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LONDON |
First settled by Europeans around 1826, is now home to 336,500 people and is the seat of Middlesex County. Located half way between Toronto and Detroit, Michigan, London is the largest city in Southwestern Ontario.
Located on the banks of the River Thames, like it’s namesake in England, this is a beautiful city with lots of mature trees, earning it the nickname "The Forest City".
The University of Western Ontario was founded here in 1878 and now has 29,000 graduate and undergraduate students and 1,164 faculty members.
In the Maclean’s magazine rankings of Canadian Universities, UWO has recently placed in the top five. Affiliated with UWO are Brescia University College, which is Canada’s only university level women’s college, the Ontario Colleges of Huron and King’s, which are Liberal Arts Colleges affiliated with the Anglican Church of Canada (Huron) and the Roman Catholic Church (Brescia & King’s)
From City Hall you can take the double-decker bus tours which depart daily and take visitors on a drive around this lovely city which has pleasant parks and countless mature trees.
© Photographer:Jianan Xu | Agency: Dreamstime.com
My Top Ten Places to see in London - okay, eleven! (in no particular order!)
Canadian Medical Hall of Fame at 267 Dundas Street, is a fascinating place to visit, as it is the only National Organization dedicated to celebrating the accomplishments of Canada’s Medical heroes. This organization encourages youth to consider and pursue careers in Medicine and the Health Sciences, by supporting educational programs with the hope of encouraging future generations to excellence in the field.Covent Garden Market at 130 King Street, this market originally opened for business in 1845 and today is a wonderful maze of international food vendors. In winter there is an outdoor skating rink. While you are there you can have your ticket stamped and park free!
Regional Art & Historical Museums the Regional Art Museum is at421 Ridout St North, and Eldon House is at 481 Ridout St North. An "Aladin's Cave" of both Canadian and International Art.
The Grand Theatre on Richmond Street, has a long and interesting history, you can check out their website for this seasons performances. My family just went to see a performance of "Anne of Green Gables" which was truly amazing - we were riveted for the full two and a half hours of the show. The acting was lovely, the choreography was spectacular and I would recommend this show to anyone.
Western Fair this fair has Events & Shows, Horse Racing and Slot machines, but my favourite place is the "Top of the Fair" Restaurant. Check out their site for a full list of this years activities.
Orchestra London the 2007-08 Season is underway, so check their website for up-to-date information.
Fanshawe Pioneer Village this amazing Pioneer Village is inhabited by volunteers in Period Costume who guide visitors around their lives and work in this re-creation of a 19th century Ontario village.
The University of Western Ontario know locally as "UWO" or "Western" this is considered one of the top five Universities in Canada
Victoria Park
located downtown - I added this one because it is one of my favourites - take some peanuts and feed the tame squirrels. See this picture of my children feeding them - they really are tame!
If you are in London in winter, there is ice skating in Victoria Park.
Guy Lombardo Museum on Wonderland Rd, just south of the river. If you love the Big Band Sound, don't miss this Museum dedicated to this famous Londoner.
Banting House National Historic Site former home of Sir Frederick Banting (1891 - 1941), co-discoverer of Insulin
Top Places to go if you have children with you!
I will be adding to this list as I discover more places that I think kids will enjoy.
Regional Children’s Museum located at 21 Wharncliffe Rd South, is a wonderful place to take children of all ages. We took my father there with my children once, and I’m not sure who enjoyed it the most!
Storybook Gardens a wonderland for children - animals and adventures for children of all ages.
The
Museum of Ontario Archaeology
(Formerly Museum of Indian Archeology)
My daughter's Home-school group went here for a "dig" last year and it was amazing - they found buried artifacts and learned a lot about the culture and life of Canada's Native People of this area.
Here is a picture of a Native dwelling at the Museum.
This is a great place for a School Field Trip, or for Grandparents to take kids during the summer holidays.
Here's Becky and friends at the "dig".
They even have a Summer Day Camp, check out their site for information.
Adventures on Wonderland
this is one of our favourite places on a rainy afternoon. There are activities for babies, toddlers and older children and there's a cafe to purchase food while you are there. Lots to keep your little ones busy!
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