33 Exciting Day Trips from London, Ontario for All Seasons (2023)
London is perfectly nestled between many of the best places in Ontario for day trips.
Southwestern Ontario has an incredible diversity of nature, history, tourist attractions, and downright fun places to visit. While it is impossible to create a complete list of day trip ideas, we hope this list will keep you busy for many long days of road trips ahead!
Table of Contents
Adventurous Day Trips
Must-Do Day Trips
Summer Fun Day Trips
Day Trips for History Enthusiasts
Nature-Filled Day Trips
Day Activities in London
Best Hotels for a Staycation in London, Ontario
Adventurous Day Trips
Who doesn’t love a place to visit where you can really engage your sense of adventure and exploration? For kids young and old, check out these fun, adventurous one day trips all within a short drive of London.
1. Boler Mountain
Distance from London: 15 minutes
Price: Ski Day Pass – $34-$71 + tax; Treetop Adventure Park – $35-$53 + tax
Location: Google Maps Link
Boler Mountain is London’s very own solution for fun for both winter and summer thrill-seekers. With skiing, snowboarding and tubing in the winter months, to the Treetop Adventure Park, mountain bike trails, and beach volleyball in the green months, Boler Mountain easily one of the top tourist attractions in Southwestern Ontario.
While you may have no trouble remembering Boler for its ski hills, keep this local gem in mind throughout the spring-fall for an aerial course and zipline that come at a reasonable price, so close to home.
2. East Park London
Distance from London: In London
Price: Various (depending on activity); Waterpark only – $6-$28, age dependent
Location: Google Maps Link
East Park is your perfect choice for something to do in London that is super fun for kids and adults. The popular waterpark includes large slides, splashpad and a wave pool.
Visitors can choose to only pay for admission to the waterpark, or to purchase access to specific indoor and outdoor activities such as Go Karts, rock climbing, mini golf, batting cages, bumper cars, arcade, and jungle gym.
If you’re looking for a full day of fun, this day trip option has enough to keep everyone well entertained.
3. Clovermead Adventure Farm
Distance from London: 35 minutes
Price: $20 (online rate), $27 (walk-in)
Location: Google Maps Link
Clovermead Adventure Farm is one of the best adventure farms in Southwestern Ontario, and it’s located in Aylmer, just half an hour outside of London. At Clovermead, you’ll get to explore to animals, rides, play equipment, splashpad, fun farm-inspired educational attractions, and so much more.
And of course, a trip to this farm wouldn’t be complete without watching the bees do their busy work of creating honey right in front of your eyes! Make sure you also walk through the gift shop and taste free samples of delicious honey, and pick up some to go as a perfect souvenir of your visit to the farm.
We visited Clovermead last year with some friends and had a blast. The kids had hours of fun exploring and connecting with nature. If you’ve been raised in the city, there’s nothing like a trip to the farm, and Clovermead is just the place to visit near London to accomplish just that.
4. Greenview Aviaries Park and Zoo
Distance from London: 1 hour
Price: Adults – $17; Kids – $12.50
Location: Google Maps Link
Greenview Aviaries Park and Zoo is an incredible local gem not only for its spectacular array of exotic birds and wildlife, but also for its park features that make it so much more than just a zoo. If you have kids around, this is one of the best places to visit near London, Ontario.
Greenview Aviaries has an extensive picnic and playground area, including a splash pad, jungle gym, mini zipline, and kids’ ball pit.
After visiting the animals and playing in the kids’ zone, don’t forget to walk through the miniature Shakespeareland before heading back home to London. This place can get very busy in the summer, but for good reason!
5. Treetop Trekking in Binbrook Conservation Area
Distance from London: 1 hour 25 minutes
Price: Zipline + Aerial Game Trek – $47-$64; other activities – various
Location: Google Maps Link
Get ready to find your inner kid (and inner Tarzan) as you climb and swing across the canopy at Treetop Trekking!
This adventure park is located in Binbrook Conservation Area, just outside of Hamilton (in addition to other locations throughout Ontario).
Treetop Trekking is most well-known for its ziplines and aerial courses, consisting of suspended bridges, balance cables, netted walkways, Tarzan swings and more.
