Creativity Starts Here

Did you know that the Forest City is home to over 350 parks? With spring in full swing and summer on its way, there’s no better time to get out and enjoy some of London’s parks and woodlands than right now. Whether it’s a small neighbourhood park or a sprawling green field filled with playgrounds and pools, there are plenty of gorgeous parks for you to explore, even on your lunch break. Plus, with the Thames River running through the city, it’s no surprise many of the city’s parks provide you with access to the river. Though by no means exhaustive, this list features some of London’s hidden, and more well-known, natural gems. So, grab your brown bag lunch, and your sunscreen, and get out and enjoy some nature in the city!

No work day or seminar at Ivey Spencer Leadership Center is too long or too busy not to make time for at least one outdoor adventure. And if you’re here in March, even with one afternoon to spare, we know just the place to send you. Over the river and through the wood to our local maple syrup forest.

The start of a new year tends to inspire reflection of some kind, most often on the past year. But we’d like to look back to another century, or millennia even, to explain why one of London’s most popular breweries is named after a tried and true winter pastime.

Here on business? Why not do a bit of holiday shopping after the workday is done? Most of London’s holiday markets open for the weekend beginning mid-November. So why not visit one while you’re here, or visit them all? We’ve dedicated this post to share all of your need-to-know details so you can hit the ground shopping as soon as you arrive.

Welcome back, Mustangs! This weekend, Ivey Spencer is proud to host Western University and Ivey Business School alumni to the 2022 Homecoming Weekend. We can’t wait to see you wear your Mustang purple and shout your Mustang pride as you attend 48 hours worth of events, rallies, games, and meals with friends new and old.

Western’s 73rd homecoming will be a weekend to remember starting early Saturday morning, September 24th. Guests will arrive the night before, many in excited anticipation of the big homecoming football game vs the University of Waterloo Warriors. But don’t leave after the game! The fun will have only begun! While you’re here, don’t miss the following events:

Pledge Ceremony and Ring Tradition– More than 13,000 alumni have participated in this tradition since 2004, providing Ivey alums with the opportunity to recite or recommit to the Ivey Pledge to act honourably and ethically and receive a personalized Ivey Ring.

Critical Issues Conversations– Join one of two concurrent sessions with distinguished faculty to discuss Global Citizenship, Competitiveness and Innovation, or the Evolution of Work. Professors will present cutting-edge research, why it matters, and how you can help.

Dean’s Address– Join faculty, friends and classmates as Ivey’s Dean Sharon Hodgson welcomes you back to Ivey! She will share a few remarks and present this year’s Distinguished Service and Faculty Service award recipients in Ivey’s BMO Financial Group Auditorium. Stay for brunch!

Homecoming Baseball– Western's baseball team plays a doubleheader against Guelph Gryphons at Dan Pulham Field.

Class Reunion– The highlight of your reunion - is to attend a personalized evening with your classmates and guests! Follow this link to learn your class plans and to officially register.

Golden Alumni Brunch– For classes celebrating 50+ years, join the Dean at a brunch to honour this remarkable milestone in Ivey’s Brock Pavilion. Watch your mail for a separate invitation and reply card.

For times, locations, and registration details for all things Homecoming, visit the Ivey Spencer website or call us. It’s not too late to make plans to attend Homecoming weekend in London! Go Mustangs!

Take advantage of summer’s long daylight hours and warm temperatures and soak up London’s natural beauty. The city benefits from a number of outdoor green spaces, but East Park is a glorified playground making it the perfect place to get outside— and for those looking for more than just a little bit of outdoor fun— get your adventure on.

With more than 100 acres to explore, East Park offers hours upon hours of fun for the whole family. Feel your adrenaline race as you test drive go-karts on the park’s 1,800-foot race track or smash some golf balls at the park’s driving range and batting cages. In addition to a driving range and mini-golf course, East Park is also home to the finest executive golf course in London. So after your work day is done, get to the links and relax the evening away with 18 holes of manicured greens and fairways. If the weather is especially warm and you feel like getting wet, East Park has your answer to that, too, since it also happens to be the proud home of London’s largest waterpark. Fully packed with more than seven towering slides, tubing, and giant pools galore, there’s no better place to cool off and have fun with the whole family. But if getting in the water isn’t your thing, and indoor activities are more your style, fear not; rock-climbing, bumper cars, jungle gyms, and a full arcade await. All this and more is just a 20-minute drive away from Ivey Spencer Leadership Center, making it an easy activity to tack on to the end of any business trip. Different activities at the park have different hours so call our concierge for more details and plan your visit today.

Plan ahead so you can join London’s much-anticipated all day outdoor event, Gathering on the Green in the area of the city affectionately known as Old South.
Celebrating 40 years this year, the event is London’s largest and oldest Community Festival. Free, fun and open to the public, Gathering on the Green will have you feeling like a local and getting to know a few while you’re at it.

