- London is widely known as 'The Forest City' due to the dense tree canopy covering its residential streets and extensive park network.
- Labatt Memorial Park holds the world record as the oldest continually operating baseball grounds in the world, with games played on the site since 1877.
- The city serves as a major hub for medical research, being home to the first successful open-heart surgery in Canada, performed at Victoria Hospital in 1951.
- London’s street naming convention mirrors London, England, including major thoroughfares like Oxford, Richmond, and Wellington streets.
- The city maintains a unique 'flood control' system designed following the major Thames River flood of 1937, which shaped much of its modern riverfront infrastructure.
About London, Ontario
London, Ontario, is a regional hub situated at the confluence of the Thames River branches, serving as a significant center for education, healthcare, and manufacturing. The city features an extensive park system, including the expansive Springbank Park and the community-focused Victoria Park, which hosts year-round seasonal events. Cultural life thrives at venues like the Grand Theatre and Canada Life Place, while the local history is anchored by landmarks like St. Peter's Cathedral Basilica London, ON. The city balances its dense urban core with significant green space, notably seen at the riverfront Greenway Park and Gibbons Park. It is distinguished by its layout, which was originally intended to mirror the geography of its British namesake.
Highlights of London, Ontario
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Parks
This central park serves as the primary location for local festivals and community gatherings throughout the year.
Parks
Spanning 140 hectares, this park offers the city's most extensive network of walking trails along the Thames River.
Venues
This multipurpose arena hosts major touring concerts and professional sporting events in the heart of the downtown core.
Venues
This historic theater hosts professional regional productions in a building dating back to the early 20th century.
Temples
An iconic example of Gothic Revival architecture, this basilica features notable stained glass and intricate masonry.
Venues
Visitors can experience a match at the world's oldest continually operating baseball grounds.
Temples
This historic Anglican cathedral is a significant landmark known for its prominent spire and community heritage.
Top things to do in London, Ontario
The 64 highest-rated places in London, Ontario, ranked by travellers.
1
Parks
Victoria Park serves as the primary central green space in downtown London, Ontario, covering approximately 15 acres of...
2
Parks
Springbank Park is London's largest municipal park, spanning 140 hectares along the Thames River. The park features over...
3
Venues
Canada Life Place is the primary multi-purpose sports and entertainment arena in downtown London, Ontario, serving as th...
4
Parks
Pinafore Park is a 100-acre municipal park in St. Thomas, Ontario, centered around a large man-made lake. The park featu...
5
Parks
Gibbons Park is a large municipal green space situated along the north bank of the Thames River in London, Ontario. The...
6
Parks
Ivey Park is a riverfront park located at the confluence of the north and south branches of the Thames River in downtown...
7
Parks
Harris Park is a major municipal green space situated along the banks of the Thames River in downtown London, Ontario. I...
8
Venues
The Grand Theatre in London, Ontario, is a historic proscenium-arch venue originally opened in 1901. It serves as a regi...
9
Beaches and ponds
Port Bruce Provincial Park is a small day-use park located on the north shore of Lake Erie, renowned for its sandy beach...
10
Temples
St. Peter's Cathedral Basilica is the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of London, serving as the mother church of the...
11
Museums
Fanshawe Pioneer Village is a living history museum situated within the Fanshawe Conservation Area that reconstructs 19t...
12
Parks
Waterworks Park is a 130-acre municipal park located in St. Thomas, Ontario, centered around a large reservoir and kettl...
13
Parks
St. Thomas Elevated Park is Canada's first elevated park, constructed on the former Michigan Central Railroad bridge. Sp...
14
Historical places
The Jumbo the Elephant Memorial commemorates the world's most famous circus elephant, who was killed by a locomotive in...
15
Parks
Sifton Bog is a rare acidic peat bog located within the city limits of London, Ontario. It features a floating boardwalk...
16
Venues
Labatt Memorial Park in London, Ontario, holds the Guinness World Record as the world's oldest continuously operating ba...
17
Venues
Western Alumni Stadium is the primary outdoor athletic facility for Western University in London, Ontario, serving as th...
18
Museums
The Royal Canadian Regiment Museum is housed within Wolseley Barracks, a historic military facility in London, Ontario,...
19
Museums
Eldon House is London, Ontario's oldest residence, constructed in 1834 for John and Amelia Harris. The property served a...
20
Museums
The Elgin County Railway Museum is housed within the historic Michigan Central Railroad locomotive shop, a massive 1913...
21
Parks
Greenway Park is a expansive 100-acre public green space situated along the southern banks of the Thames River in London...
22
Museums
23
Museums
24
Museums
25
Parks
26
Museums
27
Museums
28
Temples
29
Temples
30
Parks
Explore by category
Jump straight to what you're into.
London, Ontario on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to London, Ontario
Late spring through early autumn, as the city's extensive parkland is most accessible and outdoor community events are most frequent.
2-3 days, providing sufficient time to explore the riverfront parks, historic cathedrals, and downtown cultural venues.
The city is primarily served by the London Transit Commission bus network, though a car is recommended for reaching parks located on the urban periphery.
Stay in the Downtown or Old North neighborhoods to remain within walking distance of primary cultural venues and the historic architectural districts.
London is generally considered a mid-range destination, offering a mix of affordable local dining and standard hotel pricing.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 64 curated attractions in and around London, Ontario, ranked by traveller ratings.
Victoria Park is the highest-rated place to visit in London, Ontario right now.
The largest category is parks, with 21 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Toronto, Montreal, North Vancouver (city).
Explore more of Canada
Other cities ranked by number of curated places.