If you can’t decide whether to own winter on the ski hill, or head inside for an action-packed weekend, don’t worry. In London, you don’t have to choose.
Here’s just a few ways to spend a weekend making the most of winter. Pick and choose your favourites, or try all five!
SKI, SNOWBOARD OR TUBE AT BOLER MOUNTAIN
Get your fresh air fix at Boler Mountain. Terrain for all ability levels, includes 15 distinct runs served by 3 quad chairlifts. New to skiing? Boler Mountain has a professional ski and snowboarding school offering private and group lessons.
HAVE AN INDOOR ADVENTURE AT THE FACTORY
Canada’s biggest indoor family entertainment centre calls London home. Housed in what was once the Kellogg’s factory, there is endless space to explore, from the 20,000 square foot trampoline park, warrior course, kids’ playground, arcade, virtual reality and escape rooms, and of course, the not-to-be-missed largest indoor high ropes course in North America.
WARM UP WITH GOODIES FROM COVENT GARDEN MARKET AND COMMONWEALTH COFFEE
Older than London itself, Covent Garden Market’s beginnings date back to 1835 when a “public fair or mart” was first held in what is now the heart of the city. Today, the market operates 7 days a week, and is home to over 50 vendors.
What should you sample while you are there? Try a Candy Cane Ice Cream Sandwich from the Ice Cream Bowl, handmade chocolate from The Chocolate Factory or cheese from around the world at Smith Cheese Inc. May to December, you’ll also find an outdoor Farmer’s Market with seasonal farm produce and goodies.
If you are in the mood for a cozy coffee shop, Commonwealth Coffee fits the bill, and is walking distance from the market. Its modern, Instagram-friendly interior is the perfect spot to spend a winter afternoon. A must try is the seasonal favourite, the Gingerbread Latte.
TAKE IN A SHOW AT THE GRAND THEATRE
This renowned venue dates back to in 1901, complete with an original proscenium arch, one of the last remaining of its kind Canada. The 2018-19 playbill includes A Christmas Carol (one of the first productions of its kind to cast Scrooge as a female part), Margaret Atwood’s The Penelopiad, and the chilling Vigilante.
GO SKATING IN VICTORIA PARK
Open daily in the winter from 10 am to 10 pm, this outdoor rink is the perfect spot to go for a winter skate. Skate rentals and skate sharpening services are also available. Best of all, the park is illuminated for the season, making it an especially beautiful setting for an evening skate.
WHERE TO STAY
Hotel Metro is one of London’s contemporary hotel properties, and is located right across the street from Covent Garden, as well as many of the downtown’s great restaurants and shops. Even more convenient? Local favourite restaurant Gnosh is located in the same building!
NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
Where: London, Ontario (about a 2-hour drive from Toronto, 2 hours from Windsor, 1 hour from Kitchener-Waterloo, depending on traffic and road conditions)
When to go: While London has loads to do year-round, this winter is the perfect time to spend a weekend in The Forest City.
What to bring with you: Cover all your bases by packing for all the activities listed above: snow pants, running shoes, skates, and something to wear to the theatre.
Find out more about London, Ontario here.
Find out more about Ontario’s Southwest here.