21 Best Things To Do In London, Ontario From A Local (2024)

Are you looking for the best things to do in London, Ontario? We’re local Londoners and we know exactly where to go for a good time.

As locals for the past 15 years, we’ve spent countless weekends, evenings and holidays searching out what to do in our home city of London, Ontario.

From snowboarding at Boler Mountain, to letting our toddler run wild at Storybook Gardens to picking apples at Appleland Station, we have always found something fun to do that doesn’t break the bank and that’s close to home.

Last updated November 25, 2024.

Quick Guide: Top Activities & Attractions in London, Ontario

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick list of our favourite things to do and activities in London according to your interests:

• The Factory – Canada’s largest indoor adventure park and perfect for families
• Guess Where Trips – Perfect activitiy for adventurous road trippers
• Boler Mountain – The best winter attraction in London and equally entertaining in the green seasons
• Fanshawe Conservation Area – The best place to go for a nature walk (admission fee in peak season)
• Storybook Gardens – Best outdoor attraction for kids
• Covent Garden Market – Perfect downtown London market to support local vendors

Staying overnight in London? Book one of the top London hotels here:

✅ Best Boutique/Luxury: The Idlewyld Inn & Spa (Rating 9.1/10)
✅ Best Family-Friendly: Best Western Plus Lamplighter Inn & Conference Centre (Rating 8.5/10)

Best Things to Do in London, Ontario

London’s best attractions come in all shapes and sizes, and range from nearly free to elaborate and expensive. We’ve spent years exploring what this city has to offer and here are our recommendations:

1. The Factory

Getting There: Google Maps Link to The Factory

Filled with two high ropes courses, ziplines and a ginormous ground floor filled with all kinds of trampolines, obstacles, and even a warrior course, The Factory is full of indoor activities like no other entertainment centre in all of Canada.

And in addition to this high-energy activity zone, The Factory also features an exciting indoor playground for littles (ages 1-6), an arcade and even virtual reality pods.

You don’t just have to be a kid to enjoy The Factory. This place is one of the top tourist attractions in all of Southwestern Ontario and is the perfect place for birthday parties, date night or even team building retreats.

After hitting up The Factory, we recommend that you head over to The Club House lounge, located right within the same 100 Kellogg Lane building.

Try out their multi-sports simulators that let you compare swings, slapshots, and soccer kicks in a way you just can’t when you’re watching the game. You can also book mini-golf and Bocce Ball, or enjoy the complimentary games to pass the time while you wait for your food.

In addition to The Factory and The Club House, 100 Kellogg Lane is also home to many other businesses and attractions, including Powerhouse Brewery, Paradigm Spirits distillery, Canadian Medical Hall of Fame, tons of event space, and even the soon-to-be Hard Rock Hotel.

2. Take a ‘Guess Where Trips’ Road Trip

Getting There: Varies depending on your itinerary (Pick your itinerary here)

Guess Where Trips offers an exciting new way to explore road trip-worthy destinations close to London. Their unique, one-day itineraries blend mystery and exploration, providing you with a thrilling, surprise-filled day out.

This local company offers carefully curated journeys to hidden gems all around North America, with a heavy focus on Ontario destinations. And as a Londoner, you can easily filter to trips within a comfortable driving distance of the city.

From charming towns to picturesque natural spots, Guess Where Trips promises an unforgettable experience, with every detail meticulously planned. 

This activity is perfect for those seeking spontaneity and adventure, offering a break from routine while showcasing the hidden treasures that surround Southwestern Ontario. It’s an ideal option for anyone looking to embark on an adventurous day trip without having to do any of the planning.

It’s also an ideal gift for someone who has it all, and the perfect thing to do near London, Ontario for your next date, friend outing, or office retreat. 

🗺️ Check out exciting Guess Where Trip itineraries close to you!

3. Boler Mountain in All Seasons

Getting There: Google Maps Link to Boler Mountain

Boler Mountain is home to the best outdoor activities in London, Ontario with so many fun ways to spend the day out in every season. During out dating years, Darren and I spent many winter nights at Boler, and it’s where I first tried my hand at snowboarding!

