Victoria Day weekend in London

City of London opening spray pads and offering free recreation activities for long weekend fun

This weekend, the City of London will open its outdoor spray pads for the season. Starting Saturday, May 17, there will be 16 fun and free spray pads available throughout the city, including a new spray pad at Foxfield District Park. 

Spray pads will operate daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Saturday, May 17 until Monday, September 1. For more information, including locations and activation features, visit the City’s pools and spray pads webpage. 

Spray pads are water play areas activated with push-button features. Caregivers are reminded to supervise children at all times while visiting spray pads.

For safety and in anticipation of noise, dust and dirt, the Ivey Park spray pad will remain temporarily closed this year while the Downtown Sewer Capacity Expansion Project is constructed nearby. In addition, the new spray pad at Rowntree Park will open by early June when construction is complete.

Outdoor pools and wading pools will open at the end of June. More information will be shared as soon as these spaces are ready to open.  

Free Victoria Day recreation activities

We also have plenty of fun recreational activities planned for the holiday Monday, May 19! 

The City will be offering free recreational swimming, crafts, badminton, public skating, family open gym and science workshops – just to name a few. You can view the full list of programs and the schedule at london.ca/VictoriaDay

Explore the Thames Valley Parkway

Grab your bike to ride the different branches of the Thames Valley Parkway, or head out on a hike on the many paths and trails across London. Use London's Bike and Walk Map or interactive City Map to help plan your route.

Experience the magic of Storybook Gardens

Storybook Gardens is open throughout the Victoria Day long weekend for general admission, providing access to classic attractions like the Miniature Play Village, Hands in the Sand Play Area, On the Riverbank Splash Pad and Adventure Island. Learn more.

Tee off at a City golf course

Thames Valley Golf Course and Fanshawe Golf Course are open throughout the Victoria Day long weekend, offering a great opportunity for Londoners of all ages and skill levels to get outdoors and stay active. For more information on golf passes, green fee rates, power cart rates, our courses and how to book a tee time, please visit: london.ca/golf.

Discover local destinations in the Forest City

Plan your weekend with Tourism London’s guides and itineraries to visit local businesses and attractions. You can also find information about different events happening across the city on Tourism London’s events webpage. 

Victoria Day fireworks

If you’re planning backyard fireworks displays, remember to prioritize safety and follow the Fireworks By-law.  Backyard fireworks are only permitted on Monday, May 19 between sundown and 11 p.m. Fireworks are never permitted to be discharged in City parks or on streets. 

London Fire Department Inspectors and Municipal Compliance Officers will be active in our community enforcing the by-law. 

To report a noise concern relating to fireworks after hours or on days when not permitted, please call 519-661-5670 and provide the exact address from where the fireworks are occurring.

Slow down and stay safe

More people are anticipated to be out walking and riding this weekend. If you’re driving, respect the speed limit, obey pedestrian crossovers, and help keep roads safe. With` several construction projects underway this year, remember to give yourself a little extra time when traveling, plan your route in advance, and be mindful of others. As a reminder, King Street continues to be one-way only with buses travelling east and west between Wellington Street and Ontario Street along the new red bus lanes. Please keep all bus lanes clear and look both ways when crossing. 

Facility closures

All City administrative offices are closed on Monday, May 19, including City Hall, Citi Plaza, all Ontario Works offices and the Provincial Offences Administrative Office.