Located in southwestern Ontario, this city of 400,000 people has the Thames River running through its center, two major universities, and a thriving tech sector.
London, Ontario sits midway between Toronto and Detroit, with 422,000 residents. Trees line most streets in this "Forest City," where 200 parks dot the urban landscape. You can watch "The Sound of Music" at the Victorian-era Grand Theatre, dance to world music at Sunfest in Victoria Park, or examine Group of Seven paintings at the London Museum. Walk or cycle along the Thames River on the 40-kilometer Thames Valley Parkway, which winds past gardens, playgrounds, and sports fields.
Getting Around London
London Transit Commission buses run every 15-30 minutes on major routes throughout the city. Highway 401 links London to Toronto (2 hours east) and Windsor (2 hours west). The Thames Valley Parkway stretches 40 kilometers through the city, with bike rental stations at multiple points along the route.
Parks and Green Spaces
More than 200 parks connect through the Thames Valley Parkway system. Victoria Park, a 7.3-hectare green space in downtown, comes alive with concerts in summer and turns into an ice skating spot in winter. Springbank Park spreads along the Thames River with rose gardens, children's play areas, and riverside walking paths. At Gibbons Park, you can play baseball, tennis, or access the main pathway system.
Cultural Attractions
The Grand Theatre stages plays and musicals in a restored 19th-century building with a 839-seat main stage and a 150-seat studio theater. Museum London displays 5,000 artworks and 45,000 artifacts, including works by the Group of Seven. The Labatt Brewery, Canada's oldest, welcomes visitors for tours of its brewing facilities and tasting sessions.
Family Activities
Children can explore fairy tale-themed play areas at Storybook Gardens, with slides, mazes, and seasonal activities. East Park combines go-karts, water slides, and mini-golf with an 18-hole golf course. Fanshawe Pioneer Village recreates local life from 1820 to 1920 with authentic buildings and interpreters demonstrating period skills and crafts.
Events and Festivals
The city hosts more than 120 events annually. Sunfest brings international musicians to Victoria Park each July. Western Fair continues a 150-year tradition each September with agricultural displays, carnival rides, and exhibitions. Home County Music & Art Festival fills downtown streets with folk musicians and artisans, while London Fringe Theatre Festival presents experimental shows across the city.
Education and Economy
Western University and Fanshawe College enroll 50,000 students combined. The city's economy centers on medical research, manufacturing, and technology sectors. London Health Sciences Centre employs over 15,000 healthcare workers, while 3M Canada and General Dynamics operate major manufacturing facilities in the city.