While it’s most well-known for its snowboard and ski hills, Boler Mountain is also home to an exciting Treetop Adventure Park, mountain bike trails and camps, beach volleyball league, fitness classes, a restaurant, and more.

Winter Activities at Boler Mountain

Boler Mountain is most well known as London’s ski and snowboard hill during the winter season. While it’s true that the landscape is pretty flat in Southwestern Ontario, Boler does a great job of keeping you active without having to leave the city.

Another great option during the winter months is the Boler Tube Park, with three awesome snow tube runs. If you’ve never tried tubing at Boler then this will be a fun new way for you to experience winter in London. I still remember visiting London to go tubing at Boler as a high school student, it was that fun!

Green Season at Boler Mountain

During the green season (May-October) Boler Mountain’s lush Carolinian forest transforms into an exhilarating Treetop Adventure Park, with rope swings, ziplines, swinging bridges, and challenging ropes course.

There are courses of varying difficulty levels, catering to both adults and kids. If you’re looking for fun outdoor activities in London, Ontario then you’ve got to check this one out. You’ll be spending quality time in nature, staying active and supporting a great local business in the city.

Tip: The highlight of Boler’s Treetop Adventure Park is their 1100 foot long tandem zipline, which is included in all passes to the Adventure Park.

And if you’re looking for great trails to explore a little off the beaten path in the city, then you’ll want to check out the extensive trail system at Boler Mountain. They’ve hosted various nationwide mountain biking events, so if this is your sport you know you’re in for a great ride.

4. Relax at Idlewyld Inn & Spa

Getting There: Google Maps Link to Idlewyld Inn & Spa

Tucked away in the city’s Old South neighborhood is the quaint Idlewyld Inn & Spa. With a full menu of treatments to choose from, Idlewyld is arguably London’s best place to truly let your body unwind in luxury.

The Idlewyld Inn also has a gourmet dining room with patio seating in its hidden courtyard or covered front porch. And of course, it wouldn’t be an inn without a beautiful selection of tastefully-decorated rooms, ranging from comfortable and cozy to lavish and luxurious.

Being locals of the Old South neighbourhood ourselves, we’ve witnessed over and over just how popular the Idlewyld Inn and Spa really is, and how much of an attraction this beautiful old building is – both for those visiting the city and locals looking for a romantic retreat.

In fact, the Idlewyld Inn has a “Superb” 9.1/10 rating on Booking.com, with tons of testimonies to back it up.

✔️ Check rates & availability of the Idlewyld Inn & Spa

5. Watch a Game at Budweiser Gardens

Getting There: Google Maps Link to Budweiser Gardens

Budweiser Gardens is the place to be for hockey and basketball fans looking to catch a live game. Home of the OHL London Knights team and the NBLC London Lightning team, this venue is packed on regular games nights.

This downtown indoor venue can seat 9,100 visitors, and doesn’t mess around when it comes to bringing in big name musicians, comedians and performers to the stage.

And having been locals to London throughout our early adult years, we can vouch that if you’re looking for an exciting thing to do in London, Ontario for young adults, you’ll definitely want to put some tickets to Budweiser Gardens on your bucket list.

6. Watch a Live Show at the Grand Theatre

Getting There: Google Maps Link to the Grand Theatre

When it comes to live theatre and concerts in a more intimate and formal setting, the Grand Theatre on Richmond Street is London’s finest venue. With two beautiful stages and two classy lounges, the Grand Theatre features local and international talent and stories in exceptional theatre.

Making a visit to the Grand Theatre is likely something you will want to plan well in advance, but if you can manage to plan ahead of your visit to London, we think you’ll be rewarded with an excellent show.

7. Boutique Shop Richmond Row

Getting There: Google Maps Link to Richmond Row

London’s Richmond Row is one of the city’s more unique spots for shopping. With one-of-a-kind boutiques, delicious cafes and restaurants and budding local businesses, shopping on Richmond Street is an enjoyable way to spend the day on the town regardless of your budget.