Every year, on the first Saturday in June, hundreds of Londoners flock to the Village Green at Wortley Road and Elmwood Avenue. Rain or shine, the day’s activities and entertainment include more than 100 local craft venders, a pet show, dunk tank, tea garden, silent auction, live music and, to wash it all down, an all day BBQ. Part of the event, too, is the Village Ride. It’s a community bike ride where participants decorate their bikes for prizes and McDonald’s treat coupons for all. Gathering on the Green is run by volunteers and supported by the Old South Community Organization and other local businesses with past event proceeds contributing to more than $120,000 for projects and organizations in the community. For more information, visit the event’s website, and make plans to combine business with pleasure!

If you’ve come to London in March, we can’t let you leave without tasting what’s on tap. It’s not a hazy ipa or a caramel milk stout. No, tucked under the bark of our intrepid maples flows maple syrup, and we’ll tell you how to find it.

About 25 minutes northeast of the Ivey Spencer Leadership Center is Kinsmen Fanshawe Sugar Bush. Sure, it’ll take you a little ways out of London, but there’s good reason for the drive: the Sugar Bush Maple Festival takes place throughout the month of March! Bring a friend or the whole family and treat your senses to this spectacular seasonal process; learn about the sugaring process at Sugar Bush and taste the warm syrup we consider liquid gold after following the sap from tree to teaspoon. Admission treats you to a tour of the facilities as well as a horse-drawn wagon ride through the grounds. And come hungry! A Pancake House on site serves up breakfast dripping with authentic Sugar Bush Maple Syrup. Buy a bottle or three before you go so you can enjoy the experience over and over again back home. For more information, talk to our concierge; we’d love to help you plan your visit!

Tired of trying to make your own fun indoors? We know how you feel, but we also have the pulse on a little secret that’s sure to turn your winter blues into something worth celebrating.

If you’ve been to London, you’ve heard us gloating about our fabulous parkland and majestic scenery. But you’re probably not aware of the bustling music scene thumping at the heart of the city’s vibrant nightlife. After your long day of meetings and emails, book a short ride around the corner to check out top touring artists at London Music Hall. Ask anyone; it’s the place to be! Located in the heart of Downtown London and about only three miles from Ivey Spencer Leadership Center, this local gem is guaranteed to spice up your night on the town.

For years, London Music Hall has been bringing some of the best music to London with the hottest international artists, local favorites, and every genre you’ve never met in between. The state-of-the-art venue delivers top-notch production value and even boasts a second, adjacent stage area called Rum Runners, to ensure you get the best bang for your buck. With near-nightly shows every month of the year and a wide range of performances, there’s something for every brand of music lover. We’ll see you there!

Here on business? Why not do a bit of holiday shopping after the work day is done! Most of London’s holiday markets open for the weekend in mid-November. Visit one or visit them all!

There’s sure to be a gift for everyone on your list just waiting for you at any one of our festive holiday markets. With more than a half a dozen markets replete with locally made crafts, artisan homegoods, handmade pottery, childrens’ toys, and more, you might consider packing extra room in your suitcase to bring your treasures home. First on our list is Christkindl Market at the German Canadian Club on 1 Cove Road in London. Expect to find traditional Bavarian treasures as well as delicious homemade German food. Next stop, Covent Garden for the Holly Jolly Holiday Market and Fiber Art Festival and Sale. Come for the locally made fiber creations and stay for the demonstrations! Deck the Halls Annual Artisan Market is in Victoria Park at Ingersoll Creative Arts Centre. As its name suggests, local talent fill the shelves with their best and brightest creations! For functional and sculptural pottery, Potters Market Show and Sale in Somerville is your answer. No matter where you shop, you’ll be sure to feel the holiday spirit!

As cooler temperatures settle with the mid-September autumn moon, watch the leaves begin to change from Ivey Spencer’s backyard. You don’t have to go far to experience the natural beauty of the season. Before you venture out in the morning, treat yourself to a hearty, farm-fresh meal in our largest restaurant, Asher’s Dining Room. A hot breakfast of the region’s finest foods will fuel any activity you have planned, whether hiking, biking, or strolling along our scenic wooded trails to immerse yourself in the changing fall foliage.

If team-building is something you and your fellow guests are willing to do, why not opt for a high-ropes adventure at Boler Mountain, described at length in another one of our blogs. Regardless of how you spend your day, we invite you to relax and unwind in one of our restaurants or lounges. Reserve an event for you and your party in our Poplar Lounge to delight in the crisp fall air and enjoy cocktails by the outdoor firepit. Contact our experienced event planner today to create a customized schedule for your group.

