Where to Enjoy the Best of Toronto Cherry Blossoms (2024 Guide)

Last Updated on 26th June 2024 by Sophie Nadeau

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Toronto is home to a surprisingly great number of sakura tree and the beautiful cherry blossom season is celebrated with a festival in the Canadian city on an annual basis. Here’s where to enjoy the best of Toronto cherry blossoms, as well as what to know before you go.

When spring is in the air, the weather is getting warmer, and the days are getting longer, there is perhaps no greater joy than the cherry blossom season, which tends to span from the end of March until the middle of April (though exact dates depend on the weather and how the winter pans out).

After a long winter in Toronto, one of the first signs that the weather is starting to change is when the flowers start blooming in and around the city.

Indeed, when this time comes, visitors can enjoy the tradition of sakura hanami (cherry blossom viewing whereby the viewer enjoys the transient nature of the flowers).

The majority of cherry blossoms in Toronto are the Somei-Yoshino and it is predominantly this sakura variety that is found in High Park.

It is also this cherry blossom variety, characterised by its pale pink flowers, that is one of the first to bloom. The cherry blossoms bloom for about a week and a half.

Where to see cherry blossom in Toronto

High Park

Not only is High Park one of the largest and most popular parks in Toronto, but it also happens to be the best place to see cherry blossoms in the Canadian city. The ornamental flowering cherry trees on Cherry Lane were gifted to the City of Toronto by the citizens of Tokyo in 1959.

The cherry trees signified the friendship between the people of Canada and the people of Japan. Today, High Park boasts over 2000 trees. Following the initial donation of around 2000 trees, a further 23 were donated in 2001, followed by another 16 in 2006.

High Park is a large open space and so you won’t be able to see all of the cherry blossom trees in a single visit. Instead, it’s best to focus on several smaller areas. The most popular places to enjoy the Sakura is on Cherry Hill, the Hillside Gardens, on West Road, and on Centre Road.

Since seeing the cherry blossoms at High Park is one of the most popular activities in Toronto in the springtime, the place can get very busy, very fast.

This is particularly the case during the weekends and later on in the day. If you’re able to, go to see the blossoms in the early morning and mid-week. No vehicle access is allowed into the park during cherry blossom season.

Centennial Park

Yet another location where visitors can enjoy beautiful cherry blossom trees is in Centennial Park. Indeed, Centennial Park boasts the second largest concentration of cherry blossoms in Toronto!

The park was opened to the public by the City of Toronto in 1967 and now boasts over 400 cherry blossom trees, with trees planted in 2002, 2005, 2009, 2010, and 2011. The biggest concentration of cherry blossom trees in the park is in the Northeast corner.

Birkdale Ravine

Located in the Scarborough district of the city, Birkdale Ravine is a small park that boasts a cherry blossom tree tunnel. In 2016, Sagamihara (Toronto’s sister city in Japan) gifted 45 trees that were planted in the park.

Broadacres Park

Yet another smaller park where visitors can enjoy the cherry blossom trees is in Broadacres Park. 100 sakura trees were planted in November 2002 close to Elderfield Crescent in the Southwest corner of the park. Due to its out of the way location, Broadacres Park is one of the least busy locations to see the Toronto cherry blossoms.

Robarts Library

One of the smaller collections of sakura trees in Toronto is located around the Robarts Library. In October 2005, 70 trees were planted at the corner of Huron Street and Harbord Street. Robarts Library is in downtown Toronto, making it one of the easiest blossom spots in Toronto to reach.

Trinity Bellwoods Park

Second only to High Park in terms of popularity (particularly during the weekends), Trinity Bellwoods Park is home to some of the most beautiful cherry blossoms in Toronto. The park is home to around 70 blossom trees.

If your frame your photos correctly (and are southeast of Trinity Circle), then you can even capture cherry blossom photographs with the CN Tower in the background! The area around is home to a number of coffee shops, not to mention that the park itself is a great place to enjoy a picnic.

Toronto Island Park

There around 30 cherry blossom trees in Toronrto Island Park. The sakura were planted in 2011 and the island park itself is accessible via ferry from the mainland. Toronto Island is also referred to as Centre Island.

Things to know before visiting the cherry blossoms in Toronto

Arguably one of the most important tips to ensure the protection of the cherry blossom trees for the future is to enjoy the trees with your eyes only.

Don’t pick the flowers or touch the trees as this can harm the precious sakura trees and leaving them alone will ensure that they will stay beautiful for generations to come.

Map of where to find cherry blossoms in Toronto

What to wear for a cherry blossom photo shoot

There is no set style of dress or colour that you should specifically wear when taking your photo under a cherry blossom tree. With this being said, some colours pop more than others.

Pastel hues and light clothing is always a great choice, as are floral prints. Flowing designs such as long skirts and dresses can often compliment the flowing of the flowers.

Where to stay in Toronto

Budget: This low cost option is a hostel a short walk away from Greektown. There is the option of a dorm room or a private room for an extra fee (for additional privacy), free Wi-Fi, and lockers with power outlets, as well as a common area with a TV. Check prices and availability here.

Mid-range: This affordable four-star hotel is located in downtown Toronto, meaning that it’s easy to get around the rest of the city and reach all of the Canadian city’s major attractions. Highlights include free Wi-Fi, and an indoor and outdoor pool. Check prices and availability here.

Luxury: For those who are looking for the crème de la crème when it comes to experiences in Toronto, you need to look no further than this five star establishment. Amenities include a pool, restaurant onsite, and free Wi-Fi. Check prices and availability here.

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