There are also courses geared towards younger kids, making this a fun place for all ages. Not for the faint of heart and definitely for those ready for a thrill!
6. African Lion Safari
Distance from London: 1 hour 15 minutes
Price: Adults – $33.95 + tax; Kids – $18.95 + tax (discount if purchased online)
Location: Google Maps Link
African Lion Safari is another top tourist attraction close to London, Ontario. For many of us, it’s the closest thing we will ever get to seeing exotic animals in the wild. There are over 1000 species of animals and birds on over 750 acres of land.
What makes the African Lion Safari so unique compared to other zoos is that there are seven game reserves, where the animals roam freely while you drive around in your vehicle or on the park safari bus! There is also a lake cruise to see monkeys, lemurs, water foul and more!
The African Lion Safari will definitely be a memory to remember. If you choose to bring your own vehicle through the reserves, beware of possible damage that may be done (especially by the monkeys).
7. Twin Valley Zoo Brantford
Distance from London: 1 hour
Price: Adults – $20; Kids – $10.50
Location: Google Maps Link
Brantford’s Twin Valley Nature Park provides an excellent opportunity to see over 80 species of animals and birds up close and personal. Regular admission or guided tour options are available during the spring-fall months. The Twin Valley Nature Park is a smaller, family run park that comes at an affordable price, making it a great place to visit near London.
Twin Valley Nature Park also offers summer Nature Camps for kids!
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, many who come from Kitchener-Waterloo’s respected Old Order Mennonite communities.
Not only will you easily enjoy browsing many fresh, local and homemade foods and goods, you will also have the chance to step into a different culture as you see people arriving by horse and buggy. Enjoy diversity on many levels here at St. Jacob’s for a truly unique shopping experience!
9. Hot Air Balloon Ride
Distance from London: 20-25 min
Price: $240-$300 + tax per person
Location: Sundance Balloons; Cloud Chasers Balloon Rides
Nothing says thrill quite like floating through the sky in an open bucket at 2000 feet!
If that catches your attention then you may just find your next day trip being to Sundance Balloons in Belmont, or Cloud Chasers Balloon Rides in Thorndale. Skyward Balloons even features options to parachute from the balloon or flying in Cold War Jets!
Other options a bit further away from London include Skyward Balloons in Cambridge, or Air Display in Barrie.
Must-Do Day Trips
If you’re new to Southern Ontario, or to the thrill of exploring our great province, these next day trips should definitely be on your bucket list.
10. Niagara Falls & Niagara-on-the-Lake
Distance from London: 2 hours
Price: Free
Location: Google Maps Link
Niagara Falls is easily one of Canada’s largest tourist attractions, and unofficially the 8th Wonder of the World for its truly unique geological features and colossal falls.
If you’ve never spent time at the falls, take heart in knowing there are a ton of free and affordable things to do, along with many well-loved tours for the best experience.
As a budget-friendly option, we recommend spending time at the top of the falls outside the Table Rock Welcome Centre, checking out the entertainment on Clifton Hill, and spending time in the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens.
If you’re driving to the falls on your own, you’ll want to know that visiting the falls up close is free, other than paying for parking. Check out this Guide to Parking for all of the best spots (and even some free ones!).
Another popular way to see the Niagara region is to explore the scenic wine region of Niagara-on-the-Lake. You can easily visit multiple wineries and take a stroll through the picturesque downtown for a quaint day out.
✅ Check out our guide to the best hotels, inns and resorts in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
11. Toronto
Distance from London: 2 hours
Price: Free
Location: Google Maps Link
Tourists rarely make it far in Ontario without paying a visit to Ontario’s capital city of Toronto. It’s only to be expected that downtown Toronto falls on our list of must-do day trips from London.
Toronto boasts many world-class tourists attractions, museums, educational centers, and parks. The CN Tower is often high on the list of things to see in Toronto, with many people enjoying a visit to the top and a walk on the famous glass floor.
You can also book admission tickets in advance to places like the Royal Ontario Museum, Hockey Hall of Fame and Art Gallery of Ontario, which are some of Toronto’s most popular destinations.
