London, Ontario (Canada)
A city that grew a canopy and kept it
London was a garrison, then a rail town, then an insurance town. What it is now — a university and hospital city of half a million — it became on purpose, and the trees were part of the plan.
The short version of London is that John Graves Simcoe wanted it to be the capital of Upper Canada, did not get his way, and left behind the names anyway. A London on a Thames, with a Covent Garden and an Oxford Street, sitting in farmland a hundred and ninety kilometres from Toronto. The capital went elsewhere in 1793; the district town was laid out here in 1826 regardless, and the names never went back.
What followed was three economies in sequence. A garrison and courthouse town through the 1830s and 1840s. Then rail — London sat where the Great Western crossed the region, and the yards and shops that came with it employed the city for a century. Then insurance and manufacturing, which is where the money for the big houses on the north and south edges of downtown came from.
The fourth economy is the one you can see today, and it is institutional. Western University and Fanshawe College put roughly sixty thousand students into a city of four hundred thousand. London Health Sciences Centre — University Hospital and Victoria Hospital, merged in 1995 — is one of the largest acute-care teaching hospitals in Canada and trains more than 1,800 medical and care professionals a year. Between them, the campuses and the hospitals are the reason the population skews younger and the downtown stays busier than the raw census number suggests.
The canopy is the other deliberate thing. The nickname is Victorian, but the reason it still holds is a mid-century municipal decision to plant and protect street trees at scale, maintained through the decades when most North American cities were widening roads through theirs. It is the single most visible piece of long-term thinking the city has done, and it is worth noticing that it took eighty years to pay off.
Where People Live
Wortley Village (Old South)
The one everyone names first. A separate suburb until it was annexed in 1890, and still built like one — a walkable main street on Wortley Road, heritage housing from cottages to mansions, and the old London Normal School, a former teachers' college, as its landmark. Now the regional YMCA headquarters.
Old North
Between downtown and Western. Large brick houses, deep lots, an enormous share of the canopy, and a population that is one part professor to one part student rental. Quiet in August, not in September.
Woodfield
East of downtown and the densest concentration of heritage designation in the city. Worth an hour on foot for the housing stock alone.
SoHo
South of Horton, between downtown and the river. Historically working-class, currently mid-change, and the neighbourhood where the difference between a 2015 photograph and a 2026 one is most obvious.
Masonville and the north
Postwar and later, built around the mall and the hospital, and where most of the family housing and most of the traffic is.
Byron and Riverbend
West, along the Thames, low-density and green. Further from everything than it looks on a map, because the river gets in the way.
Major sights
Victoria Park
The downtown green that the city organises itself around. Roughly a million visitors a year, and the venue for most of the summer festival calendar.
Covent Garden Market
A working market hall, not a food court with a theme. Open year-round; the outdoor farmers' market runs alongside it in season.
Western University campus
Collegiate Gothic in grey stone along the Thames. Free to walk, best on a weekday in term.
Museum London
Art and civic history at the forks of the Thames. The obvious first stop when the weather turns.
Banting House
The house where Frederick Banting woke at 2am with the idea that became insulin. Small, specific, and genuinely moving.
Fanshawe Pioneer Village
A reconstructed 19th-century village on the reservoir. Seasonal — largely closed in deep winter.
When it rains, or when it is February
Museum London
Large enough to absorb a full afternoon.
Covent Garden Market
Lunch and a wander under one roof.
Budweiser Gardens
Junior hockey and touring acts. The Knights play through the winter and the building is full and loud.
Banting House
An hour, well spent, indoors.
Grand Theatre
A proper proscenium house with a full season, September through May.
