London, Ontario Attractions and Events: From Music to Shopping to Theater to Sports

Halfway between Toronto and Detroit, Michigan, on the banks of the River Thames is the city of London Ontario. London’s population growth continues today, now exceeding 460,000 residents, many of whom come from rural southern Ontario communities such as Sarnia, Guelph, Chatham and Waterloo. The region’s economic growth was strongly stimulated by the transportation industry. Many trucking companies have London as an important strategic location for their operations. The Highway 401 corridor is the busiest transportation route in Canada.

First established in 1801, the City of London has become a dynamic city and the hometown of many business and entertainment celebrities. Famous residents include Hollywood actors Rachel Macadams, Ryan Gossling, Hume Cronyn and Kate Nelligan, sports stars Eric Lindros and Joe Thornton, environmentalist David Suzuki, country singer Tommy Hunter, Skip Prokop of the band Lighthouse, the brewing magnates John Labatt and Thomas Carling, and Ted Gianoulos known as the San Diego chicken.

Things to do in London

You’ll love strolling through the charming streets, unique attractions, and old-world charm of London, Ontario. There are several large malls for shopping. There is also plenty of ancient architecture at more than 100 historical sites. Notable buildings in the city include the London Armories, Friar’s Street Bridge, The Federal Government Building, Middlesex County Court House, and St. Peter’s Cathedral Basilica. Fanshawe Pioneer Village contains a replica Pioneer Village depicting 18th century London village life.

Victoria Park

Located in the heart of London it is the largest park in the city. He even has his own website. Victoria Park has an area of ​​over 18 acres, which is only a part of the original site of the British 32nd Regiment Garrison and Cricket Grounds. Its military past can be seen in the military equipment you’ll see there, including cannons, tanks, and war cenotaphs. Look out for bands playing on the bandshell in the summer and ice skating at the rink. The International Food Festival that takes place in June offers many culinary delights for the whole family. 60 local restaurants highlight its cuisine.

Festivals in London

London also offers many festivals throughout the year, including the London International Children’s Festival, the Home County Folk Festival, the Taste of London Festival, and the London Ribfest, which is the second largest rib festival in North America. . If music is your interest, Sunfest, a global festival of music and culture, takes place in early July in Victoria Park. This year’s festival, the TD Canada Trust Sunfest ’08, will showcase more than 200 unique food and craft exhibitors along with 30 of the world’s top professional music, dance and jazz bands.

For live theater, try the Grand Theatre, where you can purchase dinner and theater packages for plays and musicals. The London Fringe Festival in the first two weeks of August attracts innovative artists for unique shows.

Live music is big in London. The best places for great live music are Call the Office on York Street, Molly Bloom’s Irish Pub and Richmond Tavern on Richmond Street, along with the Embassy Hotel. Leading music groups and performers entertain at the center of the Labatt Center. Tickets can be purchased on the Labatt Center website or at ticketmaster.ca.

Restaurants in London

Keeping the London experience alive, there are a number of restaurants offering good food, good wine and beer. Archie’s Seafoods has a number of locations throughout the city, and for fine dining you can try Michael’s on the Thames, Blue Ginger lounge & grille, Auberge du Petit Prince, Volker’s in Hyde Park and the Armories Grille restaurant downtown.

London can be a great place for a weekend getaway for couples or the whole family with comfortable hotels and festivals, it will make for a great summer vacation.