London Ontario
London is a beautiful city in Ontario, Canada. London is now gaining a reputation for becoming a tourist hot spot, London always had great theatres, Museums, and places of historical importance along with picturesque scenery, you could say that London has all the attractions that any great city would have, London has got so many things to see and enjoy that you will always run short of time and it will be difficult to prioritize what places to visit, London really does have something to offer everyone from all ages and walks of life.
Niagara Falls
The awe-inspiring Niagara Falls isn’t too far away from London and would be an ideal day out for the whole family to enjoy, London itself has many interesting places worth visiting like Lawson Village, The Royal Canadian Regiment, and the Regional Children’s Museum that I’m sure all kids and even adults will enjoy.
Story Book Gardens
If you are with your family and have young kids then the first place for your visit is The Story Book Gardens, you can spend a completely fun-filled day with your family, and your kids will surely be fascinated to see the characters of the storybook coming alive and playing with them. When you’re finished there you could always take the kids to the Zoo, the Gardens there have 43 species of exclusive birds, there are also plenty of amusement rides to keep your kids occupied for hours on end, one of the most popular rides is the small toy train at the Story Book Garden, which I’m sure you kids will love.
Museum of Archaeology
For history lovers, London has so much to offer, you could go to the Museum of Archaeology in Lawson Village and spend the day tracing the history of people living in this part of Ontario over the last thousands of years. Close to the museum is the Iroquoian village which is almost 50 years old and is well worth visiting. The Royal Canadian Regiment Museum is a place for those who are interested in the history of Canadian wars, with displays of equipment and insignia, there is so much here to keep you fascinated throughout.
The Grand Theatre
Art and music fans should book an evening at The Grand Theatre, the most reputed theatre in London, which has staged many national and international shows. The John Labatt Centre is a complete entertainment package, you can catch a hockey match or an artistic event, eat at the restaurant, or spend some time seeing one of the many concerts that are held here.
Covent Garden Market
How can a trip ever be complete without shopping for those essential gifts for loved ones, one of the most popular shopping areas is at Covent Garden Market or Kings Mill Department Store, with London having so much to offer you’re bound to want to return again and again.
St. Peter’s Cathedral Basilica
When we are talking about culture in London, how can we not mention buildings like Churches and religious places like St. Peter’s Cathedral Basilica, which is an important cultural site in London? St. Peter’s Cathedral was built in 1880-85, Apart from its religious and historical importance the Cathedral’s architecture is also worth mentioning.
This is a 116-year-old Cathedral and is probably the only now surviving 13th-century French Gothic style architecture in the area, St. Peter’s Cathedral is still a breathtaking monument, today the Cathedral plays a pivotal role in the community.
Victoria Park
Victoria Park in London has been a center stage for many community events over many years, Victoria Park is in the downtown area of London. Victoria Park for many years was used for military purposes, Troops camped here during many important wars, to name a few, the Upper Canada Rebellion in 1837, the Crimean War, and the Second Boer War, Victoria Park also had an indelible role in First and Second World War.
Though now the Park forms an important part of the community, blending together reminiscent of the past and entertainment of today, Victoria Park plays host to many important events in London, like the 3 on 3 basketball competition, the annual Sun fest, Food festivals like the Rib Fest and the Fiesta del sol, all in all, it can be said that Victoria Park is pivotal in preserving the heritage of the city.
Centennial Hall
Centennial Hall is the cultural heart of London and is the backbone to its tourism, Centennial Hall is located on Wellington Street and is a popular place that hosts many events. Centennial Hall is an all-inclusive Hall that is a huge auditorium with a seating capacity of approximately 2000 seats on the upper level and around 700 seats in the lower level.
The Centennial Hall has organized fashion shows, special dinner events, dance events and music concerts, craft shows, trade shows, and even Bridal showers for distinguished personalities, These events take place all year round, so be sure to check the website for upcoming events.
Activities in London Ontario
There are many ways you can relax in London, Ontario, whether it’s enjoying a game of golf at the Thames Valley Golf Course or East Park Golf Gardens or if you’re looking for some pampering then why not visit the Artistic Esthetic Spa and recharge those batteries.
London, Ontario has many attractions worth visiting, including The London Regional Art and Historical Museums, the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame, and the Regional Children’s Museum.
John Labatt Centre
The John Labatt Centre is one of London’s main places for culture, heritage, and history, the John Labatt Centre is located near 401 Highway, The John Labatt Centre was developed to be a sports entertainment center, it’s Construction began with the aim of reviving tourism in this part of London, this was successfully achieved because The John Labatt center has indeed been able to draw a huge crowd over the years.
