Flame of Hope, Memorial in London, Ontario, Canada.
The Flame of Hope is a stone monument with a gas-fed flame that stands at the entrance to Banting House National Historic Site in downtown London, Ontario, Canada. The monument was placed directly in front of the house where Frederick Banting first developed his ideas about insulin.
The monument was built in 1989 to mark the contribution of Frederick Banting, who began developing his ideas about insulin in this house in the early 1920s. He later continued his research at the University of Toronto, where the first successful tests on humans took place.
The flame draws visitors who have a personal connection to diabetes, turning the site into a place of quiet reflection rather than just a historical stop. Many people leave flowers or small tributes near the stone base, making the visit feel personal and direct.
The monument sits right on the sidewalk in front of the house and can be seen from the street at any time of day. The interior of the adjacent historic house is open to visitors and guided tours are available through the on-site museum.
The flame is intended to burn until a cure for diabetes is found, which gives it a stated purpose that goes beyond a typical memorial. Prince Charles lit the flame in person during a visit to Canada in 1989, which added a notable moment to its opening.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
