Fall Destination In The Forest City
“Can’t Wait to See You!”
Ah, London, Ontario in late fall. Known as The Forest City because of its many trees, it’s the kind of place where the leaves crunch underfoot, the wind slaps your face like a disappointed aunt, and you can see the great debate of “Is it sweater weather or parka season yet?” play out daily. But don’t let the cooler temps scare you off, there’s plenty to do here in the late fall. From high culture to high-energy activities, London is a smorgasbord of options, even if you have to dodge the occasional squirrel preparing for winter. (Forest City)
Culture and Shows
For those who want a night of sophistication, the Grand Theatre is the crown jewel of London’s cultural scene. While late fall may have cooled off the outdoors, inside the Grand, the performances heat up. Whether it’s a gripping drama or a musical that will have you humming along (or trying, badly, if you’re like most of us), the Grand is a great place to pretend you understand the depth of the plot, all while sneaking glances at your watch to see if it’s intermission yet. (Forest City)
Then there’s Centennial Hall, where you can catch everything from concerts to community events. Sure, it’s a building with “centennial” in the name, making you feel slightly older as you step inside, but who cares when you’re tapping your toes to live music or laughing at a comedy show? (Forest City)
Speaking of live music, London Music Hall is your go-to for tunes that get your feet moving and your head bobbing. From indie rock to country, the late fall concert lineup is just the ticket to keep warm indoors when the winds outside threaten to turn you into a human popsicle.
Sports and Events
Not in the mood to sit still? Head over to Labatt Memorial Park, one of the oldest continuously operating baseball parks in the world. Sure, baseball season is over, but there’s something oddly peaceful about walking around the park and imagining summer’s distant past, as you silently thank your lucky stars you don’t have to sit through nine chilly innings right now. (Forest City)
The Western Fair District is another hub of activity. While the fair itself is long over by late fall, the area buzzes with other events. From horse racing to shopping and dining, you can fill an entire weekend without realizing you’ve just dropped 40 bucks on food truck snacks alone. (Forest City)
Outdoor Adventures
If you’re more of an outdoorsy type, the parks and conservation areas around London are a haven for late fall adventures. Fanshawe Conservation Area offers excellent hiking trails, with crunchy leaves underfoot and the smell of fresh, cold air to remind you winter’s coming, whether you like it or not. Bring your binoculars to spot the last of the migratory birds before they head south (lucky them). (Forest City)
For a stroll closer to downtown, Springbank Park and Gibbons Park provide serene paths along the Thames River, where you can argue with your friends about whether the river is pronounced like the one in England or in a very Canadian way. Either way, you’ll enjoy the view, even if the squirrels are now running around like tiny maniacs, hoarding nuts as if they have an upcoming winter exam.
And let’s not forget the Thames Valley Parkway, a cyclist’s dream. Well, maybe not a dream in late fall, unless you like pedaling through frosty air while convincing yourself that your fingers aren’t actually frozen to the handlebars. (Forest City)
For the more rugged adventurers, Kains Woods is where you can get your fill of the forest. With trails that wind through the trees, it’s the perfect place to pretend you’re starring in a nature documentary, narrating your own life while trying not to trip over a root and make it a blooper reel instead.
So, whether you’re indoors sipping a hot beverage at Canada Life Place or braving the elements in one of the many parks, London has something for everyone this fall. Just remember to wear layers, you never know if you’ll be sweating in the sun or shivering in the shade! (Forest City)