Toronto and the GTA are home to many blooming Sakura trees.
From mid-April into May, explore this seasonal phenomenon of cherry blossoms by visiting these places in and around Toronto.
The exact time the trees bloom is dependent on the weather. Warm winter and spring will see the sakura blossoms bloom by mid-April and, if cooler spring, by Mother’s day weekend.
Here are 20 parks worth a trip to see cherry blossoms in and around Toronto.
Cherry Blossoms in Toronto:
High Park
Visit High Park, located in downtown Toronto to catch a glimpse of Cherry Blossoms in bloom. Stroll along pathways and take photos of these beautiful and expansive trees in all of their short-lived glory. The best time to visit is typically around mid-April to early May, although the seasons can change slightly from year to year.
Address: 1873 Bloor St W, Toronto (Directions)
Admission: free
Cedarvale Park
Discover cherry blossoms while walking or riding a bike down the main trail of Cedarvale Park. Bring along your canine companion and hang out in the off-leash dog park. Or enjoy the outdoor facilities and fitness equipment as you welcome spring amidst the cherry trees.
Address: 443 Arlington Ave, York (Directions)
Admission: free
John P Robarts Research Library
Located in the heart of downtown Toronto, just minutes from Queen’s Park, you can view 70 cherry trees along the pedestrian pathways. Stroll along both Huron Street and Harbord Street to catch the cherry blossom petals.
Address: 130 St George St, Toronto (Directions)
Admission: free
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Toronto’s Center Island
Escape the city and catch a ferry to Toronto’s Center Island. During the season, you can see 30 Sakura trees in bloom beside the William Meazy Maze. Make a day trip out of your visit and enjoy the facilities and amenities found on this family-friendly island.
Address: 9 Queens Quay W, Toronto (take a ferry from here) (Directions)
Admission: $8.19/adult ferry ride
Trinity Bellwoods
If you venture towards the west end of downtown Toronto, you will come upon Trinity Bellwoods Park, home to 70 Sakura trees, found towards the south end. The area is also spacious and social, welcoming people from the neighborhood and beyond to picnic, play sports games, and enjoy the beautiful outdoors.
Address: 790 Queen Street W., Toronto (Directions)
Admission: free
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Woodbine Park
In 2017, Ward 32 Councillor at the time Mary-Margaret McMahon announced that Woodbine Park would be donated 20 Sakura trees as a gift from the city’s Japanese partners. Since then, 50 more were presented, and in 2018, Woodbine Park held their first Cherry Blossom Festival. The park offers another excellent alternative for Torontonians to enjoy the seasonal petals.
Address: 1695 Queen St E, Toronto (Directions)
Admission: free
Birkdale Ravine
The Birkdale Ravine in Scarborough offers a view of the blooming cherry blossoms towards the rolling hills on the park’s south side. There have been 45 cherry trees donated to the ravine by Toronto’s sister city in Japan. Enjoy a peaceful walk through the beautiful trees and cascading petals.
Address: 71 Lyon Heights Rd, Scarborough (Directions)
Admission: free
University of Toronto Scarborough Campus
Although it is a small cluster, 50 cherry trees are located by the Humanities Wing of the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus. Students and campus visitors alike can enjoy the blossoms in bloom while strolling the university grounds.
Address: 1265 Military Trail, Scarborough (Directions)
Admission: Campus parking fees may apply
Centennial Park
In addition to features such as playgrounds, sports fields and a wading pool, the park is also dotted with 463 cherry trees that bloom in season. Visit this popular park and enjoy outdoor activities underneath the beautiful pink blossoms.
Address: 256 Centennial Park Rd, Etobicoke (Directions)
Admission: Free
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Broadacres Park
In 2002, there were 100 cherry trees planted in Broadacres Park, and starting around mid-April, you can view the pink blossoms as they emerge from their branches. The trees are located at the southwest corner, near Elderfield Cresent. If you prefer to view these cherry blossoms in peace, you are in luck as Broadacres Park is one of the least busy areas to appreciate Sukura blossoms.