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. We also enjoy shopping at some of Toronto’s eclectic vintage and thrift stores or walking through the popular Eaton Centre mall.
A good compromise between budget travelling Toronto and seeing the most of the city is to book a walking tour. Because you’re cutting out the need for transportation, the cost goes way down, but you still get the benefit of a guide to show you some of the most interesting parts of the city.
Looking for the best Toronto tours?
✅ Best ‘Spirited’ Tour: Best Distillery District Walking Tour
🍜 Foodies’ Favourite: Kensington Market International Food Walking Tour
🚴♀️ Best Bike Tour: Downtown Toronto Bike Tour
If you have the time, we also recommend catching a roundtrip ferry ride ($8.50 per adult) to the Toronto Island for unique attractions and stellar views of the Toronto skyline!
Finally, if you are truly a thrill-seeker, you will want to make sure to check out Canada’s Wonderland for the best rollercoasters in Ontario!
Just be prepared that driving in Toronto can be hectic to say the least. Planning your trip around rush hour is definitely a wise idea, and if time allows, consider booking a hotel overnight so you can experience the best of Toronto at night.
Staying in Toronto overnight? Check out one of these top downtown hotels:
✅Best Luxury Hotel: Ritz-Carlton Toronto
✅Best Budget Hotel: Holiday Inn Express Toronto Downtown
Summer Fun Day Trips
Best to do in the warmer months of the year, these next fun things to do in Southwestern Ontario for a day trip will get you enjoying every minute outdoors!
12. U-Pick Fruit Farms
Distance from London: Various
Price: Pay for produce picked
Location: Various
Without a doubt, 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, making U-Pick experiences an easy win on a summer day out.
Many farms also sell other ready-picked produce and some even offer additional fun activities for kids!
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
13. 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! Swimming here is truly an experience you will not forget. No sandy beaches to contend with, no fear of currents, just a wide open body of fresh water surrounded with beautiful rocky cliffs and fish swimming below you.
Swimmers can have fun cliff jumping, floating on rafts, and renting stand-up paddleboards ($10). Additional activities (water trampoline, beach volleyball and slides) are subject to restrictions applicable at the time of visiting.
Advanced reservations are required online. The Quarry is expected to be open each year from early July to Labour Day.
14. Erieau Beach
Distance from London: 1 hour 20 minutes
Price: Free
Location: Google Maps Link
Erieau is one of Lake Erie’s hidden gems. Erieau is the perfect place to escape to the beach without having to contend with the large crowds and hiked prices that you will find at many beaches closer to Ontario’s larger cities. The village comes alive in the summers, as it is home to many cottagers.
The Erieau Public Beach has great swimming and good amenities for families, such as a pavilion, playground, skatepark and public washrooms.
We recommend enjoying some wood-fired pizza and local craft beer, or some fresh-caught perch or pickerel before making your way back to London. This little village really is the perfect place to retreat to the beach!
👉 Check out our Ultimate Vacation Guide to Erieau.
15. 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.
As you might expect, Long Point Provincial Park’s main attraction is its pristine sandy beaches leading out to a 40 km sand spit into Lake Erie. While it’s not possible for visitors to access the far tip of the park by foot, you can catch a boat tour that does just that.
The park also offers campgrounds, hiking trails, a bird observatory and many other activities to keep you busy.
We also recommend spending the day, or even booking an overnight glamping stay at Long Point Eco-Adventures.
This glamping and adventure resort gets our vote for one of the top family resorts in Ontario, as it’s filled with fun activities like ziplining, axe throwing, canoeing and kayaking, stargazing and touring the bee apiary and foraging for mushrooms.
Stop in nearby Port Rowan for beach town shopping or at Turkey Point for another fantastic sandy beach.
16. 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 of course, popular beaches. With well-kept historic buildings, cute boutique shopping, and local fine dining, a day out in Goderich is easily enjoyed.
Check out our full post on Goderich Beach activities so you can be convinced that this town is worth visiting!
Bayfield is another tourist town about 15 minutes south of Goderich, along the shores or Lake Huron. With popular beaches, shoreline walking trails and thriving local businesses, Bayfield makes for a perfect pair with Goderich for your next summer road trip.
