Best Parks in London, Ontario: 7 Places to Get Outside
London did not get the nickname “Forest City” by accident. Parks, wooded trails and the Thames River weave through much of the city, giving visitors plenty of places to walk, cycle, picnic or spend a few hours outside. For travelers searching for the best parks in London, Ontario, the choices range from the expansive riverfront paths of Springbank Park to downtown green spaces, family playgrounds and nature preserves that feel surprisingly removed from the city.
The best park depends on the kind of outing you have in mind. Springbank is the strongest all-around choice, Gibbons is particularly good for families, Victoria Park works well while exploring downtown, and Westminster Ponds is the place to go when you would rather hike through woods and wetlands.
1. Springbank Park
Springbank Park is the place to start for most first-time visitors. The large park follows the Thames River through west London, with paved paths, mature trees, picnic areas and enough room to spend anything from an hour to most of a day.
Walking and cycling are two of the best ways to experience it. The park connects with London’s larger multi-use pathway network, making it possible to follow the river rather than simply walking a short loop around a traditional city park.
Families have another reason to visit. Storybook Gardens sits within Springbank Park and offers children’s play areas, a splash pad, miniature village and seasonal attractions. Storybook Gardens charges admission, but the surrounding park is a public green space that can be enjoyed independently.
Springbank also contains the Graham Arboretum, established in 1926. Its collection includes more than 300 trees representing at least 75 native and exotic species.
Best for: First-time visitors, walking, cycling, picnics and families.
Springbank Park
1085 Commissioners Road West
London, ON N6K 4Y6
Phone: (519) 661-5575
Website: City of London Parks
2. Gibbons Park
Gibbons Park combines a peaceful riverside setting with some of the most useful recreational amenities on this list. Located along the North Thames River near Old North, it has paved paths, large shade trees and plenty of open lawn.
The park is particularly useful for families during warmer months. Amenities include two play structures, swings, a spray pad and an outdoor swimming pool. There are also three tennis courts, picnic areas and a picnic shelter.
For visitors without children, the riverside paths are the bigger attraction. Gibbons connects into London’s pathway network and is popular with walkers, runners and cyclists. A pedestrian bridge crossing the river provides one of the park’s most pleasant viewpoints.
Best for: Families, riverside walks, running, cycling and summer recreation.
Gibbons Park
2A Grosvenor Street
London, ON N6A 1Y4
Website: City of London Parks
3. Victoria Park
Victoria Park is London’s classic downtown park. It occupies a full city block in the heart of central London, surrounded by restaurants, shops and some of the city’s busiest streets.
This is not the park to choose when you want a long nature hike. Its appeal is location and atmosphere. Mature trees and open lawns provide a break from downtown, and paths make it easy to cross the park during a day exploring central London.
Victoria Park also serves as one of the city’s major gathering places. Festivals, concerts and community events take place here throughout the year, while winter brings seasonal lighting and outdoor skating when conditions and programming permit.
The surrounding neighbourhood adds to its usefulness for travelers. Richmond Row is immediately west of the park, and numerous restaurants and cafés are within walking distance.
Best for: Downtown sightseeing, events, people-watching and a short walk.
Victoria Park
580 Clarence Street
London, ON N6A 3N1
Website: City of London Parks
4. Westminster Ponds
Westminster Ponds is the best choice on this list when you want nature rather than traditional park amenities. Located in south London, the environmentally significant area encompasses approximately 200 hectares, six major ponds and about 11 kilometres of managed trails.
The landscape includes wetlands, forest and pond habitats, creating a remarkably natural setting within the city. Trails wind through the area rather than following the manicured lawns and paved paths found in London’s larger recreational parks.
Birdwatchers should bring binoculars. The ponds, forests and wetlands support a variety of wildlife and provide habitat for resident and migratory birds.
Autumn is an especially attractive time to visit as changing leaves reflect across the ponds. Spring brings migrating birds and new growth, while summer provides dense foliage and shade along much of the trail system.
Wear appropriate footwear after rain. These are natural trails, and muddy or uneven conditions are part of the experience.
Best for: Hiking, birdwatching, photography and nature.
Westminster Ponds / Pond Mills Environmentally Significant Area
Main visitor access near 696 Wellington Road
London, ON N6C 4R2
Website: City of London Parks
5. Harris Park
Harris Park occupies a broad stretch of riverfront immediately northwest of downtown. On an ordinary day, its large lawns and Thames River setting make it a pleasant place for a walk, picnic or break from sightseeing.
During major events, the character changes completely. Harris Park is one of London’s important outdoor festival and concert spaces and hosts some of the city’s larger summer gatherings.
The Thames Valley Parkway passes through the area, making Harris Park a useful stop during a longer walk or bike ride along the river. Museum London, the Forks of the Thames and other downtown attractions are also nearby.
Parking can be more difficult during major events, so visitors attending a festival should check event-specific transportation and parking information rather than relying on finding a space beside the park.
Best for: River views, festivals, downtown walks and picnics.
