London, Ontario: It's Easy Being Green

	Tree-lined Avenue

The first thing that most visitors find striking about the attractive city of London, Ontario is the number of trees. This is hardly surprising because for over a century the community has undertaken the policy of planting at least 1,000 trees on an annual basis; this has earned the city the nickname "Forest City." As well as a strong industrial and commercial base, London is home to the University of Western Ontario, a renowned centre of academics and research-particularly in the field of medicine. In addition to the numerous trees, London is full of parks, pathways and green space that offer year round opportunities for leisure activities and relaxation.

London is located in Southwest Ontario-roughly halfway between Toronto and the U.S. border adjoining Michigan. This city of almost 350,000 is not ashamed to take advantage of its obvious link to perhaps the world's greatest city. London, England has not only lent its actual name, but the river that flows through Ontario's London is also called the Thames, and certain attractions and locations throughout the town have the same names as their English counterparts. It's even possible to take a tour on an authentic British double-decker bus.

HISTORY

Long inhabited by Iroquois tribes, European settlement in the London, Ontario area began in 1792. Colonel John Graves Simcoe had chosen the forks of the Aspenessippi River as a suitable site for the capital of what was then Upper Canada. He changed the name of the river to the Thames in honour of the most eminent river in the old country. Simcoe's bid to make the capital here failed and the land became a crown reserve.

With the rapid growth in the surrounding rural area, a need was soon established for an administrative centre and Simcoe's site was deemed as suitable. London was founded by statute in 1826 and much planning went into its initial layout and development. In 1855, London had grown sufficiently to be incorporated as a city; this growth had been enhanced (as it had in so many Canadian towns) by the arrival of the railway two years earlier.

London benefited from the American Civil War. The wheat and produce that grew so well in the area found a ready market in the Northern Army and this brought great prosperity and much development. In 1878, the University of Western Ontario was founded. Through the years, the city annexed surrounding communities and at the beginning of World War I had reached a population of 55,000. Between the wars, and again after World War II unprecedented growth occurred, suburbs expanded and other communities were annexed. Today's London is a modern and thriving centre, but one that has retained links with its past in the form of the many well restored buildings and historical areas.

CLIMATE

Cross Country Skiing

Southwestern Ontario has a less harsh climate compared to much of the rest of Canada. Winter runs from November through to March or April. While winter is cold by many standards, it is not often that it snows for very long and it's still possible to have periods during the winter months when there is little or no snow on the ground. The average winter temperature is from about -8 Celsius (18 Fahrenheit) to -1 Celsius (30 Fahrenheit) though it can be colder at times, but it can also be considerably warmer. Visitors can be prepared for changes in temperature by bringing clothes that allow for dressing in layers. This will ensure that all can enjoy London's wonderful winter recreational opportunities.

The spring months of April through to about mid-June allow visitors the opportunity to enjoy the area at a quieter time and relish the long days. With London's many green spaces and parks, spring is particularly attractive as trees and flowers bloom.

Summers can be hot and fairly humid for short periods, but air conditioning makes this fairly tolerable. The average high temperature is usually in the early 20s Celsius (70s Fahrenheit) and this is perfect for enjoying the many features of London and the surrounding countryside.

This part of the world is renowned for the wonderful fall colours that are usually at their peak in the first half of October. The shades of gold, yellow and crimson defy description and have to be seen in person. The air is crisp and invigorating with the promise of winter, and yet the sunshine keeps daytime temperatures very pleasant.

TRANSPORTATION

London is easily accessible by highway from the US border and the rest of Canada. It is linked to Toronto, Montreal and Windsor, Ontario by the regular train services of Via Rail. Greyhound's long distance bus service provides continent-wide service through London.

London's airport is only a 15-minute drive from downtown. As well as frequent commuter flights to Toronto, Detroit, Ottawa and Montreal, London is linked to several other major Canadian cities with direct jet service.

For local transportation, the efficient bus service of the London Transit Commission is the way to go. Otherwise, taxis are widely available. It is also very easy to rent a car; all the major car rental companies have offices in London's downtown or at the airport.

FEATURED ATTRACTION

London and the surrounding area offer visitors a lot. Whatever the time of year there is something for everyone, from excellent shopping and fine restaurants to great entertainment and events, and a wide selection of sights and attractions. One of the shopping highlights is the wonderful food and produce market at Covent Garden-named for the famous market in London, England.

