmas Market, featuring seasonal crafts, foods, music, and fun. The Denfield General Store sells snacks and light meals such as sandwiches, along with souvenirs and gifts.

Address: 1424 Clarke Road, London, Ontario

For those wanting to delve a little deeper into the region's history, plan a visit to Museum London . Established in the 1940s, this excellent attraction is really part art gallery and part history museum, and showcases the region's rich cultural and social history from its First Nations population to the present day.

The museum's impressive collection features over 5,000 unique works of art and some 45,000 artifacts from across Canada, with a special emphasis on the local area.

Highlights of its art collection include work from Canada's famous Group of Seven, as well as renowned artists like Paterson Ewen and Greg Curnoe. Guided tours are available, and a shop and café are located on the premises.

Also worth visiting, the Museum of Ontario Archaeology , also known as "MOA," focuses on the region's human history stretching back some 11,000 years. Highlights of a visit include the chance to tour a reconstruction of a 16th-century Iroquois village as well as related artifacts.

Fun events are also held here year-round, including a harvest festival and traditional pow-wow, as well as a popular winter festival. Guided sightseeing tours are available.

Address: 421 Ridout Street N, London, Ontario

Let's face it, 100,000 visitors can't be wrong. That's how many people, young and old alike, visit the London Children's Museum each year to sample the attraction's fun mix of hands-on exhibits and interactive displays.

Established in 1975 and the first of its kind in Canada, this museum focuses not only on subjects of interest to kids (yes, there are dinosaurs!) but also on being a kid.

The "Child Long Ago" exhibit takes kids back to an 1880s school room, and even allows them the chance to learn what it was like to teach at the time. These and other fun exhibits, all of them encouraging role-playing, deal with science, housing, and technology and were built "child size" to encourage exploration and learning.

Fun day camps are also available, along with educational programs suitable for all ages. Birthday party packages are also available.

Address: 21 Wharncliffe Road S, London, Ontario

Established over 60 years ago, the family-friendly Storybook Gardens has been a huge draw for tourism in London ever since it opened in 1968. Located in the city's popular Springbank Park, this fun theme park for kids features pretty much everything a youngster could wish for in an attraction.

Set against a backdrop of fairy tales and storytelling are farm animals in petting zoos, play zones with kid-sized buildings to explore, as well as theme park-style rides. Visiting in the summer? Then you'll want to take the kids to the always-popular splash area.

There's plenty of entertainment to be enjoyed, too, from costumed characters like Spiderman, usually seen hanging around the climbing frames, of course, to face painting. Other highlights include a pirate zone, complete with a shipwreck, a train that travels around the park, and a Ferris wheel.

Bring a picnic, or grab lunch or a snack at any one of the concession stands dotted around the park; you'll be here for anywhere from three to five hours, so kids will want to be fed!

And don't be shy to visit in the wintertime. Open year-round, it's a winter wonderland here, with fun activities including skating.

Address: 1958 Storybook Ln, London, Ontario

One of the oldest markets in Canada, London's Covent Garden Market can trace its roots back as far as 1835 and has been a staple on the city's shopping scene ever since. Open seven days a week year-round , this downtown fixture on King Street is always bustling with shoppers on the lookout for locally grown produce and fresh food.

While local farmers selling their produce are still a staple of the market, today's repertoire of vendors has expanded to cover everything from coffee roasters to cheese purveyors, gourmet food suppliers and bakers, as well as crafts, giftware, and restaurants. The addition of a daily outdoor farmers market from May to December ensures even greater selections.

Come winter, the market moves indoors to the building's upper floor, while the public square outside is turned into a skating rink.

London's Soho Street Market is also worth checking out. Set around the historic Victoria Tavern in London's Soho district, the market has a solid reputation for the quality of its food and artisan vendors, as well as its regular entertainment.

Address: Covent Garden Market Bldg, 130 King Street, London, Ontario

Set on the site of the former London Ski Club to the west of the city, Boler Mountain is a great place to visit for those who enjoy outdoor activities. In winter, it's all about the skiing and snowboarding. Although relatively small compared to the larger ski destinations that are easily accessible from Toronto , the hills and slopes can get busy.

Boasting three quad lifts and a magic carpet, it's also popular with families for its snow tubing, as well as among cross-country skiers who can choose from a number of trails to enjoy. In warmer weather, the lifts are used to carry mountain bikers wanting to test their skills on the hills and trails. There's also a treetop adventure zone that's well worth checking out.

Address: 689 Griffith Street, London, Ontario

Read More: Top-Rated Ski Resorts in Ontario

As popular among military history enthusiasts and historians as it is vacationers, the Royal Canadian Regiment Museum in Wolseley Barracks are a must-visit. Established in 2013, highlights include displays of uniforms and exhibits relating to the conflicts in which the regiment served, as well as historic vehicles and weaponry.

The Jet Aircraft Museum , located at London International Airport, is another must-see. Opened in 2009, displays feature a number of vintage jet fighter planes, as well a fascinating look at military aviation in Canada.

Another notable military attraction in London is the 1st Hussars Museum . Dedicated to the history of one of Canada's first cavalry regiments, displays cover the conflicts and the people who served in the regiment.

Address: 701 Oxford Street E, London, Ontario

Now a museum, historic Eldon House was built in 1834 and is a well-preserved reminder of the city's affluent past. Set in Harris Park, Eldon is in fact the oldest residence in London, and is well worth a visit. Guided tours delve into the history of its owners and the building, which looks much like it would have during its 19th-century heyday.

This attraction also runs a number of educational programs and workshops throughout the year, as well as seasonal events. Be sure to also spend time exploring the property's gardens, as well as Harris Park, which covers a tract of land that once belonged to the home. Numerous touring exhibits are also hosted here.

Address: 481 Ridout Street N, London, Ontario

Built in 1827, the Catholic St. Peter's Cathedral Basilica makes for a picturesque backdrop for a photo. Located in the heart of the city's downtown core, it's worth visiting during mass or a service to hear its magnificent organ. Built in 1923, the organ remains little changed since and reputedly sounds much the same as when it was installed.

The pretty St. Paul's Cathedral is also extremely picture-worthy. Built in 1844, this attractive red brick structure is the city's oldest church.

Address: 196 Dufferin Ave, London, Ontario

The newest major attraction in London also just so happens to be set in one of the city's oldest landmark buildings. Named after the former 1924 factory in which it's housed, 100 Kellogg Lane is Canada's newest and largest entertainment complex and offers no end of fun things to do for young and old alike, from shopping to dining to world-class entertainment.

Opened in 2022, this vast facility houses an artisan market with local vendors selling crafts and creative handmade products, a number of eateries, and a Hard Rock Café Hotel slated to open before the end of 2023.

A mix of indoor and outdoor spaces includes music venues and stages, plus a huge indoor adventure park, which houses family-fun activities from mini-golf to sports simulators and bocce ball courts. Better still, try your hand at the indoor ropes course, trampolines, and ziplines.

Traveling with younger kids? The indoor playground is sure to please youngsters, while the arcade with its video games will keep teens busy.

Address: 100 Kellogg Lane, London, Ontario

More on Canada

27 Best Things To Do In London Ontario: Your Ultimate Guide

• October 9, 2023
• Sandy Waters

London Ontario is a city full of charm, history, and natural beauty. From its beautiful parks and gardens to its museums, galleries, and historic landmarks, there’s never a shortage of things to do in this vibrant city.

Whether you’re a resident looking to explore your hometown or a visitor discovering the city for the first time, London, Ontario plenty of attractions, activities, and events to keep you entertained.

In this comprehensive guide , we’ve rounded up the top things to do in London Ontario , including outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, family-friendly activities, and more.

So, grab your walking shoes and get ready to explore everything this beautiful city has to offer.

Here is our list of best things to do in London, Ontario:

Visit the Museum London

Explore the banting house national historic site, check out the covent garden market, take a walk through victoria park, tour the labatt brewery, enjoy a concert at the budweiser gardens, admire the art at the art gallery of ontario, go skating at the london ice house, take a bike ride along the thames river, experience the unique architecture of eldon house, see a show at the grand theatre, explore the fanshawe pioneer village, take a stroll through springbank park, visit the london children’s museum, enjoy a meal at one of london’s top restaurants, attend a london knights hockey game, play a round of golf at sunningdale golf course, take a guided tour of fanshawe dam and reservoir, have a picnic at gibbons park, take a hike at the sifton bog, check out the london regional children’s museum, explore the western university campus, visit the fanshawe conservation area, take a ghost tour of the city, enjoy a performance at the mcmanus theatre, go shopping in downtown london, take a day trip to nearby port stanley, guide to the best things to do in london, ontario.

The Museum London showcases a collection of over 5,000 regional and Canadian artworks, artifacts, and historical objects.

From contemporary art exhibitions to historical artifacts, visitors can explore the rich cultural heritage of London, Ontario.

The Banting House National Historic Site is the birthplace of insulin and home to Sir Frederick Banting, the co-discoverer of insulin.

Visitors can explore the museum and learn about the life of Sir Frederick Banting, the discovery of insulin, and the treatment of diabetes.

The Covent Garden Market is a popular destination for foodies and shoppers alike.

From fresh produce to artisanal crafts and international cuisine, visitors can explore the bustling market and experience the vibrant culture of London, Ontario.

Victoria Park is a beautiful green space in the heart of downtown London.

Visitors can enjoy a relaxing stroll through the park, admire the natural beauty of the park, and take part in various outdoor activities such as yoga, picnicking, and more.

No visit to London, Ontario is complete without touring the famous Labatt Brewery. This iconic Canadian beer company has been brewing beer in London for over 170 years and has become a part of the city’s history.

On the tour, visitors will learn about the brewing process, see the different stages of beer production, and even get to taste some of Labatt’s famous brews. The tour ends with a visit to the retail store, where visitors can purchase Labatt beer and souvenirs to take home.

This is a must-visit attraction for beer lovers and those interested in the history of Canadian brewing.

The Budweiser Gardens is a popular venue for concerts, sporting events, and other entertainment shows.

Visitors can catch a live performance by their favorite artists and enjoy a fun-filled evening with friends and family.

The Art Gallery of Ontario is a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts.

From contemporary art to classic masterpieces, visitors can explore the diverse collection of over 90,000 works of art and enjoy the exhibitions and events.

The London Ice House is a state-of-the-art ice rink that offers public skating sessions.

Visitors can enjoy a fun day out with family and friends, rent skates, and hit the ice for a fun-filled activity.

The Thames River is a beautiful scenic route for cycling enthusiasts.

Visitors can rent a bike, explore the picturesque views of the river, and take part in various cycling events and races.

Eldon House is a historic mansion built-in 1834 and is known for its unique architecture and beautiful interiors.

Visitors can explore the house, learn about the history and culture of London, Ontario, and take part in various events and activities.

The Grand Theatre in London, Ontario is a historic landmark that has been entertaining audiences for over a century.

With its elegant architecture and state-of-the-art facilities, this theatre is the perfect place to catch a show. Whether you’re in the mood for a musical, a comedy, or a dramatic play, the Grand Theatre has something for everyone.

Featuring both local and international talent, the performances here are always top-notch.

The Fanshawe Pioneer Village is a living museum that recreates life in the 19th century.

Visitors can explore the village, learn about the history and culture of the region, and take part in various interactive exhibits and events.

Springbank Park is a beautiful green space with over 300 acres of natural beauty.

Visitors can enjoy a relaxing walk, hike, or bike ride through the park, and admire the scenic views of the river and forests.

The London Children’s Museum is a popular destination for families with young children.

Visitors can explore the interactive exhibits, learn about science and technology, and take part in various hands-on activities and workshops.

London has a vibrant food scene, with a variety of cuisines and styles to choose from. Whether you’re looking for fine dining or a casual meal, there’s something for everyone.

Try the popular Garlic’s of London or The Tasting Room for a memorable dining experience.

If you’re a sports fan, catch a London Knights game at Budweiser Gardens.

This junior ice hockey team has won multiple championships, and their games are always exciting and action-packed.

Golf enthusiasts will love Sunningdale Golf Course, one of the top courses in the area.

This championship course offers challenging holes and beautiful views, and is open to both members and non-members.

One of the best things to do in London, Ontario is taking a guided tour of the Fanshawe Dam and Reservoir. This fascinating engineering marvel is one of the largest earth-filled dams in the world and provides drinking water to the city.

Visitors can take a guided tour to learn about the history, construction, and operation of the dam and reservoir.

The tour offers a unique opportunity to see the inner workings of this important piece of infrastructure and is perfect for engineering enthusiasts, families, and anyone interested in learning more about the region’s water supply.

Gibbons Park is a beautiful and peaceful park with plenty of space for a picnic.

Pack a lunch and enjoy the scenic views of the Thames River, or take a stroll through the park’s wooded areas.

The Sifton Bog is a unique ecosystem located right in the heart of London.

Take a hike along the boardwalk and explore this natural wonder, which is home to a variety of plants and wildlife.

The London Regional Children’s Museum is a must-visit destination for families with young children.

With hands-on exhibits and interactive displays, the museum offers a fun and educational experience for all ages.

Western University is one of Canada’s top universities, and its campus is home to beautiful architecture and stunning views.

Take a self-guided tour or attend a guided tour to learn more about the university’s history and culture.

The Fanshawe Conservation Area is a beautiful natural area located just outside of London.

With hiking trails, a lake, and plenty of wildlife, it’s a great place to spend a day in nature.

If you’re interested in the paranormal, take a ghost tour of London.

These tours take you to some of the city’s most haunted locations and share the stories behind the supernatural occurrences.

The McManus Theatre is a state-of-the-art performance space that hosts a variety of shows and events throughout the year.

Check the schedule to see what’s playing during your visit.

