New to London? Let’s Get Social
Welcome to London, Ontario, a city where the Thames is smaller, the people are friendlier, and the social scene is hiding in plain sight behind community centres, dodgeballs, and suspiciously enthusiastic pickleball players.
If you’re new to town, congratulations: you’ve arrived in a city that quietly excels at helping adults make friends without forcing awkward icebreakers like “two truths and a lie.” Below is a curated, slightly cheeky guide to London’s social and recreational clubs, because belonging shouldn’t feel like a full-time job.
For the Sporty (or “I Own Sneakers, That Counts”) Crowd
Forest City Sport & Social Club: The unofficial social engine of London (and St Thomas). Dodgeball, soccer, volleyball, cornhole, and yes, people actually stay after to socialize. Ideal if you want friends and a mild sense of cardio-based accomplishment.
Jess Jones Recreational Therapy: Where recreation meets well-being, minus the pressure. Inclusive, supportive, and thoughtfully designed programs that prioritize connection over competition. A gem if traditional sports aren’t your thing.
The City Has Entered the Chat (and It’s Actually Fun)
London Recreation and Sport: Swimming, skating, golf, day camps, drop-ins, basically the adult version of a well-funded playground. Pro tip: this is one of the most affordable ways to try new activities in town
City of London Sponsored Programs: Pilates, pickleball, parent-tot skating, and more. Use the filters like a dating app for hobbies: narrow down by age, interest, and level of enthusiasm.
London Community Centres: These are the unsung heroes of social life, hosting everything from craft nights to cultural events. If London had a living room, this would be it.
When You Just Want to “See What’s Out There”
Meetup: London: Hiking groups, board games, tech talks, book clubs, all populated by people who also thought, “Surely there must be others like me.” There are.
Eventbrite: London: From trivia nights to workshops to pop-up festivals. Ideal for spontaneous plans and pretending you’re “very busy socially” now.
Discord: London: A hub for chats, local tips, gaming, and random memes, perfect for when you want to peek into London life without leaving your couch. Think of it as “seeing what’s out there,” but in real time, with people who actually live here.
LGBTQ+ Community: Inclusive and Welcoming
London LGBTQ+ Community Centre: The heart of queer life in the city. Social groups, peer support, events, and resources, all grounded in acceptance and community.
Forest City Queerios: A grassroots, social-first group that proves friendship often begins with “Hey, want to go for coffee?”
QueerEvents.ca: Your go-to hub for LGBTQ+ social groups and events across the region. Think of it as your queer social calendar, sorted.
For Newcomers: Building Community From Day One
CCLC – Community Connections: Programs and events designed to help newcomers connect, settle, and feel at home - socially, culturally, and practically.
LUSO Community Services – Community Connections: Supportive, welcoming programs for youth and adults alike, with a strong focus on inclusion, connection, and belonging.
London isn’t loud about its social scene; it doesn’t need to be. It’s built on small, consistent spaces where people show up, try something new, and end up making friends. Join a league. Take a class. Go to the thing. You don’t have to reinvent yourself, just bring curiosity and maybe a reusable water bottle.
Welcome to the city. You’re already doing great! ☺️
