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LONDON Canada

| Canada

300C FEATURE DESTINATION: London, Ontario, Canada

The citizens of LONDON , 125km west of Hamilton, are justifiably proud of their clean streets, efficient transport system and neat suburbs, but to the outsider the main attractions are the leafiness of the centre and the city’s two music festivals in late June and July – the nine-day Royal Canadian Big Band Festival (tel 519/663-9467) and the three-day Home County Folk Music Festival (tel 519/432-4310). London owes its existence to the governor of Upper Canada, John Graves Simcoe , who arrived in 1792 determined to develop the wilderness north of Lake Ontario. Because of its river connections to the west and south, he chose the site of London as his new colonial capital and promptly renamed its river the Thames. Unluckily, Simcoe’s headlong approach to his new job irritated his superior, Governor Dorchester, who vetoed his choice with the wry comment that access to London would have to be by hot-air balloon. When York (present-day Toronto), was chosen as the capital instead, Simcoe’s chosen site lay empty until 1826, yet by the 1880s London was firmly established as the economic and administrative centre of a prosperous agricultural area. With a population of some 326,000, it remains so today.

PRACTICALITIES

London’s train station is centrally situated at York and Richmond, a couple of minutes’ walk east of the bus depot at York and Talbot. The most central tourist office is in city hall at 300 Dufferin Ave and Wellington (Mon-Fri 8.30am-4.30pm; tel 519/661-5000 or 1-800/265-2602, www.city.london.on.ca ). As far as accommodation is concerned, the best hotel in town is the smart and polished Delta London Armouries Hotel , 325 Dundas St and Waterloo (tel 519/679-6111 or 1-800/668-9999; $100-125), part of which occupies an old Edwardian drill hall with a robust, crenellated facade. A less expensive but equally convenient option is the Comfort Hotel – Downtown , a standard-issue chain hotel at 374 Dundas St and Colborne (tel 519/661-0233 or 1-800/228-5150; $80-100). Incidentally, the cheapest hotels in town are in the vicinity of the bus station, but these are little more than flop-houses and are best avoided. London also has around fifteen B&Bs , some of which are in fetching Victorian or Edwardian villas. The tourist office has the complete list, but one recommendation is London’s Little Inn B&B , 321 Dufferin Ave (tel 519/642-2323; vanboxmeer@cheerful.com , $40-60), which occupies a cosy, two-storey Victorian home right in the centre at Waterloo Street. Some rooms are en suite, others have shared bathrooms and there’s also a pretty garden. A second good choice is the Rose House B&B , 526 Dufferin Ave and William Street (tel 519/433-9978; $40-60), in a grand old Edwardian house that has been tastefully decorated in period style. Some rooms are en suite.

In recent years, eating out in London has become much more enjoyable, with the opening of a string of caférestaurants along and around Richmond Street, with the majority offering a broadly Mediterranean cuisine at affordable prices. The best deli sandwiches, coffees and cakes in town are sold at Sebastians , one of several food stalls in the delightful Sebastians Market, 539 Richmond and Kent. Tempting restaurants include Bon Appétit , 476 Richmond at Dufferin Avenue (tel 519/439-2560), which serves up Italian meals and has a pleasant patio area, and nearby Garlics , 481 Richmond (tel 519/432-4092), where the emphasis is also Italian. For something different, Budapest , 348 Dundas at Waterloo (tel 519/439-3431), is a family-run establishment offering first-rate Hungarian food the goulash is a treat. London has a music scene too: try the Old Chicago Speakeasy & Grill (tel 519/434-6600), on Carling, a short side street off Richmond just north of Dundas, where quality R&B, soul and blues bands sometimes perform.