Downtown London is home to a variety of unique shops and boutiques, as well as larger retailers.

Whether you’re looking for souvenirs or high-end fashion, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for.

Just a short drive from London, the charming lakeside town of Port Stanley is the perfect day trip destination.

With its picturesque beaches, quaint shops, and delicious restaurants, there’s plenty to see and do.

Spend the day lounging on the sand at the Port Stanley Main Beach or take a stroll along the pier for stunning views of Lake Erie.

Conclusion – Exploring London Ontario

London, Ontario is a vibrant city with a plethora of activities and attractions to suit every interest. From museums and art galleries to scenic parks and outdoor adventures, there is never a dull moment in this city.

With our list of the top 27 things to do in London, you can plan the perfect itinerary for your next visit to this dynamic city.

Whether you’re a local looking for new experiences or a first-time visitor, there is always something to discover in London, Ontario.

Once you’ve explored London, check out some of the best places to visit in Ontario for more local attractions in our beautiful province.

So, pack your bags, book your trip, and get ready to explore all that this city has to offer.

Table of Contents

Home » Travel Guides » Canada » 15 Best Things to Do in London (Ontario, Canada)

15 Best Things to Do in London (Ontario, Canada)

Although London does have a Thames River, a Covent Garden Market and a Piccadilly Street, don’t mistaken it with London, England . Instead, this London is a substantially smaller city in Southwestern Ontario that is surrounded by woodlands and farmlands. In fact, it is known as ‘The Forest City’ because when it was first formed it was done so by clearing land in the middle of a forest.

Today, the rectangular shaped city is one of Ontario’s largest municipalities, made up of commercial and residential areas. It also has numerous landmarks and attractions, as well as having a variety of things to do. When visiting this area of Canada , London should not be overlooked, as it has much to offer.

Lets explore the best things to do in London, Canada :

1. Go to the park

The 7.3 hectare Victoria Park is one of London’s major gathering places. The park was designed in 1874 as a British military base and cricket ground, but today is a recreational centre.

Victoria Park is host to numerous annual events, as well as having a bandstand, a skate park and a skating rink. It also has a number of monuments, like the cenotaph, veteran’s plaque and Boer War Monument.

An interesting activity that can be enjoyed at the park is squirrel fishing, which is due to the large population of Eastern Grey squirrels that live in the park. If you have never tried this before, it is a must.

2. Go to church

The historic St. Peter’s Cathedral Basilica dates back to August 1834, though the original log structure burned down in 1845. What stands now is a magnificent 13th century French Gothic Revival church that was built in 1851.

The cathedral features beautiful stained glass windows and a Casavant organ. In 1958, the façade’s twin towers were added, as was the Lady Chapel and the stunning interior paintings.

St. Peter’s Cathedral Basilica is home to the Roman Catholic Diocese of London. In can be visited throughout the day, or you can even go to mass.

3. Learn about the birth of insulin

Banting House is the former house of Dr. Frederick Banting; the inventor of insulin. Today, the house is a museum dedicated to his life and his discovery of insulin.

In 1997, Banting House became a National Historic Site of Canada. Inside the museum are his desk, medicine cabinet and personal artwork, amongst other things.

Visit the museum and learn about the birth of insulin by looking at artefacts and apothecary that was used to create this fantastic medicine. It is also worthwhile to wander around the adjacent Banting Square, which is home to a garden, a life-sized sculpture of the doctor, the Flame of Hope and a massive globe sculpture.

4. Wander around a museum

There are a few great museums in London that any history or art lover should visit. Of these, London Museum is the most popular.

The London Museum is home to over 5,000 works of art and 45,000 artefacts. Most of the collection was created by regional artists, though there are also numerous pieces by the famous Group of Seven on display.

The Museum of Ontario Archaeology, the Royal Canadian Regiment Museum and the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame are also great places to wander around. If you are visiting London with the kids, be sure to check out the London Regional Children’s Museum.

5. Have fun at an event

London hosts numerous festivals events throughout the year. Depending on when you are in the city, these will make your visit that much more fun and exciting.

Sunfest, which takes place every July, is the second largest world music event in the country! It is held at Victoria Park, and in addition to live music, also boasts some fantastic food from various parts of the world.

Speaking of food, the London Ribfest is another must for foodies. If you love the theatre, visit London in June during the London Fringe Theatre Festival.

6. Take a tour of a brewery

Canada’s largest brewery (Labatt) has its headquarters in London and tours of the brewery are available all year. The entire tour takes around 2 hours to complete and includes samplings.

Tours of the brewery must be booked in advance, which is easy to do by email. Anyone can take the tour, though you must be of legal drinking age to enjoy the beer samples.

There are also a few smaller breweries in London that offer tours, like the family-run Anderson Craft Ales and the Toboggan Brewing Company. If you would prefer to tour a non-alcoholic brewery, visit Booch Organic Kombucha.

7. Explore Covent Garden Market

Dating back to 1845, Covent Garden Market is a London treasure, not unlike the famous market in the UK city of the same name. The market is a landmark, filled with stalls that sell fresh meat, fruit and vegetables.

In addition to just selling raw food, Covent Garden Market is also home to restaurants, bakeries, bars and delis. You can also buy flowers, local handicrafts and chocolates, ending the day off with a massage.

From May to December the market takes it outside with their outdoor farmers’ market. Sample fresh produce and chat with the farmer’s themselves about their passion.

8. Head to the races

Just a few minutes west of London is the Delaware Speedway, which happens to be one of Canada’s oldest continuously operating tracks. The speedway opened in 1952, and since then has hosted numerous races.

Delaware Speedway has a race every Friday night between April and September. It is also home to a museum that displays original posters, programs and photos of races that have been held here.

Today, the track hosts seven different divisions of races, as well Bone Stock Chaos Cars. It has also hosted major races, including the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series, the ARCA Series, the CASCAR Super Series and the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour.

9. Enjoy a long walk

The 109 kilometre Thames Valley Trail runs along the Thames and North Thames Rivers. The trail is paved and passes through a few of London’s parks, including Gibbons Park and Springbank Park.

The trail runs from Delaware to St. Mary’s, passing through London along the way. It is well marked at regular intervals, making it easy for you to find your way.

The Thames Valley Trail is a lovely hike and is a great way to spend a beautiful day. It offers spectacular views of the valleys and other elevated areas. Group hikes are offered, or you can enjoy it on your own.

10. Jump into a storybook

Storybook Gardens is a family-friendly amusement park that will make you and the kids feel as if you jumped right into a storybook. The park is open year-round and is home to plenty of attractions.

Rides, games, recreational activities and even animals can all be enjoyed at Storybook Gardens. You can even watch a play, explore vegetable gardens and ride a wagon.

Many of the attractions at the park are based on fairy tales, including Humpty Dumpty, the Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe and Three Men in a Tub. In the winter you can go ice skating, while in the summer the splash park opens up.

11. Play golf, slide down a water slide or go rock climbing

All of these things (and more) can be done at East Park Golf. The golf course/amusement park is great for the whole family, with things for everyone to enjoy.

The golf course is an 18-hole, Robbie Robinson designed course that is stunningly beautiful and a great place to play. In fact, it has frequently been voted as London’s best golf course.

If golf isn’t your thing, head to the amusement park portion of East Park Golf. There, you can go rock climbing, ride a bumper car, jump in a go kart or cool off in the waterpark.

12. Go on a self-guided tour with your phone

Download the ‘Heart of London App’ onto your phone and let your personal tour guide lead you around the city, telling stories along the way. Stroll along the riverside and through the city centre, seeing all of the main sights.

The app has 90 minutes of commentary, which includes 28 stories on the history of some of London’s finest sites. These include the Eldon House, the Middlesex County Building, the London Museum and Labatt Park.

The app also tells you stories of historic moments that took place in the city, like the Battle of the Atlantic and the city’s first ever hanging! It is a fun and informative way to tour around the city on your own.

13. Head to the beach

There is no beach in London itself, but there is around 40 kilometres south of the city in Port Stanley. This harbour community sits along the north shore of Lake Erie and is a great place to spend a sunny day.

Port Stanley is home to two large sandy beaches, both of which have been given a ‘Blue Beach’ designation. There are restaurants lining the beach, as well as accommodations for those that want to spend the night.

The village is also home to numerous shops and marinas, as well as the lifting bridge across Kettle Creek. As well, there are some lovely historic homes throughout Port Stanley, so it is worthwhile to explore a little bit.

14. Spend a night in nature

There are two conservation camps not too far from London where nature lovers can truly immerse themselves in nature. Both of these areas offer camping between March and October.

The Dalewood Conservation Area consists of 25 hectares of wetlands. It has 200 served camp sites, 12 kilometres of hiking trails and an outdoor pool.

The 10 hectare Lake Whittaker Conservation Area sits along Lake Whittaker and features two beaches, a public boat launch and canoe rentals. It also has 205 campsites, some of which are serviced and some that are not.

15. Step back in time

Step back in time at the Fanshawe Pioneer Village. This open-air museum uses historical re-enactments to tell the history of the rural communities that used to be in the area.

Sitting on around 19 hectares of land, Fanshawe Pioneer Village consists of 33 structures, some of which are original and some that are replicas. It also has a collection of over 25,000 artefacts.

The village is split into four areas, each of which represents a different period in the development of the area. These date from 1820 to 1920, complete with buildings and staff dressed in costumes of that time showcasing what life was like.

15 Best Things to Do in London (Ontario, Canada):

• Go to the park
• Go to church
• Learn about the birth of insulin
• Wander around a museum
• Have fun at an event
• Take a tour of a brewery
• Explore Covent Garden Market
• Head to the races
• Enjoy a long walk
• Jump into a storybook
• Play golf, slide down a water slide or go rock climbing
• Go on a self-guided tour with your phone
• Head to the beach
• Spend a night in nature
• Step back in time

Fun Things to Do in London Ontario: Best Food, Drink & Attractions

Posted on Published: August 16, 2021  - Last updated: October 28, 2022

Categories Blog , Canada , City Guides , Ontario , Southwest Ontario , Travel Guides

There are so many unique and awesome things to do in London, Ontario. After all, London is a big city with small town vibes. As I strolled down Richmond Row, the historic shopping district in London’s downtown core, the old buildings seamlessly merged with modern boutiques.

On a sunny, summer day, the patios were packed and the streets were buzzing with groups of families and friends. Starting at Richmond Row and beyond, there are so many fun things to do in London Ontario.

This article contains affiliate links, which help run this site at no extra cost to you.

If you’re looking for a weekend away, there’s really something for everyone: the outdoor adventurer, the foodie, the museum lover, and the gaming nerd. As I consider myself to be a mix of all of the above, I’m going to share my favorite activities and attractions that you can easily do in one weekend.

Also, I’ll share my top food and drink options from some of the best restaurants in London. London is one of the best cities to visit on an Ontario road trip . Seeking what to do in London Ontario? Let’s go!

Table of Contents

Where to Stay: The Park Hotel

If you’re seeking the top things to do in London Ontario, it’s a good idea to stay in a prime location. The Park Hotel has one of the best locations in the city, right in the middle of it all. Located right off Richmond Row in the downtown core, you can easily walk to many spots in London right from the hotel.

My suite felt more like my own little apartment in the city. There’s a living room with a TV, a separate bedroom with another TV, a desk, a clean and modern bathroom, a microwave, a mini fridge, and a Keurig coffee maker. Wi-Fi is complimentary, and you can also park for free in their underground parking lot.

The staff of The Park Hotel were super friendly and helpful, and I felt right at home there. Although I didn’t do this, you could actually order room service from the Jack Astor’s restaurant next door, which I felt was a really nice touch. I can’t imagine wanting to stay anywhere else when I travel to London. Book your stay at The Park Hotel or check out more reviews from fellow travelers.

BOOK YOUR STAY | READ MORE REVIEWS

More Places to Stay in London

Would you like to see more London hotels and accommodations? You can browse more hotels in London, as well as vacation rentals using the handy map below. Click through on any hotels that you like to see more details on planning your visit.

Things to Do in London Ontario: Treetop Trekking

Did you know that London, Ontario is known as the “Forest City” ? London’s roots are very green, indeed. Back in its early days, it was a city in the middle of a dense forest. There were vast expanses of greenery and trees as far as you could see.

While construction and development may have diminished some of the trees, London has plans to maintain its Forest City moniker. For every 1500 trees that are chopped down due to poor health, the city replants 5000 trees. If you’d like to explore one of the city’s green spaces, head directly to Boler Mountain. In fact, this is one of the most unique and fun outdoor activities in London Ontario: you’ll be right up in the trees!

The treetop adventure park at Boler Mountain is a great place to connect with nature and get some exercise. By winter, Boler Mountain is a ski park. By summer, there are non-stop adventures in its natural Carolinian forest. There are five ropes courses for all ages and abilities. I participated in the beginner, intermediate, and zip line course. Watch the video below to see my treetop trekking skills in action!

My Treetop Trekking Experiences

Treetop trekking adventures at Boler Mountain are so much fun, and it’s one of the greatest outdoor activities in London Ontario. Reconnect with nature as you hop and swing through the trees. I was challenged by each apparatus that I encountered. It was interesting to figure out how I was going to swing from one platform to the next.

Some of the platforms and planks were easier to navigate than others. There was one circular bit of wood that unexpectedly spun when I stepped on it, so I completely lost my balance and flew up into the air. But, that’s no problem at all! You are safely connected with harnesses and cables, so you can quite literally hang out up there while staying 100% safe.

As you can see in the video above, I got to fly through the air on a Tarzan swing right into a pirate net. Of course, I missed grabbing onto the net and flew backwards into the middle of the course. Not to worry: there are staff members positioned at spots throughout the course. This particular staff member was quite helpful in describing how to climb out of my situation!

