28 Best Day Trips from London, Ontario 2025 (We’re Locals!)
Are you looking for the best places to take a day trip near London, Ontario? We’re locals and we know all the must-see spots.
As locals of London for the last 15 years, we’ve visited nearly all of the top attractions and tourist spots near our city. This list features the best spots we’ve come across and includes the relevant info we’d want to know if we were in your shoes.
And each place is no more than 2 hours from London, making for a quick and easy day trip out.
Top Places to Visit Near London, Ontario
London is perfectly nestled between many of the best things to do in Southwestern Ontario. Great beaches, rich historic spots, and impressive entertainment centres make this part of the province filled with fun outings.
1. Clovermead Adventure Farm
Distance from London: 35 minutes
Price: $22-$30
Location: Google Maps Link
Clovermead Adventure Farm is located in Aylmer, just half an hour outside of London. Here, you’ll explore and enjoy animals, rides, play equipment, a splash pad, fun farm-inspired educational activities, and more.
Clovermead is also an active apiary, and a trip to the farm wouldn’t be complete without watching the bees do their busy work. You can even taste test the honey made onsite, and pick up some great souvenirs on your way out.
Our verdict: We visited Clovermead in the fall of 2024. It was tons of fun for all the kids we went with!
2. Apple Land Station
Distance from London: 20 minutes
Price: $12 (Kids 2 and under are free) + additional for Apple Picking
Location: Google Maps Link
Apple Land Station in Thames Centre is another must-do attraction in the summer and fall months.
On top of being known as the region’s best pick-your-own apple experience, Apple Land has a fun farm that’s both affordable and exciting for the kids. Enjoy the outdoor playsets, a massive sand pile, petting zoo, corn maze, and even a “train” wagon that takes you to and from the orchards.
Our verdict: We visited in the fall of 2022. Our toddler had a blast playing and we loved the apple picking.
3. Experience “Guess Where Trips”
Distance from London: Varies
Price: $39 – $65
Location: View Trip Locations
If you’re in the mood for a spontaneous day trip throughout Ontario, you’ve got to check out Guess Where Trips.
Itinerary titles hinting to your adventure, like “Local Markets and Picturesque Towns” or “Vistas and Caves,” will give you an idea of the journey ahead. And a list of eligible departure points will guide you to pick one that will work with your home base.
Opt for a digital or mailed hardcopy, complete with envelopes that reveal each leg of the journey as you go (think of the TV show “Amazing Race”). Each envelope comes with recommendations for where to stop and offers insider tips and discounts.
Our verdict: We honestly think Guess Where Trips is a unique and fun way to explore the small towns and attractions in your area. We have an itinerary that we are planning to explore and write about soon!
🗺️ Check out exciting Guess Where Trip itineraries
4. Greenview Aviaries Park and Zoo
Distance from London: 1 hour
Price: Adults – $22; Kids – $18
Location: Google Maps Link
Greenview Aviaries Park and Zoo is the best zoo between Windsor and London, filled with a huge array of exotic birds and wildlife. Beyond the animal exhibits, this park also features a huge splash pad, jungle gym, mini zipline, kids ball pit and more.
Our verdict: We visited in the summer of 2022 and it was entertaining for all ages. I grew up near the zoo and have seen it grow to become a very robust attraction in the area.
5. Treetop Trekking in Binbrook Conservation Area
Distance from London: 1 hour 25 minutes
Price: Zipline + Aerial Game Trek – $49-$67; other activities – various
Location: Google Maps Link
If you love being suspended from cables, swinging and climbing in the canopies of trees, then a day outdoors with Treetop Trekking could be just right for you. On the flip side, with courses geared towards all ages and abilities, you don’t have to be a ninja to enjoy this exciting way to connect with nature.
Our verdict: We haven’t visited this attraction yet, but everything we’ve read about it sounds like a ton of fun.
6. African Lion Safari
Distance from London: 1 hour 15 minutes
Price: Adults – $42-$50 + tax; Kids – $30-$37 + tax (discount if purchased online)
Location: Google Maps Link
With over 1000 species of animals and birds on over 750 acres of land, this safari-styled zoo in Kitchener easily tops the list for size and originality.