EXPLORE LONDON ONTARIO

Centre

London’s downtown core is laid out as a grid on either side of its main east-west thoroughfares, Dundas Street and, one block to the north, Queen Avenue. At the west end of Dundas, close to the river, is the chunkily modernist Art Gallery , 421 Ridout St N (Tues-Sun noon-5pm; free), designed by Raymond Moriyama of Toronto. A once fashionable architect, Moriyama favoured dramatic concrete buildings characterized by a preference for contorted curves and circles rather than straight lines, but here the end result isn’t all that successful. Inside, the gallery’s permanent collection features a somewhat indeterminate mix of lesser eighteenth- and nineteenth-century Canadian painters and there’s a modest local history section too, but the temporary modern art exhibitions – some of which come here straight from Toronto – are usually excellent.

London’s oldest residence, Eldon House (Tues-Sun noon-5pm; $3) is a couple of minutes’ walk north from the gallery, at 481 Ridout St N. Built in the 1830s by John Harris, a retired Royal Navy captain, the house is a graceful clapboard dwelling, whose interior has been returned to its mid-nineteenth-century appearance. The British influence is also easy to pick out in the nearby St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral – take Fullarton from the Eldon House as far as Richmond. A simple red-brick structure built in the English Gothic Revival style in 1846, it’s in marked contrast to its rival cathedral, St Peter’s Catholic Cathedral , just to the north at Dufferin and Richmond, a flamboyant, high-towered, pink-stone edifice typical of the French Gothic style that was popular amongst Ontario’s Catholics in the late nineteenth century.

Ska-Nah-Doht Iroquoian Village

Though not exactly required viewing, the replica Ska-Nah-Doht Iroquoian village (Mon-Fri 9am-4.30pm; donation; tel 519/264-2420), situated 32km southwest of London on Hwy 2, makes for an enjoyable jaunt. Built in 1972, the complex contains a resource centre, where you can gather background information before walking out to the village, which is enclosed by a timber palisade. Inside the palisade are storage areas, drying and stretching racks, a sweat house and three long-houses; outside are a deer run, burial area, a cultivated field and three log cabins dating from the 1850s. The arrangement of the village accurately reflects the archeological evidence unearthed at several prehistoric settlements, one of which was close by. The village also has a lovely rural setting and – if the school groups that come here begin to wear – you can stroll out into the woods.

To get here, head south from London and then go west on Hwy 402. After about 12km, come off Hwy 402 (at Exit 86) and follow Hwy 2 south for about 6km

Copyright Rough Guides Ltd as trustee for its authors. Published by Rough Guides. All rights reserved.The Rough Guides name is a trademark of Rough Guides Ltd.

This region of south-central Ontario (midway between Toronto and Windsor) was modeled after the best of London, England. Therefore, London has its own Thames River, and nearby Stratford, the namesake of Shakespeare’s hometown of Stratford-upon-Avon has its own internationally acclaimed theater festival and its own Avon River.

Many of the attractions in London are connected to local history. Fanshawe Pioneer Village is a re-creation of a town from the 1800s that presents crafts demonstrations. At the London Museum of Archeology, visitors can witness an ongoing archeological dig. Iroquoian life around the year 1000 is the focus of the Ska-Nah-Doht Iroquoian Village. Eldon House, built in 1834, is the city’s oldest building, and you can also find and visit many lovely Victorian residences in town.

Museums include the London Regional Art and Historical Museum; the London Museum of Archaeology, which is located next to an ongoing dig site called the Lawson Prehistoric Indian Village; and the Royal Canadian Regiment Museum which displays military memorabilia. There is also the Guy Lombardo Museum, where the legendary bandleader and his talented acquaintances are remembered in photographs and other memorabilia.

London is buzzing with an abundance of festivals throughout the calendar year. Local and out-of-town restaurants compete for the title of Best Ribs at the London Rib Fest in late July, the same weekend as the Balloon Festival where dozens of beautifully covered hot air balloons fill the air. The annual Western Fair runs for 10 days each September with a special children’s midway, top name performers at the Grandstand, home arts and horticultural competitions. Later in the fall, experience the hilarity of the Canadian Comedy Awards Festival at various downtown venues.

