Framed by the Thames River and nicknamed the “Forest City,” London, Ontario grew from a military outpost into a lively university town with a creative food scene, leafy parks, and a quietly fascinating history. This is the city where Sir Frederick Banting conceived the idea that led to the discovery of insulin—honored at Banting House National Historic Site.

Today, you’ll find Victorian streets around Eldon House, contemporary art at Museum London, and a buzzing culinary core around Covent Garden Market and Richmond Row. Trails lace the riverbanks, craft breweries pour local ales, and neighborhoods like Wortley Village make aimless wandering a pleasure.

Practically speaking: London is easy to navigate by car, rideshare, or bike, with spring through fall offering the best weather for riverfront paths. Fly into London International (YXU) or connect via Toronto; weekends bring markets, hockey or concerts at Budweiser Gardens, and theater at the Grand. Expect hearty Canadian fare, farm-to-table plates, and global eats—from rustic Italian to Latin small plates.

London, Ontario

Settle into a compact downtown where everything you need is within a 10–15 minute drive. The Thames Valley Parkway threads 40+ km of paved paths along the river, ideal for morning runs or relaxed cycles. Culture lovers can pair Museum London’s galleries with the 1834 Eldon House, the city’s oldest residence, for a satisfying dive into local heritage.

Food-wise, Covent Garden Market has anchored downtown since 1845, with local vendors, snacks, and fresh produce. Evenings revolve around Richmond Row’s restaurants and pubs, 100 Kellogg Lane’s entertainment complex (think indoor adventure park and brewery), and shows at the Grand Theatre or Budweiser Gardens.

• Where to stay (curated picks): Delta Hotels by Marriott London Armouries (historic landmark with modern rooms); The Park Hotel London (all-suites on Richmond Row, great for space); Hotel Metro (boutique next to Covent Garden Market); Idlewyld Inn & Spa (Victorian manor in Wortley Village, cozy and romantic); Best Western Plus Lamplighter Inn (family favorite with indoor waterslide).
• Book accommodations: Search stays on Hotels.com or browse apartment-style options on VRBO.
• How to get there: Fly to London International (YXU) or Toronto Pearson (YYZ), then drive (~2 hours via Hwy 401) or take VIA Rail (about 2–2.5 hours from Union Station). Compare airfares on Trip.com and Kiwi.com. In-town, rideshare and taxis are plentiful; cycling the Thames Valley Parkway is a highlight.

Featured Viator activities (choose 1–3 to suit your style):

Self-Guided London Scavenger Hunt: Exploring Forest City — a playful way to learn downtown history as you solve clues and uncover murals, statues, and hidden gems.

Downtown London Walking Food Tour — graze your way through multiple restaurants while hearing the stories behind the plates and the people who make them.

European Evening Walking Food Tour in London, Ontario — an evening route that spotlights classic and contemporary European flavors in a handful of thoughtfully chosen stops.

Private: Brewery, Winery, and Cider & Spirit Tastings Tour (Huron–Lambton Region) — make a day of it on the shores of Lake Huron with curated tastings and a designated driver.

Day 1: Downtown Icons, River Views, and a Playful Hunt

Morning: Arrive via YXU or drive in and drop bags. Fuel up with coffee and croissants at Black Walnut Bakery Café (Talbot) — known for flaky pastries and strong espresso — or hearty brunch at The Early Bird on Talbot (think inventive bennies and retro diner art).

Afternoon: Start at Covent Garden Market (since 1845) to sample pierogi, gourmet sandwiches, and a sweet bite from The Fritter Shop. Stroll to Museum London for Canadian art and regional history, then wander the Thames Valley Parkway from the riverfront plaza for skyline and water views. Add some friendly competition with the Self-Guided London Scavenger Hunt, which threads you past statues, murals, and heritage buildings while you solve clues.

Evening: Choose a dinner vibe: Abruzzi Ristorante for seasonal Italian (house-made pasta, Ontario produce), The Church Key Bistro-Pub for elevated pub fare (ale-battered fish, ploughman’s board, strong local tap list), or Garlic’s of London for wood-fired plates steps from the Grand Theatre. Nightcap at Toboggan Brewing Co. (try their 519 Lager or a seasonal IPA) or sample sours and small-batch releases at Anderson Craft Ales in Old East Village.

Day 2: Heritage, Neighborhoods, and Taste-Forward Touring

Morning: Grab a flat white and a breakfast sandwich at Edgar + Joe’s Café (social enterprise café with great baking). Tour Eldon House, an impeccably preserved 19th-century home with period gardens. If you’re traveling with kids, detour to Springbank Park and Storybook Gardens (seasonal) for trails and playgrounds; alternatively, roam the boutiques and porches of Wortley Village, once named Canada’s best neighborhood.

Afternoon: Food lovers, lace up for the Downtown London Walking Food Tour, a guided stroll with multiple tastings and chef stories. Prefer a deeper pour? Make this your tasting day with the Private Huron–Lambton wine, cider, beer, and spirits tour along Lake Huron — think rural backroads, friendly taprooms, and crisp lake breezes.

Evening: If you stayed in town, opt for the European Evening food tour to sample Italian, Eastern European, and Mediterranean flavors with a local guide. Otherwise, book a table at Michael’s On The Thames (classic steaks, piano on select nights, river views) or head to 100 Kellogg Lane for dinner and pints at Powerhouse Brewing Co. Wrap with artisan scoops at Haven’s Creamery or a stroll under the trees in Victoria Park.

Logistics at a glance:

• Arrival by air: YXU has connections via Toronto; YYZ to London by car is ~2 hours (no tolls). Compare fares on Trip.com and Kiwi.com.
• Transit times: Toronto Union Station to London by train ~2–2.5 hours; driving from Detroit ~2 hours (plus border). In-city drives are typically 10–20 minutes.
• Good-to-know: Many attractions are closed on some Mondays; Fanshawe Pioneer Village runs seasonally; check Grand Theatre and Budweiser Gardens schedules for performances and games.

Where to eat and drink (bookmark-worthy):

• Breakfast & coffee: Black Walnut Bakery Café (artisan breads and almond croissants); The Early Bird (playful brunch plates and big portions); Edgar + Joe’s (ethical espresso, baked goods).
• Lunch: Covent Garden Market vendors (mix-and-match global bites), Che RestoBar (Latin-leaning small plates and ceviche), Plant Matter Kitchen style vegan fare has shifted locally—ask your guide on the food tour for the latest plant-forward hotspots.
• Dinner: Abruzzi (seasonal Italian), Garlic’s of London (wood-fired specialties), The Church Key (local gastropub), Michael’s On The Thames (classic Canadian steak-and-seafood).
• Breweries: Toboggan Brewing Co. (central, pub menu), Anderson Craft Ales (Old East Village taproom), Forked River Brewing Company (small-batch favorites), London Brewing Co-operative (organic grains, community vibe).

For the best rates and flexible cancellation, browse Hotels.com or compare condos and homes on VRBO. Fly deals in and out of Ontario are easiest to scan on Trip.com and Kiwi.com.

In two days, you’ll taste, stroll, and cycle through the essential London, Ontario—historic homes, a vibrant market, riverfront trails, and genuine neighborhood warmth. Return in summer for longer rides and patios, or in winter for theater and cozy pub nights.