17. Grand Bend
Distance from London: 1 hour
Price: Free
Location: Google Maps Link
Grand Bend is one of Ontario’s most popular beach destinations. If you’re looking for a crowd, busy main street shopping, and no shortage of ways to have fun this summer, you’re likely due for a trip to Grand Bend.
Grand Bend definitely attracts a young crowd and has a reputation for its beach nightlife. Many have made this their go-to summer beach for good reason!
If you’re looking for camping near Grand Bend, consider booking a site at the Pinery Provincial Park, less than 10 minutes from town.
👉 Read more at in our full guide to what to do at Grand Bend Beach.
18. Port Stanley
Distance from London: 40 minutes
Price: Free
Location: Google Maps Link
Port Stanley is our go-to beach destination each summer. While there are many fantastic beaches close to London, we find the atmosphere here to be exactly what we crave.
For us, Port Stanley has the perfect mix of a bustling sandy beach, warm Lake Erie waters, and the fantastic GT’s on the Beach where you can enjoy a drink while you sink your toes in the sand. Nothing comes closer to our memories of our travels to the Caribbean than spending an evening here, where some of the locals have even planted their own palm trees!
Only a 40 minute drive from London, Port Stanley is the perfect place to relax on a weekday evening or for a full day out.
👉 We’ve written a full review of Port Stanley Beach and what to do nearby.
Day Trips for History Enthusiasts
Southwestern Ontario has some incredible history to it, and for anyone invested in hearing stories of the past, we’ve got some great recommendations for you.
19. Underground Railroad Museums (Chatham-Kent & Essex)
Distance from London: Each approx. 1 hour 30 minutes
Price: Various
Location: Uncle Tom’s Cabin; Buxton Museum; John Freeman Walls Historic Site; Amherstburg Freedom Museum
Grow in your understanding of the great freedom movement that has forever shaped North America by visiting some of Ontario’s well-preserved Underground Railroad Sites and Museums.
Hear the stories of the notable Josiah Henson (Uncle Tom’s Cabin) and other Black refugees from the American slave trade who bravely escaped into Upper Canada through the Underground Railroad.
View 1800s artifacts and historic buildings at the Elgin (Buxton) Settlement (Buxton National Historic Site & Museum), and walk through the old log cabin built and lived in by the fugitive slave John Freeman Walls (John Freeman Walls Historic Site).
Learn about Black history in one of the key entry points, Amherstburg, into Canada for fleeing slaves (Amherstburg Freedom Museum).
Visit one or many of these incredibly sites to gain an appreciation of the tremendous journeys braved by many Black slaves in our recent past.
20. 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, we think you will find your trip to Stratford relaxing and enjoyable.
Oh yes, and if you happen to be a foodie, we recommend catching a food tour and definitely making a stop at Rheo Thompson Candies for their famous gourmet chocolates.
Tip: If you’re ever on the lookout for great Canadian gifts to send overseas, Rheo Thompson chocolates are a uniquely local, Canadian option!
21. Museum of Ontario Archaeology
Distance from London: In London
Price: Adults – $5; Children – $3
Location: Google Maps Link
The Museum of Ontario Archaeology is educational for visitors of all ages, as it steps you back in time to learn about human history within Ontario for the last 13,000 years.
With the permanent on-site exhibit of a 500-year old village and a reconstructed longhouse, visitors can grow in their understanding of and appreciation for the way of life for some of Canada’s early indigenous peoples.
Combined with other permanent and featured exhibits, the Museum of Ontario Archaeology is a highly valuable experience for learners of all ages.
22. Fanshawe Pioneer Village
Distance from London: In London
Price: $10 Adults; $7 Kids
Location: Google Maps Link
Fanshawe Pioneer Village is a delightful step back in time! In a truly unique way, visitors will be immersed in the stories of locals who lived in London and its surrounding rural communities during the period of 1820-1920.
Kids will especially enjoy the hands-on experience of trying out old-fashioned games and chores as they walk through old-time homes and farm yards.