What to Know Before You Go

Here are a few helpful tips to know before you go treetop trekking:

• You can’t bring any bags or backpacks with you on the course. You can bring cameras, as long as they are attached to you in some way as you’ll need both hands free. My BlackRapid camera strap came in super handy here for keeping my DSLR safe. Highly recommend bringing a GoPro to take photos and video of your adventure!
• Don’t wear sunglasses on the course. It’s perfectly fine to wear them (and I wore mine). However, I wish I didn’t. The canopy of the forest blocks out most of the sun. And you might not want to wear your sunglasses on the zip lines as you could lose them in the forest.
• Bring your own pair of work gloves . You’ll need something that allows you to grip the ropes without hurting your hands. If you don’t bring your own pair, Boler Mountain will supply you with some gloves. However, you’ll likely end up tossing these ones at the end of the trip, and that creates a lot of waste. It’s best to bring your own durable pair from home.
• There’s a training session at the beginning of the ropes course so you can familiarize yourself with the equipment. Bring a sense of adventure and have a great time!

Indoor Activities in London Ontario: Rec Room

The Rec Room is 30,000 square feet of games, food, and fun in London’s Masonville Place. If you’re seeking indoor activities in London Ontario at night or on a rainy day, gather your pals and head straight to the Rec Room. Justin and I love playing video games, so we were pretty pumped to visit the Rec Room for the first time.

You’ll find tons of brand new games and fun activities at the Rec Room. There are modern video games (four player Mario Kart, anyone?), redemption games, ping pong, pool, virtual reality, and even axe throwing. The two of us played lots of video games and redemption games. We even amassed enough points by the end of the evening that we came away with some boxes of candy.

Playing Games at the Rec Room

It’s easy to play games at the Rec Room. Add credits to a wrist band. Hold your wrist band up to the game that you’d like to play. That’s it! Any points that you earn from redemption games are stored on your wrist band. You can keep your wrist band and save your points or redeem them in the shop at the end of the night.

Our favorite game was one that combined air hockey and Pac-Man. We’d both never seen it anywhere else before. The game starts off quite normally. We were hitting an air hockey puck back and forth, trying to score on each other’s goal. After a couple of goals, a panel at the side of the game unleashed a fury of pucks on our game.

Dozens of smaller pucks spilled onto the game field and chaos ensued. There were pucks flying around everywhere. I was doubling over with laughter. I really don’t think that I’ve laughed that hard in a long time. After a couple of moments passed, more miniature pucks fell down. And more of them again. I think our final score was something like 91-77, which is insanely high for a game of air hockey. You’ve gotta try it when you go to the Rec Room!

Admire Art at Museum London

Museum London is Southwestern Ontario’s leading gallery for regional art, culture, and history. They have one of Canada’s most important art collections, featuring over 5000 regional and Canadian works, as well as 45,000 artifacts illustrating London’s history. This museum continues to inspire and represent the community by sharing and preserving its art and history. If you’re looking for things to do in London Ontario, add this amazing museum to your list. It’s also a great rainy day activity, too!

Kent Monkman Exhibition

The exhibition by Kent Monkman, Shame and Prejudice: A Story of Resilience , runs from June 1st to August 25, 2019. You absolutely need to check this one out, whether you’re visiting London or you’re a local resident. It’s very enlightening and quite moving.

This exhibit was created by Monkman as a response to the Canada 150 celebrations happening a couple of years ago for Canada’s 150th birthday. The history of Canada is written by the victorious and in this case, European white men. Kent Monkman is a Canadian Cree artist who brings attention to the complex and devastating history of Canada’s First Nations. He works in a variety of mediums (paint, installations, video, and performance) to reinterpret romanticized North American landscapes and historic events. In doing so, Monkman explores themes of colonization, sexuality, loss, devastation, genocide, and resilience.

Through Monkman’s gender-fluid alter-ego, Miss Chief Eagle Testickle, we travel back in time through Canada’s history from its beginnings as New France. This exhibition details how Canada’s history is told through art and stories from the lens of newly arrived white Europeans. Then, it juxtaposes the mainstream history with Monkman’s art, which brings some of Canada’s darkest chapters in history to light.

We’ll see romanticized portrayals of the fur trade, the signing of treaties, and beautiful landscapes. Monkman gives us a window into alternate perspectives and devastating realities for First Nations from history to the present day, including the reserve system, residential schools , mass incarceration, and destitution. The piece illustrating the genocidal nature of residential schools is particularly moving.

Visiting the Monkman exhibition should be required viewing for all Canadians. Definitely check it out at Museum London this summer before the exhibit is over.

The Rhino Lounge

Fancy a sweet treat before or after your visit to Museum London? Pop by the Rhino Lounge bakery and coffee shop, right inside the museum. While it’s not an exclusively vegan cafe, they cater quite heavily for vegans and vegetarians with many plant-based offerings. Browse their Facebook page for lots of drool-worthy photos of vegan treats: vegan calzones, tarts, doughnuts, vegan and gluten-free chocolate cake, and more.

Tea Time at The Tea Lounge

If you’re looking for what to do in London Ontario and you’re a tea lover, don’t leave the city without visiting The Tea Lounge . It’s a peaceful place, just off Richmond Row, to savor a cup of tea and light meals. There was a very serene atmosphere when I dined on the front porch, as I enjoyed a light breeze with my freshly brewed tea.

You can choose from a variety of over 100 high quality loose-leaf teas from around the world on their expansive menu, as chosen by their tea sommelier. Then, you can drink tea from a traditional tea set that corresponds with its country of origin. For instance, I chose the Uji Gyokuro tea from Japan, so my tea was served in a traditional Japanese tea set. I was shown exactly how to steep my tea properly, and there was an endless supply of hot water (at the ideal temperature for the tea).

Vegan Food at The Tea Lounge

Next, I enjoyed a delicious lunch at The Tea Lounge. The menu is predominantly vegan and plant-based, with the small exception of a few vegetarian items. I tried a vegan cheese platter with a variety of local, nut-based cheeses. Artisan vegan cheese is absolutely delicious, so I urge you to order this one, even if you don’t follow a vegan lifestyle. I also ordered a nourishing bowl of miso soup, which matched my Japanese tea quite perfectly.

If you’re feeling a little hungrier, order one of their Mason jar salads. I tried the Sexy Mexi Jar (love the name!), which includes greens, black beans, peppers, onions, corn, chickpeas, guacamole, and vegan cheese. To top it all off, I had a vegan chocolate chip scone for dessert, complete with coconut cream and local jams. I haven’t had a scone in years and years, so it was such a treat to try this veganized version.

Treat yourself to afternoon tea, a light lunch, and dessert at the Tea Lounge. It’s one of the most memorable things to do in London, and it’s also a fabulous place to gather with your partner, friends, or family. In fact, there was a birthday party indoors when I attended…for the cutest little dog named Pip!

Sample Craft Brews at Curley Brewing Co

I’m a huge fan of craft beer and microbreweries, so I just had to check out Curley Brewing Company . Curley Brewing is a nano brewery , meaning that they produce beer in small batches. You can only find their beer in house, so head straight to Curley Brewery to sample a flight or a pint. There was also a fantastic duo playing some rock tunes during my visit on a Friday night, which boosted the lively atmosphere. It’s one of the best places to visit in London Ontario.

There were so many unique kinds of beer on tap. I couldn’t decide between the Citra Blonde (blonde ale with cascade and citra hops), Kettle Bird (lightly soured and dry hopped ale), or the Mocha Stout (stout with coffee, bourbon soaked vanilla beans, cacao). But, I eventually ended up choosing the Strong Hill for something a little fruity (saison with raspberries and blackberries). It was a wise decision as it was very refreshing and like summer in a glass!

Vegan Brew Cafe

Curley Brewing Company is also the first vegan brew cafe I’ve ever visited. Their pub grub is so yummy and pairs perfectly with the beer. There’s just about every comforting dish or snack imaginable, all made completely with plants. I was tempted by all of the options: burgers, sandwiches, quesadillas, grilled cheese, and more. In the end, I couldn’t resist a big ol’ plate of vegan nachos – yum!

The Best Vegan Food in London

If you’re looking for the best vegan restaurants in London, you’ve come to the right place. Don’t forget about the options I listed above (Curley Brewing Company, the Tea Lounge, and Rhino Lounge) as they’re fantastic options, too. Here are some more amazing vegan restaurants and restaurants with vegan options where I suggest you dine when you visit London, Ontario.

Plant Matter Kitchen

I’m not a stranger of Plant Matter Kitchen. In fact, I visited Plant Matter Kitchen a few years ago during a trip to London where I explored local markets and the local food movement. PMK not only lived up to my memories, but potentially exceeded my expectations once again.

Plant Matter Kitchen focuses on vegan, organic, fresh and healthy meals made from local ingredients when possible. Only the good stuff here! It’s always difficult to choose something from the menu when it all sounds so delicious. I decided to try the Holistic Enchilada and it was super tasty. Every ingredient worked so well together: refried beans, kale, sweet potato, peppers onions, sour cream, and cheese sauce, smothered in tomato sauce in a wheat tortilla. I quenched my thirst with a black currant kombucha.

The folks at PMK have two other vegan establishments in London: Plant Matter Bistro and Plant Matter Cafe. I’ll have to try the other two on my next visit!

Garlic’s of London

Garlic’s of London is a farm-to-table restaurant in downtown London that has served up chef-driven meals for over 25 years. They source the highest quality ingredients from local farmers and producers, merging rustic eats with a modern flare.

I was pleased to see a few vegan options on the menu. My server was happy to point out all of the plant-based meals, as she also happened to follow a vegan diet. I decided to order the Slow Roasted Garlic Bulb to start, which has apparently been on the menu since the restaurant opened 25 years ago. It only seemed fitting to eat a bulb of garlic at Garlic’s (also, the perks of dining solo: no one was there to smell my garlic breath!).

For my entree, I selected the vegan Pad Thai with tofu, rice noodles, bean sprouts, toasted peanuts, chili, lime, scallion, and coriander. I loved how both dishes were so artfully arranged on their respective plates, and both meals were tasty and full of flavor. I highly recommend checking out Garlic’s if you’re planning a date night or having dinner before catching a show at the local theater that’s around the corner.

The Little Bird Cafe

The Little Bird Cafe is a cozy spot in Wortley Village with a cute patio. I got there pretty early in the morning for breakfast and the patio was nearly packed. I was a little bit cold, so I didn’t mind eating indoors. There are a few vegan options for breakfast, and I ordered two of them: the chia seed pudding (which had interesting flavors that actually worked quite well together – pineapple, coconut, and dark chocolate) and the grapefruit brulee.

I thought the chia seed pudding was delicious, but that grapefruit brulee really stole the show. There was a layer of sugar on top of the grapefruit, which had been heated with a flame, much like a creme brulee. I had to crack the top of the sugar layer to get to the fruit, eating a spoonful of crunchy sugar with each bite of grapefruit. It was sinfully sweet and not like anything I’ve tried before.

Save Room for Dessert

Even if you’re full, I advise that you save an extra little space of room in your stomach for a sweet treat. After all, desserts go in a separate area of your stomach right? Here are a couple of spots where you’ll find vegan dessert in London.

Chick Boss Cake

When you walk into Chick Boss Cake , you feel like you’re walking right into a beautiful Instagram feed. There are gorgeous decorated spaces throughout the bakery and even entire walls devoted to taking selfies.

They also have vegan cupcakes, which was my primary reason for visiting. I ordered a rainbow colored cotton candy cupcake. Then, it only seemed fitting to order a matching rainbow lemonade. Their Pride lemonade celebrates Pride Month, and it also tasted like Skittles. Yum!

Chil Frozen Yogurt

Did you know that Chil Frozen Yogurt has over 100 toppings and they have an absolute ton of vegan options? Chil was my last stop on my tour around the city, and it was such an amazing surprise that tops my list of things to do in London Ontario. Essentially, it’s a frozen yogurt bar where you pay by weight for your dessert.

There are four different kinds of vegan ice cream bases, so I did a mix of vanilla and chocolate. Then, there are a variety of kinds of cookie dough, candies, syrups, sauces, fruits, nuts, and more. You name it, it’s a topping at Chil Frozen Yogurt. The vegan options are clearly marked all around the shop. After you’re done, you weigh your masterpiece and then…eat! I was rather pleased with my ice cream creation, which looks like a child went a little crazy at the ice cream shop. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Getting There

As I spent a couple of days in Windsor before visiting London, I traveled from Windsor to London aboard the VIA Rail train. My journey was quick and easy, and the service is always excellent on the train. I also took VIA Rail from London back to Union Station in Toronto, too. If you have a car, you can always drive to London, but the train is such a relaxing experience (and more environmentally friendly, too!).

Getting Around

I mostly walked around on my own two feet as many neighborhoods in London are quite walkable. However, when the distance was a little too far, I used Uber to get all over town. Uber drivers are plentiful in London, especially since it’s a university city.

Want to see more photos of London?

See all of our travel photos in one place at our travel photography page. You can also click the “buy” button on any picture to purchase gifts made from our photos.

If you’re looking for things to do in London Ontario, whether you’re a local or a visitor, I hope that my list has helped inspire your plans. There are so many activities in London Ontario that I couldn’t possibly visit all of them in just one stay. Just as there are so many more vegan restaurants to try, too! I can’t wait to make another trip down to London for another incredibly fun weekend away.