When it comes to casual summer dining, look no further than our very own Asher’s Patio for farm-to-table freshness with an equally relaxing view to match. Best yet — Asher’s reopens for the summer season beginning this Tuesday, June 15th!

Ease into your surroundings on a spacious outdoor patio and enjoy an unforgettable evening. Asher’s features scrumptious shareable plates, hearty signature dishes, a robust drink menu, as well as kid-friendly favorites. Following dessert, take an after-dinner stroll amid the lush grounds of our historic Georgian manor or turn your meal into a memorable staycation and retreat to the comfort of one of our luxury suites. No matter how you choose to wine and dine in London, Ontario, we’ll be waiting with the best of the summer season to satisfy your palate!

Lunch service is available Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 2:00 pm; dinner service begins at 5:00 pm. For reservations, call (519) 675-5535.

Many believe that the European settlers were the first to settle on the land that is Ontario today, however, it was the Algonquin, who were migrant hunters, and the Iroquois, who farmed squash, corn, and beans that inhibited the area over 12,000 years ago.

Though it was during the 1600s when Ontario’s story began. Henry Hudson claimed the Hudson Bay area for Great Britain in 1611, Iroquois warriors destroyed North America’s first island French settlement, St. Mary Among the Huron, in 1649, and Sault Ste. Marie became the first permanent European in both present-day Ontario and the American state of Michigan in 1668.

Then came the 1700s, which was action-packed to say the least. After Great Britain’s Seven Years’ War victory in 1763 and American Revolution in 1776, present-day Ontario became home to roughly 9,000 Loyalist settlers. In 1791, present-day Ontario was then named Upper Canada, French-speaking Quebec was dubbed as Lower Canada, and the small settlement of York became Upper Canada’s capital in 1796—which eventually changed its name to Toronto.

Moving in an upward fashion, Upper Canada’s population skyrocketed from 6,000 to 46,000 between 1785 and 1806, and many of Ontario’s largest cities were founded during the early 19th century prior to the War of 1812.

Shortly after the Upper Canada rebellion in 1837, the territory joined with Lower Canada to become a single province in 1841; and by 1851, the province’s population was 952,000. Following suit, Canada East and Canada West agreed to a federal union with the other British North American colonies; and New Brunswick along with Nova Scotia joined Quebec and Ontario as the first four provinces of the new nation of Canada in 1867.

Today, Ontario remains a top choice for immigrants due not only to the province’s central location in Canada, but because of its strong multicultural history as well.

Known for its rich history and cultural diversity, Ontario is a province unto its own. Nicknamed The Heartland Province for its bustling economy and large population, here’s a few fun facts you may not have known about the Canadian territory.

• Ontario is actually the most populous province in all of Canada with an estimated population of about 13.5 million people.
• Not only was the first NBA game held in Toronto, Ontario, but the sport of basketball was invented by an Ontario native, Dr. James Naismith. He invented the sport, which was originally played with a soccer ball and two peach baskets, in December of 1891 while teaching at a YMCA in Massachusetts. 
• Ontario is widely associated with one of the most famous inventions in history: the telephone. Alexander Graham Bell immigrated from Scotland to Brantford, Ontario, and did much of his research regarding the invention there. In fact, Bell’s Brantford home was declared a National Historic Site. 

With spring in full bloom and a contagious liveliness in the air, there’s no better time to experience all that London has to offer. This time of the year is great for festivals and entertainment and when you stay at Ivey Spencer Leadership Centre, you’re never far from the action. Here are some suggestions for fun events to try while visiting London.

Budweiser Gardens - With an ever-changing lineup of events, you never know what you’re going to get at the Budweiser Gardens. However, this time of the year is full of exciting shows, games, and performances. Spend some time in April watching the Harlem Globetrotters perform basketball magic or watch Miranda Lampert rock the stage. Check-in frequently so you won’t miss any great shows!

London Poutinefest 2020 - It’s no secret that London loves poutine. Take time out of your trip to experience Canadian poutine the way it was meant to be experienced. Try dozens of different takes on the popular dish and decide for yourself which curd reigns supreme.

Holi: Festival of Colors - Add some color to your life with this unique festival. Over 2000 pounds of colors will be dropped on thousands of participants in this traditional Indian festival. Come early and become a part of a fun, unique tradition.

Just because the holiday season is wrapping up doesn’t mean that the feasts and festivities have to as well. Revitalize your spirit to do, see, and eat all that London has to offer at the London Wine and Food Show.

The London Wine and Food Show is a multi-day celebration of everything delicious in our lives and will take place from January 16 - 18 at the Western Fair District Agriplex. Guests will have the opportunity to indulge in the finest wines and most decadent bites around. Pair your favorite robust red with hand-wrapped sushi, or sip on some chardonnay and cheese. Whatever new pairing you want to experiment with, you’ll be sure to find them, and more, at this festival.

