Transport
A strategic transportation hub
London is located at the intersection of two major highways:
- Highway 401: connects the city to Toronto and Windsor.
- Highway 402: connects the city to Sarnia.
The city also has many means of transportation:
- London Transit Commission (LTC): public transportation network.
- 330 km of bike paths.
- VIA Rail: rail connections to many Canadian cities. London is located on the Canadian National (Toronto–Chicago) and Canadian Pacific (Toronto–Detroit) main lines.
- London International Airport, offering domestic and international connections.
Good to know
The average rent for two-bedroom apartments in London is $1,548$. (September 2024 report, CMHC)
Housing
Wondering how to find accommodation in London when you decide to move there? As in other major Canadian cities, the city offers a variety of options to suit different needs and budgets: apartments, houses for rent, etc.
To assist you, several French-speaking community organizations and local partners can refer you to:
- reliable resources for finding housing;
- information about your rights and responsibilities as a tenant;
- Practical tips to better understand the housing market in London.
If you are looking for accommodation before you arrive in Canada, the Connexions Francophones pre-departure service can provide you with useful information (subject to eligibility).
Thanks to this support, French-speaking newcomers can settle into a safe, welcoming environment that is conducive to their integration.
Please feel free to consult the section Getting established and integrate to discover all the services offered in French to newcomers, including assistance in finding housing.
Tools to help you: (in English only)
https://london.ca/living-london/community-services/rental-housing-support/information-tenants
Health Care
Franco-Health Access London (AFSL)
Access Franco-Santé London (AFSL) is a central access point for information, coordination, and navigation within health and social systems for the Francophone community in southwestern Ontario.
Since 2025, the AFSL has been offering a new service dedicated to supporting members of the Francophone Black community. This service aims to improve access to healthcare and health equity for the Francophone Black community in London and its surrounding counties.
Through this center, clients will receive information about services, referrals, or direct service offerings in French. AFSL collaborates with organizations to offer workshops on various topics related to health promotion.
Address: 920 Huron St, London, ON N5Y 4K4 (same office as the Carrefour Communautaire francophone de London)
Tel: 519-670-1996
Thames Valley Children's Center (TVCC)
TVCC works to help children and their families achieve the best possible quality of life. Through a variety of services, supports, and resources for children and youth with physical disabilities, communication disorders, developmental delays, and autism spectrum disorders, we aim to help our clients be their best!
Thanks to our partnership with AFSL, you can meet with someone based at CCFL who can assist you in French. French-speaking worker – helping children with autism
Find French-language services at the AFSL office.
Home Health Ontario
If you or someone you care about needs home health care services, school or community-based services, or if you are considering assisted living programs or long-term care options, please contact Home Health Ontario.
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Thames Valley
CMHA Thames Valley – Mental Health and Addiction Services is an integrated organization that provides community-based support services to individuals aged 12 and older in Elgin, Middlesex, and Oxford counties.
It is one of the largest branches of the CMHA federation. It has more than 650 employees and some 300 volunteers who provide services to communities in three counties with a combined population of over 635,000.
Created in April 2021, it is the result of a merger between three organizations (Thames Valley Addiction Services, CMHA – Elgin-Middlesex Branch, and CMHA – Oxford Branch) that are joining forces to better meet the mental health and addiction treatment needs of the Thames Valley community.
Website: https://cmhatv.ca/fr/
The Shelter of Support
Together for well-being
L’Abri du soutien is an initiative that aims to strengthen the emotional and social well-being of French-speaking newcomers to London and Ontario. This program, supported by the Canadian Mental Health Association Thames Valley and several partners, creates spaces for mutual aid and solidarity where everyone can feel listened to, valued, and welcomed.
Its objective:
- Breaking isolation and strengthening social ties.
- Promoting well-being and inclusion for all.
- Encourage listening and mutual support.
- Give newcomers a warm welcome.
What the program offers:
- Personalized support from trained and caring volunteers.
- Support tailored to each person's needs, in a respectful and inclusive environment.
- A constant presence at every stage of the integration process.
