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".
When you are looking for a family restaurant or somewhere special to dine, check out our London Restaurants section.
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
Here are some things to see and do in London .....
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 young people 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, arts & crafts, fresh fruits & vegetables. In winter there is an outdoor skating rink. While you are there you can have your ticket stamped and park free!
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 Guy Lombardo and his Royal Canadians. UPDATE - there is some talk of this Museum being closed in the near future, I will add more information when it is available.
The Grand Theatre on Richmond Street, has a long and interesting history, you can check out their website for this seasons performances. My family went to see a performance of "Anne of Green Gables" last winter 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 2008-09 Season is underway, so check their website for up-to-date information.
The University of Western Ontario
known locally as "UWO" or "Western" this is considered one of the top five Universities in Canada, so we are fortunate to have this great school here in Southern Ontario.
The Regional Museum the Regional Art Museum is at421 Ridout St North, and Eldon House is at 481 Ridout St North. An "Aladdin's Cave" of both Canadian and International Art.
Fanshawe Park and Pioneer Village this lovely Conservation Area in the north east corner of London, is well worth a visit. Adults and children alike will enjoy the Pioneer Village, which is staffed by volunteers in Period Costume who guide visitors around this re-creation of a 19th century Ontario village. There is a beautiful lake, camping, and hiking and walking trails for visitors to enjoy.
Victoria Park
located downtown - I added this one because it is one of my personal favourites - you could take some peanuts and feed the tame squirrels.
See this picture of my children feeding a Grey Squirrel - they really are cute and very tame! (the Squirrels, not the kids!)
If you are in London in winter, there is ice skating in Victoria Park which is decorated and illuminated for the Christmas season.
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. Many years ago we took my father there with my children, 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) is just off Wonderland Road, at 1600 Attawandaron Road.
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 parents and Grandparents to take children during the Summer holidays.
Here is our daughter and her friends excavating an artifact at the "dig".
The Museum of Ontario Archeology even has a Summer Day Camp, check out their site (above) for more information on this great summer activity for children, where they have fun, and also learn about Canada's First Nations People.
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!