The majority of Richmond Street’s boutique shops are located between Oxford St and York St, so consider finding your parking within this stretch of the street.

Some noteworthy stops along Richmond Row include Victoria Park, St Peter’s Cathedral Basilica, Hangar9 clothing store, Toboggan Brewing Company, Black Walnut Bakery Café, BoxCar Donuts and Commonwealth Coffee Co.

Simply walking up and down this stretch of the city and browsing the shops will give you a great taste of what London has to offer in its downtown core.

8. Enjoy Fine Coffee

Getting There: Multiple Locations (Google Maps Link to Asmara Coffee House, our favourite)

Our city is home to many unique coffee shops and cafes. So much so that we’ve actually written a full post about the best places to go for coffee in London, Ontario. With hidden gem cafes scattered across the city you’ll be able to find a unique and quite place to unwind with high-quality java in almost any corner of the city.

One of London’s finest coffee shops is Asmara Coffee House, featuring fair trade organic coffee straight from Ethiopia and roasted right in house. Tucked away in an unassuming part of the city, this friendly venue is beloved among the city’s coffee connoisseurs.

What makes Asmara doubly distinct is its intentional lack of wifi. Instead of encouraging people to work on their phones or laptops over coffee, Asmara purposefully facilitates face-to-face connection.

We can vouch for the fantastic quality of coffee they roast and serve, as well as the welcoming atmosphere of the café. The owner himself frequently works, greeting his loyal customers by name and making sure you feel right at home.

9. Fanshawe Conservation Area & Pioneer Village

Getting There: Google Maps Link to Fanshawe Conservation Area

Fanshawe Conservation Area is London’s largest nature area that’s still considered within the city. With a huge reservoir and gushing dam, lush Carolinian forest and various hiking and mountain biking trails, there’s a lot to see and do.

There are also seasonal and nightly campsites in the conservation area, making it a great place to plan a weekend family getaway without having to leave town.

The Fanshawe Pioneer Village is located within Fanshawe Conservation Area and is a unique, interactive display of what life was like in London and Middlesex Counties between 1820-1920. Walk through old buildings, see live character reenactments, and participate in demonstrations of different aspects of daily life during the time period.

Spending the day at Fanshawe Pioneer Village is a great family thing to do in London, Ontario and is educational and fun at the same time.

10. Relive Local History at the Museum

Getting There: Google Maps Link to Museum London

London’s most popular museum is Museum London, located downtown along the Thames River. Featuring renowned art, cultural and historical exhibits and hosting events for kids, teens and adults, Museum London is definitely one of the city’s cultural highlights.

There are various other museums scattered throughout the city. Catering to various interests, spending the day at the museum is a fun and educational indoor activity London, Ontario has to offer all ages.

For example, London’s Museum of Archaeology is another spectacular historical attraction in the city. With permanent exhibits featuring life in Southwestern Ontario 13,000 years ago, First Nations peoples, cultures and languages, and the Lawson Archaeological Site, there’s a lot to do and learn in this interactive setting.

London Children’s Museum, Banting House National Historic Site, Canadian Medical Hall of Fame, Jet Aircraft Museum, Eldon House, and Longwoods Road Conservation Area / Ska-Nah-Doht Village are some of London’s other amazing museums and historical sites worth the visit.

11. Watch Airplanes at Katana Kafe & Grill

Getting There: Google Maps Link to Katana Kafe & Grill

One of the most unique restaurant settings in all of London is Katana Kafe & Grill, located right beside the London International Airport. In fact, it’s so close that its main attraction is a front and centre view of the runway.

Located way off the beaten path, most Londoners may never come across Katana Kafe & Grill, let alone know that such a unique fine dining restaurant exists. If you’re looking for a way to wow your date or just a new and unusual thing to do in the city, Katana should be high on your list.

Best Free Things to Do in London, Ontario

Who doesn’t like to know the best free things to do in any city? If you’re on a budget and still want to keep things interesting, this list of top free things to do in our home city is for you.