For more information: 519-673-3242 ext. 1133
Email: Labri.du.soutien@cmhatv.ca
The French Language Health Services Planning Center
In London and southwestern Ontario, access to French-language health services is supported by the French Language Health Services Planning Centre (FLHSPC). Created in 2025, the FLHSPC brings together the various health entities in the region. Prior to its establishment, Entity 1 – Erie St. Clair/Southwest was responsible for promoting and supporting French-language health services.
The CPSSF's mission is to ensure that the needs of Francophone communities are taken into account in all health-related decisions. This includes:
- the active participation of the French-speaking community;
- identifying health needs and priorities, including those of the various groups that make up the community;
- the designation of health service providers capable of offering care in French;
- developing strategies to improve access to and integration of French-language health services into the health care system;
- supporting organizations and partners to ensure that healthcare services are provided in a manner that respects the French language and culture.
In collaboration with hospitals, clinics, community centers, and other healthcare providers, the CPSSF is helping to build a more equitable, accessible, and inclusive healthcare system for Francophones in London and throughout the region.
Website: https://cpssf.ca/
London InterCommunity Health Centre
The London InterCommunity Health Center provides inclusive health and social services to people who face barriers to care. Its vision of health goes beyond physical well-being: it includes nutrition, housing, social connections, education, and community participation.
The interprofessional team (doctors, nurses, social workers, dietitians, mental health specialists, physical therapists, etc.) provides primary care, health promotion, and community development services.
The Center offers a variety of programs: support groups for newly arrived women, health services for transgender individuals, activities for seniors, nutrition workshops, risk reduction, community leadership, and more.
Its goal: to provide equitable care, give people a voice, and empower them to take action in the community.
Website: https://lihc.on.ca/acces-aux-services-et-information/
Franco-Health Network of Southern Ontario
The Franco-Health Network of Southern Ontario is a non-profit organization that works to improve access to French-language health services in southwestern Ontario, covering the London, Hamilton, Windsor, and other areas.
A leader in networking and needs analysis, he informs key stakeholders about the obstacles faced by Francophones, promotes cooperation between partners, and works to optimize the healthcare system in order to provide quality services.
Website: https://francosantesud.ca/
Vanier – Children's Mental Well-Being
For nearly 60 years, Vanier Children’s Mental Wellness supports children, youth, and their families in the London and Middlesex area. A non-profit organization accredited by CARF Canada, Vanier offers assessments, treatments, and support services such as family therapy, home-based treatment, and respite services.
As the lead agency in the region, Vanier works with its partners to improve the system and offer a full range of mental health services, from counseling and therapy to crisis, prevention, and residential support services.
Website: https://www.vanier.com/fr
In addition to the services listed below, don't hesitate to request interpretation services in hospitals so that you can receive care in French, if necessary.
Good to know
It was in London, Ontario, that Dr. Frederick Banting had the idea that led to the discovery of insulin in 1921, a medical breakthrough that revolutionized the treatment of diabetes. Today, the Banting House, nicknamed the “birthplace of insulin,” commemorates this discovery and houses the Flame of Hope, which will burn until a cure is found.
Arts and culture
The Carrefour culturel du Carrefour communautaire francophone de London (CCFL) promotes Francophone culture in London through a variety of activities that reflect its diversity and dynamism:
- community dinners,
- camps,
- film screenings and
- annual events such as:
- Black History Month (in February),
- the Franco-Fun Festival (at the end of June),
- National Francophone Immigration Week (early November) or
- Franco-Ontarian Day (in September).
The Cultural Club Rwandan ABAMARARUNGU is founded in 2018 by Sibylle Ugirase. Its goal is to introduce young people aged 7 to 17 in London to traditional Rwandan dances.
https://www.instagram.com/abamararungu_culture_group/
Discover ethnocultural associations to find out about other activities!
Many local partners also enrich Francophone cultural life, including:
- Southwestern Ontario Women's Network: https://rfsoo.ca/evenements/
- Southwestern Ontario Women's Hub: https://carrefourfemmes.on.ca/evenements/
Other organizations that occasionally offer cultural activities for French speakers include:
- The French Studies Department at Western University: uwo.ca/english
- Tourism London (londontourism.ca)
- London – City of Music (https://www.londoncityofmusic.ca/)
These collective initiatives help promote the French language in the region and create meeting places for everyone.
