Because Canada loves a good British tribute. The whole country is littered with them. You’ve got Paris, Ontario (complete with a tiny Eiffel Tower). There’s Berlin, now Kitchener, but that’s a whole other story.
London, Ontario was a strategic choice. It sits at the forks of the Thames River (yes, a second Thames). The land was perfect for farming and trade. Simcoe planted a flag and said, “Let’s make this the new London.”
TVDSB 泰晤士谷公立教育局 Thames Valley District School Board K-G12 - Hello Study
The locals leaned into the joke hard. They built a mock St. Paul’s Cathedral—well, a church that vaguely resembles it. They even have a Victoria Park with a statue of Queen Vic herself. She’s staring at a hockey rink. Iconic.
Fun Quirks That Will Make You Smile
London, Ontario is home to the University of Western Ontario. Their mascot is a Mustang. Not a British bulldog. Not a redcoat. A wild horse. That’s Canadian rebellion right there.
The city has a Flea Market called “The St. Thomas Flea Market” (St. Thomas is a nearby town). You can buy vintage tea cups and, weirdly, maple syrup bottles shaped like Big Ben. It’s cultural collision at its finest.
And let’s talk about the weather. British London is foggy, drizzly, and mild. Canadian London? Freezing in winter. We’re talking -20°C (-4°F). Then it swings to 30°C (86°F) in summer. The Thames River freezes solid. You can skate on it. Try that on the actual Thames.