The John Labatt Centre is also known for its ice Hockey games, if you love sport then make sure to catch the London Knights Hockey Team playing, it’s a real delight to sit in a huge modern stadium, The John Labatt Centre is the largest sports center in Southwest Ontario, the stadium has enough convenient facilities and has easy access for disabled people, there are many tourist sites in London that have these facilities, which helps to make London more accessible for everyone.
Canada Games Aquatic Centre (London Aquatic Centre)
The Canada Games Aquatic Centre is a world-class swimming and diving facility, host to a multitude of top-level meets, including the 2001 Canada Summer Games. The Olympic-sized pool is specially equipped so we can change the configuration of the pool and use a moveable floor in the shallow end to vary the depth. We keep the water at a comfortable temperature (around 83F).
Our deep end features 1-meter and 3-meter springboards as well as 3-meter and 5-meter platforms. Visit during Forest City Dive practices or competitions and watch the athletes soar from our 7.5 and 10-meter platforms. We also have an indoor aquatic climbing wall.
Our adult-only swirl pool has soothing jets and warm water (100 to 108F.) It is a perfect spot for adults to sit back and relax.
London Ontario Museums
You will find one of the best military museums in Canada at the Royal Canadian Regiment Museum here in London, Ontario, Other popular museums include The Canadian Medical Hall of Fame, The Regional Children’s Museum, the Secrets of Radar Museum, Banting House, and the Fanshawe Pioneer Village.
Banting House
Tel: +1 519 673 1752
Banting House National Historic Site tops the pride list of London, Ontario. It was been named after Sir Frederick Grant Banting, a renowned and respected Canadian and it is a well-known fact that London is known for its medical fame and the proof of this claim has been duly preserved in this museum.
The discovery of insulin was a moment of great pride for medical science and this has been captured in the Banting Museum, Insulin helped to make the life of Diabetic patients more normal, apart from this great achievement you have all other medical achievements also cited here.
This museum has all the details associated with Dr. Banting duly preserved like the medical achievements, equipment used, furniture, and the recognitions he received during his lifetime, Dr. Banting was a great helping hand during World War I, this aspect has been shown by recreating that important part of his life.
Museum of Archaeology
uwo.ca/museum, Tel: +1 519 473 1360
The Museum of Archaeology is located in Lawson Village and holds a priority place in guided tours in London, the museum highlights the social, cultural, and economic lives of the people in southwestern Ontario, it traces life and living patterns of this indigenous population dating back to thousands of years.
The Museum has a huge collection of artifacts dating back to 11,000 years and is one of the best archaeological collections in Ontario, The staff here is very pleasant and if you want to make the most of your visit then I would recommend the guided tour of the Museum.
Another feature of this Museum of Archaeology is the current excavation site close to it at the Iroquoian village, every effort is being made to make this village very genuine and as close to the 50-year-old village as possible, please note the village is only open during the summer months.
Royal Canadian Regiment Museum
thercr.ca, Tel: +1 519 660 5102
The Royal Canadian Regiment Museum traces the history of Canada’s senior Regular Force Infantry Regiment and the oldest regiment, the Royal Canadian Regiment. This regiment was formed in the year 1883. Since then it has been a very active regiment and has won many rewards and recognition over the years.
The Royal Canadian Regiment Museum is one of the best military museums, with its impressive war collections of both World Wars and especially the First World War, the Centennial Gallery holds collections from the First World War, while the Regiment memorials trace the history of the Royal Canadian Regiment, the Early year’s collection, the northwest Rebellion, Korean War, World Wars, UNO and NATO Operations and much more.
The Secrets of Radar Museum
secretsofradar.com, Tel: +1 519 691 5922
The Secrets of Rradar Museum is a unique museum and a very intriguing place to visit, it has a completely different story to tell and very aptly it has been named the “Secrets of Radar Museum” This museum was founded in the year 2003 to unravel an untold story to the world.
It is interesting to know that during World War II around 6,000 people were chosen from various fields, mostly veterans who were taken under an oath of secrecy for a top-secret project and were sent around the world, This Museum is a tribute to these unknown soldiers.
The museum has collections of radars, genuine ones, and destroyed ones, apart from radars that form the main attraction of the Museum, there is also a huge collection of photographs, artifacts, etc, this museum’s collection alone makes it a must-see for anyone visiting London Ontario.
Canadian Medical Hall of Fame
cdnmedhall.org, Tel: +1 519 488 2003
London is world-renowned for it medical facilities, It is very important to recognize and commemorate all those who have contributed significantly to the world of medicine. This is the heritage that we need to pass on to our coming generations and the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame is the preserver of this National heritage.
