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London

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City
—°20
London (Canada)
ℹ️

Practical info — London

▾

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • The downtown core gets very busy with university students during the school year; expect lively nightlife around Richmond Row.
  • London's transit system relies on buses (LTC); exact change is required if you don't have a smart card.
  • Biking is popular, especially on the Thames Valley Parkway, a paved path that follows the river.
  • To avoid the worst of the student traffic, visit popular cafes and restaurants outside of typical class change times.

🍽 Food

🍽
Craft beer and pub fare

Check out the microbreweries located downtown and in the Old East Village for local ales and hearty meals.

🍽
Student-favorite diners

Richmond Street is lined with affordable eateries ranging from classic burgers to diverse Asian cuisines.

🍽
Farmers' market pastries

Pick up fresh baked goods and local cheeses at the bustling Covent Garden Market.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Covent Garden Market

An indoor market in downtown offering local produce, meats, crafts, and food stalls.

🛍
Richmond Row

The place to go for boutique shopping, vintage clothing, and unique specialty stores.

🧘
Springbank Park

The city's largest park, excellent for long walks along the Thames River with plenty of shady trees.

🧘
Victoria Park

A historic downtown park that is great for squirrel-watching and relaxing under large maples.

🧘
Western University campus

Take a quiet stroll around the beautiful, collegiate-gothic style buildings near the river during the summer months.

London, often referred to as the 'Forest City,' is located in southwestern Ontario and serves as a major regional center for education, healthcare, and information technology. The city was founded in 1826 at the confluence of the north and south branches of the Thames River and was named after the British capital. Geographically, London is situated roughly halfway between Toronto and Detroit, making it a key transportation hub. Historically, it served as a British Army garrison in the 19th century and later developed into a center for the insurance industry and manufacturing. London is home to Western University, one of Canada's leading research universities, and renowned hospitals known for pioneering work in medical technology. The city is characterized by its numerous parks and tree-lined streets, earning it the nickname 'Forest City.' With Budweiser Gardens and Museum London, the city has a rich cultural landscape. In July 2024 London became the seat of Sir Keir Starmer's Labour government after a landslide election ended 14 years of Conservative rule. Sadiq Khan was re-elected mayor in May 2024 for a historic third term.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-5-5071319232218114-1
Rain mm403843566668705569625044

Geography

Population
422,324 (2025)
Coordinates
42.98490, -81.24530

Facts

  • London was founded as an administrative center in 1826.
  • Western University was originally established in 1878.
  • The Thames River flows through the heart of the city.
  • London is a base for several Fortune 500 insurance companies.
  • Budweiser Gardens is a premier sports and entertainment venue.
  • The Sunningdale neighborhood is famous for its historic oak trees.

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Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town London (20)

Wolf Performance Hall🎭 culture

Performance hall located in the London Public Library's Central Branch.

The Palace Theatre🎭 culture

Historic Egyptian Revival-style theatre on Dundas Street in downtown London.

♿

Aeolian Hall Performing Arts Centre🎭 culture

Historic former church turned performing arts centre in London's Old East Village.

♿

Western Fair District👨‍👩‍👧 family

Historic fairgrounds hosting the annual Western Fair and a casino in London.

Spray Pad👨‍👩‍👧 family

Interactive water spray pad in a London park.

Royal Canadian Regiment Museum🏛 museum

Military museum at Wolseley Barracks, focusing on the history of the Royal Canadian Regiment.

London Children's Museum🏛 museum

Interactive children's museum with hands-on exhibits in London, Ontario.

🕒 Tu-Th 09:30-16:30; Fr 09:30-19:00; Sa,Su 09:30-17:00💶

Museum London🏛 museum

Art and history museum focusing on regional works in downtown London, Ontario.

🆓

Splash Pad👨‍👩‍👧 family

Water play area with spray features for children in London, Ontario.

Victoria Park🌳 park

Urban park in downtown London with a bandshell, memorials, and a pond.

Piccadilly Park🌳 park

Neighbourhood park with playground and green space in London, Ontario.

Gibbons Park🌳 park

Large park along the Thames River with trails and sports fields in London, Ontario.

Eldon House📍 landmark

Eldon House in London, recognized as the city's oldest surviving residence.

Saint Paul's Cathedral⛪ religious

Anglican cathedral in downtown London, built in Gothic Revival style.

Saint Peter's Cathedral Basilica⛪ religious

Roman Catholic cathedral in London featuring twin spires and elaborate stained glass.

Metropolitan United Church⛪ religious

United Church of Canada in London's downtown, distinguished by its large dome.

Reptilia London

A reptile zoo in London, Ontario, with snakes, lizards, and turtles, educational for kids.

Wading Pool🎡 recreation

A shallow wading pool in London, Ontario, specifically for toddlers and families.

Byron Optimist Pool🎡 recreation

A public swimming pool in London, Ontario, operated by the Optimists, family-friendly.

Stronach Pool🎡 recreation

A swimming pool in London, Ontario, suitable for lap and recreational swimming.

Frequently asked questions

Why is it called Forest City?
Because of the countless trees and parks in the city.
Which university is located there?
The renowned Western University has its campus here.
What can you do at Victoria Park?
It's a central spot for festivals and ice skating in winter.
What is the name of the river in London?
Just like the original in England, it is called the Thames River.
Is the city expensive?
It is considered more affordable compared to Toronto.
London: where is it located?
London is located in Canada.
London: what is there to see?
Highlights include Wolf Performance Hall, The Palace Theatre, Aeolian Hall Performing Arts Centre.
London: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
London: why is it worth visiting?
London, often referred to as the 'Forest City,' is located in southwestern Ontario and serves as a major regional center for education, healthcare, and information technology.
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