Mid-April to May is cherry blossom season, and the famous sakura flowers aren’t just specific to Japan. Many parks and forests around Toronto allow residents to experience the vibrant pink flowers right here at home.
Sakuras, or cherry blossoms, are spring-blooming pink flowers on trees. Toronto received over 2,000 of its cherry blossom trees by the Japanese ambassador in 1959. The gesture was one of friendship by the citizens of Tokyo.
The city was given additional trees by multiple gifters in 1984 and 2000.
Now, cherry blossom trees can be found in multiple areas around the city, and we’ve rounded up some picturesque locations in Toronto where you can spot them.
High Park
High Park tends to be the most populated spot when it comes to cherry blossom viewing, with the park being home to about 100 trees.
According to Steven Joniak, Toronto’s cherry blossom expert, the cherry blossoms in High Park are expected to reach peak bloom by the end of April and into May.
“Weather conditions to date are pushing the High Park cherry blossom bloom dates,” Joniak stated on his website.
Joniak added the blossoms in the park have entered stage 2, where the buds have turned green at the top. As temperatures rise, he states the buds will continue into stage 3, where florets will become more prominent. Stage four is the last stage before the blossoms open up.
Exhibition Place
If you aren’t looking to get caught up in the crowds of High Park, you can still check out over 60 cherry blossom trees near Exhibition Place.
The sakuras can be seen at a parkette by Manitoba Dr. and Canada Boulevard, Princess Margaret Fountain across from Queen Elizabeth Theatre, near 109 Prince Edward Island Crescent and along Yukon Place.
There are a total of 93 trees on the grounds.
Legislative Assembly of Ontario/Queen’s Park
Here, three trees were gifted to the city by the Japanese Consulate in 2005.
They can be found in the park area near the main Legislative Building, on the south side by Queen’s Park Crescent East.
Toronto Island Park
Centre Island, beside William Meany Maze, is home to about 30 cherry blossom trees for residents’ viewing.
These trees can be accessed by taking the ferry or a water taxi at 9 Queens Quay West.
Trinity Bellwoods Park
Sakura trees are able to be seen at the centre of Trinity Bellwoods Park, near Queen Street West and Gore Vale Avenue.
Universities
About 50 cherry blossom trees can be viewed in front of the Humanities Wing at the University of Toronto, Scarborough campus.
Additionally, about 100 trees can also be found at York University, with their main grove located along Arboretum Lane.
Anyone looking for more sakura tree locations can visit the City of Toronto’s cherry blossom page.
