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Why go
- A walkable downtown with a genuine market hall at its centre, ringed by parkland rather than parking.
- Western University's campus is one of the handsomer ones in Canada and open to wander.
- Live music and festivals punch well above the city's weight, concentrated in Victoria Park all summer.
- It is the practical base for southwestern Ontario — Stratford, Port Stanley and the Lake Erie shore are all inside an hour.
History
Chosen as a district capital in 1826 by John Graves Simcoe's design — he had wanted London and the Thames to be the capital of Upper Canada, and the names stuck even though the capital did not. A garrison town, then a rail and insurance town, then a university and hospital town. The mid-century decision to plant and protect street trees at scale is why the canopy, and the nickname, survive.
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.
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.
Art and civic history at the forks of the Thames. The obvious first stop when the weather turns.
The house where Frederick Banting woke at 2am with the idea that became insulin. Small, specific, and genuinely moving.
A reconstructed 19th-century village on the reservoir. Seasonal — largely closed in deep winter.
When it rains, or when it is February
Large enough to absorb a full afternoon.
Lunch and a wander under one roof.
Junior hockey and touring acts. The Knights play through the winter and the building is full and loud.
An hour, well spent, indoors.
A proper proscenium house with a full season, September through May.
Where to stay
1100 Wellington Rd, London, ON N6E 1M2, Canada · wyndhamhotels.com
1150 Wellington Rd, London, ON N6E 1M3, Canada · marriott.com
36 Grand Ave, London, ON N6C 1K8, Canada · idlewyldinn.com
774 Base Line Rd E, London, ON N6C 2R6, Canada · staywellhotels.ca
100 Kellogg Ln #1, London, ON N5W 0B4, Canada · hotel.hardrock.com
551 Windermere Rd, London, ON N5X 2T1, Canada · spencerhotel.ca
32 Covent Market Pl, London, ON N6A 1E2, Canada · hotelmetro.ca
1001 Fanshawe College Blvd, London, ON N5V 1W2, Canada · stayrcc.com
824 Exeter Rd, London, ON N6E 1L5, Canada · ihg.com
242 Pall Mall St, London, ON N6A 6K3, Canada · parkhotelsuites.com
374 Dundas St, London, ON N6B 1V7, Canada · sandmanhotels.com
855 Wellington Rd, London, ON N6E 3N5, Canada · ihg.com
855 Wellington Rd Suite B, London, ON N6E 3N5, Canada · ihg.com
230 Sarnia Rd, London, ON N6G 0N2, Canada · stayatwestern.uwo.ca
1739 Dundas St, London, ON N5W 3E3, Canada · knightsinn.com
738 Exeter Rd, London, ON N6E 1L3, Canada · londontravelinn.com
817 Exeter Rd, London, ON N6E 1W1, Canada · wyndhamhotels.com
591 Wellington Rd, London, ON N6C 4R3, Canada · bestwestern.com
1120 Dearness Dr, London, ON N6E 1N9, Canada · choicehotels.com
325 Dundas St, London, ON N6B 1T9, Canada · marriott.com
840 Exeter Rd, London, ON N6E 1L5, Canada · hilton.com
383 Colborne St, London, ON N6B 3P5, Canada · marriott.com
800 Exeter Rd, London, ON N6E 1L5, Canada · marriott.com
45 Bessemer Rd, London, ON N6E 0A2, Canada · hilton.com
2010 Dundas St, London, ON N5V 1R1, Canada · londonresidencyinn.mydirectstay.com
2230 Dundas St, London, ON N5V 1R5, Canada · bestwestern.com
300 King St, London, ON N6B 1S2, Canada · hilton.com
Indoor
Indoor
1480 Richmond St, London, ON N6G 0J4, Canada · guesthouseonthemount.ca
140 Boullee St, London, ON N5Y 1T7, Canada · islandgetawayresort.eu
Indoor
Indoor
Indoor
1883 Dundas St, London, ON N5W 3G3, Canada · motorcourtmotel.com
370 Wharncliffe Rd S, London, ON N6J 2M1, Canada · wharncliffesuites.com
810 Exeter Rd, London, ON N6E 1L5, Canada · motel6.com
697 Wellington Rd, London, ON N6C 4R4, Canada · supersevenmotel.com
2031 Dundas St, London, ON N5V 3J8, Canada · americanplazamotel.ca
1609 Dundas St, London, ON N5W 3C3, Canada
1555 Dundas St, London, ON N5W 4N7, Canada
1585 Dundas St, London, ON N5W 4N7, Canada
Restaurants & places to go
craft beers · Coming Soon! . Located in the revitalized Kellogg’s Factory. Proud member of the OEV in London, ON. #DrinkPowerhouse 💪ðŸ¼ðŸº | Call… · powerhousebrewery.beer
breakfast restaurants, pancakes, bacon and eggs, waffles, all day breakfasts, all day brunch restaurants · 1055 Clarke Rd, London, ON N5V 3B3 · jamesplace.ca
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
Canada’s largest indoor adventure park! Trampoline, Ropes Course, Arcade, Kid s Soft Play More! . Canada’s largest indoor adventure park. 🙌🻅 · thefactorylondon.ca
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
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
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
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
Mexican restaurants · . Mexican restaurant in London Ontario. 580 Talbot st. Brought to you by Wolfe Pack Inc. · loslobos.ca
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 Climbing Centre London Ontario · . Where climbers come together. London, ON · junctionclimbing.com
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