More Things to Do in Southwestern Ontario

I’ve been to Ontario’s Southwest on numerous occasions and there are always new places to explore. Why not make a road trip out of it? I love that there’s a seemingly endless amount of things to see and do in southwestern Ontario. Here are some ideas to help you plan your adventures:

• Best Things to Do in Kingsville, Ontario
• Best things to do in Grand Bend, Ontario
• An eco-friendly guide to Windsor, Ontario
• Pinery Provincial Park and Grand Bend in the Winter
• Otterville and Tillsonburg, Ontario
• Best things to do in Woodstock, Ontario
• Visit the beach town of Port Stanley, Ontario
• Things to do in Turkey Point, Ontario
• Long Point Eco Adventures in Turkey Point

Lauren is the full-time travel blogger and content creator behind Justin Plus Lauren. She started Justin Plus Lauren in 2013 and has travelled to 50+ countries around the world. Lauren is an expert on vegan travel as one of the very first vegan travel bloggers. She also focuses on outdoor adventure travel, eco and sustainable travel, and creating amazing travel itineraries for cities and small towns.

Thursday 18th of July 2019

It was a complete pleasure having you visit us at The Tea Lounge! This article is very thorough and you have showcased some of the very best of our city - including some gems I bet even the locals aren’t fully aware of. It’s wonderful to see London through the eyes of a visitor. Thank-you and please visit us again soon!

Thank you, Michelle! It was a delight to visit you at The Tea Lounge and I absolutely loved it there. I really hope to return soon!

• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

Must Do Canada

The Best Things to Do in Canada

Things to Do in London Ontario

April 19, 2022 By Maureen Spencer 1 Comment

Sharing is caring!

London, Ontario has quite a few things in common with that other London over on the other side of the world in the United Kingdom. There’s a Thames River and a Covent Garden, but Ontario’s London also has its own unique set of attractions to make it an interesting place to visit in its own right.

Located in southwestern Ontario , London is about halfway between Toronto , Ontario and Detroit, Michigan, just north of Lake Erie and the US border. It is also known as the “Forest City” as it was once a thick forest, which is still quite evident with the many woodlands, parks, and greenways along the Thames River.

Home to the University of Western Ontario, it’s also known as a “university city” with many students living here. It has some of Ontario’s oldest buildings and there are plenty of eateries, cultural centres and outdoor activities to keep you busy. 

In this Ontario travel guide, we’ll share with you the top things to do in London, Ontario, including where to eat and drink.

If you can time your visit to one of the many festivals, Sunfest is a great option. Sunfest is an annual Canadian festival of food, culture, art, and music and one of the many festivals that take place in London throughout the year. It takes place every July at Victoria Park and is the second-largest world music event in Canada. In addition to the live music, there is also delicious food on offer from all over the world. 

Location: Victoria Parc, 509 Clarence Street, London.

Victoria Par k

Victoria Park was originally designed back in 1874 as a British Military base and cricket ground spread out over 7.3 hectares. Today, it is one of the major centres of community events in London. It features a bandstand, a skate park, a skating rink, and several monuments. If you’re visiting around the Christmas holidays, the lighting of the Christmas lights is a very special event to witness.

It’s a great park to just go for a stroll and relax, taking the opportunity of spotting the melanistic (black) Eastern Gray Squirrels. The park is also close to Richmond Row, which has beautiful shops, fabulous restaurants and great lounges/bars.

Location : 509 Clarence Street, London

Springbank Park & Storybook Gardens

Springbank Park is London’s largest park covering 350 acres alongside the Thames River. It has 30 km of tree-lined trails for biking, hiking, rollerblading, jogging, or walking. Many birds can be seen along the shores of the Thames River such as Geese, American Goldfinch, Blue Jays, Cardinals, Cedar Waxwing, and Chickadees, so be sure to bring your binoculars and camera.

There’s also a playground, swings, a wading pool, picnic areas and soccer fields and it is home to Storybook Garden , a favourite family destination with its enchanting storybook environment aimed at young children, themed around storybooks, fairy tales, and nursery rhymes.

There’s also ice skating in the winter and a splash park in the summer.

Location: 1085 Commissioners Road W, London, Ontario.

Banting House

Can you even imagine a world without insulin? Banting House is the former residence of Dr. Frederick Banting, the inventor of insulin. It is the very house where Sir Frederick Banting woke up at two o’clock in the morning on October 3, 1920, with the idea that led to the discovery of insulin. Today it is a museum dedicated to his life and his discovery of insulin and is known as the “Birthplace of Insulin.”

Location: 442 Adelaide Street N, London.

St. Peter’s Cathedral Basilica

Located in the heart of the downtown area of London, St Peter’s Cathedral Basilica was built in the early 1800s during the episcopate of Bishop John Walsh to serve as the cathedral for the Diocese of London. Designed by the prominent architect Joseph Connolly, it was constructed in the 13th-century French Gothic style, which was favoured by Ontario’s Roman Catholics in the late 19th century. 

This magnificent structure features massive bell towers, high transepts, an imposing sanctuary and a fine rose window made in Innsbruck, Austria. Although the interior was decorated in 1925-26 and the towers, sacristy and chapel were completed in 1957-58, the building retains its original character. 

Location: 196 Dufferin Avenue, London.

Canadian Medical Hall of Fame

The Canadian Medical Hall of Fame is another London tourist attraction that is well worth a visit. The Canadian Medical Hall of Fame honours Canada’s medical heroes and aims to inspire youth to pursue careers in the health sciences.  The Hall seeks to be representative of the full breadth of health leadership and excellence in research, clinical care, illness prevention, education, and health administration. Six nominees are inducted each year. 

The exhibit hall showcases displays related to the many major medical breakthroughs in Canada and includes important tributes to Canada’s first nursing and healthcare professionals. 

Location: 100 Kellogg Ln, London

Eldon House

Eldon House was built in 1834 and is London’s oldest residence and contains family heirlooms, furnishings and priceless treasures of the Harris Family. Eldon House has been preserved and maintained since 1960 when it was donated to the City of London.

It was home to four generations of the Harris family and is an excellent example of Georgian and Regency architectural styles. Be sure to check out the gardens that are considered to be among the most beautiful in the city. There are also seasonal events throughout the year.

Location: 481 Ridout Street N, London.

Covent Garden Market

London’s Covent Garden Market is one of the oldest markets in Canada.  The market is a local landmark and is always busy with shoppers enjoying locally grown produce and fresh food as well as restaurants, bars, a theatre, and specialty shops. During the summer, there is plenty of entertainment with street performers and musicians outdoors and in the winter, there’s also a skating rink!

From May to December, the farmer’s market operates outdoors whereas in the winter the market goes indoors to the building’s upper floor.

LOCATION: 130 King Street, London

Labatt Brewery

Like beer? Canada’s largest brewer is Labatt and its headquarters are in London. You can take a two-hour tour of the brewery, which of course, includes sampling.

Craft beer is really all the rage these days though, and some other smaller local breweries in London include the Toboggan Brewing Company and Anderson Craft Ales. 

Location : 150 Simcoe Street, London.

Fanshawe Pioneer Village

Fanshawe Pioneer Village is an open-air museum that uses historical reenactments and activities to portray the lives of the early settlers in the London area.  It was created in 1959 on 19 hectares of land. It is split into four areas that each represents a different period in the development of the area from 1820 to 1920.

There are numerous events held throughout the year and the traditional Christmas Market is a very popular one. 

Location: 1424 Clarke Road, London. 

Museum London

Museum London is an art and history museum located near the forks of the Thames River. It started its operations in 1940 with London Public Library and amalgamated with London Regional Art Gallery and London Regional Historical Museum in 1989. It is a part art gallery and part history museum and home to over 5,000 unique works of art and 45,000 artifacts from all over Canada.

Other interesting museums in London are the Museum of Ontario Archaeology and the Royal Canadian Regiment Museum.

Location:   421 Ridout St N, London

London Children’s Museum

This very popular children’s museum has over 100,000 visitors a year. Established in 1975, the museum focuses only on subjects of interest to kids with hands-on exhibits and interactive displays. The London Children’s Museum helps children indulge their curiosity and play their way to a life of innovation and creative discovery.   

Location: 21 Wharncliffe Road S, London.

East Park London

Who doesn’t like waterslides and Go-Karts?

All of these things (and more) can be done at East Park Golf . The golf course/amusement park is great for the whole family, with things for everyone to enjoy. For those who love to golf, you’ll be pleased to know that this course is an 18-hole, Robbie Robinson-designed course that is stunningly beautiful and a great place to play. In fact, some rank it as the best golf course in London!

If golf isn’t your thing, head to the amusement park portion of East Park Golf. This is where you’ll find the waterpark, the Go-Kart track, bumper cars, and rock climbing.

How to Get to London, Ontario

From Toronto: The total driving time is about 2 hours 15 minutes and the halfway point is Cambridge, Canada. The driving distance is 189 km (117 miles).

From Detroit: The driving time is about 2 hr 5 min via ON-401 E and the distance is 194km ( 120.6 miles) 

From Toronto: There are three return trips per day between Toronto and London operated by VIA Rail and GO Transit. The train journey time is around 2h 16m and covers a distance of around 185 km. 

From Detroit: The train journey time between Detroit and London is around 1h 51m and covers a distance of around 174 km. Operated by VIA Rail, the Detroit to London train service departs from Windsor and arrives in London. Typically 28 trains run weekly.

From Toronto or Detroit: From Toronto’s Pearson International Airport or the Detroit Metro Airport, the Robert Q Airbus runs an airport bus service to London, Ontario. For those on a budget, it is often less expensive than flying to London and this company offers discounted student rates. 

London International Airport offers daily flights from major Canadian cities.

Air Canada has daily flights from Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal, Swoop Airlines has daily flights from Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Abbotsford and Halifax; and WestJet has daily flights from Toronto, Calgary and Montreal. 

The London International Airport is approximately a 20-minute drive to the downtown area.

Where to Eat and Drink in London

It’s always such a difficult decision when you’re in a new place to find the best places to eat. To help you out we have scanned the internet restaurant reviews for London, Ontario for top recommendations and we have listed the 6 restaurants that had excellent reviews and appealed to us. 

Waldo’s on King: According to TripAdvisor, Waldo’s on King is the #1 restaurant in London. People rave about the delicious food and the generous portions.

Zen’Za Pizzeria: If you’re after mouth-watering pizza, this is the place to go. We’ve heard that people even drive from other nearby cities to eat here.

Ivanopoblano: Craving Mexican food? The menu at Ivanopoblano includes delicious tacos, quesadillas, and even cupcakes! Toss in some tequila, beer, or wine, and you’ll have a great night out. People rank it as having impeccable service and Restaurant Gurus ranks it as the top restaurant in London, Ontario.

David’s Bistro: Visiting St. Paul’s Cathedral? This bar is nearby and features exquisite French cuisine. You’ll find things like salmon, lobster salads, duck legs, sticky toffee pudding, crème brûlée, and poached pears. Oh, and good coffee!

The Church Key Bistro-Pub: According to Yelp, this is the best restaurant in London. This extensively renovated pub resides in a prominent heritage building across from the Grand Theatre on Richmond Row in downtown London. It features an intimate outdoor courtyard and follows the British tradition of the gastropub by specializing in traditional food done with gourmet flair.

6 Roll Roll: Another incredibly popular restaurant in London is 6 Roll Roll, the best spot to eat some sushi! The staff is wonderful, the Japanese food is delicious, and the presentation is beautiful.

Best time to Visit (Weather in London, Ontario)

The best time to visit London is definitely from March through to May when the temperatures are mild and the city’s parks are green and blooming. Late spring and summer are also popular times to visit.

May can be a glorious month to visit London because temperatures average in the high teens, and late sunsets stretch daylight hours until about 9 pm. The hottest months are July, August, and then June. 

In any month, cloudy days can be damp and chilly, and it’s always best to be prepared for the possibility of rain. Make sure to bring your umbrella.

In London, the summers are warm and partly cloudy and the winters are freezing, snowy, windy, and mostly cloudy. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 16°F to 79°F and is rarely below -0°F or above 87°F.

For about 84 days a year, London has at least a centimetre of snow on the ground. In mid-winter, the snowpack averages around 11 cm deep. Generally, the snow cover begins to build in late December and accumulates further during January.

Looking for more Ontario Travel Guides?

Look no further. Whether you’re looking to take a helicopter ride over one of the world’s most famous waterfalls, stroll the streets of the most multicultural city on Earth, or visit an underground bunker built during the cold war, there’s something for everyone in our Ontario travel guides.

• Things To Do in Toronto
• Things to Do in Ottawa
• Things to Do in Niagara Falls
• Things to Do in Kingston
• Things to Do in Sudbury
• Ontario Facts

Reader Interactions

May 22, 2022 at 5:26 pm

Perfect timing to read this, I will be in London on Thurs to Fri.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Please enter an answer in digits: 4 + seventeen =

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

© 2022 Must Do Canada. All Rights Reserved.

Things to Do in Canada

• Privacy Policy
• Work With Us
• Get in Touch
• Facts about Canada
• Canadian Languages
• Canadian Money
• Canada Flags
• Things to Do in Calgary
• Best Canada Road Trips
• Best Road Trip Essentials
• Fall in Canada
• Travel Resources

8 Best Things to Do in London Ontario in 2024

Oh, Yes, London is different. Yet, it has Piccadilly’s street, you can spot the Thames River, visit the Coven’s Market. But it’s not the London of England. Puzzled? London city is located on the South Western side of Ontario, Canada . With many places to visit, there are also several top things to do in the City. The city is designed in a rectangular shape and it is known for its design. It has several top monuments, authentic restaurants, breweries and more. It is also surrounded by farmlands. When you are in Canada, do not miss visiting the City of London. Here are the 8 top things to do in Ontario.

