London,
Ontarioby Peggy Moffat, Ambleside Inn Bed & Breakfast
London, Ontario, long known for its world class medical facilities and home to the University of Western Ontario, is fast becoming a major tourist destination. Located along Highway 401, halfway between Detroit, Michigan and Toronto, Ontario, it makes a good jumping off point to experience the warm hospitality London has to offer.
Familiar names like Covent Garden Market, Piccadilly and Pall Mall Streets and the Thames River, speak volumes about London’s early connections to “the other London”.
Getting There:
Visitors from Toronto to the East and Detroit to the west, approach London via Highway 401. The Wellington Road North exit will lead visitors into the heart of the city. The tourist information centre, located on the East side of Wellington Road, just past Southdale Road, makes a good first stop in London, to pick up a variety of brochures on where to stay, what to see and where to dine. Visitors from North of London, enter the city along Highway 4. The Highway 4 entrance to the city leads visitors past Masonville shopping mall, the gates to the University of Western Ontario, and once again into the heart of the city.
Where to stay:
London boasts a network of over 30 comfortable bed and breakfast properties. If you are looking for rest, relaxation and a little pampering, CanadaBBHosts recommends the hospitality of Ambleside Inn Bed & Breakfast. Located in beautiful Old North London, close to the University of Western Ontario and St. Joseph’s and University Hospitals, Ambleside Inn is close enough to downtown to take advantage of the many fine-dining and entertainment opportunities London has to offer, yet it is far enough away from the hustle and bustle of traffic to provide quiet and solitude. Ambleside Inn’s extensive breakfast repertoire ensures that guests can return time and time again, to a new breakfast experience.
CanadaBBHosts can also recommend the hospitality of Colonel Talbot Bed & Breakfast . This (circa 1890) bed and breakfast is conveniently located in the lovely village of Lambeth, the village at the crossroads. A short 15 minute drive will take guests to downtown London and access to Highways 401 and 402 is only minutes away.
London’s newest addition to CanadaBBHosts is Parkview Bed & Breakfast. This lovely property, which offers a quiet oasis and home away from home, is situated in the heart of Old North London. The property, backing onto the beautiful Gibbons Park, is a short walk from the University of Western Ontario and St. Joseph’s and University Hospitals. Great shopping and restaurants can be found within walking distance to trendy Richmond Row.
What to do:
If you are interested in sightseeing, a summer visit to London will not be complete without a Double Decker bus tour of the city. The morning trip makes a stop at the famous Story Book Gardens , located inside beautiful Springbank Park . ( www.storybook.london.ca ). While in the downtown area, a visit to Covent Garden Market ( www.coventmarket.c om), Kingsmills Department Store ( www.kingsmills.com ) and Eldon House, London's oldest residence, ( www.londonmuseum.on.ca ) , are a must.
Theatre goers can enjoy professional productions at London 's historic Grand Theatre ( www.gr a n d theatre.com ), from late September to early April. The London Community Players ( www.londoncommunityplayers.com ) , London 's award winning amateur theatre company, offers a variety of affordable productions throughout the year. For those with a more avant-garde taste in theatre, the London Fringe Theatre Festival ( www.londonfringe.ca ) takes place in August.
The John Labatt Centre ( www.johnlabattcentre.com ) , London 's state-of-the-art arena and entertainment complex, offers an array of entertainment options, ranging from the action of London Knight's hockey to showcasing the talents of world-class entertainers.
History buffs will want to visit Banting House,( www.diabetes.ca ) the home of Sir Fredrick Banting, the inventor of insulin. They'll also want to visit Fanshawe Pioneer Village ( www.fanshawepioneervillage.ca ) with its general store and tea room, weaving and blacksmith demonstrations and a variety of weekend summer events. To experience the art and history of area First Nation's people, a visit to the partially reconstructed 500 year old Iroquoian village at the London Museum of Archeology ( www.uwo.ca/museum ) should be on the itinerary.
London 's well-groomed public golf courses and peaceful network of bicycle paths, winding along the Thames River , provide visitors with not only a picturesque view of city but also an outlet for more athletic pursuits. The outdoor skating rinks at Covent Garden Market and Victoria Park or the ski and snowboarding hills at Boler Mountain ( www.bolermountain.com ) and Cobble Hills provide winter fun for the whole family.
The children will want to visit Wally World Water Park or the Go-cart track and miniature golf course at East Park Gardens ( www.eastparkgolf.com ) . London Regional Children's Museum ( www.londonchildrensmuseum.ca ) offers children opportunities for hands-on learning. Its theme rooms, featuring things like space, dinosaurs and the street where you live, will delight young visitors.
Visitors to London can expect to find a variety of attractions, entertainment and festivals that will provide lasting memories of a stay in London , Ontario . There is something here for the whole family.
Eating well:
And what is your dining pleasure? Are you looking for a good bistro or café? Is your pleasure a fine dining experience? Does your adventurous palate crave East Indian, African, Mediterranean , Greek, Mexican, Thai, Japanese, Central European or Chinese cuisine? Perhaps some good roadhouse or pub food is what you are looking for. London 's dining scene is second to none. There is something for every taste and budget. Whatever your pleasure, you'll find it here.
