How To Spend 2 Days In London, Ontario, Canada Travel Itinerary Arriving At The Airport, Short History, 10 Things Todo

March 29, 2026

London International Airport (IATA: YXU) is conveniently located just 10 km southwest of downtown. The airport offers quick access to the city, with a travel time of about 15–20 minutes by car or shuttle.

Airlines: Air Canada, WestJet, and seasonal flights from low-cost carriers to destinations like Orlando and Las Vegas.
Ground Transportation:
- Bus: LTC Route 36 (Airport Industrial) connects to the city.
- Taxi/Rideshare: Uber and local cab services (U-Need-A-Cab, London Taxi) are readily available.
- Shuttle Services: Robert Q Airbus offers shuttles from Toronto Pearson and Detroit Metro airports.

Tip: If arriving from the U.S., consider flying into Detroit or Windsor for potentially smoother transit.

Founded in 1793, London, Ontario was originally surveyed as a potential capital for Upper Canada but ultimately became a key manufacturing and agricultural hub in Southwestern Ontario. Nicknamed the “Forest City” due to its abundance of trees and green spaces, London sits at the fork of the Thames River—named after the River Thames in England.

The city played a significant role in Canadian music history, being the birthplace of bandleader Guy Lombardo and later earning the title of Canada’s first UNESCO City of Music in 2021. Home to the University of Western Ontario and Fanshawe College, London blends academic energy with cultural depth and natural beauty.

Day 1: Downtown & Cultural Highlights

1. Explore Covent Garden Market

Start your first day at this vibrant 19th-century market hall in the heart of downtown. Browse local vendors selling fresh produce, artisanal foods, crafts, and antiques. The upper floor hosts cafes and specialty shops.

Open year-round, it’s a social hub with seasonal events like holiday markets and live music.

2. Visit Museum London

Dedicated to regional history and Canadian art, Museum London houses over 5,000 artworks and 45,000 historical artifacts. Highlights include Indigenous heritage exhibits, Victorian-era collections, and rotating contemporary art displays.

Admission: By donation
On-site: Rhino Café & Bakery for a midday snack

3. Tour Eldon House

London’s oldest surviving residence, built in 1834, offers a glimpse into 19th-century life. The historic home features period furnishings, heirlooms, and beautiful gardens along the Thames River.

Guided tours available seasonally; check ahead for opening times.

4. See Banting House National Historic Site

Known as the “Birthplace of Insulin,” this museum honors Sir Frederick Banting, who conceived the idea for insulin here in 1921. Exhibits cover medical history, diabetes research, and Banting’s legacy.

Open Tuesday–Saturday, noon–4 PM
Donations welcome

Day 2: Nature, Recreation & Local Flavors

5. Walk or Bike the Thames Valley Parkway

Spanning 45 km, this scenic multi-use trail follows the Thames River through parks, woodlands, and urban green spaces. Ideal for walking, cycling, or jogging.

Stop at the Bicycle Café near the forks of the Thames for coffee and treats.

Tip: Play local music from the London Music Office Spotify channel while exploring.

6. Catch a Show at Budweiser Gardens

Home to the London Knights (OHL hockey) and major concerts, this downtown arena hosts top-tier entertainment. Even if you don’t attend a game, visit to see the 3-story mural of Johnny Cash proposing to June Carter on stage in 1968.

Check the schedule for live music, comedy, or sports.

7. Experience 100 Kellogg Lane

This entertainment complex features:

The Factory: Canada’s largest indoor ropes course, trampoline park, VR rooms
The Club House: Sports lounge and dining
Powerhouse Brewery, Paradigm Spirits, and The Beer Kitchen (German-style beer garden)

Opening in 2025: Canada’s first Hard Rock Hotel.

8. Enjoy London’s Craft Beverage Scene

Sample local flavors at:

London Brewing Co-op: Community-owned brewery with trivia, live music, and seasonal brews.
Union Ten Distilling Co.: Craft spirits with tasting tours.
Labatt Brewing Company: Historic brewery with heritage tours (seasonal).

Pair your drinks with food trucks or backyard games in summer.

9. Stroll Through Victoria Park

Downtown’s central green space features fountains, flowerbeds, walking paths, and seasonal events like Sunset Concerts and Winter Festival of Lights.

Great for a picnic, paddleboat rental (in summer), or a peaceful break between sightseeing.

10. Day Trip to Boler Mountain

Just 10 km from downtown, this year-round outdoor destination offers:

Winter: Skiing, snowboarding, tubing (6 km of slopes)
Summer: Mountain biking, hiking, and adventure park

Family-friendly and well-maintained, it’s perfect for active travelers.

10 Must-Do Things in London, Ontario

Wander Covent Garden Market – Historic market with local flavor
Visit Museum London – Art, history, and culture in one spot
Tour Eldon House – Step into 19th-century London
Walk the Thames Valley Parkway – Scenic trails through the Forest City
Explore Banting House – Celebrate a medical breakthrough
Catch a London Knights game – High-energy junior hockey
Experience 100 Kellogg Lane – Indoor adventure and entertainment
Sip local craft beer or spirits – From Labatt to local co-ops
Relax in Victoria Park – Downtown green oasis
Adventure at Boler Mountain – Ski, bike, or tube just minutes from the city

Note: We do use YouTube Video’s under the “Fair Use” Act under the Copyright Law:

“Fair use is a doctrine in the United States copyright law codified in Section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976.¹ It provides for the legal, non-licensed citation or incorporation of copyrighted material in another author’s work without requiring permission from the rights holders, such as for commentary, criticism, news reporting, research, teaching or scholarship.⁰¹ The U.S. Copyright Office Fair Use Index should prove helpful in understanding what courts have to date considered to be fair or not fair but it is not a substitute for legal advice.²“