London has quite a few things in common with its British namesake. It is situated approximately halfway between Toronto, Ontario, and Detroit, Michigan. So, you could be traveling solo, as a couple, with friends/family or for business, London is a great destination. For a place to stay, you can find a lot of options to suit your wants and needs including hotels with meeting rooms for those on a business trip or even hotels with smoking rooms. For leisure trips, the city has so many tourists spots and a wide range of things to do, that this article can’t do justice to all of them. But, here are the top 10 best things to do in London on your next trip!
1. Springbank Park
Springbank Park is London’s largest park spread across 140 hectares (300 acres) along the Thames River. It contains 30 kilometers (19 miles) of trails for spending some time amidst nature, hiking, and biking. It is also the home to Storybook Gardens. This park has a lot of activities including tennis lawns, zoo, campsites, picnic areas, amusement park, dance hall, bowling lawns, and a miniature train.
Springbank Park
Address: 1958 Storybook Lane, N6K 4Y6 London, Ontario, Canada
2. Storybook Gardens
If you are up for some fun and frolicking, whisk your family away to this magical place in London, Ontario. As its name suggests, Storybook Gardens is a storybook themed outdoor park which was opened to the public in 1958. There are six amusement rides, several games, beautiful gardens and an outdoor stage where you can dance till you drop!
Storybook Gardens
Address: 1958 Storybook Lane, N6K 4Y6 London, Ontario, Canada
Website: Storybook Gardens
3. Eldon House
Step back in time and revisit London’s history at Eldon House located on a scenic site overlooking the Thames River. Built in 1834, it is known for being the city’s first residence. It has been converted into a museum featuring a 19th-century mansion and several gardens. The property is also known as Harris Park. It completed its 175th anniversary in 2009/2010. There are many self-guided tours available through which you can delve deeper into the lives of the Harris Family, see their antique furnishings and personal belongings.
Eldon House
Address: 481 Ridout St. North, N6A 2P8 London, Ontario, Canada
Website: Eldon House
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
Rental unit in London · ★4.98 · 2 bedrooms · 2 beds · 1 bath
London, Ontario, Canada
Executive Woodfield King Bed
London, Ontario, Canada
Old North's modern and private guest suite
London, Ontario, Canada
4. Fanshawe Pioneer Village
Fanshawe Pioneer Village is an open-air museum established in 1959 to involve the community in the preservation of history and tradition through historical reenactments of the rural communities, in the former townships of Westminster, London, North Dorchester, Delaware, West Missouri, and Lobo in Middlesex County from 1820 to 1920 and the founding and development of the City of London up to 1840. The village also contains a collection of over 25,000 artifacts which have been donated by the residents of London & Middlesex County. These artifacts include furniture, decorative arts, costumes and textiles, archival materials, domestic tools, vehicles as well as agricultural and industrial tools and equipment.
Fanshawe Pioneer Village
Address: 2609 Fanshawe Park Rd E, N5X 4A1 London, Ontario, Canada
Website: Fanshawe Pioneer Village
5. Victoria Park
What Central Park is to New York, Victoria Park is to London. Although it is not as big in terms of area, it still is the lifeline of the city with major events and festivals being hosted there. Spread across a sprawling 18 acres (7.3 hectares), this park is located in downtown London. So, you could simply head here for everything right from your walk/run, picnic with friends & family, festivals, and club events etc. During winters, there is “Lighting of the Lights” when all large coniferous trees in the park are decorated with Christmas lights and a snowfest. Since 1913, every year an ice skating rink is also built-in the park at the square in front of the bandshell.
Victoria Park
Address: 509 Clarence Street, N6A 3N1 London, Ontario, Canada
6. St. Peter’s Cathedral Basilica
An architectural gem in the heart of downtown, St. Peter’s Cathedral Basilica was established on 10 August 1834. It was destroyed along with much of the town in the London fire of 11 April 1845. The Cathedral that we see today for the Catholic Diocese of London was created in 1856. Its grandeur, huge dome, beautiful statues and intricate interiors make it an unmissable site.
St. Peter’s Cathedral Basilica
Address: 196 Dufferin Avenue, N6A 1K8 London, Ontario, Canada
Website: St. Peter’s Cathedral Basilica
7. Covent Garden Market
Convent Garden Market started in 1835 as a public fair in the area of Richmond, Dundas, and King Streets, but the new market opened in 1999. If you are a foodie and love to try out regional dishes, gourmet foods, and seasonal produce, then this is just the place to be. There’s always something or the other eventful happening here all across the year right from food sampling to food festivals. In the recent years, plenty of community events, music and theatre festivals have also been organized in its public square. During the winters an ice rink is built for entertainment.
Covent Garden Market
Address: 130 King Street, London, Ontario, Canada
Website: Covent Garden Market
8. Sunfest
Canada’s second largest “world music festival,” Sunfest is among the top 100 summer destinations in North America. This annual fest is organized in the month of July, on the weekend after Canada Day and held in the main bandstand of the Victoria Park. It is a festival of music, art, culture, and food, which attracts thousands of visitors each year.
Sunfest
Address: Victoria Park, 509 Clarence Street, N6A 3N1 London, Ontario, Canada
Website: Sunfest
9. Londonlicious
This is one of a kind event, which covers over 30 restaurants in the city. Londonlicious is basically a shout-out to all the foodies, to try out some amazing dishes, in one of your favorite restaurants and get a run for your money. So, why try only one menu, when you can try many? This September they are launching their Pub Edition. So, all your favorite pubs, grills and, family restaurants are set to participate in this festival. Have you booked a table yet?
Londonlicious
Address: Restaurants in London, Ontario, Canada
Website: Londonlicious
10. London Fringe Festival
To spice up the arts scene in London, a group of theater-loving “artsy” friends came together and started a Fringe Festival. Little had they realized that this annual fest would soon turn into an organization in the times to come. It is an organization that presents and showcases theatre, film and visual artists throughout the year. London Fringe Festival is on a mission to promote and produce independent artists by creating a unique and inclusive environment.
London Fringe Festival
Address: 207 King St, N6A 1C9 London, ON, Canada
Website: London Fringe Festival
This city has got it all
From hiking to biking, adventure sports to ice skating, food festivals to art festivals and history to future, London has got it all. You can also check out camper rentals near London if you’re itching for some outdoor adventure. I’m definitely putting Londonlicious on my bucket list for the coming month. How about you?