Where to stay
Days Inn by Wyndham London Dorchester
1100 Wellington Rd, London, ON N6E 1M2, Canada · wyndhamhotels.com
Four Points by Sheraton London
1150 Wellington Rd, London, ON N6E 1M3, Canada · marriott.com
Idlewyld Inn
36 Grand Ave, London, ON N6C 1K8, Canada · idlewyldinn.com
Staywell Inn & Suites
774 Base Line Rd E, London, ON N6C 2R6, Canada · staywellhotels.ca
Hard Rock Hotel London
100 Kellogg Ln #1, London, ON N5W 0B4, Canada · hotel.hardrock.com
Spencer Hotel & Conference Centre
551 Windermere Rd, London, ON N5X 2T1, Canada · spencerhotel.ca
Hotel Metro
32 Covent Market Pl, London, ON N6A 1E2, Canada · hotelmetro.ca
Residence and Conference Centre - London
1001 Fanshawe College Blvd, London, ON N5V 1W2, Canada · stayrcc.com
Staybridge Suites London Ontario
824 Exeter Rd, London, ON N6E 1L5, Canada · ihg.com
The Park Hotel London
242 Pall Mall St, London, ON N6A 6K3, Canada · parkhotelsuites.com
Sandman Hotel & Suites London Downtown
374 Dundas St, London, ON N6B 1V7, Canada · sandmanhotels.com
Holiday Inn & Suites London South by IHG
855 Wellington Rd, London, ON N6E 3N5, Canada · ihg.com
Candlewood Suites London South by IHG
855 Wellington Rd Suite B, London, ON N6E 3N5, Canada · ihg.com
Western Summer Accommodations
230 Sarnia Rd, London, ON N6G 0N2, Canada · stayatwestern.uwo.ca
Knights Inn London
1739 Dundas St, London, ON N5W 3E3, Canada · knightsinn.com
London Travel Inn
738 Exeter Rd, London, ON N6E 1L3, Canada · londontravelinn.com
Ramada by Wyndham London Belmont
817 Exeter Rd, London, ON N6E 1W1, Canada · wyndhamhotels.com
Best Western Plus Lamplighter Inn & Conference Centre
591 Wellington Rd, London, ON N6C 4R3, Canada · bestwestern.com
Comfort Suites London
1120 Dearness Dr, London, ON N6E 1N9, Canada · choicehotels.com
Delta Hotels London Armouries
325 Dundas St, London, ON N6B 1T9, Canada · marriott.com
Hampton Inn by Hilton London
840 Exeter Rd, London, ON N6E 1L5, Canada · hilton.com
Residence Inn by Marriott London Downtown
383 Colborne St, London, ON N6B 3P5, Canada · marriott.com
TownePlace Suites by Marriott London
800 Exeter Rd, London, ON N6E 1L5, Canada · marriott.com
Homewood Suites by Hilton, London Ontario
45 Bessemer Rd, London, ON N6E 0A2, Canada · hilton.com
London Residency Inn
2010 Dundas St, London, ON N5V 1R1, Canada · londonresidencyinn.mydirectstay.com
Best Western London Airport Inn & Suites
2230 Dundas St, London, ON N5V 1R5, Canada · bestwestern.com
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel London Ontario
300 King St, London, ON N6B 1S2, Canada · hilton.com
Guest House on the Mount
1480 Richmond St, London, ON N6G 0J4, Canada · guesthouseonthemount.ca
LaVida Exclusive Guest House, Free Parking (Rm#2)
140 Boullee St, London, ON N5Y 1T7, Canada · islandgetawayresort.eu
Motor Court Motel
1883 Dundas St, London, ON N5W 3G3, Canada · motorcourtmotel.com
Wharncliffe Suites Motel
370 Wharncliffe Rd S, London, ON N6J 2M1, Canada · wharncliffesuites.com
Motel 6 London, ON - Ontario
810 Exeter Rd, London, ON N6E 1L5, Canada · motel6.com
Super 7 Motel London
697 Wellington Rd, London, ON N6C 4R4, Canada · supersevenmotel.com
American Plaza Motel
2031 Dundas St, London, ON N5V 3J8, Canada · americanplazamotel.ca
Maple Glen Motel
1609 Dundas St, London, ON N5W 3C3, Canada
Parkway Motel
1555 Dundas St, London, ON N5W 4N7, Canada
Eastcourt Motel
1585 Dundas St, London, ON N5W 4N7, Canada
Restaurants & places to go
Powerhouse Brewing
craft beers · Coming Soon! . Located in the revitalized Kellogg’s Factory. Proud member of the OEV in London, ON. #DrinkPowerhouse 💪ðŸ¼ðŸº | Call… · powerhousebrewery.beer
James Place Restaurant
breakfast restaurants, pancakes, bacon and eggs, waffles, all day breakfasts, all day brunch restaurants · 1055 Clarke Rd, London, ON N5V 3B3 · jamesplace.ca
