Toronto 
Cherry Blossoms in Toronto’s High Park are expected to be in bloom this weekend.
According to High Park Nature Centre, the cherry blossoms have entered Stage 4 of the blooming process, with their delicate white flowers beginning to emerge as of April 16. Stage 4 is when peduncles or flower stems are getting longer, and the individual florets can be clearly seen.
Stage Five, known as “Fluffy White,” occurs 4-6 days before peak bloom, as the white cherry blossoms start to open, with each flower blossoming at different times.
The peak bloom, Stage Six, when at least 70% of the blossoms are open, is anticipated to occur on Monday, April 22. The flowers can last anywhere between 4-10 days, depending on the weather conditions. Cool, calm weather can prolong the bloom period, while warm, unsettled weather may cause it to be shorter.
The blooms will last 4 to 10 days after the full bloom depending on the weather.
Many of the Sakura trees in High Park are roughly 60 years old. In 1959, the Japanese ambassador to Canada presented 2,000 trees to the people of Toronto on behalf of the people of Tokyo.
The trees were planted in appreciation of Toronto accepting Japanese-Canadians following the Second World War. Many of these trees were planted on the hillside overlooking Grenadier Pond. A grove of cherry trees donated by Yoriki and Midori Iwasaki was planted in 1984 in High Park, In 2001 and 2006, a total of 50 additional cherry trees were planted as part of the Sakura Project, a symbol of friendship between Japan and Canada.
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CHERRY BLOSSOM TRIP PLANNING – 2024
High Park’s Cherry trees are concentrated in three areas in High Park – Cherry Hill, near the sports fields and at the Jamie Bell Playground.
The city will not allow parking inside High Park during the peak bloom period. Vehicle access with the exception of TTC Wheel-Trans vehicles will be restricted. High Park will continue to be closed to vehicle traffic on weekends and public holidays.
The closure dates are weather-dependent and will be announced when the bloom period is determined.
Trackless Train:
This year, Trackless Train will be running again. Trackless Train is a 30-minute scenic ride weave through the park, picking up other passengers along the way. Tickets can be purchased from the train operator. The tickets allow for one stopover and you can hop back on.
Dates (Full Bloom): Expected to reach full bloom by April 22, 2024. Once open, flowers last from 4-10 days, depending on the weather conditions.
WHERE: Most of the Cherry blossoms are located along the hillside beside Grenadier Pond.
Photo Credit: Google Maps/High Park Nature Centre
PARKING DURING PEAK CHERRY BLOSSOM SEASON:
NO PARKING AND NO CARS:
The park will be closed to vehicles during this time (day and night).
Use public transit to reach High Park and trackless train once in High Park. Motorists can expect delays in the area and should consider alternate methods of transportation. High Park or Keele stations are nearby. Find parking near High Park.
COST:
Free admission
Trackless Train:
Adults (age 12 to 65): $7/person
Children (age 11 or younger): $5/person
Older Adults: (age 66 or older) $5/person
WEATHER:
DIRECTIONS:
See here for more details.
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Where can we buy trackless tickets?
Where is the best place to get on the trackless train, ride the whole loop and return. Would like to bring my elderly mom who cannot walk far at all. We are from out of Toronto area so will need to drive down as she can’t manage public transit. thanks
My mother and I will Uber down to the park. Could you please tell me the best entrance to enter? Would it be Bloor and Parkside? She is 87 and I’m trying to minimize the walking. Thank you.
Bloor, The Trackless Train will be running, so you can use that to get around. Tickets ($4 to $5) allow for one hop-off.