Animals roam together freely across seven game reserves – a unique approach among zoos which typically cage animals separately. You can even drive your vehicle through the reserves or ride on the park safari bus (our recommendation if you don’t want to risk damaging your car).
Our verdict: This is really a memorable experience. I still remember my visit nearly 20 years ago, when monkeys jumped all over my aunt’s car (beware!).
7. Twin Valley Zoo Brantford
Distance from London: 1 hour
Price: Adults – $22; Kids – $11.50
Location: Google Maps Link
One hour west of London along Highway 403 is Brantford’s Twin Valley Nature Park. This smaller-scale zoo allows you to get up close and person to over 80 species of animals and birds in a more intimate and budget-friendly setting than some of the larger zoos around.
Our verdict: We have not yet visited this zoo. Reviews are generally good, particularly for kids to be able to see animals up close at an affordable price.
8. St Jacob’s Farmer’s Market & Flea Market
Distance from London: 1 hour 15 minutes
Price: Free
Location: Google Maps Link
St. Jacob’s Farmer’s Market is Canada’s largest year-round farmer’s market and flea market. There are hundreds of local food, craft and antique vendors here, particularly from Kitchener-Waterloo’s respected Old Order Mennonite communities. The market is very robust, making it a fun outing for adults and older kids.
Our verdict: We’ve been here a few times and are always entertained by what we find.
9. U-Pick Fruit Farms
Distance from London: Various
Price: Pay for produce picked
Location: Various
Trips to local pick-your-own fruit and vegetable farms are always a highlight of our summers. Most offer free admission and often even cheaper prices than you will find in stores. This makes U-Pick experiences an easy win on a summer day out.
Here are a few local pick-your-own fruit farms close to London for you to check out this year:
Millar Berry Farm (U-Pick Strawberries, Raspberries, Apples) – London
Heeman’s Berry Farm (U-Pick Strawberries) – London
Talbotville Berry Farm (U-Pick Strawberries) – Talbotville
Apple Land Station (Apple Picking) – Thorndale
Gabriel Fresh Produce (U-Pick Vegetables) – Komoka
Kustermans Family Farm (U-Pick Blueberries) – Mount Brydges
Olde Drive Blueberry Farm (U-Pick Blueberries) – Mount Brydges *cash only
Park’s Blueberries (U-Pick Blueberries) – Bothwell
Blueberry Hill Estates (U-Pick Blueberries) – St. Williams
Arrowwood Farm (U-Pick Blueberries) – Melbourne
*Always call in advance, as farms may change their U-Pick policies each year.
Our verdict: We are huge fans of pick-your-own farms and go often!
10. St Mary’s Quarry
Distance from London: 35 minutes
Price: $7 per adult; $4.50 per child/youth
Location: Google Maps Link
St Mary’s Quarry is Ontario’s largest freshwater outdoor swimming pool, now equipped with Super Splash floating waterpark. No sandy beaches to contend with, just a wide open body of fresh water surrounded with beautiful rocky cliffs and fish swimming below.
In addition to the floating obstacle course of Super Splash, you’ll have fun cliff jumping, floating on rafts, and renting stand-up paddleboards right on the quarry.
Our verdict: We have not been, but we have friends who went in the summer of 2024 and had a blast.
11. Long Point Provincial Park
Distance from London: 1 hour 20 minutes
Price: Day use – $15.50 per vehicle
Location: Google Maps Link
If you like long walks on the beach, then Long Point Provincial Park is for you. With 2 km of beautiful sandy beaches slowly leading out into shallow warm waters, Long Point is called by many the best beach in Ontario.
Our verdict: We visited Long Point Beach multiple years ago, and loved it for its long sandy shoreline. It’s worth the visit if you’ve never been and are up for a slightly longer drive than the beaches closer to London.
12. Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory
Distance from London: 1 hour
Price: Adults (13+) – $20; Kids – $8
Location: Google Maps Link
There’s nothing like walking through a majestic tropical garden filled with 40+ species of exotic butterflies and moths. This is what you get at the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory when you’re surrounded by over 2000 flying beauties.