	Hot Air Ballons

London holds two annual events that are particularly popular. The London Airshow and Balloon Festival are held at the end of June and promises entertainment for all. The Airshow itself is spectacular but the sight of dozens of hot air balloons taking to the skies every sunrise and again at nightfall is remarkable. Over 750,000 people attend this event every year. A nightly firework display adds to the excitement.

As popular as the airshow is the Western Fair. This is held for ten days beginning the second weekend in September and it is one of the largest outdoor shows of its kind in Canada. This fair is similar to a state fair as held in the USA, consisting of music, exhibits, live entertainment, carnival rides and a variety of agricultural and horticultural displays and contests. The Western Fair grounds are open all year round and also house a popular racetrack with slot machines, a sports centre and an IMAX theatre. As well, a variety of consumer trade shows are held at the fair grounds all year round.

LIVING HISTORY AND MUSEUMS

Southwestern Ontario is of great archaeological interest. The Iroquois have lived in this area for thousands of years-sadly this is often forgotten. An excellent way of learning about this remarkable culture is to visit the Ska-Na-Doht Iroquoian Village and Museum. Translated from Oneida Indian Ska-Na-Doht means "A village stands again." This is very apt as the area has incorporated a recreated Iroquoian village from around a thousand years ago. As well as learning about the fascinating native culture and history, the village has a mandate to inform visitors about conservation. Set within a woodland area, it is possible to take a hike along the many nature trails and see a traditional Indian longhouse. Ska-Na-Doht has a marsh and there is a boardwalk that enables visitors to view the varied wildlife. The village is located about a half hour drive west of London.

For a more extensive study of local human history, the London Museum of Archaeology goes back over 11,000 years of human habitation in the area. The museum is affiliated with the University of Western Ontario and is built next to the Lawson Prehistoric Indian Village, a site occupied by Neutral Indians in the 1400s. The public can take part in the ongoing excavation at this site by special arrangement. Day camps are also held to educate children about local archaeology.

	Canoe

Canada is well known for living history museums that are located throughout this huge country. At living history museums, events and the society of a particular time are depicted through careful replication of period buildings and usually include live interpretations of the era depicted by guides dressed in appropriate costumes. The museums have plenty of hands-on exhibits to attract interest from everyone. In the London area, such a museum is the Fanshawe Pioneer Village. Fanshawe represents Southwestern Ontario life from the 1850s to the early 1900s complete with over 30 period buildings, gardens and even an orchard.

London's most famous son is probably the much beloved bandleader Guy Lombardo. Lombardo and his Royal Canadians are perhaps most well known for their annual performance of 'Auld Lang Syne' during New Year's Eve celebrations in New York City. As a tribute, London is home to the Guy Lombardo Museum. A film and various memorabilia and photographs cover the career and story of Lombardo and his band. Lombardo also was a powerboat enthusiast and his racing hydroplane is on display.

Museum London is a multi-faceted centre, much of which is housed in a modern building that is noteworthy in its own right. Museum London focuses on London's past through a variety of historical artefacts consisting of over 24,000 items. The museum also has concentrated very much on its own local artists, and while few of the artists featured are world famous, the large collection is much renowned. As well as being pleasing to the eye the collection provides a wonderful portrayal of life in London from its founding through to the 1960s and has something to suit all artistic tastes.

Museum London also features London's oldest standing residence - Eldon House. Built in 1834 Eldon House retains much of its original furnishings and artwork. A high point here is the beautifully restored 19th century garden.

London's Children's Museum is sure to please every member of the family. The museum was the first children's museum in Canada and covers a wide variety of topics which appeals to many interests. These include the ever-popular dinosaurs, a visit to the Arctic, a journey to space and a trip down a cave. There is even a chance for kids to run their own McDonalds restaurant. Many special events are held according to the season. Adults find the museum particularly appealing because it offers them the chance to play and interact with their children in a unique way.

In contrast, Southwestern Ontario has a rich military history. This stems from the time of the Empire Loyalists who fought in the American War of Independence. Many Ontarians have served their country through two world wars and countless peacekeeping missions. The Royal Canadian Regiment Museum traces the history of Canada's oldest infantry regiment. Founded in 1883, the regiment has served throughout the world and this is well covered in a variety of interesting displays. Particularly amazing is the area of the museum devoted to the history of the Cold War. The fear of nuclear attack was very real and some of the various precautions are featured here. What today may seem neurotic and paranoid was taken extremely seriously in the 1950s and early 60s.