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London, OntarioThis region of south-central Ontario (midway between Toronto and Windsor) was modeled after the best of London, England. Therefore, London has its own Thames River, and nearby Stratford, the namesake of Shakespeare's hometown of Stratford-upon-Avon has its own internationally acclaimed theater festival and its own Avon River. Many of the attractions in London are connected to local history. Fanshawe Pioneer Village is a re-creation of a town from the 1800s that presents crafts demonstrations. At the London Museum of Archeology, visitors can witness an ongoing archeological dig. Iroquoian life around the year 1000 is the focus of the Ska-Nah-Doht Iroquoian Village. Eldon House, built in 1834, is the city's oldest building, and you can also find and visit many lovely Victorian residences in town. Museums include the London Regional Art and Historical Museum; the London Museum of Archaeology, which is located next to an ongoing dig site called the Lawson Prehistoric Indian Village; and the Royal Canadian Regiment Museum which displays military memorabilia. There is also the Guy Lombardo Museum, where the legendary bandleader and his talented acquaintances are remembered in photographs and other memorabilia. London is buzzing with an abundance of festivals throughout the calendar year. Local and out-of-town restaurants compete for the title of Best Ribs at the London Rib Fest in late July, the same weekend as the Balloon Festival where dozens of beautifully covered hot air balloons fill the air. The annual Western Fair runs for 10 days each September with a special children¨s midway, top name performers at the Grandstand, home arts and horticultural competitions. Later in the fall, experience the hilarity of the Canadian Comedy Awards Festival at various downtown venues. Throughout the year visitors to London will enjoy an outstanding selection of interesting attractions. For all travelers on all levels of budgets, London is at its best in its downtown core. If it's the arts you enjoy, then settle in for pure enjoyment. Take in a play at The Grand Theatre, or enjoy a performance of Orchestra London. London has seen the richness of the culture and traditions of the Iroquois Nation; the settlement by Colonel John Graves Simcoe and his British associates; the architectural and artistic accomplishments of the Victorian era; the emergence of a big band legend; the discovery of insulin, and much more. London is a city of traditions and treasured memories. It is also a modern commercial and industrial center, and a lively and entertaining place. For the past 100 years, Londoners have planted around 1,000 trees annually to keep the area green, earning the name "Forest City." This is London: a city that is always advancing and growing, yet one that has deep roots in the past. Population: 336,539 Elevation: 850 feet Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time. When it is 12:00 noon in London, Ontario, it is also 12:00 noon in New York City, USA. Average Temperatures:
National Holidays: January 1 New Year¨s Day Good Friday and Easter Monday (date varies) Victoria Day (Third Monday in May) Canada Day (July 1) Civic Holiday (First Monday in August) Labour Day (First Monday in September) Thanksgiving (Second Monday in October) Remembrance Day November 11 Christmas Day December 25 Boxing Day December 26
Airport London International Airport 1750 Crumlin Road London,
ON N5V 3B6 The London International Airport is serviced by a handful of airlines which primarily fly in connecting from Toronto or Detroit. The airport is on the fringe of the city, and is thus not serviced by the city bus service. VIA Rail Canada 205 York Street London, Ontario, N6A 1B3 519-672-5722 or 1-888-VIA RAIL (842-7245)
Rental Cars are readily available at the airport.
Greyhound Canada provides bus service.
Getting Around The London Transit Commission operates buses within the city. Belmont Corn Maze 803 Willsie Bourne Road London, Ontario, N0L 1B0 This 8 acre corn maze has over 4 km of twists and turns which will surely entertain children and adults of all ages. Picnic tables and benches are provided so you and sit back and have a rest in between the 1st and 2nd part of the maze. After a trip through the maze, walk toward the "Seeds of Knowledge" area where educational posters and other items about corn are displayed.
