Spend some time in leafy Victoria Park and you may find yourself sampling local produce at a food festival, dancing to a local band, skating on an ice rink or simply relaxing beneath the shade of the trees. Keep your eye out for one of the park’s most notable residents, rare eastern grey squirrels.
The park is set on the site of a former British garrison and covers 18 acres (7 hectares) of downtown London. Walk or jog along tree-lined paths that take you past wide lawns and landscaped gardens. As you move through the park, you will see a number of statues, plaques and memorials. Many of these commemorations refer to different wars that have affected the city.
Note the striking Women’s Memorial, with the haunting faces of female victims of war engraved onto a headstone. Look over the tank from World War II that is dedicated to Canadian soldiers who fought in the conflict. Other pieces include a statue of a soldier heading off to fight in the Boer War and a cenotaph.
Wildlife enthusiasts will enjoy looking out for the rare eastern grey squirrels that inhabit the park. They were introduced in 1914 and have thrived in the leafy environment.
Victoria Park’s location close to the city center makes it a popular cultural hub for outdoor events, festivals and concerts that take place throughout the year. They include Sunfest, a summer concert series that celebrates London’s diverse cultures and Rib-Fest a huge party for all the family at the end of July and beginning of August. The park also hosts an open-air cinema during the summer.
Visit in winter to see the park lit up with thousands of Christmas lights. Enjoy a spin around the ice-skating rink or cozy up in the café with a hot chocolate.
Victoria Park is located in downtown London, a short drive from the city center and close to several bus routes. The recreational space is free to enter and is open all year round. Some of the events may attract a small charge.
