London, Ontario—nicknamed the “Forest City”—unfurls along the Thames River with leafy parks, a thriving food scene, and a deep well of Canadian history. Founded in the early 19th century and once imagined as a capital for Upper Canada, London grew into a medical, academic, and brewing hub anchored by Western University and Labatt’s long legacy.

Today, you’ll find galleries at Museum London, Victorian charm at Eldon House, and scientific heritage at Banting House, where the discovery of insulin is commemorated. Covent Garden Market keeps the city’s culinary heart beating, while the Thames Valley Parkway connects miles of parks for cycling and riverside strolls. In summer, festivals fill Victoria Park; in winter, the city glows with lights and OHL hockey fever.

This 7-day itinerary balances London’s best neighborhoods and eateries with easy day trips to Grand Bend’s beaches, Pinery Provincial Park’s dunes, and Stratford’s famed theatre. Expect friendly pubs, smart bistros, and creative bakeries—plus plenty of coffee to fuel your explorations. Tipping is typically 15–20%, weather swings with the seasons, and a car makes day trips simple.

London, Ontario

Set in southwestern Ontario, London punches above its weight for arts, food, and green space. The compact downtown is walkable, with Covent Garden Market, Budweiser Gardens, and the riverfront steps away. Old South and Wortley Village feel like cozy, café-lined neighborhoods; Old East has blossomed with breweries and the 100 Kellogg Lane entertainment complex.

Top sights include Eldon House (the city’s oldest residence), Museum London’s art and history exhibits, Fanshawe Pioneer Village’s living history (seasonal), and Banting House National Historic Site. Outdoors, the Thames Valley Parkway threads 40+ kilometers of multi-use paths; Springbank Park is the grand, leafy heart loved by walkers, runners, and picnickers.

• Where to stay: Downtown for walkability (Hotel Metro, The Park Hotel London), Wortley Village for neighborhood charm (Idlewyld Inn & Spa), or near Western for campus greenery. Browse stays on Hotels.com or apartment-style spaces on VRBO.
• Getting there: Fly into London International Airport (YXU) or into Toronto (YYZ) and connect by flight or train/bus. Compare fares on Trip.com and Kiwi.com.
• Getting around: Downtown is walkable; LTC buses cover the city. For day trips (Grand Bend, Pinery, Stratford), a rental car is the most flexible (expect ~$60–100 CAD/day).

Day 1: Arrival, Riverfront Stroll, and Market Flavors

Afternoon: Arrive and check in. Shake off travel with a gentle walk on the Thames Valley Parkway from Harris Park to the Blackfriars Bridge, a historic iron span with great river views. Swing into Covent Garden Market for a first taste—grab a butter tart, warm samosa, or charcuterie to-go and people-watch on the plaza.

Evening: Start with cocktails at The River Room (inside Museum London) for a sunset view over the river. For dinner, try Abruzzi Ristorante (house-made pasta, Southwestern Ontario produce), David’s Bistro (French-leaning, beloved for duck confit and an excellent wine list), or Garlic’s of London (wood-fired pizzas and roasted garlic everything). Nightcap at Barney’s patio in warm months or slip into London Music Hall if a show is on.

Day 2: Heritage Core — Eldon House, Museum London, Banting House

Morning: Coffee and croissants at Black Walnut Bakery Café (Old South). Tour Eldon House—wander period rooms and gardens to glimpse 19th-century life. Walk back via Wortley Village’s boutiques and shaded streets.

Afternoon: Lunch at The Church Key Bistro-Pub (cask ales, elevated pub fare). Explore Museum London—Canadian art, regional history, and rotating contemporary exhibits. Grab a mid-afternoon espresso at Locomotive Espresso (Pall Mall St.).

Evening: Pay homage to medical history at Banting House National Historic Site (the “Birthplace of Insulin”). Dinner at Tamarine by Quynh Nhi (refined Vietnamese—order the shaking beef and tamarind shrimp). If it’s hockey season, catch the London Knights at Budweiser Gardens; otherwise sample a flight at Storm Stayed Brewing Co.

Day 3: Parks, Pedals, and Old East Breweries

Morning: Fuel up with a donut-and-drip combo at Boxcar Donuts. Rent bikes (downtown or via hotel concierge) and follow the Thames Valley Parkway west to Springbank Park. Keep an eye out for herons along the river. Families can detour to Storybook Gardens (seasonal rides and splash pad).

Afternoon: Picnic from Covent Garden Market’s vendors—think peameal bacon sandwiches, fresh salads, and local cheese. Head to Old East Village: taste small-batch ales at Anderson Craft Ales and the community-driven London Brewing Co-operative. Pop into the 100 Kellogg Lane complex (indoor adventure park, eateries, and more).

