If you’re looking for fun and memorable things to do in London, Ontario, you’ll find plenty of attractions, outdoor spaces, cultural experiences, and family-friendly activities to fill your itinerary. Often called the “Forest City,” London combines a relaxed atmosphere with a surprisingly diverse range of things to see and do.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend getaway, planning a family trip, or exploring Southwestern Ontario for the first time, London offers something for almost every type of traveler. From scenic parks and historic sites to museums, markets, and entertainment venues, these are some of the best experiences to add to your visit.
1. Explore Springbank Park
Springbank Park is one of the best places to begin exploring London, Ontario. Located along the Thames River, this large green space offers walking trails, gardens, picnic areas, playgrounds, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy nature.
The park is especially appealing during warmer months when visitors can spend an afternoon walking beside the river, relaxing under mature trees, or enjoying a picnic with friends and family. Its extensive trail system also makes it a popular choice for walking, jogging, and cycling.
2. Visit the Museum London
For travelers interested in art, history, and local culture, Museum London is a worthwhile stop. The museum features exhibitions that explore Canadian art and the history of the London region.
Its galleries provide an opportunity to learn more about the community while discovering works by established and emerging artists. The museum’s location near the Thames River also makes it easy to combine a cultural visit with a walk around the surrounding downtown area.
3. Discover Storybook Gardens
Families traveling with children should put Storybook Gardens high on their list of things to do in London, Ontario. This popular attraction combines amusement, storytelling, play areas, and seasonal entertainment in a setting designed especially for young visitors.
Children can explore themed areas, enjoy rides and attractions, and participate in activities inspired by familiar stories. It’s an excellent option for families looking for an entertaining day outdoors.
4. Walk Around Victoria Park
Victoria Park is one of the most recognizable green spaces in central London. Located in the heart of the city, the park provides a convenient place to relax while remaining close to restaurants, shops, and downtown attractions.
Throughout the year, Victoria Park hosts community events, festivals, concerts, and seasonal activities. During the warmer months, its open lawns and mature trees make it a pleasant place for a leisurely walk or an afternoon break.
5. Explore Covent Garden Market
Covent Garden Market is a great destination for visitors who want to experience local food, shopping, and community life. Located downtown, the market brings together food vendors, specialty products, local businesses, and other attractions under one roof.
Visitors can browse the different offerings, grab something to eat, and explore the surrounding downtown streets. Because of its central location, the market can easily be included in a walking itinerary around London.
6. Take a Walk Along the Thames River
The Thames River is an important part of London’s character and provides several opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Walking near the river allows visitors to experience the city from a quieter and more scenic perspective.
Several parks and trails connect with areas around the river, making it possible to create a relaxing walking route. In autumn, the surrounding trees provide especially beautiful scenery, while spring and summer offer comfortable conditions for longer outdoor adventures.
7. Visit Eldon House
History enthusiasts can visit Eldon House, one of London’s notable historic properties. The house provides insight into the lives of an influential local family and offers visitors a chance to learn about London’s past.
The historic setting, exhibits, and surrounding gardens create a slower-paced experience compared with some of the city’s more active attractions. It can be a particularly interesting stop for travelers who enjoy architecture, heritage, and local history.
8. Spend Time at Harris Park
Harris Park offers another attractive setting for enjoying London’s outdoors. Located close to the Thames River and downtown, the park provides open spaces and scenic surroundings without requiring visitors to travel far from the city center.
It is a good place to take a break during a downtown sightseeing day. Visitors can combine time at the park with nearby cultural attractions, restaurants, and walking routes.
9. Explore the London Children’s Museum
Families searching for educational things to do in London, Ontario can visit the London Children’s Museum. The attraction focuses on hands-on learning and interactive experiences that encourage children to explore and discover.
Rather than simply looking at displays, young visitors can participate in activities designed to make learning more engaging. It can be a useful choice for families looking for an indoor activity, particularly when the weather isn’t ideal for outdoor sightseeing.
10. Visit Banting House
Banting House is an important destination for visitors interested in medical history. The historic home is associated with Sir Frederick Banting, one of the key figures connected with the discovery of insulin.
The site offers visitors an opportunity to learn about Banting’s life, work, and the broader story surrounding this groundbreaking medical development. For history and science enthusiasts, it provides a unique experience that differs from London’s parks and entertainment attractions.
11. Enjoy the Trails at Westminster Ponds
Nature lovers should consider exploring Westminster Ponds, a natural area featuring wetlands, ponds, forests, and walking trails. It offers a peaceful escape from the busier parts of the city.
The area is particularly appealing to people who enjoy hiking, birdwatching, photography, and observing local wildlife. With its combination of water, trees, and natural habitats, Westminster Ponds demonstrates why London earned its nickname as the Forest City.
12. Catch a Show or Game
London has a lively entertainment scene, making it easy to add an evening activity to your itinerary. Depending on the season, visitors may find professional sports, live performances, concerts, theatre productions, and other events taking place around the city.
Attending a game or show can be a great way to experience the city beyond traditional sightseeing. Check the local event calendar before your visit to see what is happening during your stay.
13. Explore London’s Downtown Area
Downtown London is worth exploring on foot, particularly for first-time visitors. The area combines restaurants, cafes, shops, cultural attractions, public spaces, and historic buildings within a relatively compact part of the city.
A downtown walk can also be a flexible activity because you can stop whenever something catches your attention. Consider combining a visit to Covent Garden Market, a nearby park, and one of the city’s cultural attractions for a full day of exploration.
14. Enjoy London’s Food and Café Scene
Exploring local food is another enjoyable way to experience London, Ontario. The city has a variety of restaurants, cafés, bakeries, and casual dining spots offering different cuisines and styles.
Instead of treating meals as simply a break between attractions, make food part of your itinerary. Try a local café in the morning, explore downtown around lunchtime, and finish the day with dinner at a restaurant that offers a different type of cuisine.
15. Enjoy Seasonal Events and Festivals
One of the best ways to experience London is to visit during a local event or festival. The city hosts activities throughout the year, ranging from cultural celebrations and outdoor events to seasonal festivals and community gatherings.
The experience can vary considerably depending on when you visit, so it’s worth checking the local event schedule before planning your trip. A festival or special event can add an extra layer of entertainment to an otherwise traditional sightseeing itinerary.
Best Time to Visit London, Ontario
The best time to explore London depends largely on the activities you want to enjoy. Spring and summer are excellent for parks, walking trails, outdoor attractions, festivals, and riverfront activities.
Fall brings colorful foliage and comfortable conditions for exploring the city’s natural spaces. Winter offers a different atmosphere, with seasonal events and indoor attractions providing alternatives when temperatures drop.
How to Plan Your London, Ontario Itinerary
If you only have one day in London, focus on attractions that are relatively close together and combine outdoor sightseeing with cultural experiences. A morning walk through one of the city’s parks can be followed by a museum or historic attraction and an afternoon exploring downtown.
For a weekend visit, you can slow the pace and explore more of the city’s natural areas. Dedicate one day to downtown attractions and cultural experiences, then spend another day visiting parks, trails, and family-friendly destinations.
Final Thoughts
There are plenty of fun things to do in London, Ontario for travelers with different interests and budgets. The city’s combination of parks, historic attractions, museums, family activities, entertainment, and food makes it a versatile destination for a short trip or extended stay.
Whether you want to spend your time outdoors, learn about local history, enjoy cultural attractions, or simply relax and explore at your own pace, London offers plenty of opportunities to create a memorable itinerary. With a little planning, you can experience many of the city’s highlights while still leaving time to discover a few unexpected favorites along the way.
