London

London is a medium-sized city in Southwestern Ontario with a population of 378,000. It is west of Toronto , between Lake Huron and Lake Erie at the fork of the Thames River, which was named after the River Thames in London , England.

Airport 🌍 London International Airport ( YXU IATA ), ☏ +1 519-452-4015 , [email protected] . The travel time to London from Toronto is about 45 minutes. ( updated Apr 2022 ) Airlines Canadian airlines operating to London: Air Canada , ☏ +1-514-393-3333 , toll-free: +1-888-247-2262 . Canada's largest airline with hubs in Vancouver , Calgary , Toronto, and Montreal . It operates across Canada and services international destinations. ( updated Apr 2022 ) WestJet , toll-free: +1-877-952-0100 . Canada's second largest airline services with hubs in Calgary and Toronto. It operates across Canada and services international destinations. ( updated Apr 2022 ) Several low-cost airlines also operate seasonal flights between London and southern vacation destinations (including Orlando, FL, and Las Vegas, NV). Ground transportation City bus route 36 (Airport Industrial) connects to the airport.

London is best explored on foot if staying in the town centre, though a car is useful for reaching attractions in the surrounding area. Local taxi services may be available. Cycling is a popular option in warmer months, with scenic routes connecting nearby points of interest.

🌍 Museum London , 421 Ridout Street North , ☏ +1 519-661-0333 . Tu-Su noon-5PM, Th until 9PM . It purports to have one of Canada's most important art collections, and one of the most significant historical artifact collections in Ontario. More than 5,000 regional and Canadian works of art and 45,000 artifacts reflecting the history of the City of London. By donation . ( updated Aug 2020 ) 🌍 Eldon House , 481 Ridout Street North ( a 4-minute walk north of Museum London ), ☏ +1 519-661-0333 . London's oldest surviving residence, containing heirlooms and furniture reflecting life in early 19th-century London. 🌍 Banting House National Historic Site , 442 Adelaide St. North ( at the corner of Queens Avenue and Adelaide Street ), ☏ +1 519-673-1752 . Tu-Sa noon-4PM . Chronicles the life and achievements of Canadian Sir Frederick Grant Banting, the discoverer of insulin. Adults $5, students and seniors $4, children under 5 free. 🌍 Blackfriars Street Bridge ( across the Thames River connecting the north end of Ridout Street with Blackfriars Street. ). A rare example of a bowstring truss bridge. Built in 1875 and spanning 65.8 m, it is the longest working span of its kind in North America. 🌍 Wortley Village . Wortley Road between Askin St and Tecumseh Ave, was voted one of Canada's coolest neighbourhoods in 2002 by enRoute magazine . Filled with eclectic, locally-owned merchants and cafes. 🌍 The Arts Project , 203 Dundas St , ☏ +1 519-642-2767 . Tu-Sa noon-5PM, later for theatre show nights. . A downtown art gallery devoted to rising artists with an adjoined blackbox theatre devoted primarily to alternative fare. 🌍 Jet Aircraft Museum , 2465 Aviation Lane, unit 2 ( at the airport ), ☏ +1 519-453-7000 . Th-Sa 10AM-4PM . ( updated Oct 2018 ) 🌍 The Royal Canadian Regiment Museum ( RCR ), 701 Oxford Street East, N5Y 4T7 . W, F, Sa 10am - 4pm; Th 10am - 8pm . A museum dedicated to the history of the regiment, showcasing many military medals, weapons, military tools and uniforms in an interactive and immersive environment spanning 2 floors. ( updated Aug 2024 ) Parks There are lots of parks in downtown London. They include: 🌍 Springbank Park . A charming destination west of downtown complete with green space, picnic areas & facilities, formal gardens, wading pool, playgrounds, small family train track, merry-go-round and Storybook Gardens. Its paved trails are part of a 30-km system for walkers, cyclists, runners and roller-bladers. ( updated Oct 2018 ) 🌍 Victoria Park ( one block west of City Hall ). According to the City's website this 15 acres (6.1 hectares) park is one of the most important designed landscapes of the 19th century and has been a hub of social and recreational activities since 1874. Many festivals and events take place here throughout the year. Bring nuts to feed the squirrels.

🌍 Fanshawe Pioneer Village , 1424 Clarke Road ( in Fanshawe Conservation Area ), ☏ +1 [... truncated ...]

Dining in London features Canadian comfort food and regional specialties. Expect fresh, locally sourced ingredients — seafood where coastal, game and farm produce in rural areas. Cafés and casual restaurants serve hearty meals. In Ontario, look for dishes featuring local ingredients and traditional Maritime/Prairie/Quebecois cooking styles depending on the region.

Local pubs and cafés in London serve Canadian beer, coffee, and comfort drinks. Ontario has a growing craft brewery and distillery scene — ask locals for their favourites. Wine and spirits from Canadian producers are widely available. Non-alcoholic options include excellent Canadian coffee and local fruit juices.

Accommodation in and around London ranges from bed-and-breakfasts and motels to seasonal cabins and inns. Options may be limited in smaller communities — advance booking is recommended, especially during peak summer season and holiday weekends. For a wider selection of hotels, the nearest larger town or city provides additional choices.

Local shops in London offer everyday essentials and regional products. Look for locally made crafts, artisanal food products, and souvenirs that reflect the character of Ontario. Farmers' markets, when in season, are excellent places to find fresh local produce and handmade goods.

From London, visitors can explore other communities and natural attractions in Ontario by road. The region offers scenic drives, provincial and national parks, and charming small towns worth a detour. Check highway conditions and fuel availability before setting out on longer routes, particularly in remote areas.