8 Top Things to Do in Ontario

• Victoria Park
• St. Peter’s Cathedral Basilica
• Covent Garden Market
• Thames Valley Trail
• Storybook Gardens
• London Museum
• Labatt brewery in London
• Fanshawe Pioneer Village

1.Victoria Park

Victoria Park in London is one of the most visited places in the city. It is about 7.3 hectares in area. It is a recreational park situated in the city centre. Other than this, the park also hosts numerous events to entertain its visitors. Locals track these local fests and plan a visit to the park to refresh and rejuvenate. You can walk around the park and there are many monuments located inside. Above all, the most interesting part of the Park is Squirrel fishing. Wondering what’s it? Since you can spot many Eastern Grey Squirrels in the park, Squirrel fishing is a must have experience and is one of the best things to do in Ontario.

2. St. Peter’s Cathedral Basilica

St. Peter’s Cathedral Basilica is a magnificent attraction in the city of London and visiting it is one of the best things to do in Ontario. It was built in the year 1834. The stained window glass is so beautiful in the church, do not miss to photograph it in different angles. The Church also has stunning paintings. You can visit the church anytime, as it’s open all day.

3. Covent Garden Market

The Covent Garden Market is fondly called as London’s treasure. When you are here, you can find anything that you are in need of. This market is an iconic landmark of London city and is one of the best things to do in Ontario. You can find meat shops, fruit shops and other shops too. In addition to this, the Covent Garden Market also houses many best restaurants and cafés. So, you can taste the best food when you are here. This is also the best place to buy souvenirs. From handicraft goods, chocolates, the Covent Garden Market has everything. Between May and December, the market starts functioning outdoors, and it’s indeed a great experience to have!

4. Thames Valley Trail

Go for a long walk along the Thames valley when you are in London for it is one of the best things to do in Ontario. The Thames Valley Trail is about 109 km and is one of the beautiful hikes as well. In the trail, you will pass through Delaware, St.Mary’s and London along the way. It also passes through a few parks in London like Springbank Park. You can take regular breaks in between and rest a while. The Thames Valley Trail is a one-day activity. You can join any of the group hikes with a team leader, who will guide you on the way.

5. Storybook Gardens

Want to experience some fun games and thrilling rides? Head to the Storybook Gardens in the London city. It has many family-friendly and kid-friendly activities to entertain all age groups. Above all, it’s open all year round, providing sure shot entertainment to the visitors making it one of the best things to do in Ontario. There are several attractions based on themes like Humpty Dumpty, Three men in a tub etc.., In addition to this, you can also go skating and have lots of fun. Bring out the child in you when you are at the Storybook Gardens.

6. London Museum

When in London, never miss wandering around a museum. Yes, there are many great museums in the heart of London city. These museums are also on the best visits list when you are in the city. Firstly, visit the London museum. It has about 5000 artworks and other art-related archives. If you are an art lover, this is the place to be, to enjoy ancient and modern arts. Other than this, there are also other top museums in London. The Royal Canadian Regiment Museum, Museum of Ontario Archaeology, and the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame are other museums that you must visit.

7. Labatt brewery in London

Labatt is one of the top breweries in London. When you are in the city, you can take a guided tour of the brewery. You can go around the brewery, observe the process and also sample drinks. This brewery is a must-visit place when you are in London. You get to interact with locals and enjoy the drinks as well. You can also dine at the local restaurants and relish authentic food. It takes 2 hours to finish the brewery tour.

8. Fanshawe Pioneer Village

Visit the Fanshawe Pioneer Village to go back in time and see how the rural life experience was. This village is itself split into four areas and to showcase rural development. The village also has authorities explaining to us on all these arrangements. It has around 33 structures in all, installed in the village. Many are original structures from the past and few are recreated. Fanshawe Pioneer Village is an amusing place to visit in London city.

Download Heart of London App

When you are in London city, everything is cool. Now an app can be your potential tour guide! Download Heart of London App and explore the city in your pace. Cool Isn’t? Let the app guide as you embark on a journey to explore London. With commentaries, map links and all, the app can be your virtual guide to the city. The app tells you stories about different attractions in the city. A fun way to roam around isn’t?

Curious already? Visit the city of London in Ontario. Get the best of it by roaming around and visiting these top places. Begin planning right away, check out Packages to Canada. You can also customise your holiday now, head to the Pickyourtrail . Read more travel stories about Canada and get an idea about the country. Download the uber-cool Pickyourtrail app and get your trave queries answered. Browse through the app’s functions. Unwrap the world with Pickyourtrail!

Shamanthika

73 posts published., related itineraries.

Stunning 6 Nights Northern Lights Packages

• Flights excluded
• 4 star accommodations
• 3 activities
• Transfers excluded

₹ 64,954

Starting price/person

Fantastic 6 Nights Finland Northern Lights Tour Package

• 2 activities
• Shared transfer

₹ 69,369

Beautiful 10 Nights Italy Honeymoon Package

• Flights included
• 9 activities
• Private transfer

₹ 1,32,869

Ideal 6 day Switzerland Tour Packages for Family

• 3 star accommodations

₹ 99,112

Romantic 8 Nights Bali and Vietnam Honeymoon Packages

• 6 activities

₹ 99,947

Gorgeous 9 Nights Singapore Bali Honeymoon Packages

• 4.5 star accommodations

₹ 90,953

Magical 9 Nights Germany Vacation Packages

• 8 activities

₹ 79,832

Scenic 10 Nights Greece & Turkey Vacation Packages

• 5 star accommodations

₹ 60,718

Magical 7 Nights Croatia Tour Packages

• 10 activities

₹ 57,778

Beautiful 10 Nights Amsterdam Tour Package

₹ 1,84,115, related posts, big ben chimes for one last time before going silent until 2024, 4 best museums in london that are a must visit in 2024, tower bridge – a visit to london’s most iconic attraction in 2024, 9 best tours from toronto which you must not miss, winnipeg: 10 must-see attractions, attractions in gatineau – you can simply buy happiness here, best places to witness street art in london, what’s the difference between london and the city of london, all you need to know about the best airports in canada, lakes in calgary – get ready for an awestruck experience, london in december – discover london in the magical month of the year, a nightlife guide to london bridge – 5 best bars near london bridge.

Book a vacation completely online

Our community is growing fast

Sign up for exclusive PYT Club membership and access jaw-dropping deals before the rest of the world!

• Signup with Email
• Facebook community
• Telegram Community

Access exciting travel deals at best prices

• New Zealand
• South East Asia
• United Kingdom
• United States
• Switzerland
• Travelogues
• Travel News
• Guest Posts
• Write for us

Top Things to Do in London, Canada

Places to visit in london, explore popular experiences, tours in and around london.

Private:Brewery, Winery, and Cider & Spirit Tastings Tour in SW Ontario

European Evening Walking Food Tour in London, Ontario

London Scavenger Hunt: Exploring Forest City

Scavenger Hunt Adventure in London by Zombie Scavengers

Big Creek Kayak Tour

Kitchener Scavenger Hunt: The Kingdom of Kitchener

Guided Historical and Cultural Tour in Downtown Paris, ON Canada

Food Tasting and Self-Guided Walking Tour in Paris

Kitchener City Scavenger Hunt Excursion by Zombie Scavengers

Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Waterloo by Operation City Quest

Tours & sightseeing, top attractions in london.

Other Top Attractions around London

What travellers are saying

Top Things to Do in London, Canada - London Must-See Attractions

Things to do in london, explore popular experiences, tours in and around london.

Private:Brewery, Winery, and Cider & Spirit Tastings Tour in SW Ontario

European Evening Walking Food Tour in London, Ontario

London Scavenger Hunt: Exploring Forest City

Scavenger Hunt Adventure in London by Zombie Scavengers

Big Creek Kayak Tour

Kitchener Scavenger Hunt: The Kingdom of Kitchener

Guided Historical and Cultural Tour in Downtown Paris, ON Canada

Food Tasting and Self-Guided Walking Tour in Paris

Kitchener City Scavenger Hunt Excursion by Zombie Scavengers

Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Waterloo by Operation City Quest

Tours & sightseeing, top attractions in london.

Other Top Attractions around London

What travellers are saying

35 Best Day Trips from London, Ontario 2023 (We’re Locals!)

Are you looking for the best day trips from London, Ontario? As local Londoners, we’re here to help!

As locals of London for the last 15 years, we’ve honed our expertise in coming up the best places to visit around London, Ontario. And as avid explorers, we’ve managed to visit almost all of these day trip ideas on our list.

Let us take you around our backyard to the best tourist attractions, small towns, and other exciting places to day trip in Southwestern Ontario. Each place to visit is no more than 2 hours from London, and many are much closer.

Best Day Trips & Places to Visit Near London, Ontario

London is perfectly nestled between many of the best things to do in Southwestern Ontario. The area surrounding London is full of beautiful nature spots, historic sites, tourist attractions, and downright fun places to visit. Check out our top picks.

1. Guess Where Trips

Distance from London: Varies Price: $39 – $65 Location: View Trip Locations

If you’re looking for a spontaneous day trip near London, Ontario, you have got to check out Guess Where Trips . With an office located right in London, this local small-business is an expert on unique, one-day itineraries that blend mystery with exploration. 

When you buy a Guess Where Trips itinerary , you will pick an itinerary that hints to the type of journey you’ll embark on, and that gives you an approximate idea of the area you’ll be driving around.

Your itinerary comes equipped with envelopes that reveal each leg of the journey as you go, recommending stops and offering insider tips and discounts along the way. Think Amazing Race within your own backyard!

Because all of their itineraries are planned and ready to go, they make the perfect gift for someone who has it all or who loves adventure and spontaneity. We honestly think it’s the best new way to road trip around southwestern Ontario and see some of the best small towns and attractions in the area.

🗺️ Check out exciting Guess Where Trip itineraries close to you!

2. Clovermead Adventure Farm

Distance from London: 35 minutes Price: $20 (online rate), $27 (walk-in) Location: Google Maps Link

Clovermead Adventure Farm is one of the best adventure farms in Southwestern Ontario, and it’s located in Aylmer, just half an hour outside of London. At Clovermead, you’ll get to explore to animals, rides, play equipment, splashpad, fun farm-inspired educational attractions, and so much more.

And of course, a trip to this farm wouldn’t be complete without watching the bees do their busy work of creating honey right in front of your eyes! Make sure you also walk through the gift shop and taste free samples of delicious honey, and pick up some to go as a perfect souvenir of your visit to the farm.

We visited Clovermead last year with some friends and had a blast. The kids had hours of fun exploring and connecting with nature. If you’ve been raised in the city, there’s nothing like a trip to the farm, and Clovermead is just the place to visit near London to accomplish just that.

3. Apple Land Station

Distance from London: 20 minutes Price: $6-9 (Kids 2 and under are free) + additional for Apple Picking Location: Google Maps Link

One of our new favourite attractions near London, Ontario is Apple Land Station in Thames Centre. As parents of a busy toddler, we are always on the lookout for fun outdoor activities that are reasonably priced, educational and hands-on. If that’s you too, Apple Land Station does not disappoint! 

With a fun outdoor adventure area (with play equipment, a massive sand pile, petting zoo and more) and the chance to pick-your-own apples in their orchards, kids will easily be entertained for hours here. Our son particularly loved the “train” (wagon) ride to the orchards and the barn of animals to observe.

Even if you’re not coming with kids, Apple Land Station is a great place to visit near London for adults and older kids. It’s one of the only places to go apple picking close to the city, and has a seriously tempting indoor market with produce, freshly baked goods and tons more.

With affordable weekday discounts and reasonable prices all season long, Apple Land Station is one of our new go-to tourist attractions near London for the summer and fall seasons.

4. Greenview Aviaries Park and Zoo

Distance from London: 1 hour Price: Adults – $17; Kids – $12.50 Location: Google Maps Link

Greenview Aviaries Park and Zoo is an incredible local gem not only for its spectacular array of exotic birds and wildlife, but also for its park features that make it so much more than just a zoo. If you have kids around, this is one of the best places to visit near London, Ontario.

Greenview Aviaries has an extensive picnic and playground area, including a splash pad, jungle gym, mini zipline, and kids’ ball pit.

After visiting the animals and playing in the kids’ zone, don’t forget to walk through the miniature Shakespeareland before heading back home to London. This place can get very busy in the summer, but for good reason!

5. Treetop Trekking in Binbrook Conservation Area

Distance from London: 1 hour 25 minutes Price: Zipline + Aerial Game Trek – $47-$64; other activities – various Location: Google Maps Link

Get ready to find your inner kid (and inner Tarzan) as you climb and swing across the canopy at Treetop Trekking !

This adventure park is located in Binbrook Conservation Area, just outside of Hamilton (in addition to other locations throughout Ontario).

Treetop Trekking is most well-known for its ziplines and aerial courses, consisting of suspended bridges, balance cables, netted walkways, Tarzan swings and more.

There are also courses geared towards younger kids, making this a fun place for all ages. Not for the faint of heart and definitely for those ready for a thrill!

6. African Lion Safari

Distance from London: 1 hour 15 minutes Price: Adults – $33.95 + tax; Kids – $18.95 + tax (discount if purchased online) Location: Google Maps Link

African Lion Safari is another top tourist attraction close to London, Ontario. For many of us, it’s the closest thing we will ever get to seeing exotic animals in the wild. There are over 1000 species of animals and birds on over 750 acres of land.

What makes the African Lion Safari so unique compared to other zoos is that there are seven game reserves, where the animals roam freely while you drive around in your vehicle or on the park safari bus! There is also a lake cruise to see monkeys, lemurs, water foul and more!

The African Lion Safari will definitely be a memory to remember. If you choose to bring your own vehicle through the reserves, beware of possible damage that may be done (especially by the monkeys).

