Things To Do
in Ingersoll

Ingersoll is a small, family-friendly town in Oxford County, Ontario, known for its agricultural roots and welcoming community. Nestled among fields and orchards, it offers a quiet, rural atmosphere with accessible amenities and a growing selection of shops and eateries. It sits within easy reach of London and Woodstock, making day trips convenient while preserving a distinct hometown feel.

Visitors can enjoy outdoor trails, farmers markets, and a strong sense of local pride in a town that blends tradition with small-town charm.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the Ingersoll Museum, where you can immerse yourself in the rich history of this charming town. Stroll through the well-preserved streets lined with historic buildings and learn about the local heritage. Don't forget to grab a coffee from a nearby café to fuel your explorations.

afternoon
:

After lunch at a local eatery, head over to the Ingersoll Golf Club for a leisurely round of golf or simply enjoy the scenic views of the lush greens. For those who prefer indoor activities, the local art gallery offers rotating exhibitions showcasing the work of local artists. Take some time to shop at the quaint boutiques and specialty shops that dot the main street.

evening
:

As the sun sets, enjoy dinner at a cozy restaurant that highlights Canadian cuisine, where you can savor locally sourced ingredients. Post-dinner, take a peaceful walk in the nearby parks, where you can soak in the tranquil ambiance of the evening. End your day by unwinding at one of the local pubs, enjoying a craft beer while mingling with the friendly locals.

day 2
Nature Walks and Wildlife Watching
morning
:

Begin your day early with a nature walk at the nearby Thames River, where you can observe the beautiful flora and fauna unique to the area. Bring your binoculars for bird watching, as this region is home to various species that thrive along the riverbanks. Enjoy the crisp morning air while taking in the peaceful surroundings.

afternoon
:

After a picnic lunch in one of the scenic spots, embark on a guided wildlife tour to learn about the diverse ecosystems in and around Ingersoll. This experience will allow you to spot local wildlife such as deer and various bird species in their natural habitat. Make sure to capture the stunning landscapes on your camera as you trek through the trails.

evening
:

As dusk approaches, return to the town for a casual dinner at a family-friendly restaurant that serves hearty comfort food. After dinner, visit the local community center, where there may be events or activities happening, offering a glimpse into the vibrant community life. Cap off the day by relaxing in a nearby park, watching the stars come out in the clear night sky.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
🧺Grocery for a week for two$70-120
🏠Rent for 1-bedroom apartment (city center)$900-1300/mo
🚗Gasoline (per liter)$1.60-2.00
🍽️Dinner for two at mid-range restaurant$50-90

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Friendly small-town atmosphere with easy access to nature
  • Safe, walkable downtown and friendly locals
  • Close enough to London and Woodstock for big-city amenities
  • Seasonal markets and community events
  • Limited nightlife and large-city amenities
  • Smaller selection of dining options compared to bigger cities
  • Seasonal weather can affect outdoor plans

Places to Visit in Ingersoll

Visit one of these nice places.

Thames River Overlook

Easy-access vantage points along the Thames River with rural and waterway views.

Downtown Historic Streets

Photogenic storefronts and heritage architecture on Ingersoll’s main streets.

Ingersoll Community Park

Open green spaces and landscaped areas offering candid lifestyle shots.

Sunset at Riverside Path

Waterfront trails offering silhouettes and sunset compositions.

Culinary Guide

Food in Ingersoll

Ingersoll offers a relaxed rural-to-urban dining mix, with farm-to-table fare, comforting bakery items, and Canadian classics featuring local produce and dairy.

Ingersoll Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Butter Tarts

A classic Ontario dessert; flaky pastry with a rich, gooey center found at many local bakeries.

Must-Try!

Ontario Beef with Seasonal Veg

Casual plates at local eateries featuring regional beef and fresh produce from nearby farms.

Maple-Glazed Pastries

Sweet treats using local Ontario maple syrup from nearby producers.

Farm-to-Table Bowls

Dishes highlighting local grains, vegetables, and dairy from nearby farms.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Ingersoll Farmers Market (seasonal)

Seasonal market offering fresh produce, honey, baked goods, and artisanal products from nearby farms.

Climate Guide

Weather

Ingersoll experiences four seasons with warm summers, cold winters, and moderate springs and falls. July highs typically in the low to mid-20s Celsius, while winter temperatures often dip below freezing with snow possible from December through February.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greeting

A polite greeting and a friendly tone go a long way; casual conversations are common in shops.

Queuing

Stand in line and wait your turn; avoid cutting in line.

Noise levels

Be mindful in residential areas and keep voices moderate, especially in late evening.

Safety Guide

Safety

General safety is good; stick to well-lit areas at night, keep valuables secure, and be aware of traffic when walking near busy roads. Emergency services are accessible via 911, with nearest hospitals in Woodstock or London.

Tipping in Ingersoll

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Standard 15-20% at restaurants and for service; rounding up at cafes is common. Tip more for excellent service.

Payment Methods

Debit, credit, contactless payments, and cash are widely accepted; many places support tap-to-pay.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild days with fresh greens; keep an umbrella handy for spring showers; markets reopen as produce appears.

Summer

Warm days ideal for outdoor trails, markets, and patio dining; stay hydrated and sun-protected.

Fall

Vibrant foliage and harvest activities; great for golden-hour photography and scenic drives.

Winter

Cold temperatures with occasional snow; many outdoor spaces are quiet but offer peaceful scenes; dress warmly.

Nightlife Guide

Ingersoll at Night

Ingersoll’s nightlife is low-key, with cozy pubs, casual eateries, and occasional live music or community events. Expect a friendly, family-friendly atmosphere rather than urban club scenes.

Hiking in Ingersoll

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Thames River Trail – Ingersoll segment

Riverside trails offering scenic views and easy-to-moderate terrain.

Oxford County countryside trails

Rural trails through farmland and woodlands within a short drive.

Komoka Provincial Park (near London)

Forest trails, boardwalks, and wildlife viewing within a reasonable driving distance.

Airports

How to reach Ingersoll by plane.

London International Airport (YXU)

Nearest major airport located about 60–70 minutes by car; well-served with domestic flights and connections.

Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF)

Larger international airport about a 1.5-hour drive; offers more international options.

Getting Around

Walkability

Ingersoll has a compact downtown core that is comfortable to explore on foot, with most services within a short walk. Outside the core, distances can be longer and a car is convenient for reaching trails and neighboring towns.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

A significant portion of the town’s population comprises families with children, supported by good schools and parks.

Seniors

An aging population with active community centers and healthcare services.

Young professionals and artisans

Growing mix of residents attracted by affordable housing and local cultural initiatives.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Hockey

Ice hockey is a staple winter sport in the region, with local leagues and clinics.

Baseball/Softball

Popular in parks and community leagues during spring and summer.

Soccer

Amateur leagues and pickup games are common in parks and recreation facilities.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is generally light in Ingersoll, with typical rush hours around commuting times to nearby cities. Public transportation is limited; having a car is convenient, and regional routes connect to London and Woodstock. Driving along Highway 401 nearby makes day trips easy.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Ingersoll.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many downtown cafes offer veggie bowls, salads, and dairy-based sides; ask for vegetable-forward options and substitutions where needed.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Ontario residents use OHIP; Ingersoll has clinics and a small medical center, with more extensive care available in Woodstock and London. Emergency care would typically be at Woodstock General Hospital or London Health Sciences Centre, depending on the need.

Discover Canada

Read more in our Canada 2025 Travel Guide.

Canada Travel Guide