Double Decker Bus Tours391 Wellington Street London, Ontario N6A 1H2 519-661-5000
Tours begin
June 28th until
East Park/Intencity & Wally World 1275 Hamilton Road East London, Ontario, N5W 1B1
A fun spot
for kids of all ages that is now open year round. East Park is
located on 100 acres of parkland and offers the Wally World
water park, go-karts, batting cages and picnic grounds, as well
as an 18-hole golf course, minature golf, and a driving range.
Open April through October weather permitting.
Fanshawe Pioneer Village 1424 Clarke Road London, Ontario, N5X 4A1 A living history museum that specializes in fun for children of all ages. Experience London's past and see weavers, printmakers, blacksmiths, and farmers demonstrate their trades of the past. See farm animals, more than 25 restored buildings and many artifacts of bygone days.
Good Time Music Hall, The Labatt Breweries Tour 150 Simcoe St London, Ontario, N6A 4M3 It was on this same location more than 150 years ago that John Kinder Labatt started brewing beer. It was the beginning of a Canadian company success story so impressive that today the name Labatt is synonymous with great tasting beer. Since the company's founding, the Labatt Brewing Company has become an internationally renowned brewer. In 1847, Labatt produced about a 1,000 bottles of beer a year. Tours include a Labatt video, a guided tour of the production facilities, taste sampling, question and answer period, and free souvenirs. Today, Labatt is part of Belgium-based Interbrew S.A., forming the one of the largest brewing group in the world with more than 110 countries worldwide.
Banting House National Historical Site 442 Adelaide Street North London ON N6B 3H8 519 673-175 Dr. Sir Frederick G. Banting was the co-discoverer of insulin, as well as a distinguished war hero and a Nobel Prize Laureate. The exhibits at the Banting House outline his contribution to the discovery of insulin, his war efforts, many of his paintings and his visit by the Queen Mother.
Guy Lombardo Music Centre and Museum 205 Wonderland Road South London ON N6K 3T3 519 473-9003 The Guy Lombardo Music Centre, established in 1984, houses artifacts and memorabilia relating to Lombardo and his band the Royal Canadians. Among the memorabilia found here is one of Lombardo's original recordings, as well as his famous speedboat the 'Tempo 7'.
Laser Quest 149 Carling Street London, Ontario, N6A 1H5 Laser Quest is live action laser tag at its best! The game is tag, hide and seek, cops and robbers, capture the flag and Buck Rogers all rolled into one, enhanced with modern technology.
Lickety Split Ranch 1292 Scotland Drive London, Ontario, N6N 1L2
A family
owned and operated zoo featuring jungle cats, monkeys and much
more. Approx. 40-50 species of animals (including birds) to
view. Play ground, picnic area. Come & bring a friend.
London Museum of Archaeology and Lawson Prehistoric Village . 1600 Attawandaron Road London ON N6G 3M6 519 473-1360 This unique museum focuses on studying and interpreting the past 11,000 years of human life in Southwestern Ontario. Guided tours are available. Next door to the museum is a reconstructed Iroquoian village that is open during the summer months, visitors can observe archaeological excavations and ask the experts questions.
London Regional Art and Historical Museums 421 Ridout Street North London ON N6A 5H4 519 672-4580 The London Regional Art and Historical Museums provide visitors to the city with a unique blend of both history and culture in one location. The museum is home to a collection of artifacts, as well as historical and contemporary art. Visitors will also enjoy London's oldest mansion, the Eldon House, which has been well preserved and still contains many of its original furnishings.
London Regional Children's Museum 21 Wharncliffe Road South London Ontario N6J 4G5 519 434-5726 At the London Regional Children's Museum, there are three flors of hands-on, interactive experiences designed especially for children from infants to 12 years of age. Children are encouraged to learn about their favorite subjects through activities and play in the 9 galleries. Little ones can dig for dinosaur bones, crawl through caves, travel to the stars, run their own McDonalds and more. Themes are Dinosaur; Street Where You Live; Arctic Adventure; Science in Your World; My lace in Space; Child Long Ago; and Caves.
