London, Ontario: The Forest City

By: Alissa Krafft, Tourism London

London has earned its nickname as “The Forest City”The city is a beautiful place with many trees. It has been a thrill to discover the scenic trails and lush parks that make London an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Let me take you to some of my favorite natural areas, hidden treasures and cozy accommodations.

 London’s Environmentally Significant Areas

It’s easy to find natural retreats among London’s busy city life due to the many designated Environmentally Significant Areas. Sifton Bog, with its 370-metre boardwalk that leads from the parking area to the viewing platform in the middle of the bog, is one of London’s most popular attractions. If you’re lucky, you might even spy a Midland Painted Turtle or a White-tailed Deer.

Westminster Ponds is my personal favorite. It’s a great place to be surrounded with nature. Saunders Pond is a beautiful place to walk and listen to the sounds of birds. This is a great place to see over 200 species of birds. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat or an adventurous exploration, London’s Environmentally Significant Areas have something for everyone.

Victoria Park and Thames Valley Parkway

Strap on your helmet, hop on your trusty bike and set off to explore the vibrant parks of London; it’s an adventure you won’t want to miss! Victoria Park in Downtown London is a great place to start. With its colourful flowerbeds and tall trees, as well as the nearby Thames, it’s a perfect place to begin. Bicycle Café. Featuring bicycle retail and repairs, a cute atmosphere and of course some great coffee, this unique café is a must-see!

From here, continue on your journey to the Thames Valley Parkway, London’s most popular and extensive multi-purpose path system. The Thames Valley Parkway winds along the banks of the Thames River, extending into neighbourhoods throughout London. It is the perfect retreat for those seeking peace and tranquility during a peaceful ride. You can enjoy the Forest City’s simple pleasures with the gentle breeze and calm water.

Boler Mountain offers thrills and adventure

If you are looking for a more exciting outdoor experience, Boler MountainIt is a place of thrills and breathtaking sights. On 120 acres of greenspace it offers some the best cross country terrain in Ontario. Boler maintains five trails – a beginner, an intermediate and two expert mountain bike trails. For those who prefer to walk, there is a walking fitness path. Winters at Boler are packed with activities including skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing. Not to mention, the snowy mountains are so picturesque. I’ve made many memories, from the sunny days of summer to the snowy landscapes of winter; no matter the season, there’s always an abundance of fun waiting to be had!

Golf Getaways

London is proud of its pristine golf course with a perfect mix of natural beauty and challenging gameplay. East Park Golf is an 18-hole par 62 course that I love as it’s an easy walking course and more forgiving to beginners like me.

For the more experienced golfers looking for a challenge, you’ll find that London also has plenty of options for you. The two municipally owned and operated golf courses in the city are, Thames Valley Golf ClubThe following are some examples of how to get started: Fanshawe Golf Course are great spots to start if you’re visiting from out of town. The Thames Valley Golf Club is located next to the Thames Valley Parkway and offers stunning photo opportunities. For those who want a more challenging round, the Thames Valley Golf Club is a great choice. Firerock Golf ClubIt is a challenging test of skills with its scenic and diverse terrain. Firerock is located just minutes from the city and offers a tranquil setting.

With a variety of comfortable accommodations nearby like The Best Western Lamplighter Inn, The Residence Inn by Marriott London Downtown, and Four Points by Sheraton it’s easy to turn a day of outdoor adventure into a memorable getaway. So, why not grab your bike, listen to some local tunes with the London Music Office’s Spotify PlaylistEnjoy all that London, Ontario has to offer!

Check out Tourism London’s websiteFind the best attractions, restaurants, hotels, upcoming events and activities. Plan your trip to London and discover what London has to offer.

Visited 514 times today, 6 visits.