London Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
St. Thomas showing a bridge and a pond
Famous in medical history for being the birthplace of insulin, this southwestern Ontario town features university culture and a beautiful network of parks.

Located at a fork in the lush North American Thames River, London is known as southwestern Ontario’s “Forest City.” Despite its green reputation, London is a large and busy city that contains one of Canada’s best universities and a significant medical industry. Spend several days touring London’s museums, exploring the riverfront and parkland areas and checking out memorials to the city’s rich history.

London was founded in 1826 and served as a garrison for British troops in the mid-19th century. Visit Victoria Park in the city center, where the troops were stationed. Find further artifacts from the city’s early history nearby, including the redbrick St. Paul’s Cathedral, which was built in 1845.

See why London is known as the “Forest City” by visiting its various parks and natural areas. Discover the Westminster Ponds, located in a forest just south of the city center. Wander along leafy trails and boardwalks through the scenic wetlands while watching for deer and beavers. During the winter, take a short drive into the western suburbs to visit the ski resorts at Boler Mountain.

London is the site of one of the most important breakthroughs in medical history. Drop by Banting House to see where Dr. Frederick Banting lived when he came up with the idea for how to produce insulin for the treatment of diabetes. See his face among Canada’s other medical heroes at the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame.

Other museums in the city highlight the history of settlement and growth in London’s city and surrounding area. Museum London features a 45,000-piece collection of local historical artifacts in addition to an impressive exhibition of art by regional and Canadian artists. Visit the Museum of Ontario Archaeology to learn the history of First Nations people in the London region.

Take a bus or make the 2-hour drive from Toronto to reach London. Experience the culture, history and beauty of this tree-lined university city on the Thames.

Where to stay in London

Victoria Park showing a park

Downtown London

Downtown London is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Victoria Park and London Music Hall while in the area.

Downtown London
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South London

Visitors highly recommend South London for its abundant dining options, and you can make a stop by Farquharson Arena while you're in town.

South London
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Strathroy

While visiting Strathroy, you might make a stop by sights like Boler Mountain Ski Resort and Storybook Gardens.

Strathroy
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Westminster

Westminster is popular for its ample dining options, and you might make a stop by Westminster Ponds, a top place to visit in the area.

Westminster
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Port Burwell

You'll enjoy the museums and monuments in Port Burwell. You might want to make time for a stop at Port Burwell Provincial Park or Lake Erie.

Port Burwell
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North London

Though North London may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Victoria Park and Harris Park.

North London
Quality Suites London
Quality Suites London
2.5 out of 5
1120 Dearness Dr, London, ON
The price is NZ$119 per night from 16 Jun to 17 Jun
NZ$119
per night
16 Jun - 17 Jun
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in London. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8/10 Very Good! (247 reviews)
"It’s under renovation but our suite was renovated and very nice. Great value."

Reviewed on 14 May 2024

Quality Suites London
Best Western Plus Lamplighter Inn & Conference Centre
Best Western Plus Lamplighter Inn & Conference Centre
3 out of 5
591 Wellington Rd S., London, ON
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$224 per night from 20 May to 21 May
NZ$224
per night
20 May - 21 May
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,009 reviews)
Mother's Day with Family
"Very, very enjoyable 2 day stay from beginning to end. Everyone had fun. The front desk recommended the Powerhouse Brewery and it was also a good time. Nice and polite staff. Will be back for sure."

Reviewed on 13 May 2024

Best Western Plus Lamplighter Inn & Conference Centre
Days Inn by Wyndham London
Days Inn by Wyndham London
2.5 out of 5
1100 Wellington Road South, London, ON
The price is NZ$124 per night from 19 May to 20 May
NZ$124
per night
19 May - 20 May
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in ...
6.2/10 (1,344 reviews)
"Amiable staff"

Reviewed on 13 May 2024

Days Inn by Wyndham London
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Elegant & Private Apartment With Full Kitchen - Short Walk to Downtown London
Elegant & Private Apartment With Full Kitchen - Short Walk to Downtown London
London
Book a stay at this family-friendly apartment in London. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Budweiser Gardens and Ska-Nah-Doht ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
London Visit
"My husband and I had a terrific visit in London and this adorable, super clean apartment was a comfortable and relaxing stay with a short walk to so many lovely restaurants and even a bowling alley! The hosts were very helpful, friendly and responsive to all of our inquiries. I would not hesitate ..."

Reviewed on 21 Feb. 2024

Elegant & Private Apartment With Full Kitchen - Short Walk to Downtown London
My Mom's Cottage - Enjoy Small Town Beach Living!
My Mom's Cottage - Enjoy Small Town Beach Living!
Port Stanley
Stay at this vacation home in Port Stanley. Enjoy free WiFi, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Port Stanley Terminal Rail and ...
10/10 Exceptional! (6 reviews)
A cute and beautiful cottage getaway!!
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Reviewed on 11 Dec. 2023

My Mom's Cottage - Enjoy Small Town Beach Living!
Cottage suite over Lake Erie w  hot tub & beach access  20% discount Nov 16-20
Cottage suite over Lake Erie w hot tub & beach access 20% discount Nov 16-20
Port Stanley
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Port Stanley. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Port Stanley Little ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (76 reviews)
Sacred Idleness….such a gift!
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Reviewed on 6 May 2024

Cottage suite over Lake Erie w hot tub & beach access 20% discount Nov 16-20
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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