Harris Park
531 Ridout Street North
London, ON N6A 2P8
Website: City of London Parks
6. Greenway Park
Greenway Park is another good option along the Thames River, particularly for travelers interested in cycling, walking or bringing a dog along.
The park connects with London’s multi-use pathway network and includes paved paths, sports fields, a playground, swings, picnic facilities and a boat ramp. A riverside lookout provides a natural place to stop during a longer walk or bike ride.
Dog owners have an additional reason to visit. Greenway includes a designated off-leash dog area, making it one of the more useful parks for travelers visiting London with a pet.
Greenway also works well as part of a longer Thames Valley Parkway outing rather than as a destination by itself. Cyclists and runners can continue along the river toward other parts of west and central London.
Best for: Dogs, cycling, running, sports and Thames River views.
Greenway Park
50 Greenside Avenue
London, ON N6J 2X5
Website: City of London Parks
7. Kiwanis Park
Kiwanis Park is one of the better choices in east London for families who want plenty of room to move around without turning the outing into a full day.
The larger park corridor includes paved paths, playgrounds and open green space, along with recreational facilities. Kiwanis Park North has a seasonal spray pad, while the Kiwanis Skateboard Plaza gives older children and teenagers another reason to visit.
The paved paths also make the park suitable for casual walking and cycling. It feels more like a neighbourhood recreation park than a sightseeing attraction, which can be exactly what families need after a busy morning elsewhere in the city.
Best for: Families, splash-pad days, skateboarding and casual recreation.
Kiwanis Park
1475 Brydges Street
London, ON
Website: City of London Parks
Which London Park Should You Visit?
For a first visit to London, Springbank Park is the easiest recommendation. It combines river scenery, walking and cycling paths, picnic areas and family activities in one location.
Families who want a playground, pool or splash pad should also consider Gibbons Park. Choose Victoria Park when you are already spending time downtown, and Harris Park when you want riverfront green space close to London’s central attractions.
For an actual hike, Westminster Ponds is the stronger choice. Greenway Park works particularly well for cyclists and dog owners, while Kiwanis Park is a practical family recreation option on the east side of the city.
Best Parks for Families with Children
Springbank and Gibbons stand out for families. Springbank combines traditional park space with playgrounds and Storybook Gardens, while Gibbons has playground equipment, a seasonal spray pad and an outdoor pool.
Storybook Gardens can turn a Springbank visit into a much longer family outing. Admission is required for the attraction, and some rides require separate tickets, so check current hours and pricing before visiting.
Kiwanis Park is another useful choice when children would rather play than spend the afternoon sightseeing, particularly during splash-pad season.
Best Parks for Walking and Cycling
London’s Thames Valley Parkway ties many of the city’s green spaces together, which means visitors do not always have to choose a single park.
Springbank, Greenway, Harris and Gibbons all work well as access points for longer riverfront walks or bike rides. A visitor who enjoys cycling can see considerably more of London’s park system by following the pathway than by driving between individual parks.
Westminster Ponds offers a different experience. Its natural trails are better suited to hiking and wildlife watching than recreational cycling.
Best Parks for Fall Colours
London’s nickname, the Forest City, makes more sense in autumn. Mature trees line many of the river corridors and park paths, creating good fall-colour viewing without leaving the city.
Springbank Park is an easy choice because of its size and extensive tree cover. Westminster Ponds offers a more natural setting, with autumn foliage reflected in the ponds. Gibbons Park is another good option for a shorter riverside walk beneath mature trees.
Parks Near Best Western Plus Stoneridge Inn
Best Western Plus Stoneridge Inn & Conference Centre is located at 6675 Burtwistle Lane on the south side of London near Highway 401. Guests should expect to drive to most of the major parks in this guide rather than walk from the hotel.
Westminster Ponds is particularly convenient for travelers staying on the south side of London and wanting a nature walk without first heading into the downtown core. Springbank Park is farther west but is worth the additional drive when you want to spend several hours outside.
Guests already heading downtown for restaurants, shopping or attractions can easily add Victoria Park or Harris Park to the same trip.
What to Know Before Visiting London’s Parks
London’s major city parks are generally straightforward to visit, but amenities can be seasonal. Outdoor pools, splash pads, concessions, washrooms and skating facilities may operate only during certain parts of the year.
Natural areas such as Westminster Ponds require a little more preparation than landscaped city parks. Bring appropriate footwear, stay on managed trails and avoid disturbing wildlife or sensitive vegetation.
Temporary closures also happen. Before making a special trip for a particular pool, splash pad or facility, check the City of London’s current parks and recreation information.
Why London’s Parks Are Worth Exploring
London’s parks are most interesting when viewed as a network rather than isolated attractions. The Thames River and its multi-use pathways connect several major green spaces, while environmentally significant areas preserve wetlands and forests within the city.
A traveler could spend one morning hiking around Westminster Ponds, another afternoon cycling beside the Thames through Springbank Park, and an evening at a festival in Victoria or Harris Park without repeating the same kind of outdoor experience.
For most visitors, Springbank is the best place to begin. From there, London’s smaller parks, riverside paths and natural areas offer plenty of reasons to understand why the Forest City nickname has endured.