12. Shop Local at the Farmers Markets

Getting There: Multiple Locations (Google Maps Link to Covent Garden Market, open daily)

One of the best things to do in London on the weekend is to head to the local farmers markets. We especially love walking around the markets during the summer season when many of the indoor markets expand outdoors.

London’s two largest markets are Covent Garden Market and the Western Fair Farmers Market.

Covent Garden Market is London’s busy downtown market, and is open throughout the week. Western Fair Market is located in the Western Fair District on the city’s east end, and is a thriving weekend farmers and artisan market.

👉 We’ve written a full guide to London Ontario’s Farmers Markets so you can plan your visit!

13. Hit the Trails

Getting There: Multiple Locations (Google Maps Link to Springbank Park, our favourite)

Known as “The Forest City,” London has the spectacular Thames Valley Parkway system, running for over 40 km throughout the city.

In all corners of the city you will find well-maintained paved pathways as well as off the beaten path trails in some of Southwestern Ontario’s most unique ecosystems (such as Sifton Bog in the west end).

We’ve personally walked along almost all of the major trail systems in the city, and have put together this guide to the best hiking and walking trails in London, Ontario for you to explore.

14. Spend the Day in the Park

Getting There: Multiple Locations (Google Maps Link to Kiwanis Park, seen below)

Going hand in hand with London’s extensive trail network is the city’s abundance of well-kept parks and green spaces.

Some of the most popular parks include Victoria Park in the downtown core, Gibbons Park in Old North, Springbank Park in the west end, and Kiwanis Park in the east end. That said, there are literally dozens of others to choose from.

Consider packing up your tennis gear, swim suits, walking shoes, snowshoes, or even a picnic lunch and finding a park with tennis courts, splash pad, multi-use path, or BBQ pits and pavilions to make a simple, memorable and totally free day out.

15. Stargaze at the Cronyn Observatory

Getting There: Google Maps Link to Cronyn Observatory

One of London’s best kept secrets is Western University’s Cronyn Observatory. Any space-enthusiast will agree that one look of the sky on a starry night, or one gaze through a telescope will have you hooked in fascination of the vast universe beyond earth.

Cronyn Observatory hosts public nights every Saturday evening between May-August, and then monthly between October-April. At these public nights, you can get the chance to see stars up close through the university’s telescopes and pose your questions to resident astronomers.

For some of us on tighter budgets, the best part of these public nights is that they are completely free. And because the observatory is located right on the university campus, it’s also an convenient and out-of-the-box indoor idea for something to do for young adults in the London.

16. Stroll Through ‘Wortley Village’

Getting There: Google Maps Link to Wortley Village

Wortley Village is the heart and soul of London’s Old South neighborhood. This quaint part of town is rich with architectural gems from the 1800s and early 1900s as well as home to many thriving independent businesses.

Pick up a drink from one of London’s best coffee shops, do some window shopping, and meander your way around the picturesque streets. The Green just outside of the beautiful Wortley YMCA is a great spot to rest or eat ice cream from Karpos.

Wortley Village is also home to some of the city’s best restaurants, like Plant Matter Kitchen, Sagi and The Sweet Onion Bistro, as well as the beloved Quarter Master Natural Foods store.

17. Explore the Eclectic ‘Old East Village’ (OEV)

Getting There: Google Maps Link to Old East Village

Old East Village is London’s most unique and diverse midtown neighborhood. Along Dundas Street and its intersecting side streets between Adelaide Street and Highbury Ave you will find an eclectic mix of fresh local eateries, artisan shops, cultural centres and independent retailers.

What makes Old East Village one of London’s hidden gems is its identity as a hub for local creativity and entrepreneurship, in one of the city’s lowest income part of town. In Old East Village, the ‘new and exciting’ are right beside the ‘old and run down’. Artsy restaurants are interspersed with soup kitchens and shelters.

Some of Old East Villages’ gems you won’t want to miss are the Artisan Bakery, 10Eighteen Coffee House, Palace Theatre, and Illbury + Goose Clothing Store. Also consider checking out some of London’s best thrift stores, including Back to the Fuchsia & The Sentimentalist located just past the Western Fair District.