Besides the endless local food and drink options, the London Wine and Food Show will also be proudly presenting live entertainment, whiskey tasting, and instructional demonstrations. So whether you’re looking to accompany your hor d'oeuvres with some country music or learn about ways to transform fresh ingredients into vegan feasts, they’ve got you covered. Grab your tickets today and say hello to the new year in style.

Every year, one of the most wondrous family events around the start of the holiday season is the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train. The Canadian Pacific travels through communities around the Ontario area, stopping by for a 30-minute concert at each destination. This year, stop by and experience a new type of family-friendly fun.

The train itself is fully decorated with lights and other festive ornaments. Once the train comes to a stop, a small presentation will be given, followed by a live performance from the professionals on board. The train encourages patrons to make donations for the local food bank, but the event is completely free. 

This year, the London stop will be the Richmond Street railway crossing between Oxford and Central on Friday, November 29 between 8:30-9:30 pm, with the train arriving around 8:15 pm. Make sure to arrive on time and get a good seat for this unique holiday event. Bring some snacks and spread the gift of gifting!

Everyone who has lived in London or simply visited enough has their favorite hidden gem or two where the food is, obviously, better than anywhere else. But for every hidden gem you accidentally stumbled upon on a rainy evening, dozens more are just waiting to be discovered. This is where LondonLicious comes in.

LondonLicious is a city-wide annual event that encourages locals and tourists alike to venture out and explore London’s diverse culinary scene. Local establishments design unique menus meant to proudly showcase their cuisine.

Here at Ivey Spencer, we’ve put together a special three-course feast that we think captures the essence of London. If a blue cheese and fig crostini appetizer followed by a seared cod loin, accompanied by a chocolate mousse martini sounds like your kind of evening, then you definitely won’t be disappointed!

This special event will run from July 19th - August 11th, so come check out local legends and make sure to leave plenty of room for seconds!

Summer is in full swing, but you may be wondering how you can get the most out of the beautiful weather and cheerful vibes. The answer to that lies in the trifecta of summer fun - food, beer, and live music. This year, from June 21-23, the London International Food & Craft Beer Festival is back for three full days of reminding you what summer is all about.

This festival will be jam-packed with the top brewers and chefs on this side of Canada. Hop around from booth to booth as you quench your thirst with the best hops around. Momentarily travel the world as you experience cuisine from the heart of the Caribbean and other regions around the globe. This is an international festival after all!

Your culinary experience will be paired with headliners and all of the live music you can handle. Vendors from all around the world will be there to show you what makes their region so special. There will even be cooking demos from different cultures and other educational experiences. The festival will be open all three days from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm (9:00 pm on Sunday) and is located less than five kilometers away from Ivey Spencer Leadership Centre at Victoria Park.

For almost 50 years, the JUNO Awards have been proudly celebrating Canada’s top artists - both established and new. What was once Canada’s greatest awards show grew beyond our wildest dreams and one day a year was nowhere near enough to contain it. The JUNO Awards “On The Road” now showcases a new city every year for an entire week of locally driven festivities and honors. This year, March 11-17 will be London, Ontario’s turn to show the rest of Canada just how talented and driven our city is. Located close to the magic, Ivey Spencer Leadership Centre wants to be your gateway to the festivities.

From comedy shows to jams and electrifying concerts, JUNO Week will have something for everybody. Most of the festivities will take place at various venues around Downtown London. Show up, follow the crowds and have a blast. The week will wrap up with the awards ceremony Saturday, March 17th at the Budweiser Gardens.

Everyone knows about London’s beautiful parks and scenery, but many are not aware of the bustling music scene that lies at the heart of the town’s nightlife. If you want to check out top touring artists, London Music Hall is the place to be. Located in the heart of Downtown London and around 5 km from Ivey Spencer Leadership Centre, this local gem is sure to make your night more exciting.

For years, London Music Hall has been bringing the music scene to London with the hottest international artists, local staples, and everything in between. This state-of-the-art venue has top-notch production and even boasts a second adjacent stage area, Rum Runners, to really let you get the best bang for your buck. With near-nightly shows every month of the year and a wide range of performances, there’s something for every breed of music lover.

Surprises can sometimes be a warm welcome, but definitely not on your wedding day. On Sunday, January 27 from 2 pm to 4 pm, Ivey Spencer would like to extend an exclusive, complimentary invitation to you for our Wedding Open House. Come spend your Sunday exploring both our beautiful grounds and culinary expertise with delectable hors d’oeuvres and maybe even win a prize or two!

It’s one thing to see names and qualifications on paper, but we want you to meet our team and feel at ease and confident about your wedding destination choice. Our onsite wedding planner will be here to answer questions, and you will have the opportunity to meet our hand-picked expert vendors. Come get a firsthand look at the planners who will be making your big day a magical experience.