Throughout the year visitors to London will enjoy an outstanding selection of interesting attractions. For all travelers on all levels of budgets, London is at its best in its downtown core. If it’s the arts you enjoy, then settle in for pure enjoyment. Take in a play at The Grand Theatre, or enjoy a performance of Orchestra London.

London has seen the richness of the culture and traditions of the Iroquois Nation; the settlement by Colonel John Graves Simcoe and his British associates; the architectural and artistic accomplishments of the Victorian era; the emergence of a big band legend; the discovery of insulin, and much more. London is a city of traditions and treasured memories. It is also a modern commercial and industrial center, and a lively and entertaining place. For the past 100 years, Londoners have planted around 1,000 trees annually to keep the area green, earning the name “Forest City.” This is London: a city that is always advancing and growing, yet one that has deep roots in the past.

London Canada City Information

Population: 336,539

Elevation: 850 feet

Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time. When it is 12:00 noon in London, Ontario, it is also 12:00 noon in New York City, USA.

Average Temperatures:

Month High Low

January

30F 16F

February

30F 15F

March

37F 23F

April

50F 34F

May

63F 44F

June

73F 54F

July

79F 59F

August

77F 58F

September

69F 59F

October

56F 40F

November

43F 31F

December

33F 21F

National Holidays:

January 1 New Year’s Day

Good Friday and Easter Monday (date varies)

Victoria Day (Third Monday in May)

Canada Day (July 1)

Civic Holiday (First Monday in August)

Labour Day (First Monday in September)

Thanksgiving (Second Monday in October)

Remembrance Day November 11

Christmas Day December 25

Boxing Day December 26

Airport

London International Airport

1750 Crumlin Road

London, ON N5V 3B6
(519) 452-4015

The London International Airport is serviced by a handful of airlines which primarily fly in connecting from Toronto or Detroit. The airport is on the fringe of the city, and is thus not serviced by the city bus service.

VIA Rail Canada

205 York Street

London, Ontario, N6A 1B3

519-672-5722 or 1-888-VIA RAIL (842-7245)

Rental Cars are readily available at the airport.

Greyhound Canada provides bus service.

Getting Around

The London Transit Commission operates buses within the city

London Canada Attractions & Things To Do

Belmont Corn Maze

803 Willsie Bourne Road

London, Ontario, N0L 1B0

This 8 acre corn maze has over 4 km of twists and turns which will surely entertain children and adults of all ages. Picnic tables and benches are provided so you and sit back and have a rest in between the 1st and 2nd part of the maze. After a trip through the maze, walk toward the “Seeds of Knowledge” area where educational posters and other items about corn are displayed.

Double Decker Bus Tours
391 Wellington Street

London, Ontario N6A 1H2

519-661-5000

Tours begin June 28th until
September 6th at 10am.
Tours are 2 hours in length and depart and return from 391 Wellington Street at Dundas. There will be one stop at Storybook Gardens which will be approximately 20 minutes (included in the admission fee).

East Park/Intencity & Wally World

1275 Hamilton Road East

London, Ontario, N5W 1B1

A fun spot for kids of all ages that is now open year round. East Park is located on 100 acres of parkland and offers the Wally World water park, go-karts, batting cages and picnic grounds, as well as an 18-hole golf course, minature golf, and a driving range. Open April through October weather permitting.
In July, 2000 East Park opened. Intencity, it’s new Year-round Indoor entertainment and educational centre featuring a 40’ high rock climbing area, bumper cars, kid’s jungle gym, video games and a restaurant.

Fanshawe Pioneer Village

1424 Clarke Road

London, Ontario, N5X 4A1

A living history museum that specializes in fun for children of all ages. Experience London’s past and see weavers, printmakers, blacksmiths, and farmers demonstrate their trades of the past. See farm animals, more than 25 restored buildings and many artifacts of bygone days.

