Welcome to London, Ontario, Canada! Let us give you a few ideas about what to see on your first visit to our wonderful city.
Markets that hum with energy, dishes that make your mouth water, theatre performances that light up the night, museums that spark curiosity, shops you’ll never forget and green spaces that invite you to unwind — London’s calling. How will you answer?
Be sure to include Tourism London in the conversation by tagging your pictures with #ExploreLdnOnt!
MARKET fun
Spending your first day in London wouldn’t be complete without self-guided exploration and there’s no better place to start than the city’s beating heart. Park your car in the underground garage and step straight into history at the iconic Covent Garden Market, a local favourite since 1845.
Inside this bustling, year-round marketplace, over 60 merchants tempt you with everything from fresh produce and artisanal cheeses to handmade goods and unique services. Sip premium loose-leaf tea from The Tea Haus, bite into irresistible pastries from Hot Oven and take in the lively atmosphere of a space that blends tradition with today’s tastes.
The Market at Western Fair District also makes for a great day of exploration with its 100+ shops. Located in the heart of Old East Village, the Market is home to a wide range of produce, baked goods, butchers and seafood, cheeses, prepared foods and The Artisans Loft on its second floor. The Loft boasts a unique variety of craftspeople, artists and artisans, for an eclectic roster of locally handcrafted products, collectibles and curated one-of-a-kind items.
A Chef's dream
If you are looking to "level up" your home cooking or are a professional chef, be sure to check out Jill’s Table, located right by the Covent Garden Market. The store is an active community hub showcasing local food artisans, cooking classes or in-store demonstrations. Shop the specialty food items, cookware, bakeware, cookbooks and more! Jill also features fantastic recipes on the website that are updated regularly to provide that sometimes much needed inspiration.
Travelling with someone who doesn't want to watch you shop? No problem! Let them take a wander around King and Talbot Streets to see the variety of restaurants, bars and cafés. They can sit back and enjoy a cup of coffee from Saga Board Games & Coffee and maybe pick out a board game to play with you later.
Discover Sidetrack: A King Street Café in downtown London, a tranquil escape for relaxation, reading, coding or writing. Then, explore You Made It Café, part of Youth Opportunities Unlimited, offering a diverse menu, catering, and 'Mushed by YOU' products crafted by youth, supporting positive social change through proceeds.
event driven
From concerts to sports, you could plan your first visit to London around an entertaining event! Canada Life Place is home to the London Knights and the London Lightning. Check out their website for family shows or a variety of other events that you can attend and experience while in London, Ontario.
For the perfect spot for pre-show/game dinner or drinks, visit The Squire Pub & Grill. Be sure to try a delicious plate of nachos or their 7 oz. house-made all-beef burger! Or try London’s upmarket eatery, Abruzzi Ristorante for house-cured charcuterie, risotto or a plate of amazing handmade pasta - yum!
delicious delight
Okay, hear us out...Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese! It is mouth-watering, delicious and so worth the visit to The Early Bird. Find other trademark diner fare including the king-sized turducken club with turkey and sweet tea-brined crispy chicken and waffles. This legendary eatery features a unique atmosphere with record covered walls, art, posters and other interesting artifacts that will spark interesting conversations during your meal. They do not take reservations as they operate on a "first come first serve basis", so make sure to leave yourself some time to indulge!
Indulge at Frank and Furter's, your go-to for delicious American comfort cuisine with daily drink specials and a relaxed atmosphere. Open every day, they also offer catering and party options. For an elevated dining experience in London's entertainment district, head to Vice Supper Club for local food, craft cocktails, and live music. Vice also offers private event space and group bookings for all your needs.
Historical sites
Walking in the downtown core towards the river, you'll see the Middlesex County Courthouse, built to resemble the Castle of Malahide, located near Dublin, Ireland. Constructed from 1827 to 1829, as the first courthouse in London, the space was also used as a public gathering spot, a market and a place historically known for executions. Now the home of Middlesex County Offices, the grounds make a great photo opportunity!
