The city of London in Ontario is one of the province’s most thriving urban settlements. Situated north of the enormous Lake Erie in southwest Ontario, at the heart of the Great Lakes, London is one of the greenest cities in the province and attracts outdoors enthusiasts from all across the world. It is also close to Niagara Falls, where you could take a wine country tour or helicopter ride across the falls. Home to the University of Western Ontario, London has a youthful population that includes artists, writers and sports professionals, earning it a reputation as one of Canada’s most diverse places to live and visit.
Areas & Neighbourhoods in London
Downtown — Dive into Downtown to discover the action. The most diversely populated region of London, Downtown combines contemporary eateries, trendy bars, riverside parks and cultural gems such as Museum London and the Grand Theatre, pleasing arts lovers and history buffs alike.
Wortley Village — Situated south of the river, Wortley Village is an ambient area packed with charm. It has its own shopping district, blending chains with chic independent stores, lively bars, pubs and mouth-watering culinary delights.
Old East Village — Gentrification has transformed the Old East Village into one of the city’s most creative and up-and-coming areas. Generally more affordable than the rest of the city, it’s a good place to experience London’s quirky shops and eateries without breaking the bank.
Victoria Park — Situated in Downtown, Victoria Park is a hub for London’s major community events, hosting almost as many festivals as there are days in the year. These include Sunfest and the Home County Folk Festival. The park contains a mix of historic artefacts and several war memorials too.
Things to See in London
Head Downtown and you’ll be kept quite busy, simply exploring. A mix of skyscrapers and historic buildings, the city sensitively blends old with new. Check out London Place, the tallest skyscraper in southwest Ontario and head to the 19th century mansion, Eldon House. You can’t miss London’s controversial but undeniably striking metal trees, which brighten up the Downtown area in bright hues of red, pink, green and yellow – don’t forget to take a snap with one! End your day by watching the sunset over nearby Fanshawe Lake.
Things to Do in London
There’s no shortage of shopping and cafe culture in London, and with dozens of museums and art galleries, your only problem will be choosing between them. Explore Museum London for a delightful dose of the city’s visual arts scene, or take the family to the London Regional Children’s Museum for an afternoon that will keep you all entertained. And don’t forget – London is just a short train or road trip from the unmissable Niagara Falls, where you could go on a nail-biting open jet boat ride, or enjoy a more relaxed wine tour and gourmet lunch.
