London, Ontario Attractions: A Guide for Travelers

London, Ontario: The Forest City

Let’s start with the most obvious choice: London, Ontario. This city of over 400,000 people is located in southwestern Ontario, about halfway between Toronto and Detroit. It was founded in 1793 by John Graves Simcoe, the first lieutenant governor of Upper Canada, who named it after the British capital. London, Ontario is known as the “Forest City” because of its abundance of trees and green spaces, which make it a pleasant place to live and visit.

Some of the London attractions in Canada that you can find in London, Ontario include:

• Museum London: This is the largest public art museum in southwestern Ontario, featuring collections of historical and contemporary art, as well as exhibits on the history and culture of London and the region. You can see paintings by famous Canadian artists like Paul Peel, Emily Carr, and Jack Chambers, as well as artifacts from the War of 1812, the Underground Railroad, and the First and Second World Wars. Museum London also hosts various events and programs, such as lectures, workshops, film screenings, and concerts.
• Eldon House: This is the oldest surviving residence in London, Ontario, built in 1834 by John Harris, a prominent local businessman and politician. The house is a fine example of Georgian and Regency architecture, and it contains original furnishings, artworks, and personal items that belonged to the Harris family, who lived there for four generations. You can take a guided tour of the house and the gardens, or participate in one of the many activities and events that are offered throughout the year, such as tea parties, ghost tours, and Victorian Christmas celebrations.
• Fanshawe Pioneer Village: This is an open-air museum that recreates a rural community in the 19th and early 20th centuries. You can explore over 30 historic buildings, such as a schoolhouse, a church, a blacksmith shop, a general store, and a farm. You can also interact with costumed interpreters who demonstrate the skills and crafts of the past, such as spinning, weaving, cooking, and woodworking. Fanshawe Pioneer Village is a great place to learn about the history and heritage of London and the surrounding area, and to experience what life was like for the pioneers who settled there.
• Victoria Park: This is the main public park in downtown London, Ontario, covering 18 acres of land. It was originally the site of a British military garrison, and it was named after Queen Victoria in 1874. The park is a popular spot for recreation and relaxation, as well as for hosting various events and festivals, such as Sunfest, Ribfest, and the International Food Festival. The park also features several monuments and statues, such as the Boer War Memorial, the Women’s Memorial, and the Cenotaph. One of the most notable landmarks in the park is the London Life Fountain, which was donated by the London Life Insurance Company in 1992, and which resembles the famous Trafalgar Square Fountain in London, England.

Victoria, British Columbia: The Garden City

Another Canadian city that shares its name with a British monarch is Victoria, British Columbia. This city of over 360,000 people is located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, and it is the capital of British Columbia. It was founded in 1843 by James Douglas, a fur trader and the first governor of the colony of Vancouver Island, who named it after Queen Victoria. Victoria, British Columbia is known as the “Garden City” because of its mild climate and its abundance of flowers and gardens, which make it a popular tourist destination.

Some of the London attractions in Canada that you can find in Victoria, British Columbia include:

• Royal British Columbia Museum: This is the largest and most visited museum in British Columbia, featuring exhibits on the natural and human history of the province. You can see displays of fossils, animals, plants, minerals, and artifacts from various cultures and periods, such as the First Nations, the fur trade, the gold rush, and the modern era. The museum also houses the British Columbia Archives, which contain records and documents of historical and genealogical significance, as well as the IMAX Victoria Theatre, which shows educational and entertaining films on a giant screen.
• Craigdarroch Castle: This is a Victorian-era mansion that was built in 1890 by Robert Dunsmuir, a wealthy coal baron and politician. The castle is a stunning example of Scottish Baronial architecture, and it contains over 20,000 square feet of living space, with 39 rooms, 17 fireplaces, and 87 stairs. You can take a self-guided tour of the castle and admire the lavish furnishings, artworks, and stained glass windows that reflect the opulence and taste of the Dunsmuir family, who lived there until 1908. The castle also hosts various events and programs, such as concerts, lectures, and seasonal celebrations.
• Beacon Hill Park: This is the oldest and largest public park in Victoria, British Columbia, covering 200 acres of land. It was established in 1882 by the city council, who named it after a pair of navigational beacons that were located on a hill in the park. The park is a beautiful place to enjoy nature and wildlife, as it features ponds, streams, bridges, trails, and gardens. You can also see various attractions and amenities, such as a children’s farm, a petting zoo, a playground, a water park, a bandstand, and a totem pole. One of the most notable landmarks in the park is the Mile Zero Monument, which marks the start of the Trans-Canada Highway, the longest national highway in the world.
• The Fairmont Empress: This is a historic hotel that was built in 1908 by the Canadian Pacific Railway, as part of a series of luxury hotels across Canada. The hotel is a magnificent example of Edwardian architecture, and it overlooks the Inner Harbour of Victoria, British Columbia. The hotel is famous for its Afternoon Tea service, which has been a tradition since 1908, and which attracts thousands of visitors every year. You can enjoy a selection of teas, sandwiches, scones, and pastries, served on fine china and silverware, in the elegant and cozy setting of the Tea Lobby. The hotel also offers other services and facilities, such as a spa, a pool, a fitness center, and several restaurants and bars.