Fanshawe Pioneer Village is also a beautiful place to host events such as weddings. We’ve had the chance to experience this ourselves, and the entire experience was truly incredible!
23. 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.
Nature-Filled Day Trips
These next day trips from London are perfect outdoor activities for any season. Choosing a day in nature means you get what nature gives you, which is half the adventure in itself!
24. Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory
Distance from London: 1 hour
Price: Adults (13+) – $20; Kids – $8
Location: Google Maps Link
Walk through a majestic tropical garden filled with over 2000 exotic butterflies and moths inside the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory. With over 40 different species, originating mostly from Costa Rica or the Philippines, you will rarely come across an opportunity like this to be so up close with these charming creatures.
Kids will not only love seeing real butterflies in each stage of metamorphosis, they will also have the chance to learn about other insects and arthropods, spot exotic birds flying through the gardens, and of course hope for a butterfly to land on them!
If spending the day in an enchanted tropical garden sounds like the perfect way to spend the day out, you will not be disappointed at the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory.
Just remember to wear bright colours so the butterflies will want to come close!
25. Fanshawe Conservation Area
Distance from London: In London
Price: In Season – $15 per car (off season – free during daytime open hours)
Location: Google Maps Link
Fanshawe Conservation Area is one of London’s best places to get out and explore nature. So much can be done here even without having to leave the city!
Fanshawe Conservation Area offers camp sites (for both tent and trailer camping), canoe/kayak rentals, fishing, boat launch docks, a large day use picnic/BBQ area with pavilion rentals, and over 20 km of gorgeous hiking and biking trails that run the perimeter of Fanshawe Lake. Perfect for adults, kids, groups in all seasons!
👉 Check out our review of London’s best trails, including at Fanshawe Conservation Area.
26. Dorchester Mill Pond
Distance from London: 20 minutes
Price: Free
Location: Google Maps Link
The Dorchester Mill Pond is a perfect place for a half-day nature adventure just outside of London. The Mill Pond Trail is a 3.3 km loop around, you guessed it, Mill Pond.
Admission and parking are free. There’s also a picnic and playground area just beside the parking lot, so pack a lunch and set out on this nature adventure! While you’re at it, why not have some fun with a nature scavenger hunt for the kids!
27. 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. Wildwood is another fantastic option for getting out on the water and soaking in Ontario’s fabulous nature.
Like Fanshawe Conservation Area, Wildwood offers water sports, camping (even back country camping!), and a hiking and biking trail (Lake Trail) for 25 km around the perimeter of Wildwood Reservoir.
28. 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 a unique and exhilarating choice for a day trip close to London. This site is home to a picturesque 10.7 m tall waterfall, and happens to be a hot spot for prehistoric Devonian era fossils!
It’s charming, romantic, adventurous, and not far from the beaches of Lake Huron. We think Rock Glen Falls is perfect to pair with an afternoon on the beach at Pinery Provincial Park, Ipperwash Beach, or Grand Bend.
👉 Read more from our day trip to Rock Glen Conservation Area.
29. Cheltenham Badlands
Distance from London: 1 hour 50 minutes
Price: $10 reservation fee + $10-$15 parking fee
Location: Google Maps Link
The badlands? You’re not the only one who thought this was only a thing of the mid-west. Located just outside the town of Caledon, it’s these unique red clay hills that make the Cheltenham Badlands worth the drive.
Although taking in the sight from the viewing platform is the main attraction here, there are also some hiking trails that to make your visit more complete: the Badlands Trail (0.3 km) and the Bruce Trail (1.3 km).
We recommend pairing up a trip to the badlands with some unique shopping or fine dining in Caledon, or even more hiking at Forks of the Credit Provincial Park. Consider adding on something fun to do in Brampton if you’re looking for just a little more to round out your day!
30. Hamilton 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. For nature lovers, Hamilton is one of the best places to go near London for endless opportunities to explore the outdoors.
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 definitely has all of the best waterfalls near London and is worth a day trip for the adventurous soul!
👉 See our complete guide to Dundas Peak, Tew Falls and Webster Falls.
