London (Ontario)

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London is a medium-sized city in Ontario, Canada. It is west of Toronto, between Lake Huron and Lake Erie at the fork of the Thames River, which was named after the River Thames in London, England).

London (Ontario) Halal Explorer

11092008 thamesfork

London, population 378,000, is a major manufacturing centre for Southwestern Ontario, founded in 1793. Nicknamed the "Forest City," London has an abundance of urban parks and woodlands. Early in its history it was considered as a potential site for the capital city of Upper Canada, but that title eventually went to York (later Toronto). The city is roughly rectangular in shape, roughly 16 kilometers (10 miles) from east to west, and 13 kilometers (8 miles) from north to south.

Many cities, towns, counties, and rivers in this area of Southwestern Ontario take their names from their counterparts in England, and London is no exception. London features monuments such as Picadilly Street and the Covent Garden Market and the Thames.

With 2 major hospitals, London is a regional medical centre, treating patients from up to 200 kilometers away. London also has the region's only university (University of Western Ontario) which has all the typical professional schools (business, law, medicine, engineering, education) as well as sciences and the arts. Since the city is also home to Fanshawe College, students comprise a significant percentage of London's population during the school year.

Visitor information centers are located at:

  • Dundas Street (Downtown) Information Centre - 267 Dundas Street GPS 42.9847100,-81.2454562 Dundas and Wellington, entrance on Wellington - Hours: Monday to Friday 8:30AM Monday - 4:30PM
  • London London (Ontario) Tourism Board Centre - 696 Wellington Road South GPS 42.94765,-81.22680 - Hours: 8:30AM Monday - 8PM

Travel to London (Ontario)

Buy a Flight ticket to and from London (Ontario)

  • London International Airport IATA Flight Code: YXU 43.0331, -81.1511 London International Airport YXU control tower This airport is served by a small handful of airlines. Air Canada and Westjet offer service from most major cities in Canada while United Express offers service to Chicago. City bus route 36 (Airport Industrial) connects to the airport. Aboutown AirbusExpress and RobertQ Airbus have regular routes to London from Detroit and Toronto airports and some other Southwestern Ontario cities.

By Rail

  • London train station | 205 York St. 42.9819, -81.2464 +1 888-842-7245 Opening Hours: Ticket counter Monday to Friday 5:30AM Monday - 9:45PM, Saturday to Sunday 6:30AM Monday - 9:45PM; station opens with the ticket counter and remains open until 10:45PM VIA Rail Train London Ontario - London station (Ontario) | lastedit= Via Rail operates train service to and from London. London is near the western end of Via's busiest route and the Windsor-Montreal corridor, and train service runs several times daily, beginning as early as 5AM.

By car

London is most readily accessed from Highway 401 which runs along the southern edge of the city and connects London with Toronto (200 kilometers to the north east) and Windsor (200 kilometers to the Southwest). Highway 402 runs due west from its connection to the 401 in south-west London and ends about 100 kilometers to the west at the Ontario-Michigan border in Sarnia. The speed limit on the 401 in most parts is 100 km/h, but expect most people to be travelling at ~120 km/h in good conditions. The easiest exit off the 401 to London is #186, Wellington Road North. This will put you right into a busy shopping neighborhood and pointed in the right direction to get to the downtown core. There are no highways running through the city, so getting around by vehicle necessitates travel on 2- or 4-lane roadways with speed limits ranging from 50 to 70 km/h.

London is fairly easy to navigate, as its streets are based on a grid system. Oxford Street, Dundas Street and Commissioners Road are the main east-west arteries. Fanshawe Park Road runs east-west across the northern part of the city. Southdale and Exeter Roads are the main arteries which run east-west through the southern half of the city. The main north-south arterial roads are Wonderland Road in the west, Wellington Road/Richmond Street and Adelaide Street in the centre, Highbury Ave and Clark roads in the east.

Travel on a Bus in London (Ontario)

The Greyhound Canada bus station, +1 519-434-3245, is downtown at 101 York Street. Various other bus terminals are mostly in downtown London.

Aboutown's NorthLink connects communities from Owen Sound through to London along Highway 21, Bruce County Roads 6 and 1, Huron County Roads 20 and 22 and Highways 86 and 4. Arrival and departure from the Greyhound terminal.

How to get around in London (Ontario)

By transit

The London Transit Commission (LTC) operates within the city at a $2.75 cash fare (2023), ticket strips are available at a reduced price at most convenience stores, and monthly passes are available. Children 12 years and under ride for free. Buses vary from every 5 minutes downtown, to every 15 to 60 minutes in various other areas. The LTC doesn't operate past midnight on major routes, so expect to travel by taxi after that time.

