HIGHLIGHTS

Welcome to London, the ‘forest city’

Also known as the ‘forest city’, London, Ontario invites you to explore under its canopy – fine dining, a thriving cultural life, popular entertainments, wonderful shopping, and sports. Add to all this London’s friendly small town ambience, and you have lots to experience first-hand in a vibrant Canadian community.

From the windows on history provided by London’s historic sites, to the charm of a children’s theme park at Storybook Gardens, there is so much for the whole family to see and do.

Cultural landmarks include The Grand Theatre, Canada’s oldest continually performing playhouse, and Victoria Park, situated in the heart of downtown, which is considered one of the most important 19th century designed landscapes in North America. Springbank Park arboretum is a haven from the hustle-and-bustle of urban living.

Explore the city’s past in museums and other historic buildings, many of which can be found along the theme tour routes mapped out by the London Heritage Council. In older neighbourhoods there are some grand architectural gems: the Gothic revival, Italianate style, Victorian, Second Empire and Queen Anne periods all live on in London’s public buildings and private residences. One designated heritage property that is open to the public is Eldon House, the city’s oldest surviving residence. Virtually unchanged since the 19th century, this historic home features family heirlooms and a period garden.

Various festivals round out London’s seasonal calendar. Sunfest, a world music and culture festival, is second only to Toronto’s Caribana in size and scale. Other community heritage celebrations, such as Home County Folk Festival and London’s International Children’s Festival, keep this city hopping year-round.

For more information on city attractions, visit www.londontourism.ca.

Last updated: January 2012