Best Things to Do with Kids in London, Ontario

Whether you’re a local Londoner with kids, or just visiting the city with family, here’s a look at our top kid attractions in London, Ontario. As parents of an active toddler, take it from us – these places are worth visiting!

18. Take the Kids to Storybook Gardens

Getting There: Google Maps Link to Storybook Gardens

For another great thing to do with kids, consider taking your little ones to Storybook Gardens in Springbank Park. It’s here that tales come alive and kids can jump into the settings of their favourite stories.

Snap photos next to various story character statues, see live performances, play in the expansive summer splash pad, or take to the winter skate trail through the park. Our son’s favourite attractions in Storybook is the massive jumping pillow and the fun outdoor climbing equipment.

In addition to general admission, Storybook Gardens also runs day camps and special events. It’s a great place for family outings, fieldtrips, birthday parties and playdates. Age appropriate for children up to around 9 years old.

19. Apple Land Station

Getting There: Google Maps Link to Apple Land Station

When the crisp fall air rolls around each year, one of our favourite family activities in London, Ontario is visiting Apple Land Station in nearby Thames Centre.

Whether you’re a family with kids, a couple looking for a casual date idea, or a group of friends looking to have fun outdoors, this place is an absolute gem for outdoor fun.

Apple Land’s main attraction is, of course, their pick-your-own apple orchard. But beyond this, they also have lots of entertaining activities for kids and adults.

Enjoy wagon rides, a corn maze and a huge outdoor playground including a massive sand mountain with tunnels throughout. There’s also a tempting indoor market to stock up on produce, freshly baked goods and local artisan items. 

Apple Land Station is affordable (with weekday discounts), tons of fun and an awesome way to make the most of the summer and fall months.

20. Visit the London Children’s Museum

Getting There: Google Maps Link to London Children’s Museum

The London Children’s Museum should be on your radar if you’re looking for things to do in London, Ontario with kids that’s super cheap (or even free), educational, and open in all weather. 

Filled with educational rooms geared towards kids of all ages, this museum does an excellent job combining science, history and the arts with active fun. 

Explore the dinosaur room, learn about indigenous culture of the Arctic, understand what goes on in your own neighborhood and backyard and more. Bring your class for a field trip, or simply stop in with the kids on a rainy day.

Tip: Head to the Children’s Museum for the TD Free Family Fun Nights each Thursday from 5-8pm, where admission is completely waived. 

21. Bring Your Kids to an Indoor Playground

Getting There: Multiple Locations (Google Maps Link to Adventures on Wonderland, seen below)

If you’re looking for kid-friendly indoor activities in London, Ontario then you’ll love the indoor playgrounds the city has to offer. 

We’ll be honest: this activity wasn’t on our list originally, but once our son got into the toddler stage, our entire perspective on what to do with kids changed. We’ve spent a number of rainy days burning off energy at these incredible play centres.

The indoor playgrounds in London are currently as follows:

• Play Away Indoor Park
• Adventures on Wonderland
• Off the Wall Kids
• Fleetway Kids’ Play Centre
• Funvilla 
• The Factory
• Flying Squirrel Trampoline Park
• Aerosports Trampoline Park
• ActivtiyPlex London

We have personally played in Play Away, Adventures on Wonderland, Off the Wall Kids, and Fleetway, and can vouch for just how entertaining these indoor parks are. 

Tip: My personal favourite is Flying Squirrel Indoor Trampoline Park. This place is incredible and can easily entertain kids for hours.

Best Places to Eat in London, Ontario

London has a vibrant culinary scene, with a lot of great restaurant options for people of various cultures, budgets and tastes. We have selected some of the most highly rated restaurants to highlight here, all of which we have personally tried, out of our own pockets.

🍴 Best Fine Dining: Garlic’s of London

Getting There: Google Maps Link to Garlic’s of London

With Garlic’s of London, the name says it all. If you are a lover of all things garlic (like us), then you’re already hooked.