Best way to travel in London (Ontario) by a Taxi

  • U-Need-A-Cab, +1 519-438-2121.
  • London Taxi, +1 519-657-1111.

By bike or on foot

The city has an extensive bicycle path network, and many (but not ubiquitous) bike lanes on the roads.

What to see in London (Ontario)

11092008 londonmuseum

  • Museum London - 421 Ridout Street North 42.9826127, -81.2573343 ☎ +1 519-661-0333 Contains art and historical exhibits.
  • Eldon House | 481 Ridout Street North 42.9818042, -81.2562883 a 4-minutes walk north of Museum London☎ +1 519-661-0333 London's oldest surviving residence, containing heirlooms and furniture reflecting life in early 19th-century London.
  • Banting House National Historic Site - 442 Adelaide St. North 42.9900079, -81.234084 at the junction of Queens Avenue and Adelaide Street☎ +1 519-673-1752 Tuesday - Saturday noon-4PM. Chronicles the life and achievements of Canadian Sir Frederick Grant Banting and the discoverer of insulin. Adults $5, students and seniors $4, children under 5 free.
  • Blackfriars Street Bridge 42.9889786, -81.2594147 across the Thames River connecting the north end of Ridout Street with Blackfriars Street. A rare example of a bowstring truss bridge. Built in 1875 and spanning 65.8 m, it is the longest working span of its kind in North America.
  • Wortley Village - 42.97212, -81.25309 Wortley Road between Askin Street and Tecumseh Ave, was voted one of Canada's coolest neighbourhoods in 2002 by enRoute magazine. Filled with eclectic, locally-owned merchants and cafes.
  • The Arts Project - 203 Dundas Street 42.9840708, -81.2502448 ☎ +1 519-642-2767 Tuesday - Saturday noon-5PM, later for theatre show nights. A downtown art gallery devoted to rising artists with an adjoined blackbox theatre devoted primarily to alternative fare.
  • Jet Aircraft Museum - 2465 Aviation Lane, uit 2 GPS 43.03101,-81.15570 at the airport☎ +1 519 453 7000 - Hours: Thursday - Saturday 10AM Monday - 4PM -

Parks

There are lots of parks in downtown London. They include:

  • Springbank Park - GPS 42.95729,-81.30893. A charming destination west of downtown complete with green space, picnic areas & facilities, formal gardens, wading pool, playgrounds, small family train track, merry-go-round and Storybook Gardens. Its paved trails are part of a 30-km system for walkers, cyclists, runners and roller-bladers.
  • Victoria Park - 42.9889338, -81.2507682 one block west of City Hall According to the City's website this acre 15 park is one of the most important designed landscapes of the 19th century and has been a hub of social and recreational activities since 1874. Many festivals and events take place here throughout the year. Bring nuts to feed the squirrels.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for London (Ontario)

  • Fanshawe Pioneer Village - 1424 Clarke Rd. 43.05512, -81.18104 in Fanshawe Conservation Area ☎ +1 519-457-1296 Opening Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 10AM Monday - 4:30PM, Victoria Day-Thanksgiving $7/person Open-air museum tells the story of rural communities from 1820 to 1920. Pioneer Village Café on-site, campground at conservation area.
  • Storybook Gardens - 42.95717, -81.31664 Opening Hours: Hours vary throughout the year Check website for admission prices. Springbank Park. A family attraction open all year round - animals, rides, games, play areas, a splash area in the summer, skating in the winter, and beautiful gardens.

Thames Valley Trail - GPS 42.88977,-81.42662. Walk or hike part of the 109-km hiking trail which follows the Thames and North Thames Rivers along most of the route. Group hikes for the weekend and following week are listed each Thursday in the London Free Press Thursday Ticket section. The trail is paved for an easy walk in Gibbons, Harris, and Springbank parks.

  • East Park Golf Gardens and Wally World - 1275 Hamilton Road 42.97139, -81.16830 between Highbury Avenue and Clarke Sideroad on Hamilton Road East ☎ +1 519-451-2950 - 18-hole golf course, driving range, mini golf, waterslides.
  • Forest City Velodrome - 4380 Wellington Road South 42.91891, -81.20471 ☎ +1 519-878-7849 - Check out the race calendar or find out more about riding on the track. Bike rentals available.