Museum London 421 Ridout Street North London, Ontario, N6A 5H4 Special events focused on the visual and performing arts. Beautiful parks and pathways and great sports facilities exist in the Forest City. Family entertainment takes many forms from the lively new Covent Garden Market in the heart of the downtown to the ever-popular Storybook Gardens in Springbank Park. If you are there during the summer months, your visit would not be complete without a Double Decker Bus tour.
Royal Canadian Regiment Museum 750 Elizabeth Street London Ontario Canada N5Y 4T7 This museum celebrates the achievements of Canada's oldest regular infantry. The museum has four main areas: The Centennial Room, the War Memorial Room, A Library and Quiet Room for reflection and prayer.
Ska-Nah-Doht Iroquoian Village & Museum 8449 Irish Drive Mount Brydges, Ontario, N0L 1W0 Ska-Nah-Doht, a recreated Iroquoian village of 1,000 years ago, is located in the beautiful surroundings of Longwoods Road Conservation area and is owned and operated by the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority. The name Ska-Nah-Doht is from the Oneida language meaning "a village stands again". Although not built on an actual site, the village is based on data collected by archaeologists and from the traditions passed down to today's Iroquoian people.
Explore the village with its 18 outdoor exhibits. Find your way through the palisade maze. Then enter a longhouse and imagine cooking supper in a clay pot over a roaring fire. Pretend to grind corn into flour in a wooden mortar and pestles. The village is wheelchair accessible, weather permitting. The Museum, located in the Longwoods Resource Centre, offers hands-on exhibits of Iroquoian culture and displays of artifacts from the archaeological collection.
Storybook Gardens Springbank Park London, Ontario Located in Springbank Park, this theme park has enchanted children with its animals, displays and playground equipment since its opening in 1958.
Wally World at East Park 1275 Hamilton Road East London, Ontario, N5W 1B1 519-451-2950
East Park has
purchased the heart of Wally World with the acquisition of Wally
World's 55' high 5 slide tower and the wave pool generating
equipment.
Western Fair - IMAX Theatre 900 King Street London, Ontario, N5W 5K3
Western Fair Racetrack Slots 900 King Street London, Ontario, N5W 5K3 Adventures on Wonderland 3198 Wonderland Road South London, Ontario, N6L 1A1
London's
Largest Indoor Playground for children 13 years & under.
East Park/Intencity & Wally World 1275 Hamilton Road East London, Ontario, N5W 1B1
Fanshawe Pioneer Village 1424 Clarke Road London, Ontario, N5X 4A1 A living history museum that specializes in fun for children of all ages. Experience London's past and see weavers, printmakers, blacksmiths, and farmers demonstrate their trades of the past. See farm animals, more than 25 restored buildings and many artifacts of yester-year.
London Regional Children's Museum 21 Wharncliffe Road South London, Ontario, N6J 4G5 A museum where you can touch, play, make noise and have a great time. A museum where you can dig for dinosaur bones, crawl through caves, run your own McDonalds, travel to the stars, and travel back in time. A museum where learning is an adventure.
Ska-Nah-Doht Iroquoian Village & Museum Longwoods Road Conservation Area Mount Brydges, Ontario, N0L 1W0 a recreated Iroquoian village of 1,000 years ago, is located in the beautiful surroundings of Longwoods Road Conservation area and is owned and operated by the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority. The name Ska-Nah-Doht is from the Oneida language meaning "a village stands again". Although not built on an actual site, the village is based on data collected by archaeologists and from the traditions passed down to today's Iroquoian people. Explore the village with its 18 outdoor exhibits. Find your way through the palisade maze. Then enter a longhouse and imagine cooking supper in a clay pot over a roaring fire. Pretend to grind corn into flour in a wooden mortar and pestles. The village is wheelchair accessible, weather permitting. The Museum, located in the Longwoods Resource Centre, offers hands-on exhibits of Iroquoian culture and displays of artifacts from the archaeological collection.