31. Rondeau Provincial Park
Distance from London: 1 hour 10 minutes
Price: April-October – $18 per car; October-March – $11.25 per car
Location: Google Maps Link
Rondeau Provincial Park makes for an excellent day trip, especially if you are an avid birder or have kids who are eager to get their hands dirty exploring nature.
Rondeau is a peninsula jutting into Lake Erie (and Rondeau Bay) and for that reason its marshy wetland is an important spot for many species of birds during their migration. In fact, over 330 species of birds have been spotted here! Rondeau is also home to Canada’s largest remnant Carolinian forest.
The park Visitor Centre runs a Discovery Program for kids from spring to fall, with hands-on activities and hikes with naturalists. Rondeau has 6 hiking trails ranging from 1.2 km to 8 km, and 11 km of sandy beach. Rondeau Bay is also a popular spot for fishing.
Whether you come for the day, or choose to camp here overnight, we highly recommend a trip to Rondeau Provincial Park this summer!
32. Point Pelee National Park
Distance from London: 1 hour 50 minutes
Price: April-October – $7.90 per adult (0-17 are free); November-March – $6.10 per adult
Location: Google Maps Link
Ever wanted to go to the southernmost tip of Canada? No problem! Point Pelee National Park is less than 2 hours from London, and is totally worth the drive!
Point Pelee is Canada’s most ecologically diverse national park, with marshy wetlands, cedar savannah, and drylands, and home to over 390 species of birds! Plan your visit during the fall monarch butterfly migration for a spectacular experience you will never forget.
We highly recommend a long, slow stroll along Marsh Boardwalk and Tower, canoeing or kayaking the marshes, hiking some of the 12 km of trails, and of course, taking the shuttle to the tip of the peninsula.
Enjoy swimming along the 20 km of sandy beaches, and maybe camp the night in one of the park’s unique oTENTik structures!
If you’ve got a real sense of adventure, consider planning your trip to be on one of the designated stargazing nights when the park is open until midnight. Point Pelee is, after all, a Dark Sky Preserve and offers incredibly opportunity to view the starry skies above.
If you’re up a 2-day trip from London to go a little bit further south, consider heading to Pelee Island! Pelee Island is officially Canada’s southernmost inhabited area, and the birthplace of winemaking in Canada.
👉 We visited Pelee Island and wrote all about it on our guide to touring Pelee Island.
33. 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 without a doubt 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).
If you prefer to keep both feet on dry ground, consider exploring the quaint town of Elora, topped off with dinner in the Elora Mill Hotel & Spa, or even booking 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.
Day Activities in London, Ontario
Does just thinking of packing up the car and hitting the road have you tired and worn out?
There are a lot of awesome attractions and activities right in London that don’t require leaving the city! Whether you’re looking to shop at one of the exciting farmer’s markets, visit a new coffee shop you’ve never been to, head to some of London’s many thrift stores, plan a romantic date on the town, or spend the day shopping at Masonville Mall, there’s definitely a lot to do right in the city.
Best Hotels in London, Ontario
Whether you’re visiting London or just thinking of booking a staycation in the city, here’s our top recommendations for hotels that will get you feeling like you’re on a getaway while still being close to home.
✔️Best Western Plus Lamplighter Inn & Conference Centre
This family-friendly hotel is beautiful furnished and well-maintained and features an amazing indoor pool and waterslide. The pool is set in a tropical atrium, which adds to the feeling of a real vacation without leaving London!
This historic inn and spa in nearby Ingersoll is the perfect place to go for a romantic getaway near London. Set on a rural property, this inn has an onsite restaurant, spa, steam room, sauna and fitness centre and is highly rated by guests.
The Staybridge Suites is always a favourite hotel for us because of the spacious rooms that come with kitchenettes. This hotel also has an indoor pool and is located near White Oaks Mall and Highway 401.
👉 For more hotels, check out our full review of the best places to stay in London, Ontario.
Our Wrap Up: 33 Exciting Day Trips from London, Ontario
There are truly so many amazing places to see and things to do in Southwestern Ontario, that it is hard to narrow down a list.
If you’re looking for more 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.
We hope that you will find inspiration from our list of favourites and wish you many fun-filled road trips ahead!