What we love about Garlic’s is its intentional featuring of garlic in unique ways, such as slow roasted garlic bulb and crostini, black garlic fettuccini, and even garlic flavored ice cream – all made in house.

The restaurant’s atmosphere is posh yet friendly, and its location on Richmond Row is ideal for a night on the town. While there are numerous fine dining restaurants to choose from, Garlic’s has won us over and has earned repeatedly excellent ratings from the public.

🍴 Best Breakfast & Brunch: The Early Bird

Getting There: Google Maps Link to The Early Bird

The Early Bird gets the worm at this fine diner. With totally eclectic punk rock décor and a unique menu match its style, The Early Bird has earned quite the reputation in London.

We love The Early Bird for its focus on quality, locally sourced ingredients and its in-house preparation of all of its meats – including its ever popular smoked brisket. Breakfast and brunch are simply next level awesome.

Despite its popularity and packed seating area, The Early Bird does not take reservations and will place you on a first come first serve basis. For this reason, you should be prepared to have a bit of a wait as well as be okay with dining in a busy setting.

Londoners agree that The Early Bird is in a completely different league than your average breakfast diner, and if you’ve got the time, taste buds and sense of adventure for something new you’ve got to check this place out.

Note: The Early Bird turns into Holy Diver, punk rock bar, in the evenings from Thursday-Sunday each week.

🍴 Best Ethnic Restaurant: Addis Ababa Restaurant

Getting There: Google Maps Link to Addis Ababa Restaurant

If you’re looking to try a cuisine that’s rich in flavour and offers a truly authentic ethnic experience, then we highly recommend TG’s Addis Ababa Restaurant.

Not only does the owner, TG, make fabulous dishes, you will also get an authentic cultural experience as you break the injera (bread) to eat by hand. On top of that, the beautiful African décor in the restaurant makes you feel as though you are in dining right in Ethiopia.

Between the exceptional flavours of TG’s dishes, the unique feeling you get eating in the true Ethiopian way, and the beautifully African atmosphere of the restaurant, TG’s gets rave reviews all across London (including from us) and is a clear winner in our books.

🍴 Best Vegan Restaurant: Plant Matter Kitchen

Getting There: Google Maps Link to Plant Matter Kitchen

Plant Matter Kitchen (or simply PMK) is London’s favourite all-vegan restaurant. Everything is made fresh using real food: no additives, no processed ingredients, just locally organic, plant-based dishes.

PMK’s flavours are bang on, with delicious, classy entrées, apps, sides, and even specialty drinks. From British style banners and mash, to buffalo caesar wraps, to red or green smoothies, you won’t be disappointed at the creativity of this menu.

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Where To Stay in London, Ontario

A city the size and caliber of London has a great variety of accommodations to offer. You’ll find multiple well-known chain hotels (both high-end and budget-friendly), as well as various independent hotels.

If you want to be sure to experience the best hotels in the city, be sure to check out our complete guide on where to stay in London, Ontario.

To help you save time, here’s our recommendations on the top hotels for your stay in the city:

✔️ Best Boutique/Luxury: The Idlewyld Inn & Spa (Rating 9.1/10)
✔️ Best Family-Friendly: Best Western Plus Lamplighter Inn & Conference Centre (Rating 8.5/10)

Conclusion: Best Things to Do in London, Ontario

As one of Canada’s fastest growing cities and one of Southwestern Ontario’s hub for culture, business and entertainment, London has a lot to offer locals eager to explore their own backyard.

As locals of London for over 15 years, let us leave you with a short list of a few of our favourite must-do activities:

• Looking for weekend attractions in the winter? Definitely check out Boler Mountain’s ski and snowboard hill.
• Visiting with kids in the summer? Make sure you spend time in Springbank Park’s amazing playground and wading pool.
• Looking for the best indoor activities for kids? Spend the day at one of the city’s indoor playgrounds (our vote is Flying Squirrel).

From markets to ski slopes, ziplines to fine dining, we hope this list gives you lots of fun days ahead as you explore our home city of London, Ontario!