Want to learn more about historical sites in London? Read A Brief History of London, Ontario blog here.
Arts and Culture
Take a walk around The Forks of the Thames, which is the centrepiece of the Thames River redevelopment. You will see the Walter J. Blackburn memorial fountain, the newly re-finished Blackfriars Bridge and the new upper pathway that goes from the bridge to Labatt Park, the world's oldest baseball grounds.
Afterwards, you can pop into Museum London to view the museum’s art collection or walk north to the historic Eldon House to tour the stately residence and its striking heritage gardens.
Dundas Place
Dundas Place is a destination for shopping, dining, art and celebration. From Wellington to Ridout Streets, Dundas Place is a flexible street shared by pedestrians, cyclists and motorists. With extra wide sidewalks and no curbs, parking spaces can easily transform into patios, be used for sidewalk sales or by street performers. Dundas Place can be closed to vehicles for special events and programming click here to see upcoming events.
Be sure to stop at the Jonathon Bancroft-Snell Gallery. A place for ceramic art lovers and collectors, featuring Canada’s largest collection of modern museum quality ceramics. Browse in the neighbourhood and check out the amazing vinyl collection at Grooves.
Explore Über Cool Stuff for unique gifts and designer toys. While you're still on Dundas Place why not visit The TAP Centre for Creativity, a hub of creative experiences? For authentic Indian vegetarian cuisine, try Udupi Krishna, and don't miss Billy's Deli for memorable meals since 1983.
RICHMOND ROW
Shop 'til you drop at upscale local shops like David E. White and Hangar 9 along with other chic boutiques. Richmond Row is also home to some of the most diverse restaurants in the city. Rest your feet and take a seat! Bring your appetite to some of London's most treasured eateries such as Garlic's of London, The Church Key Bistro-Pub, Toboggan Brewing Co. and Joe Kool's. End your dining experience with a latte or dessert at Black Walnut Bakery Cafe.
Commonwealth Coffee serves exceptional local craft coffee while fostering community connections. Find comforting beverages, delightful treats, and a warm local welcome at this cozy spot.
Interested in a patio? Check out the The City's Most Popular Patios, Hidden Gems and Top Nightlife Spots blogs to find the perfect place for you.
The downtown THEATRE Scene
Within the downtown core, take in a play at the Grand Theatre, one of Ontario’s most venerated venues. For dinner before the show, indulge in some locally-sourced fare from “swear by” spots like David’s Bistro or Milos Craft Beer Emporium, one of Ontario’s premier craft beer destinations also known for its farm-to-table food.
If you are with a younger entourage the Original Kids Theatre Company is for you! This theatre is exclusively dedicated to enriching and celebrating young talent through positive values and the arts, in a safe and stimulating environment.
Learn more about London's Theatre Scene here.
neighbourhoods & Hiking
London is home to a number of unique neighbourhoods that all feature something different about them! Experience A Day in Wortley Village or take in all that Old East Village has to offer.
Enjoy nature at your own pace! London has a number of Unique Natural Areas with different spaces where you can stretch your legs, find peace and solitude and go forest bathing! The City of London is home to over 490 parks, green spaces, sports fields, trails and natural areas. Don't miss a stroll or bike ride on the Thames Valley Parkway, situated on scenic parklands along the Thames River, the TVP is the City’s primary multi-use recreational trail.
London Bicycle Tours
London Bicycle Tours • London, Ontario
Last but definitely not least — history seems to agree: the best way to explore London’s rich past is by pedalling right through it. London Bicycle Tours takes you beyond the usual routes with guided rides through historic neighbourhoods, scenic river trails and charming laneways. Choose your adventure: Old North, Wortley Village or Thames River and spend a few hours cruising the city in the most refreshing way possible. It’s the perfect way to wrap up your visit or maybe the start of your next one. For more cycling info click.