Anderson Craft Ales
craft breweries, craft brewery, craft beers · . Proudly brewing small batch, premium beers in London's OEV! Patio OPEN Wed-Thurs12-9, Fri-Sat12-10, Sun11-5.… · andersoncraftales.ca
The Factory
Canada’s largest indoor adventure park! Trampoline, Ropes Course, Arcade, Kid s Soft Play More! . Canada’s largest indoor adventure park. 🙌🻅 · thefactorylondon.ca
Stobie's
pizza restaurants · Stobie s opened in 1997. Located at 484 Richmond St. London, Ont. Delivery* 7 days a week 11am-3:30 am Call 519-432-2228. King of the Big… · stobiespizza.com
London Brewing Co-operative
certified organic beers, organic craft beers, craft breweries, craft brewery tours · . Craft beer brewery in London, ON’s Old East Village. Local Ontario… · londonbrewing.ca
Beertown London
brew pubs, restaurants · . We are a restaurant bringing culinary delights to humans of all ages and dietary needs, alongside an endless stream of craft beer… · beertown.ca
Storm Stayed Brewing Co.
craft beers · . Craft Brewery in London, ON with Patio and Retail Shop. Taproom and Kitchen remain on hiatus. See HOURS for when we’re open. · stormstayed.com
Los Lobos
Mexican restaurants · . Mexican restaurant in London Ontario. 580 Talbot st. Brought to you by Wolfe Pack Inc. · loslobos.ca
Joe Kool's
bars, pubs, restaurants · . Downtown London Ontario, 595 Richmond St We deliver! Call 519-663-5665 to place your order or to book a reservation! @joekoolslondon · joekools.ca
Junction London's Climbing Centre
Junction Climbing Centre London Ontario · . Where climbers come together. London, ON · junctionclimbing.com
Roli Poli
handrolled ice creamery · . Handcrafted Rolled Ice Cream | Small Batch Hard Ice Cream | VEGAN/DF options | HOURS: Mon-Sun 2-10 pm | UberEATS/SkiptheDishes. · rolipoliicecream.com
Origins Co.
smoothies, smoothie bowls, organics, Organic Works Inc. · . Vegan friendly/Gluten friendly cafe specializing in smoothies + smoothie bowls, with breakfast,… · originsco.com
Garlic's of London
fine dining restaurants · Internationally seasonally inspired rustic cuisine. Made using the freshest local and regional ingredients. Reservations:… · garlicsoflondon.com
Che Resto Bar
Latin American restaurants · . Lucha Patio Happy Hour From 4-6pm Tuesday to Saturday! Takeout menu also available.#londonontario #ldnont #latinfood… · cherestobar.ca
Shoeless Joe's London
sports bars, pubs, restaurants · Your Ultimate Sports Destination Over 30 locations across Canada # ShoelessJoes # BetterWithFriends . · 89 King Street,… · shoelessjoes.ca
The Church Key Bistro-Pub
French restaurants, bistros, pubs · . The Church Key Bistro is your destination gastropub whether you’re looking for an impressive selection of craft beers… · thechurchkey.ca
Fitzrays
pubs, restaurants · . 2 Patios Downtown. @FitzRays Winner 2019 Ontario Restaurant of the Year. Nominee for Best Venue @fclmalondonont 2020 🎶 · fitzrays.com
Burrito Boyz London Central
burritos, restaurants · Serving Southern Ontario’s finest. Custom made. Always fresh. Download the # BurritoBoyz App, links for Apple App + Google Play… · burritoboyz.ca
Your Highness
head shops, vapes, vape stores, vaporizers, vaping stores · . The only classy head shop in town. 743-Richmond St. London ON N6A3H2 Canada 519-204-5595 · 743… · yourhighnesshq.com
London Wine Bar (Downtown)
wine bars, wine restaurants · A traditional Parisian wine bar right in London, Ontario. . · 420 Talbot St, London, ON N6A 2S2 · londonwinebar.ca
Thaifoon
Thai restaurants · . Authentic Thai Restaurant 120 Dundas St. London, ON 📞519 850 1222 📸 Tag us with your photos #thaifoonlondon · 120 Dundas St.… · thaifoonrestaurant.com
