Canadians in London: Private Heritage Tour in a London Taxi

Uncover London's deep-rooted Canadian connections on this immersive private tour, exploring historic sites and stories with a knowledgeable driver-guide on this half-day tour in an iconic London Taxi!

On your private tour, you will: 

• See Canada House, once home to the Union Club and transformed into the High Commission of Canada in the UK since 1925;
• Hear about the key role during World War II of the Canadian Military Headquarters in Britain and their role in coordinating Canadian contribution to the Allied war effort;
• Pass by Trafalgar Square and discover that the original fountains are now in Ottawa;
• Drive along The Old Canada Pacific Building at Trafalgar Square, once house to the Canadian Pacific Railway's European headquarters, with its original name still printed in gold on the building;
• See the original Grand Trunk Railway of Canada Building, which served as the European headquarters for the Grand Trunk Railway, a major Canadian transportation network;
• Discover the plaque of Colnel John By, one of the greatest early engineers who built the Rideau Canal and Founder of Ottawa; 
• Learn about GR Collis Silversmiths who manufactured The Stanley Cup back in 1893;
• Pass by The Maple Leaf Pub at Covent Garden, the one and only Canadian sports pub in the heart of London!
• Drive by the Canadian Gate towards the Canadian Memorial at Green Park which commemorates the Canadian soldiers, sailors and airmen who served alongside British forces in both World Wars. 

Discover Canadian history in the heart of London on this exclusive tour, travelling in style in an iconic London Taxi. Begin your travels at a convenient pick-up point from central London. From there, you will be transported through history with engaging commentary from your knowledgeable driver-guide.

Your first stop is Canada House, a symbol of the long-standing friendship between Canada and the UK. Originally the Union Club, it was acquired in 1923 by Mackenzie King, then Prime Minister of Canada, and declared the finest site in London. This building was refurbished and reopened by Queen Elizabeth II in 2015, showcasing a blend of historic elegance and modern greatness.

Next, visit Trafalgar Square, where the original fountains were sent to Canada, with one now in Ottawa and the other in Regina, Saskatchewan. On Cockspur Street, discover the history of the building constructed in the 1920s by the Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada. During World War II, it served as the Canadian Military HQ in Britain, a testament to militarian collaboration.

The tour continues to the old Canada Pacific Building, which served as the London offices for the Canadian Pacific Railway Company and its subsidiaries. At the Grand Trunk Railway Building, designed by Aston Webb and built in 1907, learn about Canada's role in rail transportation. See the inscriptions of The Grand Trunk Railway of Canada still visible from the street!

Pause at Lambeth Embankment to honour Colonel John By, born nearby and celebrated for his distinguished military career and founder of the City of Ottawa. A plaque marks his contribution to the construction of the Rideau Canal.

A visit to 128 Regent Street unveils the story of G.R. Collis Silversmiths, where the Stanley Cup, the National Hockey League's championship trophy, was manufactured in 1893. Stroll past The Maple Leaf Pub in Covent Garden, originally owned by Canada's largest brewery, Molson, offering a touch of Canadian hospitality in the heart of London.

Your last stop will be the Canadian Memorial at Green Park commemorating Canadian soldiers, sailors, and airmen who served alongside British forces in both World Wars. The Canadian Gate, symbolically pointing towards Halifax, Nova Scotia, marks the departure point for many Canadian service personnel heading to Europe. Unveiled by the Queen in 1994, this site reminds us of shared sacrifices. 

As you journey down The Mall, marvel at the statues of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, before returning to your hotel.

This immersive tour weaves the historic ties between Canada and the UK, offering a unique perspective on London's rich Canadian heritage. For the history enthusiast and the simply curious alike, this tour provides a memorable and informative experience.