Here’s how to explore Londonduring the fallMauricio Prado (he/him)Photo: Mauricio PradoAs the leaves change colour andpumpkins get ready to be picked,London, Ont., offers various fun andwholesome activities throughout the season.According to The City of London, thecity has over 490 parks, from modestneighbourhood parkettes lined with nativeplants, shrubs and trees, to large, sprawlingacreages ideal for huge outdoor gatherings,summer festivals, celebrations and sports.Sport tourism assistant of TourismLondon Jeremy Hick said that tourism isessential to overall economic developmentand a significant industry economic engine.“Sport tourism, specifically, is a catalystfor economic impact in London,” Hicksaid. “During this season, there are manydifferent sports and activities for Londonersand travelers alike.”According to a report from the OntarioChamber of Commerce (OCC), sporttourism is a significant driver of economicactivity and visitor appeal in Ontario.Visitors from domestic and foreign countriesspent $2.5 billion on sports tourism inOntario in 2019. Ontario attracts 33 percent of all sports visitors in Canada.“London has several locations perfect forfamily sports and activities. A few of its bestinclude Boler Mountain, East Park, Palasad,Fleetway and 100 Kellogg Lane,” Hick said.Hick added that people can also attendseveral sports events during the season.“Many of these events will offer rentalequipment to guests,” Hick said. “Localscan participate in sports by joining aleague, local sports club or group such asForest City Sport and Social Club.”He stated that London has so much tooffer regarding recreation and parks.“The Thames Valley Parkway (TVP) isa multi-use trail that is 43 kilometres inlength. It is a two-way trail used by walkers,joggers, cyclists and others. Many parts ofthe trail have great views of the ThamesRiver,” Hick said.He said that several EnvironmentallySignificant Areas are also scatteredthroughout the city.“London is a city that offersa unique blend of urbanand rural landscapesthat provide ampleopportunities for outdooractivities such as hiking.“A few of those EnvironmentallySignificant Areas are the WestminsterPonds, Sifton Bog, Meadowlilly Woods andThe Coves. Each one is noted for the flora,fauna, and wildlife found there,” Hick said.“Walking, jogging, or cycling in those areascan be a show of colours and nature.”Fall in Ontario is also the perfect time forfishing. Director of sports tourism of TourismLondon Zanth Jarvis said people can alsofish within the city limits or the north branchof the Thames. He added that some goodaccessible spots include Fanshawe, Wildwood,and Pittock Conservation Areas.“The City of London’s Fish and PaddleGuide has a comprehensive map withinformation on where paddlers and anglerscan find shore access, fishing platforms,details on local fish species, safety andmore,” Jarvis said.Jarvis added that London is a city thatoffers a unique blend of urban and rurallandscapes that provide ample opportunitiesfor outdoor activities such as hiking.“Going for a hike is the best way to escapethe loud and busy concrete jungle,” Jarvissaid. “One of the best places to hike for meis the Warbler Woods, a 22-hectare forest inthe south of London.”He stated that Warbler Woods has severalhiking trails ranging from easy to moderate.“The trails are well-maintained, makingit easy to navigate even for beginners,”Jarvis said.Jarvis said other unique hiking places areKomoka Provincial Park, Westminster Pondsand the Medway Valley Heritage Forest.“Hiking is an excellent way to stay activeand connect with nature, especially inLondon,” Jarvis said.Hick stated that those people who prefera softer activity can enjoy harvesting theirfruits and vegetables.“Get hands-on with plants, seeds, soil, andbugs,” Hick said. “London has a lot of eventsin which people can explore everything fromgarden planning and planting to pruningand harvesting.”Don’t let the colder temperatures keepyou indoors this fall; get out and experiencethe season with these outdoorsy activities.Illustration: Briana Brissett14
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