The Canadian Medical Hall of Fame was conceived with the basic idea of remembering and recognizing eminent people in the field of medicine, with this aim in mind the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame was established in 1994. Here you have details about important personalities, their life history, their discoveries, and how they changed and developed medicine.
It’s fascinating to be introduced to the field of medicine and it’s so nicely explained that even a layman will enjoy, many times you must have come across a particular medicine, therapy, or injection, but when you know the details about them it helps you to understand how it was developed, the Canadian Hall of Fame is an educative place, if you are with young children then you must visit this place.
Regional Children’s Museum
londonchildrensmuseum.ca, Tel: +1 519 434 5726
The Regional Children’s Museum is a unique concept, the Museum is one of a kind and helps children to appreciate Museums, this is not a boring museum, it’s an interactive museum where you learn in a fun way, the Regional Children’s Museum is situated on Wharncliffe Road that is in the southern part of London.
At this Museum, children get a chance to explore history in their own way, so you don’t have to listen to some monotonous monologue of a guide but you learn it yourself. At the Regional Children’s Museum children you can even learn about dinosaurs, Children are encouraged to explore, find hidden bones or eggs, and many more creative activities, The Regional Children’s Museum is a fun way to spend time with your kids.
The London Regional Art and Historical Museums
londonmuseum.on.ca, Tel: +1 519 661 2500
This is a one-stop for all your historical and artistic tastes, the museum has a collection of historical artifacts along with its impressive collection of modern art. You can enjoy a wide variety of artwork both old and new, it is interesting to discuss the difference between historical and contemporary art objects.
You can enjoy collections from itinerant artists in the period 1830 – 1880, works of renowned artists of the First Renaissance era 1880 – 1895, and a collection of contemporary artists named a New Beginning from 1895 – till the present date.
This Regional Art Museum is also famous for maintaining the oldest villa in London, Eldon House, This famous house belonged to the Harris family and was built in the year 1834 by Captain John and Amelia Harris, im sure you would find a visit to this house to be a fascinating one as they have impressive furnishings, décor, heirlooms and gardens from that era, this house is a significant cultural heritage.
Fanshawe Pioneer Village
fanshawepioneervillage.ca; Tel: +1 519 457 1296
A visit to Fanshawe Pioneer Village will remind you of those days gone by when life was simple and uncomplicated, This village is an attempt to revive and retain those lost sentiments from a 19th-century village as part of a farming or trading community. The Pioneer Village is a different world altogether, even the guides who escort you through the village are dressed in costumes, helping to make the experience more realistic.
The village has a farm, a village school, and a woodworking shop where they have built models of historical monuments and buildings. The Fanshawe Pioneer Village is also popular for organizing creative and interactive events, these events are both informative and entertaining.
Philip Aziz Foundation of Art
Philip Aziz is a name to reckon with in the world of Art. Born in Canada in the year 1923, he has reached the pinnacle of success as a painter, designer of jewelry, architect, sculptor, and much more. He is a truly gifted man and has earned international repute, visiting his Art Foundation is a dream come true for any appreciator of artwork.
The Philip Aziz Foundation of Art was founded in 1967 as a nonprofit organization, basically, to promote and encourage budding artists. Here creative young artists can showcase their work, and many artists who have been associated with this foundation have also etched their names In the field of Art, a visit to the Philip Aziz Foundation of Art is surely a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Golf in London Ontario
London has developed into a tourist city that offers great recreational and leisure activities, if you’re looking for somewhere to relax and regenerate, then London is the right place to be. Golf is one game that can be played at leisure and it refreshes your mind and body, London has more than 50 golf courses and all of them are A-class courses, undoubtedly London is praised as the “Golf Capital of Canada”.1
Thames Valley Golf Course
Tel: +1 519 661 4450
The Thames Valley Golf Course has a rich history, it was established way back in 1924 and was one of the first golf courses in London, The Thames Valley golf course is known for its challenging courses, you will need to be an expert golfer to take this challenge, but if you are not keen on tough golfing and just want to relax then grab a coffee, enjoy the scenery and have a look at the collection of golf bags, balls, trophies, pictures and many more items tracing the history of this Golf course.
East Park Golf Gardens
East Park Golf Gardens is an 18-hole golf course, fully equipped and one of the most modern golf courses in London Ontario, it has been adjudged as the finest executive golf course by a survey by the London Press, it’s a complete Park that also caters for other sports like go-Karting, rock climbing, Bumper cars etc, visiting the East Park Golf Gardens is an ideal family day out that will have something for everyone.
Tel: +1 519 451 2950