Address: 35 Crendon Dr, Etobicoke (Directions)
Admission: Free
Cherry Blossoms in Mississauga:
Kariya Park
Otherwise known as the ‘Sister City,’ Kariya Park is a Japanese-style garden that is home to many plant and flower varieties including cherry trees. Visit the area to see blooming trees as well as sculptures, rhododendrons and the pavilion.
Address: 3620 Kariya Dr, Mississauga (Directions)
Admission: free
Cherry Blossoms in Brampton:
Joyce Archdekin Park
Joyce Archdekin Park is home to a smattering of cherry trees, which gathers a small crowd when the blossoms are in bloom. Luckily, this park is far less congested than other areas within the GTA. Visitors have also noted that the cherry trees in Joyce Archdekin tend to produce more bountiful blossoms. The park is also easily accessible via public transit and by car, as parking is readily available.
Address: Main St S, Brampton (Directions)
Admission: free
Cherry Blossoms in Oakville:
Gairloch Gardens
Situated between Lakeshore Road and Carincroft Road sits the magnificent Gairloch Gardens. During cherry blossom season, you can view some Sakura trees in bloom. It is also a popular location for hikes, wedding photography, and dog walkers. The area is small but welcoming and provides beautiful views of the cherry trees and Lake Ontario.
Address: Lakeshore Rd E, Oakville (Directions)
Admission: free
Cherry Blossoms in Burlington:
Royal Botanical Gardens
During the season, cherry blossoms come alive at Canada’s most extensive botanical gardens. The Arboretum offers gorgeous views of trees up close, particularly in the spring when the petals begin to bloom. In fact, flowering cherry trees are one of the park’s main attractions. Enjoy hiking along the walking trails or explore three different gardens within the massive property.
Address: 680 Plains Rd W, Burlington (Directions)
Admission: Adults-$19.50. Seniors: $16.50. Childer 12-4-$11.50
Spencer Smith Park
Stroll down to the waterfront of downtown Burlington and explore Spencer Smith Park. The area offers a beautiful view of the beach and is decorated with lovely cherry trees. Find yourself sitting on a park bench while the blossoms cascade from above.
Address: 1400 Lakeshore Rd, Burlington (Directions)
Admission: free to visit
Waterfront at Downtown Burlington
This popular area for both Burlington dwellers and tourists is dotted with Sakura trees, which had been donated by its twin city and Japanese partner Itabashi. The Waterfront is great for taking in the sights of the city and viewing the short-lived cherry blossoms.
Address: 2020 Lakeshore Rd, Burlington (Directions)
Admission: free
Cherry Blossoms in Hamilton:
Bayfront Park
In 2002, Hamilton’s Bayfront Park received a donation of Sakura trees from Japan. Throughout late April and early May, you can see the cherry blossoms in full bloom by travelling to the end of Harbourfront Drive, only minutes away from Hamilton’s downtown core. The area also includes picnic benches amidst bunches of wildflowers and a natural grass amphitheatre.
Address: 200 Harbour Front Dr, Hamilton (Directions)
Admission: free
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Cherry Blossoms in Niagara Falls Region
Queenston Heights Park
Queenston Heights Park offers a stunning view of pink cherry blossom petals in bloom. Visit this historical park and check out Brock and Laura Secord’s monuments, a bandshell, picnic areas, and tennis courts while the cherry tree flowers blossom during the height of the season.
Address: 14184 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara-on-the-Lake (Directions)
Admission: free to visit
Kingsbridge Park
If you take a short drive from Niagara Falls to where the Niagara River and Welland Canal intersect, you will come upon Kingsbridge Park. In season you will find a plethora of cherry trees with their blossoms in bloom. Kingsbridge Park also provides visitors with picnic areas, public washrooms, and walking trails.
Address: 7870 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara Falls (Directions)
Admission: Free (parking fees may apply)
Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens
Stroll along the 99 acres of the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens and catch the Sakura trees in bloom. The Botanical Gardens is also home to their world-famous rose garden, featuring 2400 flowers. Plan a trip to enjoy the beautifully landscaped grounds, featuring herb and perennials gardens.
Address: 2565 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara Falls (Directions)
Admission: free
We visited Gairloch Gardens in Oakville to see the cherry blossoms. Although it is a lovely park there were only 3 cherry trees so l was a bit disappointed as l expected to see more.