7 Days in London, Ontario: A Forest City Food, Culture, and Nature Itinerary
Set at the forks of the Thames River, London, Ontario is called the “Forest City” for good reason—tree-lined neighborhoods, leafy parks, and more than 40 km of the Thames Valley Parkway make it an outdoor lover’s playground. Founded in the 19th century and named by Governor John Graves Simcoe, it was once envisioned as the capital of Upper Canada. Today, it’s a university town with a creative pulse and was designated Canada’s first UNESCO City of Music in 2021.
Beyond the green spaces, you’ll find a polished arts scene anchored by Museum London and the Grand Theatre, plus heritage gems like Eldon House and Banting House, where the “Flame of Hope” honors the discovery of insulin. London’s downtown hums with indie cafes, bistros, and bars, while Old East Village and 100 Kellogg Lane blend craft makers with modern entertainment.
Practical notes: The city is compact—walkable downtown with reliable buses—and a car is handy for day trips to Port Stanley or Grand Bend. Expect four seasons: snowy winters and sunny summers. Canada uses CAD; tip 15–20% in restaurants. Fly into London International Airport (YXU) or via Toronto, then continue by car or bus.
London, Ontario
London rewards unhurried explorers: wander riverside paths, linger in markets, and sample the region’s thriving brewery and distillery scene. Downtown is your cultural core; Old East Village adds grit and gusto; Wortley Village feels like a leafy small town inside the city.
- Top sights: Museum London, Eldon House, Banting House National Historic Site, Covent Garden Market, Victoria Park, the Thames Valley Parkway, 100 Kellogg Lane, Fanshawe Pioneer Village.
- Food and drink: farm-to-table bistros, vibrant food halls, and standout breweries like Anderson Craft Ales, Storm Stayed, London Brewing, Toboggan, and Powerhouse Brewing at 100 Kellogg Lane.
- Where to stay: Walkable Downtown near Covent Garden Market; artsy Old East Village (OEV); or tranquil Wortley Village. For booking, browse VRBO London, Ontario and Hotels.com London, Ontario. Consider boutique stays like Hotel Metro (downtown), Idlewyld Inn & Spa (Victorian charm), Delta London Armouries (heritage landmark), or The Park Hotel (all-suites).
Getting there: Compare flights into London International Airport (YXU) or Toronto Pearson (YYZ) via Trip.com flights and Kiwi.com flights. From Toronto, it’s about a 2-hour drive to London; intercity buses take ~2.5 hours (~$20–40). VIA Rail trains run ~2 hours from Toronto Union Station (~$35–80).
Day 1: Arrive, Riverfront Stroll, and a Playful Scavenger Hunt
Morning: Travel day.
Afternoon: Arrive and check in. Shake off the journey at Covent Garden Market—snack on butter tarts, samosas, local cheeses, and fresh-pressed juices while peeking at local crafts. Walk the Thames Valley Parkway from Harris Park to the historic Blackfriars Bridge for river views and a first feel of the “Forest City.”
Evening: Kick off with an app-led city game: Self-Guided London Scavenger Hunt: Exploring Forest City—you’ll uncover fun trivia and hidden corners at your own pace.
Day 2: Downtown Classics, Museum London, and a Guided Food Tour
Morning: Coffee and a cinnamon knot at Black Walnut Bakery Café (Wortley Village) or a flat white at Locomotive Espresso. Explore Museum London—Indigenous and Canadian art, regional history—and stroll the River Room terrace for Thames views. Pop over to Eldon House, an 1830s mansion with period rooms and gardens.
Afternoon: Join the highly rated Downtown London Walking Food Tour to nibble your way through global flavors while learning local lore—perfect for first-timers who want context with their cuisine.
Evening: Settle in for a tasting-menu experience at Grace (reservation essential) where seasonal Southwestern Ontario produce stars in creative courses. Alternatively, classic pub fare meets careful craft at The Church Key Bistro-Pub—think cheddar ale soup, steak frites, and a curated tap list.
Day 3: Old East Village, Markets, and 100 Kellogg Lane
Morning: Start in Old East Village with a latte and maple cruller at CommonWealth Coffee Co. + Boxcar Donuts. Browse murals and indie shops along Dundas Street. If it’s a weekend, graze at The Market at Western Fair District—farm produce, pierogi, ramen, and small-batch baking.
Afternoon: Head to 100 Kellogg Lane: conquer high ropes and ziplines at The Factory (great for families and adrenaline-seekers), then sip a gin flight at Paradigm Spirits Co. and a lager at Powerhouse Brewing—both housed in the historic Kellogg’s plant complex.