Forest city velodrome

  • The Grand Theatre - 471 Richmond Street 42.98592, -81.25091 - Live plays and performances. The mainstage season runs from September to May. There is also a secondary venue downstairs called The McManus Studio which is primarily used for the theatre's UnderGrand alternative theatre series, running roughly from November to March and local theatre group rentals for shows of their own.
  • Labatt Memorial Park 25 Wilson Ave 42.98379, -81.25814 - The Guinness-recognized oldest baseball park in the world, having been continuously used since 1877. The semi-pro London Majors play from April through August.
  • Delaware Speedway - 1640 Gideon Drive, Delaware 42.9304912 , -81.4176346Just west of London ☎ +1 519-652-5068 Opening Hours: Check the schedule for details. Delaware Speedway is Canada's oldest paved automobile racetrack, open since 1952. It is one of only two tracks in Canada running NASCAR late models. Racing runs on the 1/2-mile egg-shaped oval every Friday night from April through September, weather permitting, with occasional bigger races on weekends.
  • Centennial Hall - 550 Wellington Street 42.98921, -81.24662 ☎ +1 519-672-1967 - Concerts and events - check the event schedule to see what's on.
  • Palace Theatre - 710 Dundas Street East 42.9900558 , -81.2280002 ☎ +1 519-432-1029 - A theatre devoted to primarily classic mainstream revival fare by the amateur London Community Players and musical theatre productions companies with a theatrical season running from October to June. There is also an adjoining smaller secondary venue, The Procunier Hall, for primarily alternative theatre in a more intimate setting. Parking available behind the facility.
  • The Spriet Family Theatre - 130 King Street GPS 42.9824587 ,-81.2502236 Upper floor of the Covent Garden Market . 90-seat theatre primarily used by the Original Kids Theatre Company, a youth theatrical educational institution, with occasional independent theatre company rental runs.
  • Sunfest - 42.98888, -81.24874 In Victoria Park. - Takes place in July and features top professional world music & dance and jazz ensembles from Canada and abroad. Free admission.
  • Donnelly Museum - The Lucan Area Heritage & Donnelly Museum | 171 Main Street, Lucan 43.1879900, -81.4038751 in Lucan 25 kilometers north of London ☎ +1 519-227-0756 Opening Hours: May-October Tuesday - Sunday 11AM Monday - 4PM, also open Mondays on public holidays $5 Museum about the Black Donnellys and local history.

Study in London (Ontario)

  • Westervelt College GPS 42.9795884,-81.2480529 303 Richmond Street.
  • University of Western Ontario GPS 43.00924,-81.27272
  • Fanshawe College GPS 43.01282,-81.19975. one of Ontario's leading colleges and the largest college in Southwestern Ontario.
  • Ontario Institute of Audio Recording Technology GPS 42.9349659 ,-81.2068477 500 Newbold Street

Muslim Friendly Shopping in London (Ontario)

According to London Tourism, London has "more shopping per capita than anywhere else in North America."

  • CityLights bookstore - 356 Richmond Street 42.9821592, -81.2486827 between King and York streets ☎ +1 519-679-8420 - One of the best used bookstores to be found anywhere, and a city landmark. A huge selection with a particularly good science fiction section.
  • Covent Garden Market - 353 Clarence Street 42.98258, -81.25016 ☎ +1 519-439-3921 - London's downtown food and crafts market centre. Retail items include fresh produce, baked goods, bulk foods and small crafts along with eating establishments. There is an upper walkway that includes space for special events, retail outlets and services and arts facilities, including the Spriet Family Original Kids Theatre.
  • Grooves Records | 236 Dundas Street - GPS: 42.9846477, -81.2468389 ☎ +1 519 640 6714 - London's last downtown independent record store, specializes in new and used vinyl and hard-to-find CDs.
  • Heroes Cards and Comics | 186 Dundas Street 42.9840408, -81.2488922 ☎ +1 519-439-4955 - A large downtown collectable store devoted to pop culture genre print media and collectables. There is a wide variety of comics and books to suit any age and taste, toys like action figures, trading sports cards and T-shirts with a knowledgeable sales staff to help with any questions. Easily accessible a few doors east of London Transit's primary downtown bus transfer point at Dundas and Richmond.
  • Masonville Shopping Centre - Fanshawe Park Road & Richmond Street GPS 43.02595,-81.27840 . one of London's two major malls and anchors the major retail development in the north end. Try also the Hyde Park big-box development, two miles west on Fanshawe Park Road.
  • PT Campbell BookDealer - 388 Richmond Street 43.02571, -81.27851 between King and Dundas on the east side ☎ +1 519-640-5333 Opening Hours: Monday - Thursday 10AM Monday - 6:30PM; Friday 10AM Monday - 8PM; Saturday 10AM Monday - 6PM London's family friendly used book store with over 35,000 titles to choose from. Specializing in out-of-print and antique books.
  • Speed City Records | 294 Springbank Drive 42.9710804, -81.2767125 ☎ +1 519-858-2680 - Specializes in punk and metal, with a gigantic, unorganized dollar vinyl section. Surly clerks are right out of Central Casting.
  • White Oaks Mall - 1105 Wellington Road 42.93158, -81.22473 ☎ +1 519-681-0434 - Over 175 stores and services, anchoring a larger big-box retail development stretching up and down Wellington Road between Southdale Road and just south of Highway 401.