smoothies, smoothie bowls, organics, Organic Works Inc. · . Vegan friendly/Gluten friendly cafe specializing in smoothies + smoothie bowls, with breakfast,… · originsco.com
fine dining restaurants · Internationally seasonally inspired rustic cuisine. Made using the freshest local and regional ingredients. Reservations:… · garlicsoflondon.com
Latin American restaurants · . Lucha Patio Happy Hour From 4-6pm Tuesday to Saturday! Takeout menu also available.#londonontario #ldnont #latinfood… · cherestobar.ca
sports bars, pubs, restaurants · Your Ultimate Sports Destination Over 30 locations across Canada # ShoelessJoes # BetterWithFriends . · 89 King Street,… · shoelessjoes.ca
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
pubs, restaurants · . 2 Patios Downtown. @FitzRays Winner 2019 Ontario Restaurant of the Year. Nominee for Best Venue @fclmalondonont 2020 🎶 · fitzrays.com
burritos, restaurants · Serving Southern Ontario’s finest. Custom made. Always fresh. Download the # BurritoBoyz App, links for Apple App + Google Play… · burritoboyz.ca
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
wine bars, wine restaurants · A traditional Parisian wine bar right in London, Ontario. . · 420 Talbot St, London, ON N6A 2S2 · londonwinebar.ca
Thai restaurants · . Authentic Thai Restaurant 120 Dundas St. London, ON 📞519 850 1222 📸 Tag us with your photos #thaifoonlondon · 120 Dundas St.… · thaifoonrestaurant.com
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…
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
Hookah Lounge, restaurants · . Enjoy #LondonOntario ‘s best #hookah in a chill & relaxed atmosphere at #cj_lounge #ldnont #nightlife #519london · 405… · cjlounge.com
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
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
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
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
restaurants · 135 Wortley Road, London, ON . · 135 Wortley Road, London, ON · sweetonionbistro.com
maple sugar bushes, maple syrups · . 🇨🇦 8th generation maple syrup producers on the original Crinklaw family homestead since 1832. We sell retail &… · crinklawmaplesyrup.com
Chinese restaurants, Asian cuisine, Chinese food, chicken balls, chow mein, lo mein, chicken fried rice · 624 Huron Street, London, Ontario N5Y, Canada · ankrestaurant.ca
London Ontario butchershops · 4 York Street, Delaware, ON, N0L 1E0 · bjscountrymarket.com
hamburgers · 276 Wharncliffe Rd N, London, ON N6H 2C3, Canada · burgerfactorylondon.ca
menswear, mensuits, mens clothing apparel · 194 Wellington Street, London, Ontario N6B 2L1 · josephsclothiers.com
Italian restaurants · abruzzi.ca
Ethiopian restaurants · tgsaddisababarestaurant.com
family restaurants · angelsdiner.ca
Italian fine dining restaurants · bertoldis.ca
burgers · burgerburger.ca
lunch restaurants, restaurant cafes, cafe restaurants · 100 Kellogg Ln, London, ON N5W 2T5 · thefactorylondon.ca
Greek restaurants · dimis.ca
craft brewery, craft beers · forkedriverbrewing.com
vegan burgers · globallylocal.ca
191 more places in the Ultimate edition. See the Ultimate edition →
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
Where things are
Local search powered by Geoverts and geo-intelligence by Better Mapping
base map © OSM
Photographs
credit: Loozrboy from Toronto, Canada · CC BY-SA 2.0
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credit: R.schneider101 · CC BY-SA 4.0
When to go
Tourist season
June – August
Festival season. Warm, green, and the only time the outdoor calendar is fully lit — also when accommodation is tightest around Western's move-in and convocation weekends.
Shoulder season
May, and mid-September – October
The better value and arguably the better visit. Patios are open, the canopy is either coming in or turning, and rates drop between the student rushes. Late September is the pick.
Worth avoiding
Late August and early May
Move-in and convocation weekends at Western fill every room in the city and roughly double rates. Check the university calendar before booking.
Festivals worth planning around
| Sunfest | Early July | One of Canada's largest free world-music festivals, in Victoria Park. |
| Ribfest | Late July / early August | Victoria Park again, and busy. |
| Home County Music & Art Festival | Mid-July | Folk and craft, free, also Victoria Park. |
| Western Fair | September | A full agricultural fair, running since 1867. |
Getting there & around
Getting there. Via Rail runs the Toronto–Windsor corridor through London several times daily and the station is downtown. London International (YXU) has limited domestic service; Toronto Pearson is a two-hour drive or a bus.
Getting around. Downtown is genuinely walkable and the core sights sit within a twenty-minute radius of the market. London Transit covers the rest; Western is a short ride north. The Thames Valley Parkway is the pleasant way between neighbourhoods on foot or by bike — roughly 40 km of riverside path.
Local transit
Bus
Robert Q
Public transit · Schedules & GTFS data
Roads · ☎ 519-661-4570
Trains & rail
National rail
Coaches & shuttles
Intercity coach
Intercity coach