7. Twin Valley Zoo Brantford

Distance from London: 1 hour Price: Adults – $20; Kids – $10.50 Location: Google Maps Link

Brantford’s Twin Valley Nature Park provides an excellent opportunity to see over 80 species of animals and birds up close and personal.

Regular admission or guided tour options are available during the spring-fall months. The Twin Valley Nature Park is a smaller, family run park that comes at an affordable price, making it a great place to visit near London.

Twin Valley Nature Park also offers summer Nature Camps for kids!

8. Hot Air Balloon Ride

Distance from London: 20-25 min Price: $240-$300 + tax per person Location: Sundance Balloons ; Cloud Chasers Balloon Rides

Nothing says thrill quite like floating through the sky in an open bucket at 2000 feet!

If that catches your attention then you may just find your next day trip being to Sundance Balloons in Belmont, or Cloud Chasers Balloon Rides in Thorndale. Skyward Balloons even features options to parachute from the balloon or flying in Cold War Jets!

Other options a bit further away from London include Skyward Balloons in Cambridge, or Air Display in Barrie.

9. Niagara Falls & Niagara-on-the-Lake

Distance from London: 2 hours Price: Free Location: Google Maps Link

Niagara Falls is easily one of Canada’s largest tourist attractions, and unofficially the 8th Wonder of the World for its truly unique geological features and colossal falls.

If you’ve never spent time at the falls, take heart in knowing there are a ton of free and affordable things to do, along with many well-loved tours for the best experience.

As a budget-friendly option, we recommend spending time at the top of the falls outside the Table Rock Welcome Centre, checking out the entertainment on Clifton Hill, and spending time in the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens.

If you’re driving to the falls on your own, you’ll want to know that visiting the falls up close is free, other than paying for parking. Check out this Guide to Parking for all of the best spots (and even some free ones!).

Another popular way to see the Niagara region is to explore the scenic wine region of Niagara-on-the-Lake . You can easily visit multiple wineries and take a stroll through the picturesque downtown for a quaint day out.

✅ Check out our guide to the best hotels, inns and resorts in Niagara-on-the-Lake .

10. Toronto

Tourists rarely make it far in Ontario without paying a visit to Ontario’s capital city of Toronto. It’s only to be expected that downtown Toronto falls on our list of must-do day trips from London.

Toronto boasts many world-class tourists attractions, museums, educational centers, and parks. The CN Tower is often high on the list of things to see in Toronto, with many people enjoying a visit to the top and a walk on the famous glass floor.

You can also book admission tickets in advance to places like the Royal Ontario Museum , Hockey Hall of Fame and Art Gallery of Ontario , which are some of Toronto’s most popular destinations.

If you’re on a tight budget, we recommend spending time soaking in the busy city streets by walking through some of Toronto’s famous districts, like the Distillery District, Kensington Market, Chinatown, Cabbagetown, and the Waterfront District.

We also enjoy shopping at some of Toronto’s eclectic vintage and thrift stores or walking through the popular Eaton Centre mall.

A good compromise between budget travelling Toronto and seeing the most of the city is to book a walking tour. Because you’re cutting out the need for transportation, the cost goes way down, but you still get the benefit of a guide to show you some of the most interesting parts of the city.

Looking for the best Toronto tours? ✅ Best ‘Spirited’ Tour: Best Distillery District Walking Tour 🍜 Foodies’ Favourite: Kensington Market International Food Walking Tour 🚴‍♀️ Best Bike Tour: Downtown Toronto Bike Tour

If you have the time, we also recommend catching a roundtrip ferry ride ($8.50 per adult) to the Toronto Island for unique attractions and stellar views of the Toronto skyline!

Finally, if you are truly a thrill-seeker, you will want to make sure to check out Canada’s Wonderland for the best rollercoasters in Ontario!

Just be prepared that driving in Toronto can be hectic to say the least. Planning your trip around rush hour is definitely a wise idea, and if time allows, consider booking a hotel overnight so you can experience the best of Toronto at night .

Staying in Toronto overnight? Check out one of these top downtown hotels: ✅Best Luxury Hotel:  Ritz-Carlton Toronto ✅Best Budget Hotel:  Holiday Inn Express Toronto Downtown

11. St Jacob’s Farmer’s Market & Flea Market

Distance from London: 1 hour 15 minutes Price: Free Location: Google Maps Link

St. Jacob’s Farmer’s Market is Canada’s largest year-round farmer’s market and flea market ! There are hundreds of local food, craft and antique vendors here, many who come from Kitchener-Waterloo’s respected Old Order Mennonite communities.

Not only will you easily enjoy browsing many fresh, local and homemade foods and goods, you will also have the chance to step into a different culture as you see people arriving by horse and buggy. Enjoy diversity on many levels at St. Jacob’s for a truly unique shopping experience!

12. U-Pick Fruit Farms

Distance from London: Various Price: Pay for produce picked Location: Various

Without a doubt, trips to local pick-your-own fruit (and vegetable) farms are always a highlight of our summers. Most offer free admission and often even cheaper prices than you will find in stores, making U-Pick experiences an easy win on a summer day out.

Many farms also sell other ready-picked produce and some even offer additional fun activities for kids!

Here are a few local pick-your-own fruit farms close to London for you to check out this year: Millar Berry Farm (U-Pick Strawberries, Raspberries, Apples) – London Heeman’s Berry Farm (U-Pick Strawberries) – London Talbotville Berry Farm (U-Pick Strawberries) – Talbotville Apple Land Station (Apple Picking) – Thorndale Gabriel Fresh Produce (U-Pick Vegetables) – Komoka Kustermans Family Farm (U-Pick Blueberries) – Mount Brydges Olde Drive Blueberry Farm (U-Pick Blueberries) – Mount Brydges *cash only Park’s Blueberries (U-Pick Blueberries) – Bothwell Blueberry Hill Estates (U-Pick Blueberries) – St. Williams Arrowwood Farm (U-Pick Blueberries) – Melbourne

13. St Mary’s Quarry

Distance from London: 35 minutes Price: $7 per adult; $4.50 per child/youth Location: Google Maps Link

St Mary’s Quarry is Ontario’s largest freshwater outdoor swimming pool! Swimming here is truly an experience you will not forget. No sandy beaches to contend with, no fear of currents, just a wide open body of fresh water surrounded with beautiful rocky cliffs and fish swimming below you.

Swimmers can have fun cliff jumping, floating on rafts, and renting stand-up paddleboards ($10). Additional activities (water trampoline, beach volleyball and slides) are subject to restrictions applicable at the time of visiting.

Advanced reservations are required online. The Quarry is expected to be open each year from early July to Labour Day.

14. Erieau Beach

Distance from London: 1 hour 20 minutes Price: Free Location: Google Maps Link

Erieau is one of Lake Erie’s hidden gems. Erieau is the perfect place to escape to the beach without having to contend with the large crowds and hiked prices that you will find at many beaches closer to Ontario’s larger cities. The village comes alive in the summers, as it is home to many cottagers.

The Erieau Public Beach has great swimming and good amenities for families, such as a pavilion, playground, skatepark and public washrooms.

We recommend enjoying some wood-fired pizza and local craft beer, or some fresh-caught perch or pickerel before making your way back to London. This little village really is the perfect place to retreat to the beach!

👉 Check out our Ultimate Vacation Guide to Erieau .

15. Long Point Provincial Park

Distance from London: 1 hour 20 minutes Price: Day use – $15.50 per vehicle Location: Google Maps Link

If you like long walks on the beach, then Long Point Provincial Park is for you. With 2 km of beautiful sandy beaches slowly leading out into shallow warm waters, Long Point is called by many the best beach in Ontario .

As you might expect, Long Point Provincial Park’s main attraction is its pristine sandy beaches leading out to a 40 km sand spit into Lake Erie. While it’s not possible for visitors to access the far tip of the park by foot, you can catch a boat tour that does just that.

The park also offers campgrounds, hiking trails, a bird observatory and many other activities to keep you busy.

We also recommend spending the day, or even booking an overnight glamping stay at Long Point Eco-Adventures .

This glamping and adventure resort gets our vote for one of the top family resorts in Ontario , as it’s filled with fun activities like ziplining, axe throwing, canoeing and kayaking, stargazing and touring the bee apiary and foraging for mushrooms.

Stop in nearby Port Rowan for beach town shopping or at Turkey Point for another fantastic sandy beach.

16. Goderich & Bayfield

Distance from London: 1 hour – 1 hour 20 minutes Price: Free Location: Google Maps Link

Goderich has been known for over 100 years as the “Prettiest Town in Canada.” The town butts up against the bluffs of Lake Huron, making for spectacular waterfront views, and of course, popular beaches. With well-kept historic buildings, cute boutique shopping, and local fine dining, a day out in Goderich is easily enjoyed.

Check out our full post on Goderich Beach activities so you can be convinced that this town is worth visiting!

Bayfield is another tourist town about 15 minutes south of Goderich, along the shores or Lake Huron. With popular beaches, shoreline walking trails and thriving local businesses, Bayfield makes for a perfect pair with Goderich for your next summer road trip.

17. Grand Bend

Distance from London: 1 hour Price: Free Location: Google Maps Link

Grand Bend is one of Ontario’s most popular beach destinations. If you’re looking for a crowd, busy main street shopping, and no shortage of ways to have fun this summer, you’re likely due for a trip to Grand Bend.

Grand Bend definitely attracts a young crowd and has a reputation for its beach nightlife. Many have made this their go-to summer beach for good reason!

If you’re looking for camping near Grand Bend, consider booking a site at the Pinery Provincial Park , less than 10 minutes from town.

👉 Read more at in our full guide to what to do at Grand Bend Beach .

18. Port Stanley

Distance from London: 40 minutes Price: Free Location: Google Maps Link

Port Stanley is our go-to beach destination each summer. While there are many fantastic beaches close to London, we find the atmosphere here to be exactly what we crave.

For us, Port Stanley has the perfect mix of a bustling sandy beach, warm Lake Erie waters, and the fantastic GT’s on the Beach where you can enjoy a drink while you sink your toes in the sand.

Nothing comes closer to our memories of our travels to the Caribbean than spending an evening here, where some of the locals have even planted their own palm trees! 

Only a 40 minute drive from London, Port Stanley is the perfect place to relax on a weekday evening or for a full day out. 

👉 We’ve written a full guide to Port Stanley Beach and what to do nearby.

19. Underground Railroad Museums (Chatham-Kent & Essex)

Distance from London: Each approx. 1 hour 30 minutes Price: Various Location: Uncle Tom’s Cabin ; Buxton Museum ; John Freeman Walls Historic Site ; Amherstburg Freedom Museum

Grow in your understanding of the great freedom movement that has forever shaped North America by visiting some of Ontario’s well-preserved Underground Railroad Sites and Museums.

Hear the stories of the notable Josiah Henson ( Uncle Tom’s Cabin ) and other Black refugees from the American slave trade who bravely escaped into Upper Canada through the Underground Railroad.

View 1800s artifacts and historic buildings at the Elgin (Buxton) Settlement ( Buxton National Historic Site & Museum ), and walk through the old log cabin built and lived in by the fugitive slave John Freeman Walls ( John Freeman Walls Historic Site ).

Learn about Black history in one of the key entry points, Amherstburg, into Canada for fleeing slaves ( Amherstburg Freedom Museum ).

Visit one or many of these incredibly sites to gain an appreciation of the tremendous journeys braved by many Black slaves in our recent past.

20. Stratford

Distance from London: 50 minutes Price: Free Location: Google Maps Link

Stratford is another one of Southwestern Ontario’s charming small-town destinations, and for good reason.

Most known for its live performance Avon Theatre and Stratford Festival, this town, which shares a name with Shakespeare’s hometown of Stratford-upon-Avon, understandably has a fascination with the great Elizabethan writer. 

Whether you choose to enjoy a live theatre show or simply walk the picturesque streets of this historic town, we think you will find your trip to Stratford relaxing and enjoyable. 

Oh yes, and if you happen to be a foodie, we recommend catching a food tour and definitely making a stop at Rheo Thompson Candies for their famous gourmet chocolates.

Tip: If you’re ever on the lookout for great Canadian gifts to send overseas , Rheo Thompson chocolates are a uniquely local, Canadian option!

Paris, Ontario (not to be confused with the one in France!) is the epitome of historic, picturesque town. While this town is quaint, it does not lack allure for visiting tourists.

From local food tours , to historic cobblestone tours, to viewing the “Lighting of the Paris Falls” of Penman’s Dam, to whitewater rafting on the Grand River, this little town knows the value of keeping its visitors wined, dined, relaxed and ready to return next time.

22. Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory

Distance from London: 1 hour Price: Adults (13+) – $20; Kids – $8 Location: Google Maps Link

Walk through a majestic tropical garden filled with over 2000 exotic butterflies and moths inside the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory . With over 40 different species, originating mostly from Costa Rica or the Philippines, you will rarely come across an opportunity like this to be so up close with these charming creatures. 

Kids will not only love seeing real butterflies in each stage of metamorphosis, they will also have the chance to learn about other insects and arthropods, spot exotic birds flying through the gardens, and of course hope for a butterfly to land on them!

If spending the day in an enchanted tropical garden sounds like the perfect way to spend the day out, you will not be disappointed at the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory.

Just remember to wear bright colours so the butterflies will want to come close!

23. Dorchester Mill Pond

Distance from London: 20 minutes Price: Free Location: Google Maps Link

The Dorchester Mill Pond is a perfect place for a half-day nature adventure just outside of London. The Mill Pond Trail is a 3.3 km loop around, you guessed it, Mill Pond. 

Admission and parking are free. There’s also a picnic and playground area just beside the parking lot, so pack a lunch and set out on this nature adventure! While you’re at it, why not have some fun with a nature scavenger hunt for the kids!