Mosques in London (Ontario)

London, Ontario, is a city known for its cultural diversity, and this diversity is beautifully reflected in its array of mosques that cater to the spiritual needs of the Muslim community. These mosques not only serve as places of worship but also play crucial roles as community centers, fostering a sense of belonging and unity. Let's take a closer look at some of the notable mosques in London, Ontario.

1. Baitul Ahad Mosque

Located at 546 Beaverbrook Ave, the Baitul Ahad Mosque stands as an emblem of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community. Open 24 hours a day, this mosque provides a serene space for prayer and reflection. With a commendable rating of 4.6, it attracts visitors seeking solace and spiritual connection.

2. London Muslim Mosque

Situated at 151 Oxford St W, the London Muslim Mosque is a prominent establishment in the city. Boasting a remarkable rating of 4.9, this mosque opens its doors at 10 AM every day except Mondays. Testimonials speak to the mosque's ability to bring peace and comfort to those who spend time in prayer within its walls.

3. Baitur-Rasheed Mosque

Found at 70 Charterhouse Crescent, the Baitur-Rasheed Mosque is known for being a peaceful and lovely place, as described by visitors. With a 4.8 rating, this mosque, open 24 hours, stands as a testament to the diverse spiritual spaces available in London, Ontario.

4. Islamic Centre of Southwest Ontario

Located at 951 Pond Mills Rd, the Islamic Centre of Southwest Ontario holds a rating of 4.8. Open at 6:20 AM on Sundays, this center is highly regarded, with visitors praising the excellence of Sheikh Mounir's sermons and hailing it as the best Islamic center in the area.

5. Al Mahdi Islamic Community Centre

Situated at 91 Meg Dr, the Al Mahdi Islamic Community Centre is lauded for being a great, clean, and organized space. With a rating of 4.7, this mosque serves as a hub for the local Muslim community, fostering a sense of community and belonging.

6. Muslim Association of Canada (MAC) Westmount Centre

Found at 312 Commissioners Rd W Unit 5, this mosque has a rating of 4.8. Visitors express gratitude for the inspiration received here, exemplifying the positive impact these mosques have on individuals seeking spiritual growth.

7. Muslim Wellness Network

Located at 990 Gainsborough Rd, the Muslim Wellness Network holds a perfect rating of 5.0. It is hailed as an excellent space, particularly for parents with youth, highlighting the diverse roles mosques play in supporting the well-being of their communities.

8. Hyatt Mosque & Centre

Situated at 282 Hamilton Rd, the Hyatt Mosque & Centre, with a rating of 4.7, is commended for its excellent management. However, visitors note the need for more donations to complete the construction of the facility, showcasing the ongoing community support required for these institutions.

9. MAC Hyde Park Masjid & Youth Center

Located at 1175 Hyde Park Rd Unit 9, this mosque has a high rating of 4.9. Attendees appreciate the quality of the Friday khutbas (sermons), emphasizing the importance of spiritual guidance in their lives.

10. Bosnian Canadian Islamic Centre

Situated at 41 Holborn Ave, the Bosnian Canadian Islamic Centre, with a rating of 4.5, opens its doors at 1 PM on Fridays. This mosque serves as a focal point for the Bosnian Muslim community in London.

11. Al-Ghazali Centre

Located at 689 Oxford St W #2, the Al-Ghazali Centre caters to the community by opening at 7 PM on Fridays. Although small in scale, it holds significance for those who seek a close-knit and intimate atmosphere for their worship.

12. North London Islamic Centre

Situated in Komoka, ON, Canada, the North London Islamic Centre serves as a spiritual haven with a rating of 4.6. While located slightly outside London, it draws worshippers seeking a tranquil environment away from the city's hustle and bustle.