Lavish Night Club
gay clubs, LGBTQ, queer clubs, gay nightclubs, gay dance clubs · Dance club, Lounge, Patio catering to All crowds Housed in a century old building located in…
McCabe's Irish Pub & Grill London
Irish pubs · McCabe s Irish Pub Grill offers the perfect Irish and local mix. During the day it s more laid-back: ideal for lunch time snacks and caffeine… · mccabeslondon.com
Crazy Joe's Lounge
Hookah Lounge, restaurants · . Enjoy #LondonOntario ‘s best #hookah in a chill & relaxed atmosphere at #cj_lounge #ldnont #nightlife #519london · 405… · cjlounge.com
Alibi Roadhouse
breakfast, pubs, restaurants · . Due to COVID-19 our dine-in operations are temporarily closed. Our patio is open along with takeout and delivery daily from… · alibiroadhouse.com
Tiger Jack's
london nightclubs, bars, restaurants, pubs · . Tiger Jack's is a family owned local restaurant deep in the heart of south London. We have amazing food and… · tigerjacks.com
Carey's Bar & Grill
Hooch and the Hound Inc. · . Hooch & The Hound Inc London’s Local College Hub Check out our weekly specials & promotions • LIVE EAT DRINK • · careysbarandgrill.ca
Ichabod's Escape
London escape rooms London Ontario, formerly Escape Canada London · . ð•†ð•Ÿð•”ð•– ð•ªð• 𕦠ð•–ð•¤ð•”ð•’ð•¡ð•–, ð•ªð• 𕦠ð•¨ð• ð•Ÿ'ð•¥… · ichabodsescape.com
Sweet Onion Bistro
restaurants · 135 Wortley Road, London, ON . · 135 Wortley Road, London, ON · sweetonionbistro.com
Crinklaw Maple Syrup
maple sugar bushes, maple syrups · . 🇨🇦 8th generation maple syrup producers on the original Crinklaw family homestead since 1832. We sell retail &… · crinklawmaplesyrup.com
A&K Restaurant (Chinese)
Chinese restaurants, Asian cuisine, Chinese food, chicken balls, chow mein, lo mein, chicken fried rice · 624 Huron Street, London, Ontario N5Y, Canada · ankrestaurant.ca
BJ's Country Market
London Ontario butchershops · 4 York Street, Delaware, ON, N0L 1E0 · bjscountrymarket.com
Burger Factory London Ontario
hamburgers · 276 Wharncliffe Rd N, London, ON N6H 2C3, Canada · burgerfactorylondon.ca
Joseph's Clothiers
menswear, mensuits, mens clothing apparel · 194 Wellington Street, London, Ontario N6B 2L1 · josephsclothiers.com
Abruzzi
Italian restaurants · abruzzi.ca
Addis Ababa
Ethiopian restaurants · tgsaddisababarestaurant.com
Angels Diner London
family restaurants · angelsdiner.ca
Bertoldi's Trattoria
Italian fine dining restaurants · bertoldis.ca
Burger Burger
burgers · burgerburger.ca
The Canteen
lunch restaurants, restaurant cafes, cafe restaurants · 100 Kellogg Ln, London, ON N5W 2T5 · thefactorylondon.ca
Dimi's Greek House
Greek restaurants · dimis.ca
Forked River Brewing
craft brewery, craft beers · forkedriverbrewing.com
Globally Local
vegan burgers · globallylocal.ca
The Root Cellar
. Farm to Fork Dining in the Old East Village. Currently closed to the public. Order @onthemoveorganics.ca 🌿 · 623 Dundas Street, London, Ontario N5W 2Z1 · rootcellarorganic.ca
Milos Craft Beer Emporium
brew pubs, craft beers, bars, restaurants · Home of craft beer in London, ON - Fresh local seasonal food - Support your community, support local support craft… · pubmilos.com
The Wave & Spoke
Your mom s favourite place on campus for food and drinks. Your dad s favourite Twitter. Recommended by 4.7 out of 5 people who recommend things. . · the-spoke.ca
The Morrissey House
Downtown London s local. Great food, Ontario beer, excellent wines, and service. Tweets by the publican Mark. Open weekdays at 11:30, Sat at 11am, Sun at… · themorrisseyhouse.com
Locomotive Espresso
barista brewed espresso for the community in London, Ontario 2nd location Feb 2020 - 350 Ridout St S at Chester . · 408 Pall Mall Street, London, Ontario · locomotiveespresso.com
Toboggan Brewing Co.
