Memorable Local Adventures in London, On

When I’m planning a trip, I’m always on the lookout for places that actually have something interesting to offer. Whether it’s my first time in a city or I’m just poking around close to home, I don’t want to skip the highlights.

London, Ontario has so many attractions and unique spots that make any visit worthwhile.

As I explored, I realized the city has something for everyone—from gorgeous parks to lively markets and family activities. If you want to get the most out of your trip, knowing where to go ahead of time can make everything way more enjoyable.

1) Springbank Park

I spent a whole afternoon wandering Springbank Park and honestly, I enjoyed every minute. The walking and biking trails stick close to the river, so I got to see the water and plenty of trees as I went.

There are grassy areas that are perfect for a picnic. I saw families stretched out on blankets and kids running around, just soaking up the day.

A big playground caught my eye, and I noticed people heading toward Storybook Gardens—definitely a hit with younger kids. I even stopped to watch some soccer games with friends.

Even when the park gets busy, there’s still room to spread out. The whole place feels clean and well-kept, which I really appreciate.

I liked finding benches here and there along the trails. It’s nice to stop, catch your breath, and just take in the view for a bit.

I also spotted signs for community gardens, which just made the park feel even more inviting.

Rating: 4.7 (4978 reviews)
Location: 1085 Commissioners Rd W, London, ON N6K 4Y6
Contact: (519) 661-5575
Website: Visit Website

2) Victoria Park

I always have a good time at Victoria Park. The place is huge, with walking paths, lots of trees, and open space if you just want to sprawl out with a picnic.

The park really comes alive when the weather’s nice—people everywhere, just enjoying themselves. I liked the replica of the Whitehall cenotaph right in the center.

There are benches scattered around, which made it easy to just sit and people-watch for a while. Sometimes there are small events or performances at the outdoor stage, which adds a nice vibe.

In the winter, I saw people skating on the outdoor rinks. They even offer lessons and programs for different skill levels.

It’s a great spot for a casual stroll or to meet up with friends. There’s just something about the atmosphere that makes you want to stick around a bit longer.

Rating: 4.5 (6277 reviews)
Location: 580 Clarence St, London, ON N6A 3N1
Website: Visit Website

3) Ivey Park

Ivey Park is one of those peaceful spots by the river that I keep coming back to. The paths are easy to follow and lined with flowers and big, old trees.

Even on busy days, it’s surprisingly quiet. I like just sitting on a bench and watching the water go by.

The playground and splash pad make it a hit with families. I saw kids running around, especially when the sun was out.

There’s plenty of space to stretch out if you want to relax. I found a shady spot under one of the trees and just hung out for a while.

The park’s also close to other attractions, so it’s easy to fit into your day if you’re already downtown.

Rating: 4.5 (1550 reviews)
Location: London, ON N6A 5N8
Contact: (519) 661-2489

4) Sifton Bog

Walking into Sifton Bog honestly felt like stepping into another world. Tall trees surround you, and a wooden boardwalk takes you right across the floating peat bog.

I spotted water everywhere and all sorts of unusual plants I don’t usually see. The walk from the main entrance isn’t long, so you get to the heart of the bog pretty quickly.

The landscape changes fast—one minute you’re in swampy land, then suddenly you’re surrounded by forest. The mix of trees here is pretty wild.

Parking was easy, with a lot right by the entrance. I liked the signs along the trail that explain what you’re looking at.

They actually helped me learn some new facts about the plants and the bog itself. I even saw a few birds and tiny frogs hanging out near the water.

Rating: 4.6 (734 reviews)
Location: 1210 Oxford St W, London, ON N6H 1V7
Contact: (519) 661-4500
Website: Visit Website

5) Eldon House

Visiting Eldon House felt like stepping back in time. The place dates to the 1800s and the rooms are packed with period furniture and artifacts from the past.

I liked wandering through at my own pace, checking out the panels about the Harris family who used to live there. The gardens outside are beautiful, especially in the spring.

I loved the mix of flowers and just sitting on the lawn for a bit. The staff were friendly and answered all my random questions about the house and its history.

Admission is by donation, which makes it easy to just drop in. I found out they host crafting events for kids and change up the exhibits, so there’s usually something new going on.

Rating: 4.7 (342 reviews)
Location: 481 Ridout St N, London, ON N6A 2P6
Contact: (519) 661-5169
Website: Visit Website

6) London Children’s Museum

When I walked into the Children’s Museum, I could tell right away it was built for kids to play and learn at the same time. The interactive exhibits made it easy to dive in, especially the dinosaur zone and the cave crawling areas.

I noticed Discovery Lab: Open Studio sessions, where kids get to experiment with activities based on science, tech, engineering, art, and math. These sessions really encourage curiosity and creativity, and honestly, even adults can jump in and have fun learning with their kids.

