Living in London can often feel a bit crowded. With a population of nine million, it’s not uncommon for us to crave a bit of space and seek out less populated areas.
Meanwhile, over in Canada, the residents of London, Ontario don’t have this issue. Their city is home to just around 500,000 people, and if they ever fancy a break from city life, there’s plenty of stunning woodland surrounding the city to explore, earning it the nickname ‘forest city’.
Interestingly, London, Ontario shares many similarities with our capital. The city boasts its own versions of Oxford Street, Hyde Park, Westminster and Covent Garden, and even has its very own River Thames.
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Much like London, England, its Canadian counterpart is also renowned for its rich history and cultural attractions, including museums, art galleries, and historic landmarks.
Some of the city’s popular cultural institutions include Museum London, the London Regional Art and Historical Museums, and the Grand Theatre. Not bad for a city that’s only been around for 200 years.
Education is a big deal in London, Ontario, which is home to several post-secondary institutions, including the University of Western Ontario, Fanshawe College, and Huron University College. As a result, the city has a large student population, adding to its vibrant arts and culture scene.
The city is known for its annual festivities such as the London Ribfest, the London Fringe Festival, and the London International Food Festival. The Forest City Film Festival also provides a platform for filmmakers, animators, and screenwriters to showcase their work.
It’s no surprise that the city has been home to many notable figures in various fields. Rachel McAdams, known for her roles in Eurovision and Sherlock, hails from here, as does Ryan Gosling, who starred in Barbie and La La Land.
Other famous faces from London, Ontario include award-winning actor Victor Garber and pop sensation Justin Bieber.
Sporting culture thrives in London, Ontario, with an array of amateur and professional teams and facilities scattered across the city.
Hockey is particularly popular, with the London Knights being the city’s major junior ice hockey team. The Knights have bagged multiple championships and have produced numerous NHL players, including Patrick Kane and John Tavares.
Rowing also holds a special place in the city’s heart, with the Thames River providing a picturesque yet challenging location for rowers. The Western Rowing Club, based at the University of Western Ontario, is one of Canada’s most successful rowing clubs.
But why was London, Ontario named London?
The answer lies with the first Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada, John Graves Simcoe, who founded the city in 1826 and wanted to name it after his hometown in England.
Simcoe thought that the Forks of the River Thames in southwestern Ontario, where London was established, had a similar landscape to that of the River Thames in England, making it perfect for settlement. He also named the river.
There are numerous cities and towns worldwide named after London. Several are spread across the US, in states like Ohio, Arkansas, California, Kentucky, and Wisconsin.
There’s also a London in Burgundy, France, and another one in Kiribati.
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