brew pubs, craft beers, pizza restaurants · Microbrewery and brewpub on Richmond Street in beautiful downtown London ON . · tobogganbrewing.com
Black Walnut Bakery Café
Black Walnut Bakery Cafe located in Wortley Village and Richmond Row in London Ontario. An award winning from scratch bakery and coffee roaster. . · 134… · blackwalnutbakerycafe.com
Barking Frog
A premier venue for nightlife and corporate events in London, Ontario. A place to meet, share and enjoy. Want to see what s new? Join our conversation. . · barkingfrog.ca
Palasad South
Come Play at Palasad! Palasad South: 141 Pine Valley London Ontario . # PalasadPlayTogether . · palasad.com
Jack Astor's London North
sports bars, pubs, restaurants · . We help people have a blast while enjoying amazing food! Visit us in North London and follow #JacksLondonNorth for the… · jackastors.com
Jack Astor's London Richmond Row
sports bars, pubs, restaurants · . Now open for delicious take-out, delivery and dine-in on our Rooftop patio! #jacksrichmondrow · jackastors.com
The Bull & Barrel Urban Saloon
Full Restaurant/Bar open 6 days a week, Mechanical Bull and Country Music... $2.75 drafts every Saturday night! http://www. bullandbarrel.com . · 359 Talbot… · london.bullandbarrel.com
Jack's
london nightclubs, bars · Open daily at 4pm, 7 days a week, 364 days a year. .
Winks Eatery
pubs, restaurants · Located in the heart of Richmond Row. We are open for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and late night eats. Live music, PATIO ALBERT JUST STEPS… · winkseatery.com
Barney's Patio
It s a London Thing. Check us out on Instagram and Facebook . · 671 Richmond Street, London, ON · barneyspatio.com
Trapdoor London Escape Rooms
. London's Favourite Escape Rooms! Award winning, top-rated, locally designed & crafted. Link to book: · trapdoorlondon.ca
Poacher's Arms
pubs, restaurants · London s oldest pub, serving outstanding food and draught beers. Live music Wednesdays thru Saturdays . · poachersarms.ca
Roxbury Bar & Grill
pubs, restaurants, chicken wings · pub by day club by night. fanshawe home away from home . · roxburygrilllondon.com
The Pub on Richmond
bars, pubs, lounges · Welcome to The Pub on Richmond an English pub with flavourful food and great atmosphere. Centrally located on Richmond Row London,… · thepubonrichmond.com
Molly Bloom's Irish Pub
Irish pubs · Irish Pub Located Downtown on Richmond Row. We Serve a Full Lunch Dinner Menu. Live Entertainment, Karaoke, and more! . · mollyslondon.com
Centre Branch YMCA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-IqJczsbnw · ymcawo.ca
Exodus Escape Rooms London
London escape rooms London Ontario, London City Hall, London Centennial Hall · 520 Wellington Street, London ON · exoduslondon.com
London Wine Bar (Wortley Village)
wine bars, wine restaurants · 175 Wortley Rd London, Ontario N6C 3P6 · londonwinebar.ca
Meesai's Thai Kitchen
Thai restaurants · 1271 Commissioners Road West, London, Ontario N6K1C9 · meesaithai.com
Black Trumpet Restaurant
fine dining restaurants · blacktrumpet.ca
Campus Hi-Fi
breakfast, coffee · campushifi.com