The whole place is set up to make families feel welcome. The bright displays and friendly staff made it a great spot for a day out that’s both fun and educational.

Rating: 4.3 (1775 reviews)
Location: 100 Kellogg Ln, London, ON N5W 0B4
Contact: (519) 434-5726
Website: Visit Website

7) Museum London

I spent an afternoon wandering Museum London and honestly, there was more to see than I expected. The art galleries mix contemporary works with older pieces, which gave me a real sense of the area’s creative side.

Some exhibits change every few months, so you never really get the same visit twice. The museum’s local history displays caught my attention and I picked up a lot about how the city has changed over time.

There were videos, old photos, and objects that made the stories easy to follow. The whole place feels welcoming, not overwhelming—even if you’re not an art buff.

There are spots to sit and take it all in, and the staff were friendly when I had questions about the displays. It’s a pretty relaxed way to soak up some local culture.

Rating: 4.4 (823 reviews)
Location: 421 Ridout St N, London, ON N6A 5H4
Contact: (519) 661-0333
Website: Visit Website

8) Gibbons Park

I love taking a relaxing stroll through Gibbons Park. The paths wind right along the Thames River, so there’s always that peaceful feeling with the water nearby.

The green space is huge. It’s easy to find a quiet spot to sit on the grass or set up a picnic blanket.

The playgrounds are a big hit, and I noticed there’s actually two of them. Kids have plenty to do, especially with the splash pad in the summer.

The tennis courts were busy when I visited. The outdoor pool looked pretty inviting on a hot day.

It’s great for walking, running, or just unwinding. I found it clean and well-kept, with families and people of all ages around.

Rating: 4.6 (2271 reviews)
Location: 2A Grosvenor St, London, ON N6A 1Y4
Contact: (519) 661-4570
Website: Visit Website

Getting Around London, Ontario

Getting around London, Ontario is pretty convenient for visitors and locals. I’ve found a lot of attractions are close together, which makes travel easy whether you’re on the bus or driving.

Public Transportation Options

I often use the city’s bus system to get between main areas. Buses run frequently on major routes, especially between downtown and popular spots like parks, museums, and shopping areas.

Schedules are posted at each stop, so it’s not hard to plan trips. Bus fares are budget-friendly, and I can pay with cash or a reloadable card.

Discounted fares are sometimes available for youth, seniors, and students. Most buses have ramps for mobility devices, which is a relief if you need them.

If I need real-time updates, I just use the official website or a tracking app to check live arrival times and routes. For more info about visitor transportation, I like to check out detailed guides on the city’s official tourism page.

Parking and Accessibility

Lots of attractions in London have on-site parking lots or nearby public garages. Street parking is available downtown, with meters that take coins and sometimes cards.

Parking fees and time limits can vary, so I always check posted signs. Some spots have accessible parking spaces for vehicles with permits.

At bigger locations, parking is usually free or low-cost, especially outside the city center. Most lots are well-marked and easy to find, at least in my experience.

If I’m heading to a busy area or special event, I look up parking ahead of time to avoid delays. Parking listings and accessibility details for top spots are easy to find on London tourism’s official site.

Tips for Visiting Popular Destinations

I find that planning ahead makes trips smoother and more enjoyable. Knowing when to go and how to act really helps me make the most of each place I visit.

Peak Times and Seasonality

During the summer months, sites like parks and markets get much busier. I always try to visit popular spots like Victoria Park or Storybook Gardens earlier in the morning or on weekdays to dodge the crowds.

Spring and fall usually have fewer visitors, but some attractions might have reduced hours. In winter, some outdoor attractions close or offer limited activities.

If I’m planning to go to museums or indoor spaces, weekends and school holidays are the busiest times. I check event calendars, especially during local festivals, because those days draw larger crowds.

Making reservations or buying tickets online often saves me both time and stress. Booking rides or accommodations ahead of time is helpful, since last-minute options can be more expensive or even sell out.

I also check for special events that might affect parking or road closures. It’s worth the extra minute or two of planning, honestly.

Local Etiquette and Recommendations

I always greet staff and other visitors politely. I wait my turn in lines, even if I’m in a rush.

When I’m in busy markets or parks, I’ll move to the side if I need to stop or check my phone. Blocking foot traffic never goes over well.

People actually notice when I follow posted signs and rules, like keeping noise down or sticking to walking paths. At indoor sites, I try to lower my voice and skip the flash unless a sign says it’s fine.

If I’m stopping for food, I’ll often ask locals for recommendations. They usually know the hidden gems and honestly, I trust their taste more than a random review.

Many markets and venues are cashless now, so I bring a card or make sure my phone’s set up for mobile payments. I stay patient and try to roll with whatever comes up, since crowds or weather can throw plans off in a heartbeat.

For more ideas on what to do, I’ll check local attraction guides before heading out. There’s just something about getting a sense of the place ahead of time.