Explore London: What To Do Around The City This Fall Reading Week
Written by: Victoria Lam, 2nd Year Chemistry
Photo by Keith Tanner on Unsplash
So… you’re in London this Fall Reading Week and have found yourself with some time to kill between study sessions. Luckily for you, the city is bursting with history, sights, and excitement to explore! Continue reading for some awesome activities and events for any and every interest.
For the shopaholic…
Check out a few of the thousands of small businesses across London! There’s the Covent Garden Market in the heart of downtown London, boasting an impressive collection of shops with plenty of handmade items - plus an additional holiday market event hosted by The Mom Market on November 8th, with even more vendors to explore. There’s also thrift stores such as Dugout Vintage and Filthy Rebena Vintage for pre-loved clothing, Attic Books for some (old) new reads, and Grooves for cool records and CDs. Treat yourself with something unique, or pick out a gift for someone else!
For the competitive spirit…
Bring some friends and get ready for fun at Fleetway, which features bowling, arcade games, pool, and even indoor glow-in-the-dark mini golf! The facility opens early and closes late all days of the week, giving you plenty of time to play. If you’re looking to give your brain a break and your body a challenge, head over to Junction Climbing Centre. Those familiar with climbing will enjoy their numerous roped rock climbs and boulder area, and first timers are free to walk in and try it out, or even take some beginner lessons! Another high-energy option is AeroSports Trampoline Park, featuring open trampolines, a ninja warrior obstacle course, and plenty more to discover.
Those staying on or near campus can also go show some support for our very own hockey and basketball teams! Current Western students get free access to regular season Mustang home games with their Western ONECard. Find the full game schedule here!
For the art and history addict…
London is located on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lūnapéewak, and Attawandaron, contributing to the city’s richness in millenia of cultural history. Various museums showcase this history with stewardship and conservation in mind, including the Museum of Ontario Archaeology and the Ska-Nah-Doht Village (at the time of writing, the attached Ska-Nah-Doht Museum is closed for renovations). If you instead want to see some impressive medical history, visit the Banting House, where Sir Fredrick Banting ran his private practice for a year and developed the idea that led to the discovery of insulin. Lastly, those interested in modern art by local artists may enjoy a walk through the Benz Gallery.
For the nature lover…
Take the scenic route at Springbank Park or Gibbons Park! Both parks have multiple kilometers of paved and grassy trails to traverse, whether you choose to walk, jog or bike. To up the amusement, keep a keen eye out for some birds with eBird’s Middlesex Region page as your guide! For a more forested adventure, stroll through Kilally Meadows or Meadowlily Woods. All sites are free to enter, and further information on nearby parks can be found here. Just be sure to bundle up for the mid-fall chill!
For the seasoned foodie…
Embark on a worldwide food tour from the comfort of good old London, Ontario! My ultimate itinerary would be this: first, grab a mid-morning matcha at Twins Cafe (and get some studying done while enjoying the cozy interior). Then, fuel up with a flavour-filled pita at Omzzy’s Shawarma. When you’re ready for dinner, head on over to Angelo’s Italian Bakery and Market to warm up with the soup-of-the-day and enjoy a hearty pasta. Finally, cross Beaverbrook Ave and indulge in a Hong Kong-style dessert at Sugar Marmalade - I’d recommend anything mango! Check out the Food & Drink page on the London Tourism site for even more delicious and diverse food options.
For the venue veteran…
The VENUExVENUE Music Festival + Conference takes place from November 6th to 8th, featuring 50+ artists across 7 venues around London. Presented by Indie Week, tickets are on sale now for each night at different venues, at which multiple musicians will play - genres include indie rock, R&B, alternative, reggae, country and more! If you want to attend all nights, full access wristbands are also available. Now, if you’re more of a comedy person, London’s Sorry! Comedy Fest might be the event for you. It takes place from November 3rd to 8th, and features talented comedians at various venues across the city. Tickets are on sale for each show now.
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