Cousin Vinny's
pizza restaurants · cousinvinnyspizza.ca
Crumlin Creek
720 Crumlin Side Road, London, Ontario N5V 1S2 · crumlincreek.com
Curley Brewing
craft beers · curleybrewing.com
David's Bistro
French restaurants · davidsbistro.ca
Fellini Koolini's
Italian fine dining restaurants · fellinikoolinis.com
Hanata
sushi restaurants · hanatasushihouse.com
Havana Castle Cigars
cigars, smoking, smokes, smoke shops, smokeshops · havanacastlecigarslondon.com
K Grill
Korean BBQ, Korean barbecue · kgrillontario.com
King of the Pigs
BBQ restaurants, catering services, barbecues, barbecue · kingofthepigs.com
Kosmos
sandwiches, wraps, catering · kosmoscatering.ca
La Casa Ristorante
Italian restaurants, bistros · lacasaristorante.com
Mai's Café & Bistro
restaurants, bistros · restaurantsnapshot.com
McLachlan Family Maple Syrup and Pancake House
sugar bushes, pancake houses, maple syrups · 10266 Goldcreek Dr. Komoka ON N0L 1R0 · mclachlansyrup.ca
Michael's on the Thames
fine dining restaurants · michaelsonthethames.com
Olive R. Twists
Oliver Twists, restaurants, Salsa dancing · olivertwists.ca
Paradise Cream
burgers · paradisecream.ca
Plant Matter Bistro
vegan restaurants · plantmatterbistro.com
Plant Matter Kitchen
vegan restaurants · plantmatterkitchen.com
Prince Albert's Diner
breakfast, milkshakes, restaurants · princealbertsdiner.com
RIO Brazilian Steak House + Supper Club
Brazilian steakhouse · riolondon.ca
SilverCity London Cinemas
movies, movie theatres, movie cinemas, movie theaters · cineplex.com
Adult Solid Gold London
london stripclubs · solidgoldlondon.ca
Solo's Pizza
pizzas, pizza restaurants · solospizza.ca
Spageddy Eddy's
Italian restaurants · spageddyeddys.ca
Thai Cuisine
Thai restaurants · thaicuisinelondon.ca
The Rec Room (Masonville)
1680 Richmond Street North, London, ON, N6G 3Y9 · therecroom.com
The Springs Restaurant
fine dining restaurants · thespringsrestaurant.com
The Tasting Room
fine dining restaurants · thetastingroom.ca
The Works London
burgers · worksburger.com
Tony's Pizza Dundas
pizza restaurants, Italian restaurants · tonyspizza.ca
Under the Volcano
Mexican restaurants · underthevolcano.ca
United Supermarket
Asian supermarkets · unitedsupermarket.ca
Wich Is Wich
sandwiches, burgers · wichiswich.ca
Zen Gardens
vegetarian restaurants · zengardenslondon.com
Scot's Corner
pubs, breakfast · 268 Dundas Street, London, ON N6A 1G4
Thai Delight
Thai restaurants · 130 King St, London, ON N6A 1C5
Barney's
Food & Drink, patios, patio bars
Adult Beef Baron
london stripclubs
Norma Jeans
dive bars
Renato's
Italian restaurants, breakfast
The Belfort
london ontario nightclubs
93&King
93 King St, London, ON N6A 1C1
The Club House
100 Kellogg Ln, London, ON N5W 2T5
Airports
London International Airport (YXU) 9 km to the centre
London, ON, CA — Indoor waiting areas, but some gates board by bus or on foot across the apron — plan for the weather on the day. ✈ 3 airlines (Air Canada, WestJet, United Airlines) · direct flights to 5 destinations incl. Chicago, Calgary, Ottawa, Toronto, Winnipeg (OpenFlights route data).