Evening: Dinner at Craft Farmacy (oysters, share plates, seafood towers) or wood-fired pies at Toboggan Brewing. For a mellow finish, amble the illuminated Victoria Park paths or find live music at London Music Hall/Rum Runners—this UNESCO City of Music keeps a busy gig calendar.
Day 4: Fanshawe, Banting House, and a European Evening Food Walk
Morning: Brunch at Edgar and Joe’s Café (feel-good eats supporting community programs). Then step back in time at Fanshawe Pioneer Village (seasonal; May–Oct) to wander heritage buildings and blacksmith demos. Off-season alternative: a guided tour of Eldon House and a walk across the photogenic Blackfriars Bridge.
Afternoon: Visit Banting House National Historic Site, where Sir Frederick Banting conceived insulin. See his studio, the bedroom where history changed, and the eternal Flame of Hope. Grab an espresso and snack boards at 10Eighteen (café/wine bar) in OEV.
Evening: Taste your way through the continent on the European Evening Walking Food Tour in London, Ontario—robust Eastern European bites, hearty Western classics, and guides who weave in history and neighborhood stories.
Day 5: Day Trip to Port Stanley (Lake Erie)
Morning: Pick up picnic fixings at Covent Garden Market, then drive ~40–45 minutes to Port Stanley, a charming Lake Erie village with wide sands and a laid-back marina. Coffee at Village Square Coffee House before a beach walk; in summer, the Port Stanley Terminal Rail runs scenic excursions along the shoreline.
Afternoon: Lunch seaside at GT’s On The Beach (seasonal, sandy-foot casual) or cozy up at the Kettle Creek Inn. Browse galleries and boutiques, then linger on Little Beach for calmer waters. If you’re a rail fan, the heritage train is a delight; families will love the ice cream shops and colorful cottages.
Evening: Return to London for dinner at Los Lobos—hand-pressed tortillas, wood-grilled meats, bright salsas, and a serious tequila-and-mezcal list. If there’s a game, catch the London Knights at Budweiser Gardens; otherwise, check the Grand Theatre for plays and comedy.
Day 6: Southwestern Ontario Tasting Day (Breweries, Cider, and Spirits)
Make today a guided tasting adventure through the region’s back roads with Private: Brewery, Winery, and Cider & Spirit Tastings Tour in SW Ontario. Expect a comfortable vehicle and curated stops—think farmhouse cideries, craft breweries, and Huron Coast wineries—with time to chat with makers and sample limited releases. Ideal for couples and friends who want to taste widely without driving.
Pre-tour brunch at The Bag Lady Variety (kitschy-fun, big portions), and post-tour dinner at David’s Bistro—a longtime local favorite for French-leaning classics, strong wine knowledge, and warm service.
Day 7: Springbank Park, Storybook Gardens, and Departure
Morning: Ease into the day with a riverside walk at Springbank Park; families can add Storybook Gardens for rides and play areas (seasonal). If you prefer wheels, rent from London Bicycle Café and cruise the Thames Valley Parkway under a canopy of maples and oaks.
Afternoon: Early lunch at Dolcetto (thin-crust pizza, burrata, spritzes) or a quick farm-fresh bowl downtown before checkout. Depart via YXU or return to Toronto for your onward journey—compare options on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com flights.
Where to Stay (Book with Our Partners)
- Downtown: Walk to Museum London, Covent Garden Market, and nightlife. Great for first-time visitors and car-free trips.
- Wortley Village: Leafy, village vibe with cafes and patios; quick bus or bike to downtown.
- Old East Village: Artsy, close to 100 Kellogg Lane, breweries, and weekend markets.
Browse and book: VRBO London, Ontario | Hotels.com London, Ontario
Extra Tips
- When to go: May–October for patios, markets, and beaches; December for lights and skating in Victoria Park.
- Getting around: Downtown is walkable; bikes are excellent for the Parkway; car-share or rentals help for day trips.
- Reservations: Book Grace and David’s Bistro ahead; popular brewery taprooms fill on weekends.
Another fun add-on: If you still have energy, swap in a themed city game one evening like the Self-Guided London Scavenger Hunt for casual, app-led exploring between pubs and murals.
In a week, you’ll trace London, Ontario’s river, taste its markets and breweries, and get to know its neighborhoods and music scene. The city is friendly, easy to navigate, and full of quiet surprises—exactly the kind of place that rewards curious travelers.