London city guide
For newcomers & families
Where the community is: South Asian grocers and restaurants cluster around White Oaks, Wellington Road and the Fanshawe College and Western University areas.
Health coverage
OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan)
Apply in person at a ServiceOntario centre with proof of status, residency and identity.
Driver’s licence
Ontario driver’s licence (ServiceOntario / DriveTest)
Licences from some countries can be exchanged; others start the graduated G1 → G2 → G process. Bring a letter of driving experience from your home country.
Getting around
London Transit Commission (LTC)
Pay with a LTC fare card.
Schools
Thames Valley DSB
London District Catholic SB
Public school is free for children of permanent residents and most work- and study-permit holders.
Free newcomer help
Cross Cultural Learner Centre
Settlement.Org
Settlement.Org (Ontario)
Free settlement services help with jobs, English or French classes, housing and paperwork.
First steps in Canada
Apply for your Social Insurance Number (SIN)
Canada Child Benefit for families
Open a bank account and get a local phone number in week one.
Read the full newcomer checklist →
Festivals & events
Diwali, Vaisakhi and Eid events are held at local gurdwaras, temples and mosques and by student associations.
Rules and programs change; always confirm on the official site before you apply.
Local directory
🍛 Indian restaurants
🍢 Pakistani restaurants
🥥 Sri Lankan restaurants
🥟 Nepali restaurants
🍬 Sweet shops & bakeries
🛒 South Asian grocery stores
🙏 Gurdwaras
🛕 Hindu temples
Shri Durga Mata Mandir, London Ontario (Maa Kamakhya Devi Baglamukhi Cultural Center)
7269 Westminster Dr, London, ON N6P 1N4
👗 Ethnic wear & jewellery
KDB-Kalirai’s Designer Boutique – Punjabi Suites – Sharara – Lehnga – Plazo
2342 Callingham Dr, London, ON N6G 0P4
💅 Beauty salons, threading & henna
⚖️ Lawyers & immigration services
CHK Immigration Services – London ✓
Suite 203, 555 Southdale Rd E, London, ON N6E 1A2
Altura Immigration Corp. c/o Aryan R Yaduvanshi
380 Wellington St Tower B, 6th Floor, London, ON N6A 5B5
Alyan Immigration & Legal Services
111Waterloo street, Suite 611, London, ON N6B 2M4
🍽️ Restaurants & cafés (all cuisines)
🧺 Supermarkets & food shops
Some listing details come from © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL) and may be out of date. Own one of these businesses? Add or update your listing for free.