Educational and purely magical, this indoor paradise is a delightful trip for all ages.
Our verdict: We visited in the summer of 2022 and found it to be very peaceful and also quite interesting. When you go, make note to wear bright colours so the butterflies will want to come close.
13. Dorchester Mill Pond
Distance from London: 20 minutes
Price: Free
Location: Google Maps Link
The Dorchester Mill Pond is a perfect place for a free and relaxing outing in nature just outside of London. The conservation area includes a 3.3 km loop trail through Carolinian forest, as well as a picnic and playground area.
Our verdict: We have yet to visit the Mill Pond, but a few of our friends (who shared this photo with us) have and thought it was a beautiful place for a hike and picnic close to the city.
14. Wildwood Conservation Area
Distance from London: 40 minutes
Price: In season – $15 per car (off season – free during daytime open hours)
Location: Google Maps Link
Wildwood Conservation Area is located between the quaint towns of St. Mary’s and Stratford. Here, you can enjoy water sports, camping (even backcountry camping), and a hiking and biking trail (Lake Trail) that runs for 25 km around the perimeter of Wildwood Reservoir.
Our verdict: We haven’t personally visited Wildwood yet but our friends have camped here and enjoyed their experience.
15. Rock Glen Conservation Area
Distance from London: 45 minutes
Price: $4 per person (kids 5 and under free)
Location: Google Maps Link
Rock Glen Conservation Area is home to the closest waterfall to London and the site of an ancient bed of Devonian Era fossils. Come prepared to hike, swim in the falls, and hunt for fossils in this lushly forested park, perfect for families and friends to gather just 45 minutes outside the city.
Our verdict: We visited Rock Glen in the summer of 2021 and were really impressed that such a cool waterfall is so close to home! The park gets really busy so go early to avoid the crowds.
Check out our post on Rock Glen’s awesome family adventure spot.
16. Cheltenham Badlands
Distance from London: 1 hour 50 minutes
Price: $10 reservation fee + $10-$15 parking fee
Location: Google Maps Link
The Cheltenham Badlands, located near the town of Caledon, offer up a landscape unlike anywhere else in the province. Hiking and taking in the photo-worthy views are the main activities here. Add to your outing by taking in some fine dining in Caledon, or finding something fun to do in nearby Brampton.
Our verdict: We haven’t visited yet but have heard it’s quite the site. We’ve also heard there isn’t a lot to do at the site, which is why we recommend adding on another activity in the area.
17. Point Pelee National Park
Distance from London: 1 hour 50 minutes
Price: $7/person
Location: Google Maps Link
The southernmost point of Canada is located only 2 hours from London, in Point Pelee National Park. Walk out on the sandy tip that juts into Lake Erie and snap a photo, knowing no one is further south on Canada’s mainland than you at that very moment.
The Park is known for its diversity of wildlife and is a common stopping place for monarch butterflies during their annual migrations. You can see trees literally covered in butterflies!
Our verdict: I have visited the park multiple times, especially with friends from overseas. It’s a memorable experience to take a selfie at the southernmost tip of land in Canada!
18. Pelee Island
Distance from London: 1 hour 50 minutes + 1.5 hour Ferry Ride
Price: Ferry $7.50/person (cars are extra)
Location: Google Maps Link
The only place further south in Canada than Point Pelee itself is Pelee Island. Board the 1.5-hour-long ferry from Leamington or Kingsville, and spend the day biking or driving around the island.
Visit Pelee Island Winery for sampling and take in the slow pace of Canada’s southernmost island and the birthplace of wine-making in Canada.
Our verdict: We toured Pelee Island in 2022 with the company Short Trips and really enjoyed it. Pelee Island Winery is a must-visit!
19. Niagara Falls
Distance from London: 2 hours
Price: Free
Location: Google Maps Link
A trip to Niagara Falls is a must-do for anyone living in or visiting Southern Ontario. There are a variety of types of tours and experiences you can book at the falls – from boat rides, to helicopter rides to tours behind the falls. Be prepared to pay a pretty penny for the experience you’re looking for.