*Good Time Music Hall, The

Labatt Breweries Tour *

150 Simcoe St

London, Ontario, N6A 4M3

It was on this same location more than 150 years ago that John Kinder Labatt started brewing beer. It was the beginning of a Canadian company success story so impressive that today the name Labatt is synonymous with great tasting beer. Since the company’s founding, the Labatt Brewing Company has become an internationally renowned brewer. In 1847, Labatt produced about a 1,000 bottles of beer a year. Tours include a Labatt video, a guided tour of the production facilities, taste sampling, question and answer period, and free souvenirs. Today, Labatt is part of Belgium-based Interbrew S.A., forming the one of the largest brewing group in the world with more than 110 countries worldwide.

Banting House National Historical Site

442 Adelaide Street North London ON N6B 3H8

519 673-175

Dr. Sir Frederick G. Banting was the co-discoverer of insulin, as well as a distinguished war hero and a Nobel Prize Laureate. The exhibits at the Banting House outline his contribution to the discovery of insulin, his war efforts, many of his paintings and his visit by the Queen Mother.

Guy Lombardo Music Centre and Museum

205 Wonderland Road South London ON N6K 3T3

519 473-9003

The Guy Lombardo Music Centre, established in 1984, houses artifacts and memorabilia relating to Lombardo and his band the Royal Canadians. Among the memorabilia found here is one of Lombardo’s original recordings, as well as his famous speedboat the ‘Tempo 7’.

Laser Quest

149 Carling Street

London, Ontario, N6A 1H5

Laser Quest is live action laser tag at its best! The game is tag, hide and seek, cops and robbers, capture the flag and Buck Rogers all rolled into one, enhanced with modern technology.

Lickety Split Ranch

1292 Scotland Drive

London, Ontario, N6N 1L2

A family owned and operated zoo featuring jungle cats, monkeys and much more. Approx. 40-50 species of animals (including birds) to view. Play ground, picnic area. Come & bring a friend.
Open May 24 weekend until Labour Day

London Museum of Archaeology and Lawson Prehistoric Village .

1600 Attawandaron Road London ON N6G 3M6

519 473-1360

This unique museum focuses on studying and interpreting the past 11,000 years of human life in Southwestern Ontario. Guided tours are available. Next door to the museum is a reconstructed Iroquoian village that is open during the summer months, visitors can observe archaeological excavations and ask the experts questions.

London Regional Art and Historical Museums

421 Ridout Street North London ON N6A 5H4

519 672-4580

The London Regional Art and Historical Museums provide visitors to the city with a unique blend of both history and culture in one location. The museum is home to a collection of artifacts, as well as historical and contemporary art. Visitors will also enjoy London’s oldest mansion, the Eldon House, which has been well preserved and still contains many of its original furnishings.

London Regional Children’s Museum

21 Wharncliffe Road South

London Ontario N6J 4G5

519 434-5726

At the London Regional Children’s Museum, there are three flors of hands-on, interactive experiences designed especially for children from infants to 12 years of age. Children are encouraged to learn about their favorite subjects through activities and play in the 9 galleries. Little ones can dig for dinosaur bones, crawl through caves, travel to the stars, run their own McDonalds and more. Themes are Dinosaur; Street Where You Live; Arctic Adventure; Science in Your World; My lace in Space; Child Long Ago; and Caves.

Museum London

421 Ridout Street North

London, Ontario, N6A 5H4

Special events focused on the visual and performing arts.

Beautiful parks and pathways and great sports facilities exist in the Forest City. Family entertainment takes many forms from the lively new Covent Garden Market in the heart of the downtown to the ever-popular Storybook Gardens in Springbank Park. If you are there during the summer months, your visit would not be complete without a Double Decker Bus tour.

Royal Canadian Regiment Museum

750 Elizabeth Street London Ontario Canada N5Y 4T7

This museum celebrates the achievements of Canada’s oldest regular infantry. The museum has four main areas: The Centennial Room, the War Memorial Room, A Library and Quiet Room for reflection and prayer.