24. Wildwood Conservation Area

Distance from London: 40 minutes Price: In season – $15 per car (off season – free during daytime open hours) Location: Google Maps Link

Wildwood Conservation Area is located between the quaint towns of St. Mary’s and Stratford. Wildwood is another fantastic option for getting out on the water and soaking in Ontario’s fabulous nature. 

Like Fanshawe Conservation Area, Wildwood offers water sports, camping (even back country camping!), and a hiking and biking trail (Lake Trail) for 25 km around the perimeter of Wildwood Reservoir. 

25. Rock Glen Conservation Area

Distance from London: 45 minutes Price: $4 per person (kids 5 and under free) Location: Google Maps Link

Rock Glen Conservation Area is a unique and exhilarating choice for a day trip close to London. This site is home to a picturesque 10.7 m tall waterfall, and happens to be a hot spot for prehistoric Devonian era fossils! 

It’s charming, romantic, adventurous, and not far from the beaches of Lake Huron. We think Rock Glen Falls is perfect to pair with an afternoon on the beach at Pinery Provincial Park, Ipperwash Beach , or Grand Bend . 

 👉 Read more from our day trip to Rock Glen Conservation Area .

26. Cheltenham Badlands

Distance from London: 1 hour 50 minutes Price: $10 reservation fee + $10-$15 parking fee Location: Google Maps Link

The badlands? You’re not the only one who thought this was only a thing of the mid-west. Located just outside the town of Caledon, it’s these unique red clay hills that make the Cheltenham Badlands worth the drive.

Although taking in the sight from the viewing platform is the main attraction here, there are also some hiking trails that to make your visit more complete: the Badlands Trail (0.3 km) and the Bruce Trail (1.3 km). 

We recommend pairing up a trip to the badlands with some unique shopping or fine dining in Caledon, or even more hiking at Forks of the Credit Provincial Park . Consider adding on something fun to do in Brampton if you’re looking for just a little more to round out your day!

27. Hamilton Waterfalls

Distance from London: Various (approx 1 hour 20 minutes) Price: various

Not only is Hamilton home to many of Ontario’s most beautiful waterfalls , it’s is known as the “Waterfall Capital of the World!”

There are over 100 waterfalls in and around the city of Hamilton, and many of them are in very well maintained conservation areas. For nature lovers, Hamilton is one of the best places to go near London for endless opportunities to explore the outdoors.

Many of the waterfalls easily accessible and close to parking, and others will require a bit of a hike to reach. Of course, because the falls are fueled by rainwater, we recommend visiting in spring and fall! 

Here are 9 of the best-rated waterfalls in the Hamilton area: Sherman Falls Borer’s Falls Buttermilk Falls Chedoke Falls Tiffany Falls Albion Falls Webster Falls Tew Falls Devil’s Punchbowl

Hamilton definitely has all of the best waterfalls near London and is worth a day trip for the adventurous soul!

 👉 See our complete guide to Dundas Peak, Tew Falls and Webster Falls .

28. Rondeau Provincial Park

Distance from London: 1 hour 10 minutes Price: April-October – $18 per car; October-March – $11.25 per car Location: Google Maps Link

Rondeau Provincial Park makes for an excellent day trip, especially if you are an avid birder or have kids who are eager to get their hands dirty exploring nature. 

Rondeau is a peninsula jutting into Lake Erie (and Rondeau Bay) and for that reason its marshy wetland is an important spot for many species of birds during their migration. In fact, over 330 species of birds have been spotted here! Rondeau is also home to Canada’s largest remnant Carolinian forest. 

The park Visitor Centre runs a Discovery Program for kids from spring to fall, with hands-on activities and hikes with naturalists. Rondeau has 6 hiking trails ranging from 1.2 km to 8 km, and 11 km of sandy beach. Rondeau Bay is also a popular spot for fishing. 

Whether you come for the day, or choose to camp here overnight, we highly recommend a trip to Rondeau Provincial Park this summer!

29. Point Pelee National Park

Distance from London: 1 hour 50 minutes Price: April-October – $7.90 per adult (0-17 are free); November-March – $6.10 per adult Location: Google Maps Link

Ever wanted to go to the southernmost tip of Canada? No problem! Point Pelee National Park is less than 2 hours from London, and is totally worth the drive! 

Point Pelee is Canada’s most ecologically diverse national park, with marshy wetlands, cedar savannah, and drylands, and home to over 390 species of birds! Plan your visit during the fall monarch butterfly migration for a spectacular experience you will never forget. 

We highly recommend a long, slow stroll along Marsh Boardwalk and Tower, canoeing or kayaking the marshes, hiking some of the 12 km of trails, and of course, taking the shuttle to the tip of the peninsula.

Enjoy swimming along the 20 km of sandy beaches, and maybe camp the night in one of the park’s unique oTENTik structures!

If you’ve got a real sense of adventure, consider planning your trip to be on one of the designated stargazing nights when the park is open until midnight. Point Pelee is, after all, a Dark Sky Preserve and offers incredibly opportunity to view the starry skies above.

If you’re up a 2-day trip from London to go a little bit further south, consider heading to Pelee Island ! Pelee Island is officially Canada’s southernmost inhabited area, and the birthplace of winemaking in Canada.

👉 We visited Pelee Island and wrote all about it on our guide to touring Pelee Island .

30. Town of Elora & Elora Gorge

Distance from London: 1 hour 30 minutes Price: Elora Gorge – $7.50 per adult; $3 per child 6+ Location: Quarry Location ; Elora Gorge Location

One of the most beautiful natural areas in Southwestern Ontario is without a doubt the Elora Gorge and the town of Elora. This conservation area is a great place to enjoy the wonder of the Grand River and its gorge that sits surrounded by steep rock cliffs and forests. 

The Grand River includes some intense rapids, and in case you haven’t heard, tubing or white water kayaking is a big thing here! We also recommend a hike at the Elora Gorge (3 km of trails).

If you prefer to keep both feet on dry ground, consider exploring the quaint town of Elora, topped off with dinner in the Elora Mill Hotel & Spa , or even booking an overnight package.

The Elora Quarry , just minutes away from the Elora Gorge, is another attraction of the town. The quarry is a large swim hole surrounded by the area’s steep cliffs.

Day Trips in London, Ontario (Without Leaving the City)

Does just thinking of packing up the car and hitting the road have you tired and worn out? 

There are a lot of awesome attractions and activities in London, Ontario that don’t require leaving the city!

Shop at one of the exciting farmer’s markets or visit a new coffee shop you’ve never been to. Head to some of London’s many thrift stores , plan a romantic date on the town , or spend the day shopping at Masonville Mall .

Here’s our pick for the top things to do in London, Ontario that you could make a full or half day trip out of.

31. Boler Mountain

Distance from London: 15 minutes Price: Ski Day Pass – $34-$71 + tax; Treetop Adventure Park – $35-$53 + tax Location: Google Maps Link

Boler Mountain is London’s very own solution for fun for both winter and summer thrill-seekers. With skiing, snowboarding and tubing in the winter months, to the Treetop Adventure Park, mountain bike trails, and beach volleyball in the green months, Boler Mountain easily one of the top tourist attractions in Southwestern Ontario.

While you may have no trouble remembering Boler for its ski hills, keep this local gem in mind throughout the spring-fall for an aerial course and zipline that come at a reasonable price, so close to home.

32. East Park London

Distance from London: In London Price: Various (depending on activity); Waterpark only – $6-$28, age dependent Location: Google Maps Link

East Park is your perfect choice for something to do in London that is super fun for kids and adults. The popular waterpark includes large slides, splashpad and a wave pool.

Visitors can choose to only pay for admission to the waterpark, or to purchase access to specific indoor and outdoor activities such as Go Karts, rock climbing, mini golf, batting cages, bumper cars, arcade, and jungle gym.

If you’re looking for a full day of fun, this day trip option has enough to keep everyone well entertained.

33. Fanshawe Pioneer Village

Distance from London: In London Price: $10 Adults; $7 Kids Location: Google Maps Link

Fanshawe Pioneer Village is a delightful step back in time! In a truly unique way, visitors will be immersed in the stories of locals who lived in London and its surrounding rural communities during the period of 1820-1920. 

Kids will especially enjoy the hands-on experience of trying out old-fashioned games and chores as they walk through old-time homes and farm yards.

Fanshawe Pioneer Village is also a beautiful place to host events such as weddings. We’ve had the chance to experience this ourselves, and the entire experience was truly incredible!

34. Fanshawe Conservation Area

Distance from London: In London Price: In Season – $15 per car (off season – free during daytime open hours) Location: Google Maps Link

Fanshawe Conservation Area is one of London’s best places to get out and explore nature. So much can be done here even without having to leave the city! 

Fanshawe Conservation Area offers camp sites (for both tent and trailer camping), canoe/kayak rentals, fishing, boat launch docks, a large day use picnic/BBQ area with pavilion rentals, and over 20 km of gorgeous hiking and biking trails that run the perimeter of Fanshawe Lake. Perfect for adults, kids, groups in all seasons!

👉 Check out our review of London’s best trails , including at Fanshawe Conservation Area.

35. Museum of Ontario Archaeology

Distance from London: In London Price: Adults – $5; Children – $3 Location: Google Maps Link

The Museum of Ontario Archaeology is educational for visitors of all ages, as it steps you back in time to learn about human history within Ontario for the last 13,000 years.

With the permanent on-site exhibit of a 500-year old village and a reconstructed longhouse, visitors can grow in their understanding of and appreciation for the way of life for some of Canada’s early indigenous peoples. 

Combined with other permanent and featured exhibits, the Museum of Ontario Archaeology is a highly valuable experience for learners of all ages.

Best Hotels in London, Ontario

Whether you’re visiting London or just thinking of booking a staycation in the city, here’s our top recommendations for hotels that will get you feeling like you’re on a getaway while still being close to home.

Best Western Plus Lamplighter Inn & Conference Centre ($$)

⭐Rated: 8.5/10 Stars (Booking.com)

This family-friendly hotel in London is beautiful furnished and well-maintained and features an amazing indoor pool and waterslide. The pool is set in a tropical atrium, which adds to the feeling of a real vacation without leaving London.

We’ve stayed here for a wedding and had an awesome experience. The rooms were comfortable and clean, and the indoor atrium was a welcomed bright spot in the dead of winter.

✔️ Book Best Western Plus Lamplighter Inn

The Idlewyld Inn & Spa ($$$)

⭐Rated: 9.1/10 Stars (Booking.com)

This Victorian era Inn is set in London’s picturesque Old South neighbourhood, just minutes from downtown. Featuring beautiful decored rooms, each with a private bath, your stay at the Idlewyld Inn will be luxurious, cozy and comfortable.

With an alluring spa and intimate restaurant onsite, you won’t even need to leave the Inn grounds to make the most of your stay.

✔️ Book Idlewyld Inn & Spa

👉 For more hotels, check out our full review of the best places to stay in London, Ontario .

Wrap Up: 35 Best Day Trips from London, Ontario

There are truly so many amazing places to see and things to do in Southwestern Ontario, that it is hard to narrow down a list.

If you’re looking for more inspiration, check out our full list of posts on Ontario beaches , or check our all of the posts we’ve written from our travels around Ontario .

We hope that you will find inspiration from our list of favourites and wish you many fun-filled road trips ahead!

Erie is the owner and author of Everywhere Ontario. She’s lived and traveled around Ontario for over 30 years, visiting small towns and big cities from the shores of Lake Erie to the crisp northern air of Hearst along the Trans-Canada Highway. She is passionate about maximizing fun and supporting local tourist businesses and is always looking to provide the best recommendations to her fellow Ontario travelers. Read more about Erie here .

Top Things to Do in London - London Must-See Attractions

Things to do in london, explore popular experiences, tours in and around london.

Private:Brewery, Winery, and Cider & Spirit Tastings Tour in SW Ontario

European Evening Walking Food Tour in London, Ontario

London Scavenger Hunt: Exploring Forest City

Scavenger Hunt Adventure in London by Zombie Scavengers

Big Creek Kayak Tour

Kitchener Scavenger Hunt: The Kingdom of Kitchener

Guided Historical and Cultural Tour in Downtown Paris, ON Canada

Food Tasting and Self-Guided Walking Tour in Paris

Kitchener City Scavenger Hunt Excursion by Zombie Scavengers

Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Waterloo by Operation City Quest

Tours & sightseeing, top attractions in london.

Other Top Attractions around London

What travellers are saying

THE 10 BEST Indoor Things to Do in London on a Rainy Day

Best activities for a rainy day in london.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Central London
• East London
• Westminster
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Kids
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Couples
• Adventurous
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Honeymoon spot
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Budweiser Gardens

2. Covent Market

3. Eldon House

4. Banting House National Historic Site

5. St. Peter's Cathedral Basilica London

6. The Grand Theatre

7. The Royal Canadian Regiment Museum

8. Escapology

9. Jet Aircraft Museum

10. London's Farmers Market

11. Labatt Brewery

12. BATL Axe Throwing

13. London Children's Museum

14. Jonathon Bancroft-Snell Gallery

15. St. Paul's Cathedral

16. Play Away Indoor Park

17. Museum London

18. The Secrets of Radar Museum

19. Centennial Hall

20. TAP Centre For Creativity

21. CF Masonville Place

22. Forked River Brewing Company

23. Palace Theatre

24. London Brewing Co-Operative

25. Gateway Casinos London

26. 1st Hussars Museum

27. The Junction Climbing Centre

28. The Next Level

29. Exodus London Escape Rooms

30. Flying Squirrel London

What travellers are saying

• About Tourism London
• Culture & Entertainment Tourism
• London Music Office
• Sport Tourism
• View us on Facebook
• View us on Twitter
• View us on Instagram
• View us on YouTube
• View us on Linkedin

Things to Do in London

• Arts & Culture
• Breweries, Distilleries & Wineries
• Music & Entertainment
• Parks & Nature
• Shopping & Retail
• Spas & Wellness
• Sports & Recreation
• Tours, Experiences & Workshops

Treats & Treasures in London, Ontario: Downtown London Trails

Cycling in London, Ontario: Discover our Bike Friendly City

Best Ice Cream Spots to Beat the Heat in London, Ontario

Patio Season in London, Ontario: The City's Most Popular Patios

Events in london.

