Enjoy nature at your own pace! London, Ontario, has a number of different natural spaces where you can stretch your legs, find peace and solitude, and go forest bathing! Take a deep, calming breath and experience the powers of Shinrin-Yoku on your woodland adventure.
The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority
The City of London strives to provide inclusive play so that children of all ranges of physical and sensory ability can play within a shared environment. Learn more about London's accessible neighbourhood and district park playgrounds & more here.
shaping the landscape
Environmentally Significant Areas (ESAs) are natural spaces that require special protection to preserve their environmentally significant attributes. These areas occur within agricultural and urban settings, featuring wetlands, forests, meadows, river corridors and wildlife habitats. They support a vast range of plant and animal life, providing a first-hand opportunity to witness ecological gems, appreciate nature and experience the serenity of the wilderness.
Please note that not all ESA's are bike friendly; see brochures listed under each ESA to see where bicycles are permitted.
KAins Woods
Off the beaten track, Kains Woods skirts “the thumb” of Byron and is an integral part of the Thames River corridor, supporting birds and wildlife. The 5.8 km-long trail, which is comprised of varied topography and sustains numerous microhabitats, can be challenging in parts. The trails are marked with both yellow and white blazes on trees. It is possible to spot pileated woodpeckers, scarlet tanagers and bald eagles. Located in West London near Kains Road, north of Oxford Street West bridge along the Thames River. Read the brochure here.
Kilally Meadows
Kilally Meadows comprises a number of habitats, including woods, meadow & swamp, and features a 10.3 km loop trail. Popular with birders, hikers, and naturalists, the network of paths often follows the Thames River or Meander Creek. Springtime summons a variety of woodland wildflowers including dame’s rocket, marsh marigold, the yellow violet and white trout lily. Located in northeast London between Adelaide Street and Highbury Avenue. Fishing is permitted with a provincial fishing licence. Read the brochure here.
Meadowlily Woods
Meadowlily Woods and its nature preserve are perfect for recreational activities such as walking, hiking and birding. If you have never explored the 5.6 km trails, it's time to explore this ecological gem. A natural corridor for animals to access the river, the area features 18 mammal species and provides a range of attractive habitats for amphibians, butterflies and other insects. Located in Southeast London near Commissioners and Meadowlily Roads and east of Highbury Avenue. Fishing is permitted with a provincial fishing licence. Read the brochure here.
Medway Valley Heritage Forest
.gif)
Medway Valley Heritage Forest’s terrain is rolling with steep climbs and includes floodplain forests, swamps, marshes and wooded valley slopes. The 12.2 km of trails follow both sides of Medway Creek, which winds through the area. Dusk or dawn is the perfect time to spot a white-tailed deer feeding on the tender shoots and tips of shrubs and trees. You may see grosbeaks, hummingbirds, waxwings and indigo buntings while on your hike. The main access points are at the Elsie Perrin Williams Estate and the Museum of Ontario Archaeology. Located in North London, roughly between Windermere, Fanshawe Park, and Wonderland Roads. Fishing is permitted with a provincial fishing licence. Read the brochure here.
Sifton Bog
The floating acid peat bog and plant life are the centrepiece of this 42-hectare Sifton Bog. Boreal swamp and Carolinian forest encircle the bog, providing a marked contrast and diversity of vegetation. A 370-metre-long boardwalk leads from the parking lot at Oxford Street to a viewing platform in the centre of the bog. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot a Midland painted turtle with its distinctive red or orange markings on its shell. There are a variety of trails, totalling 2.8 km. Located on the south side of Oxford Street, west of Hyde Park Road. Fishing is permitted with a provincial fishing licence. Read the brochure here.
Warbler Woods
.jpg)
Rolling hills and steep ravines create scenic areas for hiking, bird watching and an ideal backdrop for nature appreciation in Warbler Woods. The area is named after the uncommon Golden-Winged Warbler, a small gray songbird with white undersides and distinctive yellow wing patches and forehead. There are 5.4 km of trails. The main trail is 1.8 km and extends the length of the site with many points of access. Located in West London between Commissioners Road and Byron Baseline Road. Read the brochure here.
Westminster Ponds/Pond Mills
Westminster Ponds/Pond Mills comprise five large kettle ponds and a beaver pond surrounded by lowland and upland habitats. Approximately 60% of all plant species indigenous to Middlesex County can be found here. There are 11 km of mostly gently rolling trails with the occasional steep hill. Boardwalks span some lowland areas. The ponds and the diversity of habitats make this an optimal place to view over 200 recorded species of birds, including herons and ducks. Located south of Commissioners Road and east of Wellington Road, adjacent to the Tourism London Welcome Centre and extends to Pond Mills Road. Fishing is permitted with a provincial fishing licence. Read the brochure here.
The Coves
The Coves are an interesting series of three oxbow ponds that were formed when a wide meander of the Thames River was cut off with almost 5 KM of trails on gently sloping terrain. The watershed is an area of high species diversity and contains two provincially rare forest types: a black walnut forest and a hackberry forest. The Coves are a 5-minute drive (or a 10-minute bike ride) southwest of Downtown London. Located south of the Thames River and Greenway Park, stretching through Arthur Ford Park and Highland Woods. Read the brochure here.
Lower Dingman
.jpg)
Lower Dingman covers 20 hectares of publicly-owned land in southwest London. While still within City limits, this ESA is situated in a rural setting, unlike most of London’s publicly-owned ESAs. The access point for Lower Dingman is located at 3370 Homewood Lane, reached via Deadman’s Road east of Westdel Bourne. The 1.6 km of managed trails are identified by yellow trail markers on trees or posts. Most of the trail is flat and sections offer picturesque views of Dingman Creek. Dingman Creek supports a variety of warm-water fish species, including bass and sunfish. Read the brochure here.
Fanshawe Conservation Area
Discover our Bike Friendly City for a truly unique adventure. Go for a hike at Fanshawe Conservation Area. This 3,000-acre ‘outdoor playground’ has over 21 km of biking/hiking trails for you to enjoy. Check out the maps & brochures here to start organizing your next outdoor adventure!
Longwoods Road Conservation Area
Just 30 minutes west of London, the Longwoods Road Conservation Area has 63 hectares (155 acres) of Carolinian forests, wetland boardwalks, bridges and almost 8 KM of hiking trails, many accessible. Pavilion and picnic areas are also available. Look for special events throughout the year at the Ska-Nah-Doht Village and Museum!
For more Information on London’s Environmentally Significant Areas, contact the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority: www.thamesriver.on.ca • 519-451-2800 x 281