If you’re content just taking in the view of the falls, you can keep it cheap by simply visiting the Table Rock Welcome Centre, which has a great, free view of the falls, and walking around the entertainment district at Clifton Hill.
Our verdict: Visiting Niagara Falls is a must-do if you’ve never been. The energy at the falls is spectacular and there is so much to do regardless of your budget. We’ve experienced some of the tours, but usually stick to the free views now.
20. Niagara-on-the-Lake
Distance from London: 2 hours
Price: Free
Location: Google Maps Link
Another popular way to see the Niagara region is to explore the scenic wine region of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Take a wine tour, stroll through the picturesque downtown, or indulge at one of the posh inn and spas that make this small town known for its class.
Our verdict: We first visited Niagara-on-the-Lake in 2022. After visiting a few wineries, Darren took in a spa treatment while I explored the downtown. It’s truly a magical place and the perfect place for a romantic outing!
21. Toronto
Distance from London: 2 hours
Price: Free
Location: Google Maps Link
As Canada’s largest city, Toronto boasts many world-class tourists attractions, museums, educational centers, and parks. While there’s much to see across the city, if you’ve never been before, we highly recommend a visit to the CN Tower and a walk around the city’s entertainment district.
If you’re on a tight budget, we recommend spending time soaking in the busy city streets by walking through some of Toronto’s famous districts, like the Distillery District, Kensington Market, Chinatown, Cabbagetown, and the Waterfront District.
Our verdict: If you leave Ontario without paying a visit to Toronto, you’ve missed out! Spending even a few hours in the downtown core of Canada’s largest city is worth doing at least once in your life.
22. Goderich & Bayfield
Distance from London: 1 hour – 1 hour 20 minutes
Price: Free
Location: Google Maps Link
Goderich has been known for over 100 years as the “Prettiest Town in Canada.” The town butts up against the bluffs of Lake Huron, making for spectacular waterfront views and popular beaches. Pair a visit to the beach with time shopping the local boutiques or visiting the towns historic sites.
Bayfield is another quaint beach town about 15 minutes from Goderich. It’s known for its charming downtown and million dollar sunsets. Both towns are a short drive from London and a fun outing in the busy summer months.
Our verdict: Goderich is absolutely beautiful and the beach is vast with spectacular sunset views. We haven’t been to Bayfield, but know that it’s a very popular in the summer.
Read more in our post about Goderich Beach.
23. Grand Bend
Distance from London: 1 hour
Price: Free
Location: Google Maps Link
Grand Bend on Lake Huron is one of Ontario’s most popular beach towns for good reason. A long sandy beach, perfect sunsets over the water and plenty of shops and attractions downtown cause this small town to boom during summer months.
A trip to Grand Bend is as easy as spending the day lounging on the beach and strolling the main strip. If you want to check out all this town has to offer see our post on the best things to do in the area.
Our verdict: Grand Bend is an all-around winner among Southwestern Ontario beach towns. Just be prepared to pay a hefty price for parking, or find a quiet residential street further from the beach if you want to keep it cheap.
Check out our post on Grand Bend’s fabulous beach town.
24. Port Stanley
Distance from London: 40 minutes
Price: Free
Location: Google Maps Link
Port Stanley is another clear winner for beaches in Southwestern Ontario. Only 40 minutes from London along Lake Erie, it’s officially the closest swimmable beach to the city. Port Stanley boasts a busy, sandy beach and a cute downtown lined with shops and eateries.
Our verdict: We’ve been to Port Stanley numerous times. It’s a great beach but be prepared for crowds. Check out Little Beach just down from Main Beach for a quieter, kid-friendly spot.
Check out our post on Port Stanley’s hopping beachfront.
25. Stratford
Distance from London: 50 minutes
Price: Free
Location: Google Maps Link
Stratford is another one of Southwestern Ontario’s charming small-town destinations, and for good reason.
Most known for its live performance Avon Theatre and Stratford Festival, this town, which shares a name with Shakespeare’s hometown of Stratford-upon-Avon, understandably has a fascination with the great Elizabethan writer.
Whether you choose to enjoy a live theatre show or simply walk the picturesque streets of this historic town, you’ll find your trip to Stratford relaxing and enjoyable.