Ska-Nah-Doht Iroquoian Village & Museum

8449 Irish Drive

Mount Brydges, Ontario, N0L 1W0

Ska-Nah-Doht, a recreated Iroquoian village of 1,000 years ago, is located in the beautiful surroundings of Longwoods Road Conservation area and is owned and operated by the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority. The name Ska-Nah-Doht is from the Oneida language meaning “a village stands again”. Although not built on an actual site, the village is based on data collected by archaeologists and from the traditions passed down to today’s Iroquoian people.

Explore the village with its 18 outdoor exhibits. Find your way through the palisade maze. Then enter a longhouse and imagine cooking supper in a clay pot over a roaring fire. Pretend to grind corn into flour in a wooden mortar and pestles. The village is wheelchair accessible, weather permitting. The Museum, located in the Longwoods Resource Centre, offers hands-on exhibits of Iroquoian culture and displays of artifacts from the archaeological collection.

Storybook Gardens

Springbank Park

London, Ontario

Located in Springbank Park, this theme park has enchanted children with its animals, displays and playground equipment since its opening in 1958.

Wally World at East Park

1275 Hamilton Road East

London, Ontario, N5W 1B1

519-451-2950

East Park has purchased the heart of Wally World with the acquisition of Wally World’s 55’ high 5 slide tower and the wave pool generating equipment.
The 5-slide tower features 2 body flumes, 2 extreme speed slides and a tube ride. Wally World at East Park will compliment the existing seasonal and year-round attractions at East Park.
In addition to an 18 hole executive golf course, East Park features a driving range, 36 holes of mini-golf, batting cages, waterslides, go-karts and a year-round indoor facility featuring rock climbing, bumper cars, video games and a kid’s jungle gym.

Western Fair – IMAX Theatre

900 King Street

London, Ontario, N5W 5K3

Western Fair Racetrack Slots

900 King Street

London, Ontario, N5W 5K3

London Canada Family Fun Attractions

Adventures on Wonderland

3198 Wonderland Road South

London, Ontario, N6L 1A1

London’s Largest Indoor Playground for children 13 years & under.
Complete with a Four Level Jungle Climb, Laser Tag Adventure, Wee One’s Underwater Play World, Karaoke Sing-A-Long Stage and Video & Redemptions Games.

East Park/Intencity & Wally World

1275 Hamilton Road East

London, Ontario, N5W 1B1

Fanshawe Pioneer Village

1424 Clarke Road

London, Ontario, N5X 4A1

A living history museum that specializes in fun for children of all ages. Experience London’s past and see weavers, printmakers, blacksmiths, and farmers demonstrate their trades of the past. See farm animals, more than 25 restored buildings and many artifacts of yester-year.

London Regional Children’s Museum

21 Wharncliffe Road South

London, Ontario, N6J 4G5

A museum where you can touch, play, make noise and have a great time. A museum where you can dig for dinosaur bones, crawl through caves, run your own McDonalds, travel to the stars, and travel back in time. A museum where learning is an adventure.

Ska-Nah-Doht Iroquoian Village & Museum

Longwoods Road Conservation Area

Mount Brydges, Ontario, N0L 1W0

a recreated Iroquoian village of 1,000 years ago, is located in the beautiful surroundings of Longwoods Road Conservation area and is owned and operated by the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority. The name Ska-Nah-Doht is from the Oneida language meaning “a village stands again”. Although not built on an actual site, the village is based on data collected by archaeologists and from the traditions passed down to today’s Iroquoian people.

Explore the village with its 18 outdoor exhibits. Find your way through the palisade maze. Then enter a longhouse and imagine cooking supper in a clay pot over a roaring fire. Pretend to grind corn into flour in a wooden mortar and pestles. The village is wheelchair accessible, weather permitting. The Museum, located in the Longwoods Resource Centre, offers hands-on exhibits of Iroquoian culture and displays of artifacts from the archaeological collection.