Evening: Dinner at Craft Farmacy (oysters, thoughtful share plates; book ahead). Nightcap at Powerhouse Brewing Company at Kellogg or return downtown for a mellow pint at The Church Key.

Day 4: Grand Bend & Pinery Provincial Park — Lake Huron Day Trip

Morning: Pick up coffee at CommonWealth Coffee Co. and drive ~1 hour to Grand Bend. Stake out a spot on Main Beach and stroll the boardwalk. In warm months, rent a paddleboard or join a jet-boat ride.

Afternoon: Lunch beachside at The Growling Gator (casual, lake views) or snag fresh tacos on Main Street. Continue 15 minutes to Pinery Provincial Park for dune hikes and the Old Ausable Channel trail; day-use permits are typically ~$18–22 CAD/vehicle. In autumn, the Carolinian forest glows with color.

Evening: Option for a guided tasting day around Huron–Lambton’s back roads, ideal if you prefer not to drive yourself:

Private: Brewery, Winery, and Cider & Spirit Tastings Tour in SW Ontario

Return to London for a late dinner at The Tasting Room (share plates and wine flights) or Noble Restaurant if you’re celebrating.

Day 5: Stratford — Theatre and River Walks

Morning: Drive ~55 minutes to Stratford, a postcard-perfect town with gardens and swans. Brunch at The Red Rabbit (chef-run, seasonal) or Pazzo for Italian classics.

Afternoon: Stroll the Avon River, browse boutiques, and don’t miss Rheo Thompson Candies for the famous mint smoothies. If the Stratford Festival is in season (typically April–October), catch a matinee—tickets range from budget seats to premium.

Evening: Early dinner at The Common (creative, eclectic menu) before heading back to London. Craving something sweet on return? Swing by The Fritter Shop at Covent Garden Market (hours vary) for classic Dutch-style fritters.

Day 6: Downtown Food Tours, Markets, and Richmond Row

Morning: Ease in with a flat white at Locomotive Espresso and a stroll through Covent Garden Market—sample Canadian cheeses, maple treats, and international bites. If you like a gamified city intro, try an app-led hunt:

Self-Guided London Scavenger Hunt: Exploring Forest City

Afternoon: Join a guided tasting walk that hits local favorites and global flavors—great for meeting makers and chefs:

Downtown London Walking Food Tour

After your tour, browse Richmond Row’s boutiques and galleries, then rest up at your hotel.

Evening: If you’re still hungry for discoveries, there’s an evening option focused on European flavors (excellent for date night):

European Evening Walking Food Tour in London, Ontario

Cap the night with a pint at Forked River Brewing or a glass of Ontario pinot at Noble Rot Wine Bar if it’s on your route.

Day 7: Wortley Village Vibes and Farewell

Morning: Start in Wortley Village with coffee at Black Walnut Bakery Café (yes, again—those pastries are worth a second visit) or a hearty brunch at a local diner. If time permits, swing by Fanshawe Pioneer Village (seasonal; allow 1.5–2 hours) or make a quick return to Museum London for any exhibits you missed.

Afternoon: Depart London. If you’re flying or connecting to Toronto, compare same-day options on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Driving back to Toronto typically takes ~2–2.5 hours depending on traffic.

Bonus: App-Based Play

If you’re traveling with teens or a competitive crew, this lighthearted challenge can fill an hour downtown:

Scavenger Hunt Adventure in London by Zombie Scavengers

Where to Stay (Quick Picks)

• Historic & boutique: Idlewyld Inn & Spa (Victorian elegance, leafy terrace).
• Downtown-modern: The Park Hotel London (all-suites), Hotel Metro (loft style near the market).
• Reliable chains: Delta Hotels by Marriott London Armouries (heritage landmark), DoubleTree by Hilton (central).
• Apartments & homes: Find family-sized stays on VRBO or check hotel deals on Hotels.com.

Practical Notes

• Best time to visit: May–October for markets, patios, beaches, and theatre; December for lights and hockey.
• Day-trip driving times: Grand Bend (~1 hr), Pinery (~1 hr 15 min), Stratford (~55–60 min), Port Stanley on Lake Erie (~45–55 min).
• Approximate costs: Pinery day-use ~$18–22 CAD/vehicle; Stratford Festival tickets vary widely ($–$$$); brewery flights ~$10–15 CAD.

In a week, you’ll taste London’s markets, stroll its river paths, and slip away to two Great Lakes shores and Canada’s premier theatre town. The Forest City rewards curiosity—one café, gallery, and pint at a time.