London Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

London which includes street scenes
St. Thomas featuring a pond and a bridge
London
London featuring an administrative building
Grand Theatre featuring interior views and theatre scenes

Famous in medical history for being the birthplace of insulin, this southwestern Ontario town features university culture and a beautiful network of parks.

Located at a fork in the lush North American Thames River, London is known as southwestern Ontario’s “Forest City.” Despite its green reputation, London is a large and busy city that contains one of Canada’s best universities and a significant medical industry. Spend several days touring London’s museums, exploring the riverfront and parkland areas and checking out memorials to the city’s rich history.

London was founded in 1826 and served as a garrison for British troops in the mid-19th century. Visit Victoria Park in the city centre, where the troops were stationed. Find further artifacts from the city’s early history nearby, including the redbrick St. Paul’s Cathedral, which was built in 1845.

See why London is known as the “Forest City” by visiting its various parks and natural areas. Discover the Westminster Ponds, located in a forest just south of the city centre. Wander along leafy trails and boardwalks through the scenic wetlands while watching for deer and beavers. During the winter, take a short drive into the western suburbs to visit the ski resorts at Boler Mountain.

London is the site of one of the most important breakthroughs in medical history. Drop by Banting House to see where Dr. Frederick Banting lived when he came up with the idea for how to produce insulin for the treatment of diabetes. See his face among Canada’s other medical heroes at the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame.

Other museums in the city highlight the history of settlement and growth in London’s city and surrounding area. Museum London features a 45,000-piece collection of local historical artifacts in addition to an impressive exhibition of art by regional and Canadian artists. Visit the Museum of Ontario Archaeology to learn the history of First Nations people in the London region.

Take a bus or make the 2-hour drive from Toronto to reach London. Experience the culture, history and beauty of this tree-lined university city on the Thames.

Where to stay in London

Victoria Park showing a park

Downtown London

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

Downtown London is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Centennial Hall and London Music Hall while in the area.

Downtown London
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Port Burwell

You'll enjoy the museums and monuments in Port Burwell. You might want to make time for a stop at Port Burwell Provincial Park or Lake Erie.

Port Burwell
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Strathroy

While visiting Strathroy, you might make a stop by sights like Boler Mountain Ski Resort and Storybook Gardens.

Strathroy
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Westminster

2.5/5(3 area reviews)

Westminster is popular for its ample dining options, and you might make a stop by Westminster Ponds, a top place to visit in the area.

Westminster
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South London

5/5(1 area review)

Visitors highly recommend South London for its abundant dining options, and you can make a stop by Farquharson Arena while you're in town.

South London
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North London

Though North London may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like London Music Hall and Budweiser Gardens.

North London
Sandman Hotel & Suites London Downtown
Sandman Hotel & Suites London Downtown
2.5 out of 5
374 Dundas St, London, ON
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £58 per night from 31 Jul to 1 Aug
£58
31 Jul - 1 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in London. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,253 reviews)
"Sex work friendly"

Reviewed on 3 Jul 2025

Sandman Hotel & Suites London Downtown
Best Western Plus Lamplighter Inn & Conference Centre
Best Western Plus Lamplighter Inn & Conference Centre
3 out of 5
591 Wellington Rd S., London, ON
The price is £114 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
£114
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in London. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in their ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,371 reviews)
"Def Patio atrium is the way to go! It was very convenient to get to the pool. The waterfall was awesome. We will def be back!!! Room service was very quick"

Reviewed on 4 Jul 2025

Best Western Plus Lamplighter Inn & Conference Centre
Ivey Spencer Leadership Centre
Ivey Spencer Leadership Centre
3 out of 5
551 Windermere Rd, London, ON
The price is £81 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
£81
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in London. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,176 reviews)
"Enjoyed our stay..very quiet."

Reviewed on 4 Jul 2025

Ivey Spencer Leadership Centre
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Cozy Cabin retreat
Cozy Cabin retreat
London, ON
Stay at this cabin in London. Enjoy an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions Budweiser Gardens and Argyle Arena are located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (5 reviews)
Very nice
"Peaceful"

Reviewed on 2 Jun 2025

Cozy Cabin retreat
Live in our 1 bedroom apartment with living room & feel like home away from home
Live in our 1 bedroom apartment with living room & feel like home away from home
London, ON
Stay at this holiday home in London. Enjoy laundry facilities, an in-room coffee maker and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Budweiser Gardens and Glen ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (8 reviews)
Vrbo stay
"This was our 2nd time at this VRBO location. Same as last stay was exactly what we wanted & expected.Owner very friendly & helpful."

Reviewed on 23 Jun 2025

Live in our 1 bedroom apartment with living room & feel like home away from home
Downtown 2 bedroom near Victoria park in the Middle of Entertainment District
Downtown 2 bedroom near Victoria park in the Middle of Entertainment District
London, ON
Stay at this apartment in London. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions Budweiser Gardens and Grand Theatre are ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (19 reviews)
Perfect location to celebrate graduation
"All generations were satisfied with the condo."

Reviewed on 13 Jun 2025

Downtown 2 bedroom near Victoria park in the Middle of Entertainment District
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of London

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Top destination
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5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Good shopping and friendly people

Cities near London