Today we're checking into the first Hard Rock Hotel in Canada, and it happens to be in London, Ontario, a UNESCO City of Music. Here's how to have the perfect weekend getaway in The Forest City, including things to see, do & eat at 100 Kellogg Lane, an innovative entertainment complex that features restaurants, an adventure & trampoline park, and the brand-new London Children’s Museum.

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You’ll find the Hard Rock Hotel in the 100 Kellogg Lane complex, which used to be, you guessed it, a cereal factory. They’ve since transformed this space into the ultimate entertainment destination. But we’ll get to that a little later.

As you may recall, I have my own history with Hard Rock. Back in 2015, I hosted the World Burger Tour series where we travelled the globe to learn more about Hard Rock Cafe’s incredible menu.

And just like the cafe, the hotel is full of music memorabilia and nods to international and Canadian music legends. From original artwork, to instruments, to clothing worn by the likes of Tina Turner, Celine Dion, and Shania Twain. Every floor of the hotel is dedicated to the music world’s iconic couples, like Johnny and June Carter Cash, who happened to get engaged right here in London, Ontario. It’s basically a museum and you can even book a tour.

Room types

The Hard Rock Hotel isn’t just a place to crash — it offers an elevated, luxury stay with different room types depending on who you’re travelling with. We’ve got rooms for families, all the way up to premium VIP suites fit for a rockstar. So even if you aren’t, you can still treat yourself like one.

Guests also have access to first-class amenities, like a 24-hour fitness centre, and this gorgeous indoor/outdoor pool heated pool. Am I still in London, Ontario?

1913 Restaurant

We’re capping off our first day with dinner and drinks 1913 — the year that the Kellogg factory was established. It’s got an intimate, speakeasy vibe, with the flashy craft cocktails of a world-class bar, featuring infusions that are all made in house. The dishes here are Mediterranean-inspired so this spot really takes you do a different place and time.

Sessions & GMT-5

Sessions Restaurant & Bar is open all day, but where we’re grabbing breakfast & brunch, with some menu items that pay tribute to Kellogg’s.

Over on the other end is the lobby bar GMT-5, a classy space for drinks, live music, and afternoon tea. We’ve got an assortment of sweet and savoury snacks, and teas. My favourite way to unwind and indulge.

100 Kellogg

It’s time to check out what’s happening next door. 100 Kellogg may have roots as a cereal factory, but it’s been reborn an entertainment destination, and it’s one of the most exciting new additions to Ontario’s Southwest.

The Factory

The Factory is Canada’s largest indoor adventure park, with the highest indoor ropes course in North America, a zipline, obstacle course, and over 20,000 square feet of trampolines. Everyone is given their own special grippy socks, and away you go.

On the same floor, you’ll find an expansive arcade, VR games, a play centre just for kids, and even a slime factory. My ASMR dreams come true.

The Club House

Head upstairs and welcome to The Club House. This is not your average sports bar. We’ve got tons of simulators, duckpin bowling, and even a Canadian-themed mini golf course.

It’s next-level entertainment and perfect for parties, corporate retreats, or just another evening out, here in Canada’s London.

London Children’s Museum

But of course, there’s fun for kids too! The London Children’s Museum, the first of its kind in Canada, has now relocated to the fourth floor. It occupies 36,000 square feet of interactive exhibits, play areas, a planetarium, and a Discovery Lab where kids can get hands-on with STEM experiences.

I loved going to the Children’s Museum as a kid growing up in London, and it’s great to see that it has a new home here at 100 Kellogg.

Beer Kitchen

We’re concluding our stay at the Beer Kitchen, another one of the dining options here in the building. It’s a pretty big space with a menu of new and old world cuisine with seasonal specials, and what they call a “tank to glass experience” with some of the freshest locally crafted beers.

There’s programming throughout the week and we just happened to be in town for line-dancing. Though I think it’s better that I observe than participate.

Mona’s Meat Market

We can’t tell you much about the very last spot we checked out — it’s a true speakeasy. But the drinks were great, and the vibe and company were even better. This is the type of spot that takes you somewhere else and it’s not an experience I ever thought I’d have in London.

But hey, this whole weekend was full of surprises, and things I never thought I’d see right here in my hometown. 100 Kellogg and the Hard Rock Hotel are putting London, Ontario on the map and propelling us into the future. So next time you’re looking for a roadtrip or staycation, make a stop into the Forest City. You may be surprised — but you’ll just have to see it for yourself. A la prochaine!

Looking for more to do in London, Ontario? Check out the Dumpling Trail!