London Museum of Archaeology

1600 Attawandaron Road

London, Ontario, N6G 3M6

The London Museum of Archaeology is a unique Canadian museum devoted to the study, display, and interpretation of the human occupation of Southwestern Ontario over the past 11,000 years. The Museum is located beside the Lawson Prehistoric Indian Village, a site occupied by the Neutral Iroquois in the 15th century A.D.

Laser Quest

149 Carling Street

London, Ontario, N6A 1H5

Laser Quest is live action laser tag at its best! The game is tag, hide and seek, cops and robbers, capture the flag and Buck Rogers all rolled into one, enhanced with modern technology.

London Canada Events & Entertainment

Annual Events

New Year’s Day Levee

January 1: Eldon House

Saturday, January 1, 1:00 – 4:00 pm Welcome the New Year at a traditional New Year’s Day Levee. Exchange greetings and gather with friends for refreshments in the Interpretive Centre. Admission by donation.

Contact: 519-661-5169

Snowfest International

Late January

Snowfest International takes place at various downtown locations. Call 633-9224

London Golf & Travel Expo

Mid-February

Annual London Golf & Travel Expo takes place February 11 – 13 at the Western Fair Event Centre. Show hours are: Friday from 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm, Saturday from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm, and Sunday from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm.

The Fanshawe Sugar Bush

Throughout March

The Fanshawe Sugar Bush takes place on weekends throughout March and during March Break. Call 461-1073 for hours of operation and additional information.

Late March

Annual London Orchid Society Show

Show takes place Saturday from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm and Sunday from 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm at the Agri-Plex, Western Fairgrounds (900 King Street). Call 434-6831 for additional information.

Late July, early August

London Air Show and Balloon Festival

Held at London Airport. More than 75,000 attend this event at which dozens of beautifully covered hot air balloons fill the air.

Late July, early August

Best Ribs at the London Rib Fest (same weekend as the Balloon Festival)

Late Fall

Experience the hilarity of the Canadian Comedy Awards Festival at various downtown venues.

Mid-Late September

Western Agricultural Fair

Western Fair Event Centre

316 Rectory St
London, Ontario
N5Y5P8

800-619-4629 or 519-438-7203

London’s Major event: The Annual Western Agricultural Fair. The annual Western Fair runs for 10 days in September with a special children’s midway, top name performers at the Grandstand, home arts and agricultural and horticultural competitions. Over 300,000 attend.

Winter Wonderland

November 26 – January 3

Winter Wonderland takes place in Victoria Park from November 26 – January 3. The Lighting of the Lights takes place November 26 at 6:00 pm. The City Hall Promenade Deck will be open for viewing the park from 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm on the following dates: November 26-28, 30, December 2-5, 7-12, 14, 16-19, 21-24, 27-30. Although the lights will remain on until 11:00 pm on January 3, the promenade deck will only be open until December 30. Please call 661-5230 for additional information.

December and January

Victorian Christmas at Eldon House

Early December – January 2: Eldon House

The Garden Club of London and Eldon House staff create the sights and smells of an old-fashioned Christmas in which the house is festooned with decorations of the Victorian and Edwardian eras. Contact: 519-661-5169

Mid-December

Children’s Christmas Parties at Eldon House

December 11 – December 12: Eldon House

Saturday, December 11, Sunday, December 12, 1:00 – 4:00 pm Hour-long parties for children 10 years old and younger. Stories, entertainment, treats and all the Christmas highlights of Eldon House bring the season alive for youngsters. Pick up your tickets at Museum London or Eldon House.

Unique Gifts for the Festive Season

Throughout December: Inuit Gallery

To celebrate each Festive Season many unique gift items from $20 are brought into the gallery. Contact: 519-672-7770

New Year’s Eve Party

December 31: Tourism London Aeolian Hall presents its New Year’s Eve Party. Event takes place from 9 pm – 3 am. Call the Palace Theatre Box Office at 432-1029

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