Quebec City, Quebec: The Old Capital

The last Canadian city that we’ll explore in this article is Quebec City, Quebec. This city of over 500,000 people is located on the banks of the St. Lawrence River, and it is the capital of Quebec. It was founded in 1608 by Samuel de Champlain, a French explorer and colonizer, who named it after the Algonquin word “kebec”, meaning “where the river narrows”. Quebec City, Quebec is one of the oldest and most historic cities in North America, and it is the only fortified city north of Mexico. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a major center of culture and tourism.

Some of the London attractions in Canada that you can find in Quebec City, Quebec include:

• Old Quebec: This is the historic district of Quebec City, Quebec, which dates back to the 17th century. It is divided into two parts: the Upper Town, which is located on a cliff overlooking the river, and the Lower Town, which is located at the foot of the cliff, along the waterfront. You can walk along the cobblestone streets and admire the architecture and monuments that reflect the French, British, and Canadian influences that shaped the city. You can also visit various attractions and landmarks, such as the Château Frontenac, the Citadel of Quebec, the Plains of Abraham, the Parliament Building, and the Notre-Dame Basilica.
• Musée de la civilisation: This is a modern and interactive museum that showcases the history and culture of Quebec and the world. You can see exhibits on various themes and topics, such as the First Nations, the French regime, the British conquest, the American revolution, the industrialization, the urbanization, and the globalization. You can also participate in various activities and programs, such as workshops, games, simulations, and experiments. The museum also hosts temporary and traveling exhibitions, as well as cultural events and festivals.

• Montmorency Falls Park: This is a natural park that features the Montmorency Falls, which are the highest waterfalls in the province of Quebec, and the 30th highest in the world. They are 83 meters high, which is 30 meters higher than the Niagara Falls. You can admire the falls from various viewpoints, such as a suspension bridge, a cable car, a staircase, or a zipline. You can also explore the park and see other attractions, such as a manor, a chapel, a mill, and a museum. The park is especially beautiful in the winter, when the falls freeze and form a huge ice cone, which is illuminated at night.
• Place Royale: This is the oldest and most historic square in Quebec City, Quebec, and the birthplace of French civilization in North America. It was founded in 1608 by Samuel de Champlain, who built a trading post and a fort on the site. The square was named after King Louis XIV, who ordered the construction of a bust of himself in the center of the square in 1686. The square is surrounded by stone buildings that date back to the 17th and 18th centuries, and that reflect the French colonial style. You can visit various attractions and landmarks, such as the Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church, the Musée de la Place Royale, and the Fresque des Québécois, a mural that depicts the history of Quebec City, Quebec.
• Observatoire de la Capitale: This is an observation deck that offers a panoramic view of Quebec City, Quebec, and its surroundings. It is located on the 31st floor of the Édifice Marie-Guyart, which is the tallest building in the city, at 132 meters high. You can see the landmarks and attractions of the city, such as the Château Frontenac, the Citadel of Quebec, the Plains of Abraham, and the St. Lawrence River. You can also learn about the history and culture of the city, through interactive exhibits and multimedia displays. The observatory is open year-round, and it is a great place to enjoy the scenery and the skyline of Quebec City, Quebec.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many London attractions in Canada that you can visit and enjoy, without having to travel to the United Kingdom. These Canadian cities have a lot to offer in terms of history, culture, and entertainment, and they have a unique charm and character that make them worth exploring. Whether you’re looking for museums and monuments, parks and gardens, or hotels and restaurants, you’ll find something to suit your taste and interest in these London attractions in Canada. So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip today and discover the best of both worlds.