Hiking.
The Thames Valley Parkway runs approximately 40 km of paved riverside path through the City of London, threading the Forks of the Thames at Harris Park, Gibbons Park near Western University, Kilally Meadows on the north branch, and Springbank Park downstream. Off the main spine, four Environmentally Significant Areas — Westminster Ponds in the south, Sifton Bog on the west side, Medway Valley Heritage Forest in the north, and Kilally Meadows on the north branch — carry quieter Carolinian-forest walking.
The brief.
The Thames Valley Parkway is the easiest entry point — paved, non-motorized, mostly flat, and accessible year-round (the City keeps it walkable through winter where conditions allow). For a slower, less-paved experience, the four ESAs are the better choice: Westminster Ponds and Pond Mills in the south end carry the largest looped trail system; Sifton Bog is a small bog on the west side; Medway Valley Heritage Forest runs Carolinian forest along the north branch; Kilally Meadows is the natural-area extension where the TVP heads north.
Upstream of London, Fanshawe Conservation Area's trail network adds 1,012 hectares of UTRCA-managed terrain on the north fork. May through October is the easiest window; the paved TVP is the most all-season option.
6. places.
- 01
Thames Valley Parkway
The City's paved multi-use path, approximately 40 km along the Thames; the regional trail spine.
- 02
Westminster Ponds / Pond Mills ESA
Large urban natural area in the south end with looped trails.
- 03
Sifton Bog ESA
Small bog Environmentally Significant Area on the west side of London.
- 04
Medway Valley Heritage Forest ESA
North-end Carolinian forest corridor along the north branch of the Thames.
- 05
Kilally Meadows ESA
Natural-area extension along the north branch where the Thames Valley Parkway continues.
- 06
Fanshawe Conservation Area trail network
1,012 hectares of UTRCA-managed land around Fanshawe Lake on the north fork.
Today's read.
Cold but firm — winter-ready conditions · light winds · clean air.