• Search for Events
• Featured Events
• Events this Week
• See All Events
• Submit Your Event

48th Annual Geranium Heritage House Tour - Elmwood Excursion

Old South London

80th Anniversary of D-Day - Victoria Park

Randy (Trailer Park Boys) Cheeseburger Picnic Comedy Tour

City of Music Concerts - June 6

• Food & Drink
• Places to Stay
• City of London
• UNESCO City of Music
• Accessibility
• Tourism London's Welcome Centres
• Getting To & Around London
• Maps & Guides
• Getaway Packages
• Search our site:

Popular Searches:

• london music hall
• food trucks
• Wedding Expo
• Disney on ice
• London Knights
• Search Menu
• Search our site: Reset

Things To Do

• Filter & Refine
• Filter & Refine:

All Categories

• Family & Fun
• All Locations
• North London
• South London
• Central London
• West London
• East London
• Out of Town
• reset filters

Page 1 / 9    Showing 1 - 18 of 153 results

• Sort listings by: 
• A to Z order
• Z to A order

620 Richmond Street

The Museum of Ontario Archaeology

1600 Attawandaron Road

Addictive Tattoo & Body Piercing

234 Dundas Street

The Playground London

1305 Commissioners Road East

20422 Nissouri Road

Locally Made Marketplace

141 Wortley Road

Covent Garden Market

130 King Street (corner of King and Talbot)

David E. White

One Richmond Row - 517 Richmond Street

Museum London

421 Ridout St. N.

Ellison Travel & Tours Ltd.

4-1930 Hyde Park Rd.

420 Talbot Street

Canadian Medical Hall of Fame

100 Kellogg Lane, The Tower, 4th Floor

FireRock Golf Club

10345 Oxbow Drive

Powerhouse Brewing Co

100 Kellogg's Lane

Purdy Natural

111 Mount Pleasant Ave

Gay Lea Dairy Museum

48075 Jamestown Line, R.R. #2

427 (London) Wing Royal Canadian Air Force Association

2155 Crumlin Road North

Arrowwood Farm & Events

6460 Riverside Drive

Popular Searches

• Top 10 Must-See Tourist Places to Visit in London

Top 10 Tourist Places to Visit in London That You Can’t Afford to Miss

Updated On May 29, 2024

Share on Whatsapp

Share on Email

Share on Linkedin

Limited-time offer : Access a free 10-Day IELTS study plan curated for you

Table of Contents [ Show ]

Top 10 Places of Interest in London

Visit london on a tourist visa with getgis.

Ever dreamt of strolling past iconic red phone booths or catching a glimpse of Buckingham Palace? The iconic landmarks to hidden gems are waiting to be discovered, London promises an unforgettable adventure for every kind of traveler.

Buckingham Palace with its iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony or the awe-inspiring Tower of London whispering tales of intrigue and royalty - London's magic transcends time. So, lace up your walking shoes, pack your thirst for exploration, and get ready to be spellbound by the Top 10 tourist places to visit in London.

Here are some of the famous places to visit in London, These places include Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and more. Each of these sites has its own unique charm and history and is a must-see for any London visitor.

Following our overview of the top London attractions, let's take a look at a more detailed breakdown of the popular places in London.

Explore: Complete Breakdown of the Cost of Living in London, UK in 2024

1. Buckingham Palace

Constructed in 1703 for the Duke of Buckingham, Buckingham Palace has served as the official residence of the British royals since 1837. It stands as one of the United Kingdom's most iconic royal landmarks, serving as the primary residence for the Queen of England. Buckingham Palace holds significant historical and cultural importance. Its sprawling Gardens, covering 39 acres and boasting over 350 wildflower species and 200 trees, along with a 3-acre lake, add to its charm and allure.

Places of Interest in Buckingham Palace

• The State Rooms
• The Royal Mews
• The Queen’s Gallery
• Changing of the Guards

2. London Eye

The London Eye, among the tallest cantilevered observation wheels globally, presents stunning 360-degree vistas of the city. Renowned as the Coca-Cola London Eye, this remarkable wheel houses 32 state-of-the-art glass capsules or pods, allowing visitors to rotate within them akin to a colossal Ferris wheel. Drawing nearly 4 million visitors annually, it stands as a beloved destination for tourists and locals alike, offering unparalleled views of London.

Places of Interest Near London Eye

The London Eye River Cruise on the River Thames offers a 40-minute circular sightseeing journey, commencing from the London Eye pier. Along the route, you'll witness iconic sights like the Houses of Parliament, the Tower of London, and the Tower Bridge, before returning to the London Eye pier.

3. Hyde Park

Among the London famous places to visit, Hyde Park is one, located in the heart of Central London, and stands as one of the globe's most magnificent royal parks. Offering a myriad of activities, from boating and swimming to horse riding and tennis, it provides a vibrant hub of leisure and recreation. Adorned with diverse trees, flowers, and a picturesque lake, Hyde Park is a captivating destination drawing visitors from around the world.

Places of Interest in Hyde Park

• Cavalry Memorial
• Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain
• Rose Garden
• Queen Caroline Memorial

Also Read: UK Visitor Visa from India in 2024: Types & Fees

4. Tower of London

The Tower of London, renowned worldwide as an iconic historical landmark, has played a central role in numerous pivotal events throughout British history. Beyond its military significance, the tower offers a wealth of attractions that captivate visitors from all walks of life.

Its storied past as a prison for illustrious and unexpected inmates continues to draw interest, while its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site solidifies its place as one of the most famous castles globally. Despite its name, the Tower of London comprises multiple concentric towers, each with its own rich history and allure.

Highlights of the Tower of London

• Explore the Jewel House, housing a remarkable collection of treasures including jewels and ancient armor over 300 years old.
• Tower's guardians, known as Beefeaters, earned their name because their salary included a daily beef ration until 1800.
• Encounter the Tower's resident ravens, cared for by the Yeoman Warder Ravenmaster, with a superstition suggesting that if these 6 ravens ever leave the fortress, the Tower will fall.

5. Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is a famous place in England, London. The Anglican Church is known for its historical significance and as the final resting place of numerous notable figures. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this royal church attracts millions of visitors annually, showcasing the rich heritage of Great Britain. As a symbol of the City of Westminster, it stands as a testament to the country's enduring history and legacy.

Places of Interest in Westminster Abbey

Garden: The Garth, The Little Cloister & College Garden, and St. Catherine’s Garden

Oak door near the Chapter House

Poets’ Corner and Royal tombs

Suggested Read: UK Tourist Visa Requirements: Explore Your Travel Requisites

This is also known as the Clock Tower, which stands as London's famous place and renowned landmark, celebrated for its majestic clock and colossal bell. Officially named the Elizabeth Tower, formerly known as St. Stephen's Tower, it symbolizes the four nations of the UK with emblems like the shamrock for Ireland, thistle for Scotland, leek for Wales, and rose for England. Named after Sir Benjamin Hall, this iconic tower has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987.

Highlights of the Big Ben

• Every New Year, the Big Ben's chimes echo across the UK, broadcasted on both radios and televisions for all to hear.
• When Parliament is in session, a special light above the clock illuminates, signaling the activity.
• Each dial of the clock boasts a diameter of 7 meters, contributing to the grandeur of this iconic

7. Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square is another famous places to visit in London, It serves as a bustling gateway between the western part of the city and its central shopping district. Renowned for housing the National Portrait Gallery, the National Gallery, and the iconic Nelson’s Column, it stands as the vibrant heart of London.

As the largest pedestrian square, it is flanked by roads on 3 sides. Moreover, it's a vibrant hub for cultural events and boasts exceptional street performers, providing entertainment throughout the day.

Highlights of the Trafalgar Square

• Marvel at Nelson’s column, an iconic monument at Trafalgar Square, commemorating the Battle of Trafalgar's victory.
• Enjoy the 2 stunning Trafalgar fountains, now adorned with magnificent sculptures of tritons, mermaids, and dolphins.
• Explore the unique police box located in Trafalgar Square, recognized as the smallest police station in London.

8. Madame Tussauds

Madame Tussauds London is a renowned waxwork museum showcasing lifelike statues of beloved celebrities. With millions of annual visitors and nearly half a million tourists since its inception, it offers the opportunity to pose alongside icons like Tom Cruise, Scarlett Johansson, Angelina Jolie, Amitabh Bachchan, Sachin Tendulkar, Aishwarya Rai, and many others for memorable photos.

Highlights of the Madame Tussauds Museum

• Enjoy an entertaining Marvel Universe 4D Movie.
• Explore the glitz and glamour of Bollywood and Hollywood with 300 stunning wax figures.
• Engage with all 14 themed interactive zones for immersive experiences.

9. St Paul's Cathedral

Among the best places to visit in London, how can one forget about the ancient churches, one such is the St Paul’s Cathedral. The cathedral features a unique design in its dome, allowing sound to travel remarkably well across the 30 meter high Whispering Gallery.

Its rich historical background and magnificent design render it one of London's most impressive landmarks. Constructed by Christopher Wren between 1675 and 1711, it seamlessly blends innovation with tradition.

Highlights of the St Paul’s Cathedral

• Situated atop Ludgate Hill, the church commands the city's highest point
• Inspired by the renowned dome of the Pantheon in Rome, the church's interior design captivates visitors.
• Notable events held here include the wedding of Lady Diana Spencer and Prince Charles, as well as the 80th and 90th birthdays of Queen Elizabeth II.

10. Florence Nightingale Museum

Another not to be missed place to visit in London, England is the Florence Nightingale Museum which commemorates the life and contributions of Florence Nightingale, renowned as the pioneer of modern nursing.

Located within St. Thomas’s Hospital, the museum showcases her personal belongings, archives, and books, offering insights into her childhood and professional journey. With 3 pavilions, visitors can trace Nightingale's life from her early years to her impactful career as a dedicated nurse and advocate.

Highlights of the Florence Nightingale Museum

• Explore the inspiring journey of the greatest female icon in nursing history, Florence Nightingale.
• View a unique selection of arts and artifacts, including the actual lamp carried by Nightingale during the Crimean War.

In conclusion, obtaining a tourist visa for London opens the doors to exploring one of the most vibrant and culturally rich cities in the world. From iconic landmarks like Big Ben and Buckingham Palace to immersive experiences at Madame Tussauds and the Florence Nightingale Museum, London offers something for every traveler.

For those considering a tourist visa or contemplating a permanent move to the UK, services like GetGIS provide valuable assistance with immigration processes, including permanent residency (PR) and tourist visa services. With our expertise and guidance, navigating the complexities of UK immigration becomes more manageable, ensuring a smooth transition for individuals and families looking to call London home.

Book Your Free Consultation

Frequently Asked Questions

Which part of London is beautiful?

What are some must-try traditional dishes in London?

What is the coldest month in London?

How many days in London is enough?

Which airlines offer budget-friendly options in the UK?

Nisha Menon

Sr. Content Marketing Specialist

Nisha Menon is our seasoned content writer with over 5 years of expertise in content marketing. Nisha combines her profound knowledge with skillful SEO practices to craft content that informs and engages. Beyond her writing prowess, she specializes in content related to Immigration and PR services, her commitment to continuous learning keeps her well-versed with the latest industry trends. In her leisure moments, she finds solace in creativity and embarks on travel adventures. Her unyielding commitment to seeking inspiration blends harmoniously with her love for exploring new horizons.

Related Articles

How To Get a Job in Europe From India in 10 Simple Steps?

Neelesh Karn

BC Tech Pilot Program: All About Eligibility & Process

Krithika Babu

The Complete Guide to What is an AOR in Canada Immigration

Average Cost of Living in the USA for Students & Immigrants

Gaurisha Rastogi

Top Things to Do in London

Things to do in london, explore popular experiences, tours in and around london.

Private:Brewery, Winery, and Cider & Spirit Tastings Tour in SW Ontario

European Evening Walking Food Tour in London, Ontario

London Scavenger Hunt: Exploring Forest City

Scavenger Hunt Adventure in London by Zombie Scavengers

Big Creek Kayak Tour

Kitchener Scavenger Hunt: The Kingdom of Kitchener

Guided Historical and Cultural Tour in Downtown Paris, ON Canada

Food Tasting and Self-Guided Walking Tour in Paris

Kitchener City Scavenger Hunt Excursion by Zombie Scavengers

Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Waterloo by Operation City Quest

Tours & sightseeing, top attractions in london.

Other Top Attractions around London

What travellers are saying

THE 10 BEST Things to Do in London

Things to do in london, explore popular experiences, tours in and around london.

Private:Brewery, Winery, and Cider & Spirit Tastings Tour in SW Ontario

European Evening Walking Food Tour in London, Ontario

London Scavenger Hunt: Exploring Forest City

Scavenger Hunt Adventure in London by Zombie Scavengers

Big Creek Kayak Tour

Kitchener Scavenger Hunt: The Kingdom of Kitchener

Guided Historical and Cultural Tour in Downtown Paris, ON Canada

Food Tasting and Self-Guided Walking Tour in Paris

Kitchener City Scavenger Hunt Excursion by Zombie Scavengers

Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Waterloo by Operation City Quest

Tours & sightseeing, top attractions in london.

Other Top Attractions around London

What travellers are saying