Attention Students! 10 Things To Do In London Before Winter Arrives

Soon the hats, toques, mitts and wool-lined boots will be pulled out from storage. Get the most out of the sunny days left this fall by checking off these must-do activities. By Lindsay Marcaccio, King's University College Communications Intern

1. Stargazing at the Hume Cronyn Memorial Observatory

Henry Leparskas / Via westerngazette.ca

Put a sparkle in your date's eye viewing the stars and planets through powerful telescopes. Engage in conversation with the experts on hand. Take a step back in time through the 1940 and 1967 period rooms. Upcoming public nights are Monday, November 13 and Saturday, November 25 from 7pm to 9pm. For a special out of this world treat, celebrate International Observe the Moon Night on Saturday, October 28 from 5pm to 9pm. Free admission.

2. Ziplining or Mountain biking at Boler Mountain

Via bolermountain.com

Looking for an adrenaline rush? Head over to Boler Mountain to fly through the Carolinian forest on the Big Zip. An 1,100-foot drop of pure excitement. If you prefer to keep your feet below tree-top level, get social on the cross country mountain bike trails. Choose from advanced and beginner trails. Or sign up for lessons.

3. Kustermans After Dark Fall Festival

Via kustermans.ca

Get your freak on at Kusterman's Farm after dark. Find your way by moonlight through the haunted corn stalks and barns. Get your heart beat up and try to keep the screams down on the Coffin Ride Simulator. Don't miss out on the fall favourites either: zip line, jumping pillows, corn cannon, farm market and delectable eats. Tickets and group rates available.

4. Catch a show at the Stratford Festival

Via niagarafallstours.com

To watch a play or not to watch a play? That is the question. The answer of course, is yes! Book your tickets for Guys and Dolls running until November 5. After the play, fall down the rabbit hole and enjoy dinner at Red Rabbit or another of Stratford's culinary hot spots. Extend your stay overnight at a cozy B&B or a boutique hotel. Don't miss the buy one ticket get one for $1 special offer.

5. Walk the beach at Port Stanley

Via Flickr: 65103228@N02

Port Stanley's Main beach is easy to stroll from sunrise to sunset. 2 KM of sand extend from the east end of Main Beach to the west end of Erie Rest Beach. After your stroll say hello to any number of local merchants. Or refuel with a hot beverage or something a little stronger at an outside terrace.

6. The Midnight Village: Donnellys After Dark

Fieldhouse Photography / Via fanshawepioneervillage.ca

There are some shady characters in old London town's past. Learn the dark secrets of the Donnelly family by the light of a ghostly lantern as you walk in the footsteps of their tumultuous past. Tours available at Fanshawe Pioneer Village on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in October. Purchase tickets to The Midnight Village online or at the door.

7. Hit up a trail

Via alltrails.com

London isn't called The Forest City for nothing. Choose from a wide variety of trails: Fanshawe Lake Trail, Kains Woods, Westminster Ponds, Thames River Loop, Sifton Bog and Kilally Meadows. There's even one behind King's: St Peter's Seminary Trail. Don't forget your binoculars to catch a closeup of local wildlife. Pick up a Thames Valley Trail guide at Mountain Equipment Co-op. User ratings and comments available at All Trails.

8. Grand Theatre

Via londontourism.ca

The Grand Theatre is bringing energy and talent to downtown London under the guidance of new Artistic Director, Dennis Garnhum. There's something for everyone! From classics and musicals to Bowie and Emm Gryner or comedian, Gerry Dee. Explore backstage, engage in performance talks before or after the shows. Find out ways to save as a student at The Grand Theatre.

9. Farmers' Market

Mike Hensen / Via lfpress.com

Let the promise of freshly baked goods and samples of artisan cheese lure you out of bed on Saturday mornings. Visit the Farmers' and Artisans' Market at the Western Fairgrounds 8am to 3pm on Saturdays. The Covent Garden Market is open Thursdays 8am to 2pm and Saturdays 8am to 1pm.

10. Enjoy a hot cuppa outside a café

Students are often fueled by coffee. Luckily London has a wide selection of locally owned cafés offering quality coffee and nibbles. Sample your way through the unique cafés: Black Walnut, London Bicycle, Fire Roasted, Locomotive Espresso or Edgar and Joe's. The Boombox Bakeshop even features vegan friendly and gluten free dishes to have with your caffeinated beverage of choice.