If you’re ever on the lookout for great Canadian gifts to send overseas, Stratford’s Rheo Thompson chocolates are a uniquely local, Canadian option!
Our verdict: Stratford is one of Ontario’s small town hidden gems well worth exploring.
26. Paris
Distance from London: 1 hour
Price: Free
Location: Google Maps Link
Paris, Ontario (not to be confused with the one in France!) is the epitome of historic, picturesque town. While this town is quaint, it does not lack allure for visiting tourists.
From local food tours, to historic cobblestone tours, to viewing the “Lighting of the Paris Falls” of Penman’s Dam, to whitewater rafting on the Grand River, this little town knows the value of keeping its visitors wined, dined, relaxed and ready to return next time.
Our verdict: We haven’t spent much time in Paris but it’s another one of Ontario’s most beloved small town hidden gems.
27. Hamilton’s Waterfalls
Distance from London: Various (approx 1 hour 20 minutes)
Price: various
Not only is Hamilton home to many of Ontario’s most beautiful waterfalls, it’s is known as the “Waterfall Capital of the World!”
There are over 100 waterfalls in and around the city of Hamilton, and many of them are in very well maintained conservation areas.
Many of the waterfalls easily accessible and close to parking, and others will require a bit of a hike to reach. Of course, because the falls are fueled by rainwater, we recommend visiting in spring and fall.
Here are 9 of the best-rated waterfalls in the Hamilton area:
Sherman Falls
Borer’s Falls
Buttermilk Falls
Chedoke Falls
Tiffany Falls
Albion Falls
Webster Falls
Tew Falls
Devil’s Punchbowl
Hamilton is also a robust city filled with unique shopping, entertainment venues and the like. But in our eyes it’s most unique due to its proximity to the Niagara Escarpment and it’s abundance of hikes and waterfalls.
Check out our post on hiking Dundas Peak, Tew Falls and Webster Falls.
28. Town of Elora & Elora Gorge
Distance from London: 1 hour 30 minutes
Price: Elora Gorge – $7.50 per adult; $3 per child 6+
Location: Quarry Location; Elora Gorge Location
One of the most beautiful natural areas in Southwestern Ontario is the Elora Gorge and the town of Elora. This conservation area is a great place to enjoy the wonder of the Grand River and its gorge that sits surrounded by steep rock cliffs and forests.
The Grand River includes some intense rapids, and in case you haven’t heard, tubing or white water kayaking is a big thing here! We also recommend a hike at the Elora Gorge (3 km of trails).
After exploring the river and trails, check out the quaint town of Elora. Enjoy a fancy dinner in the Elora Mill Hotel & Spa or even book an overnight package.
The Elora Quarry, just minutes away from the Elora Gorge, is another attraction of the town. The quarry is a large swim hole surrounded by the area’s steep cliffs.
Our verdict: Elora is beautiful. We visited in the summer of 2022 and couldn’t believe how touristy it felt (in a good way).
Wrap-Up: Best Day Trips from London, Ontario
Southwestern Ontario is a goldmine for family-friendly attractions that make for memorable days out.
When planning a day trip from London, Ontario, timing is everything. Many of the nearby destinations, like Stratford or Grand Bend, have peak times for activities and attractions.
For example, Stratford shines during its theatre festival season, and Grand Bend’s beaches are best enjoyed early in the day to avoid crowds.
Check for seasonal highlights, local events, and business hours to make the most of your trip—and always leave room for spontaneity to discover hidden gems along the way!
⭐Looking for the best things to do close to home? Check out these top attractions and activities right in the city of London.
Looking for more Ontario travel inspiration? Check out our full list of posts on Ontario beaches, or check our all of the posts we’ve written from our travels around Ontario.
Erie is the owner and author of Everywhere Ontario. She’s lived and traveled around Ontario for over 30 years, visiting small towns and big cities from the shores of Lake Erie to the crisp northern air of Hearst along the Trans-Canada Highway. She is passionate about maximizing fun and supporting local tourist businesses and is always looking to provide the best recommendations to her fellow Ontario travelers. Read more about Erie here.