The mosques in London, Ontario, play pivotal roles in fostering a sense of community, spirituality, and cultural identity. Whether it's the peaceful Baitul Ahad Mosque, the inspiring London Muslim Mosque, or any of the other vibrant centers, these places of worship contribute significantly to the rich tapestry of London's diverse cultural landscape.

Halal Food & Restaurants

For those seeking delicious and authentic Halal food, the city offers a variety of options that cater to different tastes and preferences. In this article, we'll explore some of the top Halal eateries in London, each contributing to the city's culinary tapestry.

Mandi Guys Restaurant:

Located at 169 Wharncliffe Rd S, Mandi Guys Restaurant has earned a stellar reputation for its authentic Halal offerings. Boasting a remarkable 4.5-star rating from over 1.2K reviews, this family-friendly establishment opens at 12 PM on Sundays. Customers rave about the great taste of the food, making it a must-visit for those craving a genuine Halal experience.

Ghadir Meat & Restaurant:

Situated at 769 Southdale Rd E, Ghadir Meat & Restaurant is a Middle Eastern gem in London. With a commendable 4.1-star rating from 1.2K reviews, it opens its doors at 9 AM on Sundays. Guests appreciate the great Halal food served here, making it a go-to spot for those in search of Middle Eastern flavors in the heart of Ontario.

Shawarma Guys:

For a quick and tasty Halal meal, Shawarma Guys at 1790 Dundas St #10 is a popular choice. With a solid 4.5-star rating from 750 reviews, this Middle Eastern eatery opens at 11 AM on Sundays. The straightforward declaration, "HALAL FOOD RESTAURANT," is a testament to its commitment to providing quality Halal cuisine to its patrons.

Beladi’s Bakery:

Nestled at 101 Fanshawe Park Rd E, Beladi’s Bakery is a Halal haven that also caters to those with a sweet tooth. With a stellar 4.5-star rating from 441 reviews, it opens at 10:30 AM on Sundays. Offering dine-in, takeaway, and delivery options, Beladi’s Bakery is a versatile choice for those seeking a variety of Halal delights.

Villa Madina:

Conveniently located at 1105 Wellington Rd, Villa Madina inside White Oaks Mall brings Mediterranean flavors to the Halal scene in London. Despite a slightly lower rating of 3.3 stars from 198 reviews, it remains a popular choice for its fast and convenient service. Villa Madina opens its doors at 11 AM on Sundays.

Bamyan Afghan Cuisine:

For those looking to explore Afghan cuisine, Bamyan Afghan Cuisine at 1295 Highbury Ave N is a must-visit. With a solid 4.2-star rating from 708 reviews, this Afghani restaurant opens at 12 PM on Sundays. Guests appreciate the healthy Halal options available at reasonable prices, making it a standout choice in London's culinary landscape.

London, Ontario, offers a diverse and vibrant Halal culinary scene, catering to a wide range of tastes and preferences. Whether you're in the mood for authentic Middle Eastern cuisine, a quick Shawarma fix, or a taste of Afghan delights, the city has something for everyone. These highlighted establishments showcase the dedication of London's culinary community to providing exceptional Halal dining experiences. So, the next time you find yourself in London, be sure to explore these Halal gems for a memorable and delicious culinary journey.


eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to London (Ontario)

London (Ontario) - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to London (Ontario), is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for London (Ontario). This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in London (Ontario) and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to London (Ontario). The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to London (Ontario). Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inLondon (Ontario): A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in London (Ontario).

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in London (Ontario): A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in London (Ontario), allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in London (Ontario).

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in London (Ontario), ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in London (Ontario), enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within London (Ontario) and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in London (Ontario), stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in London (Ontario), a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of London (Ontario) without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for London (Ontario) is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring London (Ontario).

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group London (Ontario) is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in London (Ontario), please contact:

eHalal Travel Group London (Ontario) Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Stay Safe

London is a very safe city for the most part. There is urban blight on Dundas Street east of Adelaide and in the surrounding neighbourhood, but the downtown area is generally safe.

Telecommunications in London (Ontario)

  • Central London Public Library - 251 Dundas Street GPS 42.9843039,-81.2460590 ☎ +1 519-661-4600 - Hours: Closed Sunday . All London library branches (there are 16 throughout the city) offer free computer/internet access for 90 minutes a day. WiFi access requires a London Library card.

News & References London (Ontario)


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