London Museum of Archaeology 1600 Attawandaron Road London, Ontario, N6G 3M6 The London Museum of Archaeology is a unique Canadian museum devoted to the study, display, and interpretation of the human occupation of Southwestern Ontario over the past 11,000 years. The Museum is located beside the Lawson Prehistoric Indian Village, a site occupied by the Neutral Iroquois in the 15th century A.D.
Laser Quest 149 Carling Street London, Ontario, N6A 1H5 Laser Quest is live action laser tag at its best! The game is tag, hide and seek, cops and robbers, capture the flag and Buck Rogers all rolled into one, enhanced with modern technology. Annual Events
New Year's Day Levee January 1: Eldon House Saturday, January 1, 1:00 - 4:00 pm Welcome the New Year at a traditional New Year¨s Day Levee. Exchange greetings and gather with friends for refreshments in the Interpretive Centre. Admission by donation. Contact: 519-661-5169
Snowfest International Late January Snowfest International takes place at various downtown locations. Call 633-9224
London Golf & Travel Expo Mid-February Annual London Golf & Travel Expo takes place February 11 - 13 at the Western Fair Event Centre. Show hours are: Friday from 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm, Saturday from 10:00 am - 6:00 pm, and Sunday from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm.
The Fanshawe Sugar Bush Throughout March The Fanshawe Sugar Bush takes place on weekends throughout March and during March Break. Call 461-1073 for hours of operation and additional information.
Late March Annual London Orchid Society Show Show takes place Saturday from 11:00 am - 5:00 pm and Sunday from 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm at the Agri-Plex, Western Fairgrounds (900 King Street). Call 434-6831 for additional information.
Late July, early August London Air Show and Balloon Festival Held at London Airport. More than 75,000 attend this event at which dozens of beautifully covered hot air balloons fill the air.
Late July, early August Best Ribs at the London Rib Fest (same weekend as the Balloon Festival)
Late Fall Experience the hilarity of the Canadian Comedy Awards Festival at various downtown venues.
Mid-Late September Western Agricultural Fair Western Fair Event Centre
316 Rectory
St 800-619-4629 or 519-438-7203 London¨s Major event: The Annual Western Agricultural Fair. The annual Western Fair runs for 10 days in September with a special children¨s midway, top name performers at the Grandstand, home arts and agricultural and horticultural competitions. Over 300,000 attend.
Winter Wonderland November 26 - January 3 Winter Wonderland takes place in Victoria Park from November 26 - January 3. The Lighting of the Lights takes place November 26 at 6:00 pm. The City Hall Promenade Deck will be open for viewing the park from 7:00 pm - 11:00 pm on the following dates: November 26-28, 30, December 2-5, 7-12, 14, 16-19, 21-24, 27-30. Although the lights will remain on until 11:00 pm on January 3, the promenade deck will only be open until December 30. Please call 661-5230 for additional information.
December and January Victorian Christmas at Eldon House Early December - January 2: Eldon House The Garden Club of London and Eldon House staff create the sights and smells of an old-fashioned Christmas in which the house is festooned with decorations of the Victorian and Edwardian eras. Contact: 519-661-5169
Mid-December Children's Christmas Parties at Eldon House December 11 - December 12: Eldon House Saturday, December 11, Sunday, December 12, 1:00 - 4:00 pm Hour-long parties for children 10 years old and younger. Stories, entertainment, treats and all the Christmas highlights of Eldon House bring the season alive for youngsters. Pick up your tickets at Museum London or Eldon House.
Unique Gifts for the Festive Season Throughout December: Inuit Gallery To celebrate each Festive Season many unique gift items from $20 are brought into the gallery. Contact: 519-672-7770
New Year's Eve Party December 31: Tourism London Aeolian Hall presents its New Year's Eve Party. Event takes place from 9 pm - 3 am. Call the Palace Theatre Box Office at 432-1029
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