Toronto’s iconic cherry blossoms, especially in High Park, are expected to reach peak bloom starting May 5, lasting up to 10 days. Discover where to see these beautiful Sakura trees, access restrictions, and how to enjoy the blooms responsibly.
Toronto’s Sakura Trees Ready for Their Moment to Shine
Toronto’s beloved cherry blossoms, known locally as Sakura trees, are poised to reach their breathtaking peak bloom later this week, beginning May 5. This annual spectacle marks the moment when at least 70% of the blossoms are open, creating a stunning canopy of delicate pink and white flowers across the city’s parks.
High Park: The Heart of Cherry Blossom Season
High Park remains the premier destination for cherry blossom viewing, drawing tens of thousands of visitors each year. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience during the peak bloom, vehicle access and parking inside High Park will be restricted starting Monday, May 5. However, TTC Wheel-Trans vehicles will still be allowed to drop off visitors. Visitors are encouraged to use public transit or rideshares to avoid congestion.
Respecting Nature’s Beauty: How to Enjoy the Blooms
The City and High Park Nature Centre urge visitors to respect the fragile cherry blossom trees by refraining from climbing them or picking blossoms and branches. Staying on paved pathways helps protect ecologically sensitive areas within the parks, preserving the trees and surrounding habitats for future seasons.
More Than Just High Park: Other Bloom Hotspots
Beyond High Park, cherry blossoms can be admired in several other locations across Toronto, including Trinity Bellwoods Park, Birkdale Ravine in Scarborough, Centennial Park in Etobicoke, Toronto Island Park, and campuses of the University of Toronto and York University. With over 15 park locations showcasing the blooms, there are plenty of opportunities to experience this springtime wonder.
A Legacy of Friendship and Community
The Sakura trees have a meaningful history in Toronto. The first 2,000 trees were planted in 1959 as a gesture of gratitude from the Japanese ambassador to Canada, honoring Toronto’s acceptance of relocated Japanese-Canadians after World War II. Since then, the City of Toronto has continued to nurture and expand these groves through the Sakura Cherry Trees Project, which accepts donations to maintain existing trees and plant new ones.
Plan your visit soon-peak bloom typically lasts between four to ten days, depending on weather conditions. Capture the beauty, but remember to leave the trees as you found them for everyone to enjoy.