✈ Airlines & flight paths — 3 airlines, 5 direct destinations
- Air Canada AC (Dash 8-100, CRJ, Dash 8-400) · 3 routes: Chicago*, Ottawa*, Toronto*
- WestJet WS (737-700) · 2 routes: Calgary, Winnipeg
- United Airlines UA (CRJ) · 1 route: Chicago*
Routes and aircraft from OpenFlights (open data; a point-in-time snapshot). * = codeshare. Linked destinations open their own guidebook. Flight numbers are not in the open data — they come from the airline or a paid schedule feed.
St Thomas Municipal Airport (YQS) 25 km to the centre
St Thomas, ON, CA — Indoor waiting areas, but some gates board by bus or on foot across the apron — plan for the weather on the day.
London (Pioneer Airpark) 13 km to the centre
London, ON, CA
Local transit
London Transit
Bus
Robert Q
Public transit · Schedules & GTFS data
Roads & Snow
Roads · ☎ 519-661-4570
Trains & rail
VIA Rail Canada
National rail
Coaches & shuttles
Ebus
Intercity coach
Rider Express
Intercity coach
Living Here
Getting about
- London Transit (LTC) runs the buses — 28 regular routes, six express, six community routes that run one day a week each, and four that run only while Western and Fanshawe are in session. Annual ridership was 17.46 million in 2025.
- A bus rapid transit system, formerly branded Shift, is under construction. Expect the downtown and Richmond Row segments to be a building site for a while yet.
- The Thames Valley Parkway is roughly 40 km of riverside path and is genuinely the fastest way across parts of the city by bike.
- Highways 401 and 402 meet at the southern edge. Toronto is two hours east, Sarnia and the border an hour west.
Health
- London Health Sciences Centre operates University Hospital in the north and Victoria Hospital in the south, the latter including the Children's Hospital.
- St. Joseph's Health Care London covers urgent care, mental health and long-term and specialised care.
- Both teach through Western's Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, which is why specialist coverage here is heavier than the city's size would predict.
Schools and campuses
- Western University, north of downtown along the Thames — research-intensive, and the reason the rental market moves on the academic calendar rather than the ordinary one.
- Fanshawe College, east, with a growing downtown campus that has put students back on Dundas Street.
- Thames Valley District School Board and the London District Catholic School Board run the public systems.
The calendar that actually governs the city
- Late August — Western and Fanshawe move-in. Every hotel room in the city is spoken for and rates roughly double.
- Early May and mid-June — convocation weekends, same effect, shorter.
- July — the Victoria Park festival run, which is when downtown is at its best.
- February — the quiet month. Book anything you like.
Moving here
- London is a mid-sized Ontario city with a university, a hospital network and housing that costs a fraction of Toronto two hours east — which is the main reason people move here and why the population has been growing steadily.
- Old North and Wortley Village are the established character neighbourhoods; the north and northwest are the newer family suburbs; the east end is the value side of the city.
- The rental market tightens sharply each September with Western and Fanshawe intake, which is worth timing around.
Health, schools & services
- London Health Sciences Centre and St Joseph's are a large academic hospital network — this is a regional referral centre for southwestern Ontario, not a city that sends patients elsewhere.
- Western University and Fanshawe College give the city a substantial student population, a research economy and the cheap eating that follows.
- London International has limited scheduled service; Toronto Pearson is about two hours by road or the VIA train.
What newcomers get wrong
- Lake-effect snow. Southwestern Ontario sits downwind of Lake Huron and gets genuine squalls that close the 401 — this is not Toronto's winter.
- Expecting a transit city. London is spread out and car-oriented; the bus network exists but most residents drive.
- The humidity. July and August are genuinely humid, which surprises people who think of Canada as cold.