Overview
London, Ontario is a mid-sized city of 378,000 nicknamed the "Forest City" for its abundance of urban parks and woodlands. Founded in 1793, it served as a potential capital for Upper Canada before that honor went to Toronto.
Budget Travel · Day Trips · Family Travel · Festivals · History
Before you go
Accommodation
Downtown hotels from $140/night (Doubletree) to $180+ (Delta Armouries). Budget camping at Fanshawe Conservation Area from $43/night, accessible by bus #400 on weekends. Highway 401 hotels offer better value.
Connectivity
16 library branches offer free internet (90 min/day); WiFi requires library card. Mobile coverage good throughout city. Power: Type A/B (120V/60Hz).
Culture
University of Western Ontario and Fanshawe College dominate student life. Strong craft beer scene with local breweries. Summer festivals: Sunfest (July, free) and Western Fair (first two weeks September).
Food
Tim Hortons ubiquitous (30+ locations). Local favorites: Ben Thanh (Vietnamese/Thai), Billy's Deli (Mennonite breakfast), Covent Garden Market (30+ vendors). Late-night: Stobie's Pizza open past 3AM.
Money
Currency is Canadian Dollar (CAD). Tipping 15-20% standard in restaurants. Cover charges at bars minimal ($5-10) or nil. Budget meals $10-15 at local spots like Western Meats, Billy's Deli, or Tim Hortons.
Safety
Downtown has high property crime, homelessness, and drug use post-pandemic. Exercise caution at night, especially east of Adelaide on Dundas Street. Otherwise generally safe.
Transport
London Transit Commission buses cover the city. Intercity buses include FlixBus (Detroit 3.5-3.75 hr), Megabus, Rider Express, Onex Bus (Toronto 3.25 hr). VIA Rail station at 205 York St. Airport (YXU) has Toronto flights (45 min).
Weather
Cold snowy winters (Jan avg: -9°C to -1°C, 493mm snow); warm humid summers (Jul avg: 15°C to 27°C). Best months: May-September. July brings Sunfest; September features the Western Fair.