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Emma and I decided to test our problem-solving skills this week at Ichabod’s Escape Room.
Confident going in. Slightly less confident about 15 min in. Let’s just say… we did not make it out in under an hour.
At one point, I’m fairly certain the Red Queen had officially decided “off with our heads” was a reasonable next step.
But here’s the thing… we laughed the whole way through.
There’s something about doing these kinds of challenges together that reminds you it’s not really about “winning.” It’s about the experience, the teamwork, and yes, occasionally realizing you may not be as good at puzzles as you thought.
Highly recommend it. Even if you don’t escape.
200 Years of London
Did you know….“The Forest City” name started as a joke.
In the early days, when London was being envisioned as a major centre, it was still… a forest. Thick, dense, and not much else. The nickname came from the British, poking fun at the idea that this heavily wooded outpost could become something significant.
But cities have a way of growing into their expectations.
As London developed, it didn’t clear everything away. The trees stayed. Streets formed around them. Neighbourhoods grew with them. What started as a jab slowly became a defining feature.
And over time, the name shifted. Two hundred years later, London is still surrounded by and shaped by its trees. Not by accident, but by ongoing choices to plant, protect, and maintain what was already here.
🌳 London crowned Canada's Forest Capital
The Gist: London has been named the 2026 Forest Capital of Canada by the Canadian Institute of Forestry, the first time a municipality has received the designation. To mark the honour, the city gave away more than 2,000 free trees at Carling Heights Optimist Community Centre on Earth Day, with residents lining up early to claim native and fruit varieties.
Why It Matters: The Forest City identity is a national title tied to the bicentennial year. Residents get free trees for their yards, the urban canopy grows, and the city has programming and events planned throughout 2026 to celebrate.
What’s Next: The City is now accepting applications for the 2026 Tree Canopy Conservation Program, which helps property owners care for mature trees 40 cm or larger in diameter.
✈️ Flights from YXU set to roughly double this summer
The Gist: London International Airport announced its Summer 2026 schedule on Wednesday, with overall service set to roughly double compared to recent seasons. The expansion leans heavily on added flights from Air Canada and WestJet, plus a new route aimed at improving domestic and international connections.
Why It Matters: More direct flights from YXU means fewer drives to Pearson, shorter trips for families visiting out of town, and a real boost to leisure and business travel out of Southwestern Ontario. It's also a vote of confidence from the country's two largest airlines.
🍽️ Over thirty years and still the city's go-to
481 Richmond St
Garlic's of London has been doing its thing on Richmond Row since 1993, and it shows in the best way. The dining room feels lived-in: exposed brick, local art, and a hand-forged garlic sculpture by the door holding the menu that changes with the seasons.
The food leans into Canadian ingredients with an Italian influence. The slow roasted garlic bulb with Ontario chèvre is the move for starters, the black garlic fettuccine has a loyal following for good reason, and the Ontario beef tenderloin with black garlic demi-glâce is worth planning a Friday night around. Solid cocktail list, vegan options, and plenty for the wine crowd too.
🎁 Sixty-five local makers under one Wortley roof
141 Wortley Rd
Locally Made Marketplace sits on the main strip in Wortley Village, and walking in feels a bit like stumbling into a really good craft fair that never ends. Every shelf holds work from a different Ontario maker. Pottery from one artist, candles from another, jewellery, prints, bath products, baby goods, greeting cards, and a lot more. Opened in 2018 and featuring products from over 50 local businesses, the lineup has since grown to over 65 vendors.
There's also a refillery tucked in the back. Bring your own containers and top up on shampoo, dish soap, laundry detergent, and skincare by the gram. Four-time winner of London's Favourite Gift Shop, and worth a proper browse. Pop in for a specific gift and you'll leave with three other things you didn't plan on buying.
Click here to be the business everyone hears about next week!
🤘Punk Rock Flea Market | Dundas Place | 05/02 | More
10 years of PRFM London celebrated with 80+ vendors, live music, a skate jam and free entry!
🌼Outdoor Farmers' Market | Covent Garden Market | 05/02 | More
Outdoor producer-only market with fresh spring flowers and baked goods.
⛸️ Stars on Ice | Canada Life Place | 05/03 | More
Olympic skaters, Canadian champions, and Elvis Stojko on home ice.
🐠 The Little Mermaid Live Musical | LPAA Family Theatre | Through 05/03 | More
A splashy musical adventure for theatre lovers of all ages.
🥐 The Market | Western Fair District | 05/03 | More
100+ shops selling local food, crafts, and treats under one roof.
🎭 Come From Away | Grand Theatre | 05/05 | More
The Gander story that makes even cynics tear up by the finale.
🎸 Dwayne Gretzky: Does the 90s Music Hall | 04/30 | More
Live-band karaoke meets the decade of denim and flannel.
🎬 Shock Stock Horror Film Festival | Ramada by Wyndham | 04/29–05/03 | More
Three days of horror films, vendors, sideshows, and unapologetic mayhem.
🤘 Sepultura: Celebrating Life Through Death | Rum Runners | 05/02 | More
Brazilian metal pioneers on their farewell tour, with Exodus and Biohazard.
💃 Capochino: Journey To Mystic Garden | Rum Runners | 05/02 | More
System Saturdays late-night dance party with a mystic garden theme.
🎬 The Maltese Falcon Screening | Hyland Cinema | 05/03 | More
Celebrate the 85th anniversary of the classic detective thriller starring Sam Spade.
🎻 The Jeffery Concerts: Season Finale | Wolf Performance Hall | 05/04 | More
Violin and piano duo perform Brahms, Bartók, and more for Ehnes' 50th birthday concert.
Thanks for reading! We’ll have more updates for you next week!
