Europe is far away and expensive. But you still want to go, right? How about a compromise (that you can still write home about).
Get in the car and travel to some of the finest southwestern Ontario cities, towns and villages named after their bigger European counterparts. There are quite a few, including Vienna, Copenhagen, Brussels and Paris.
This summer, join CBC London’s Andrew Brown as he travels to uncover their charms. We’re calling it the Great Ontario Euro Road Trip. Up first is one that’s obvious and definitely full of European edge, art and cuisine: London!
Special thanks to our tour guide, James Kingsley, editor at The Localist, for these highlights.
Sculpture
If there’s one thing the “other” London has, it’s sculptures and monuments. London, Ont., has unique art pieces as well, said Kingsley, that you won’t want to miss on this road trip stop.
White Oaks Mall isn’t an obvious place for sculpture, but if you’re heading in from the Wellington Street entrance, look to your right. The mall developer’s son was an artist who was commissioned to put his work outside of those doors.
The Forks of the Thames area is also a hotbed of public art. There’s a tribute to a group of martyrs who spent time in Australia where they were sent to a penal colony. There’s the fountain, of course, and over at Museum London, the Rhino. You might also cross the road to the Superior Court of Justice to get comfy on what Kingsley calls “the concrete pillows,” also known as Walter Redinger’s Xabis.
Another sculpture-like hotspot is the labyrinth at Brescia University College. It’s known a meditative place and some Londoners have spent their careers studying and appreciating what a walk through a labyrinth can do for wellbeing.
Strip malls
Kingsley is a big fan of a good strip mall, and London, Ont., has quite a few. “Who doesn’t love them?” he asked. His top choice on this Euro road trip is on Wharncliffe Road, south of Horton Street.
This strip mall, at 169 Wharncliffe, showcases a lot of what London offers, including great food, cultural diversity, independent businesses and craft beer.
“Where else are you going to find pizza? Thanks Piero’s! You got Storm Stayed Brewery. You got a beauty studio, an old-fashioned neighbourhood convenience store. Plus you’ve got Mandi Guys with their amazing chicken on rice. There’s also a new sweet shop, and the family running it has been sharing a recipe since 1913.”
Kingsley points out that The Coves are right behind the strip mall, and are an excellent place for a hike.
Bus tour
Nothing says London like a double decker bus tour. Remove the top seats of the bus, changed the colour from red to blue and white, and this Ontario city is still prime for sightseeing!
Kingsley suggests doing a “four corners” of Londontour starting from downtown.
Head west on a London Transit bus going to Kains Woods. Get off at stop 2524. There you can wander through the neighbourhood for half a kilometre, before stepping into Kains Woods.
“It’s about a six kilometre hike along the river. Beautiful bald eagles, herons, lots of great things to see,” Kingsley said.
Head east next on route 3. Get off at stop 878. There you’ll find East Park, a summer mainstay in London, and one that’s recently updated many of the water park attractions.
Head north, on the bus up Richmond Street. If you take it to the end, you’ll be at Masonville Mall, so get off a little early at stop 1477. Walk over to Gibbons Park for a swim, and don’t miss what Londoners call the Banana Kingdom.
Head south, on one of the many buses going down Wellington Road South. Get off at White Oaks Mall. Kingsley said this neighbourhood was voted number one when The Localist did a best of London neighbourhoods. He says once you leave the mall area, there’s a lot going on.