Good to know
London was the first Canadian city to be recognized as a City of Music by UNESCO!
Spiritual and religious life
The City of London is characterized by great religious and spiritual diversity. More than half of the population identifies with a Christian tradition (51%), with a strong Catholic, Anglican, and United presence. The city is also home to significant Muslim (6.71%), Hindu (1.71%), Sikh (0.81%), Buddhist (0.71%), and Jewish (0.41%) communities, as well as people who practice Indigenous spiritualities (0.11%).
The Catholic Community of Ste-Marguerite-d'Youville is the only church that celebrates Mass in French in the city of London every Sunday at 12:30 p.m. The chaplain for the French-language Mass is Brother Étienne Nadonye, who is originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Address: 1 Fallons Lane, London, ON N5V 5C1
Phone: 226-919-6407
Good to know
Discover the history of the Catholic Community of Ste-Marguerite-d'Youville by visiting this link. https://fanshawe-thames.dol.ca/communaute-catholique-ste-marguerite-dyouville
Western University provides its students and the community with a list of places of worship and spiritual practice covering a wide range of traditions. This resource allows everyone to find a space that corresponds to their faith or personal journey: see the list of places of worship at Western.
Sports and leisure
Biblio-Franco
The Biblio-Franco, located at the CCFL, is the only French-language library in London. Open to the entire community and families, it offers a wide selection of books: children's books, youth literature, documentaries, books on early childhood education, biographies, novels, wellness, Franco-Ontarian literature, and magazines.
Please note: London Public Library also offers a wide selection of books in French.
London Francophone Community Hub (CCFL)
The London Francophone Community Hub (CCFL) offers the public a wide range of sports activities suitable for all ages. See the full program here: CCFL sports schedule.
In addition, several Francophone ethnocultural associations in London regularly organize sports activities, contributing to the vitality and diversity of community life. Visit the page Ethnocultural communities to get to know them!
Lions Club SAS – Activities in French
The Lions Club SAS has been offering activities since 2013 paid in French in London, Ontario.
These programs are designed for children and adults who wish to practice French in a structured setting.
Activities offered:
- Swimming lessons (children and adults)
- Basketball, soccer, and arts classes
- French-language summer camps (ages 4 to 11)
Led by qualified French-speaking instructors, these services promote French language learning, personal development, and self-confidence in a safe and encouraging environment.
Spell it for me Canada London and surrounding areas
Spell Me Canada (SMC) is a bilingual educational program that encourages young French speakers and Francophiles to develop their language and social skills through extracurricular activities in French. Known for its national spelling bee, ÉMC also offers clubs. FRANCOFUN, where young people practice French in a fun way while building their self-confidence, leadership skills, and learning strategies.
Present in several communities across Canada, ÉMC also offers initiatives such as literary and writing contests, as well as programs for young leaders and entrepreneurs. These activities, led by volunteers and supported by educational tools, allow participants to combine learning, fun, and Francophone cultural heritage.
Épelle-moi Canada London Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/emclondonetenvirons
Email address: london@epellemoicanada.ca
Media
The London region benefits from a dynamic French-language media presence. You can follow local and regional news through:
- The Action, a French-language newspaper covering community, cultural, and social life.
- This is Radio-Canada, which offers news, programs, and reports in French. Bienvenu Senga is the journalist covering southwestern Ontario and is based in London. https://ici.radio-canada.ca/profil/24432/bienvenu-senga
- The Southwestern Ontario Directory, which brings together French-speaking resources and organizations in the region. https://laction.ca/?r3d=repertoire-des-services-en-francais-du-sud-ouest-de-lontario-2024
These media outlets allow us to stay informed, celebrate Francophone culture, and strengthen ties with the community.
Good to know
Arielle Kayabaga is the first Franco-Ontarian and first Black woman elected to the House of Commons as the Member of Parliament for London West. Elected in September 2021 under the Liberal banner, her election marks an important symbolic turning point. Originally from Burundi, she arrived in Canada at the age of 11 as a refugee.
UPCOMING ACTIVITIES
Find out what's coming up in London's French-speaking community, and join us for a great time.