As the leaves begin to change colour and the temperature drops, now is the perfect time to get some fresh air and exercise while enjoying all of the beautiful trails that London, Ontario has to offer!
We're talking crunchy leaves, crisp fall breezes and vibrant colours galore. Round up the family, friends or the dog and head out the door to check out these breathtaking trails in London while they are at their prettiest this autumn!
Sifton Bog
Tucked just off the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street, Sifton Bog is your nature getaway within steps of the city! The bog features a winding boardwalk that leads you through the Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) and finishes at a viewing platform extending into Redmond’s Pond, making it an ideal spot for family photos or your next Instagram post. At only 0.8 kilometres, this short hike is great for young ones (especially when followed with a treat from Hey Cupcake! just down the road).
Fanshawe Conservation Area
Visitors to Fanshawe Conservation Area are gifted with gorgeous views of Lake Fanshawe, as the trail winds its way around the secluded lake. This property accommodates hikers of all abilities, offering a shorter 3.4-kilometre hike or a daunting 20-kilometre hike for ambitious hikers looking to spend the whole day in nature. To combine with culture, check out the living museum open seasonally at Fanshawe Pioneer Village before or after your hike.
Fox Hollow Ravine
This 5.1-kilometre trail is a neighbourhood accessible out and back trail that stretches through the northwestern corner of the city. Extending into the Medway Valley Heritage Forest, Fox Hollow offers a nice mix of suburbia and nature, and the path is mostly paved, making it ideal even on wet and slippery days. Pick up the trail by the Museum of Ontario Archaeology – a great place to start or end your visit to learn about centuries of human history through artifacts from the area.
Kains woods
Arguably one of London’s biggest hidden gems, hiking through Kains Woods Trail is a great way to spend a fall afternoon. Tightly hugging the bends of the Thames River, this trail is a gorgeous yet slightly challenging hike as hikers climb up and down the banks of the river. The 5.8 kilometre stretch of trail is quite secluded, making it a peaceful getaway to enjoy a beautiful fall setting.
Westminster Ponds
Coming to London from out of town? Westminster Ponds is conveniently located just minutes from the 401 and offers guests a scenic treat! The trail stretches 5.6 kilometres through the wilderness, offering gorgeous views of multiple ponds throughout. Westminster Ponds is also home to The Meeting Tree, a 675-year-old tree and one of just three heritage trees in the city!
If you’re visiting during business hours and looking for more information on London (including where to eat, stay and play!), stop by the Tourism London Welcome Centre located right beside the trails.
Which trails will you explore first this fall? Remember to take only pictures and leave only footprints! And when you take those pretty fall pictures, tag @TourismLondon and #ExploreLdnOnt for the chance to be featured on our website and social media.
Thank you to our friends at Hike for Hospice Committee in support of St. Joseph’s Hospice for the featured videos in this blog.
