London City Guide

This London City Guide explores the Forest City. Tour the historic Labatt Brewery, sample craft cideries, and enjoy Richmond Row's nightlife and lush parklands.

Known affectionately as the Forest City, London offers a perfect blend of urban sophistication and natural charm along the banks of the Thames River. Start your exploration at Springbank Park, where miles of scenic trails wind through lush greenery, leading to the family favorite Storybook Gardens. For a dose of culture, Museum London provides a stunning look at regional art and history, while the historic Grand Theatre showcases world-class performances in a beautiful architectural setting.

Food and drink enthusiasts will find plenty to love in London's vibrant culinary scene. The Covent Garden Market is a local institution, bustling with fresh local produce and artisanal goods. Beyond the downtown core, the city is a gateway to the thriving craft beverage scene of Southwest Ontario. You can spend an afternoon visiting local breweries and cideries, or join a guided tasting tour to sample the finest spirits and wines produced right here in the region.

While many visitors flock to the downtown core, true Londoners find their rhythm in the neighborhood of Wortley Village. This charming enclave feels like a small town within the city, boasting independent cafes and unique architecture that invites long, leisurely strolls.

For a taste of the region's agricultural heart, spend a Saturday morning at the Western Fair District Farmers' & Artisans' Market. It is a bustling two-floor hub where residents gather for fresh local produce, handmade crafts, and some of the best coffee in the city. It captures the community spirit far better than any standard shopping mall.

Adventure seekers and craft beer enthusiasts often converge at The Junction. This repurposed industrial space combines an indoor rock climbing gym with a local brewery, offering a quintessential London experience that blends active living with a relaxed social atmosphere.

Navigating London is straightforward, centered around the London Transit Commission (LTC) bus network which covers the majority of the city’s residential and commercial hubs. A single adult cash fare is $3.50, though using a stored-value Smart Card reduces costs. For those staying central, the downtown core is quite walkable, and the extensive Thames Valley Parkway offers a scenic, car-free route for cyclists and pedestrians winding through the city's green spaces.

For faster point-to-point travel, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are widely available and often more efficient than the bus for specific cross-town trips. Local taxi companies, such as Checker Limousine, provide reliable 24-hour service. While London is a car-centric city with a grid layout, visitors will find most major attractions and shopping districts easily accessible via the main north-south arteries of Richmond Street and Wellington Road.

Travelers arriving at London International Airport (YXU) can expect a taxi or Uber ride to the downtown core to cost between $35 and $45 CAD. A typical ride-share between the University of Western Ontario and the downtown Richmond Row area usually ranges from $15 to $22 CAD. For those utilizing public transit, a transfer is valid for 90 minutes, allowing for flexible short-term errands on a single fare.

Shopping in London offers a delightful blend of modern convenience and local charm. For those seeking familiar international brands and a high-end atmosphere, CF Masonville Place in the north and White Oaks Mall in the south provide extensive retail options. Meanwhile, Richmond Row serves as the city’s premiere destination for boutique fashion and upscale lifestyle finds, perfect for those looking for something more exclusive.

For a more authentic and budget-friendly experience, the Covent Garden Market is a must-visit. This historic indoor market features local artisans, specialty foods, and unique crafts that capture the spirit of Southwestern Ontario. On weekends, the Western Fair District Farmers' Market is the place to go for fresh local produce and one-of-the-kind handmade items.

No shopping trip to the Forest City is complete without exploring its famous craft beverage scene. The region is increasingly renowned for its high-quality breweries, wineries, and cideries. Visitors should look for locally produced spirits and award-winning craft ales, such as those found at Anderson Craft Ales, which make for excellent souvenirs or gifts from the heart of Ontario’s agricultural belt.

The best time to visit London, Ontario, is from June through August when the "Forest City" is at its most vibrant. This peak season features the warmest weather and a packed calendar of outdoor events, including Sunfest and Rock the Park in Victoria Park. While summer offers the most activity, it also brings the highest accommodation prices and the largest crowds, making early bookings essential for travelers.

For those seeking a balance of milder weather and lower costs, the shoulder seasons of late spring and autumn are excellent alternatives. September and October provide crisp air and stunning fall foliage along the Thames Valley Parkway, though the city becomes more energetic as university students return. Travelers on a strict budget will find the lowest rates during the winter months; while the region faces cold temperatures and heavy lake-effect snow, it offers a peaceful atmosphere and plenty of cozy indoor cultural experiences.