Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Toronto [2023]

  • Last Updated: April 15, 2023
Best Places to See Cherry Blossom in Toronto

It’s cherry blossom season in Toronto. For the last seven years I visited all sakura spots and I can suggest best time and places to enjoy the pale pink aesthetics around the GTA

If you’re also interested in other unique Toronto sights, be sure to check out the best waterfalls in Toronto or the best sunflower fields around the GTA. These are also perfect locations for a picnic or nature walk!

Summary

When's The Best Time To See Cherry Blossoms in Toronto?

The best time to see cherry blossoms in Toronto is typically late April to early May when the trees are in full bloom. However, since weather can play a factor in when these flowers reach peak bloom, it’s always a good idea to check ahead of time before making any plans. 

You can find updated information on the city’s website, or if you’re in the area, simply ask a local for the latest updates.

How to Get The Most Out of Cherry Blossom Season

While the blooming period for cherry blossoms is relatively short, there are still plenty of ways to make the most of it. Here are a few tips:

Check the forecast and plan accordingly: The last thing you want to do is show up to your chosen spot only to find that the blossoms have already peaked. Rather than relying on the forecast, why not try tracking the trees yourself? Sites like “Tree Tracker” provide monthly updates of wherever the trees are in their blooming cycle.

Pack a picnic: This is a great way to make your cherry blossom viewing experience more memorable. Just be sure to choose a spot that’s away from branches and leaves, as picnics under cherry blossom trees can become quite messy!

Get there early: Not only will you avoid the crowds, but you’ll also get to see the blossoms in all their morning glory.

Take plenty of pictures: After all, what’s the point of seeing such beauty if you don’t capture it to share with others?

If you’re looking for even more ways to make the most of your cherry blossom experience, be sure to check out online resources like blogs and travel guides. With a little research and planning, you’ll surely have an unforgettable time during this beautiful season.

How long is the cherry blossom season?

The cherry blossom season in Toronto typically lasts for about two weeks, usually in late April to early May, depending on weather conditions. The peak bloom period, when the majority of the cherry blossom trees are in full bloom, typically lasts for about a week. 

There are several places where you can enjoy these stunning flowers. Here are some of my favorite places to see cherry blossoms in Toronto:

Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Toronto

1. High Park

Flickr/The City of Toronto

High Park is the most famous place in Toronto to see cherry blossoms. The park has over 2000 cherry blossom trees and holds a Sakura cherry blossom festival every year. The majority of the cherry trees at High Park are situated on the western side of Grenadier Pond.

Planning your cherry blossom viewing? Check out blossom watch for when the trees will be in full bloom.

Location Information:

Address: 142 Colborne Lodge Dr.

Visitor Reviews:

“Park that one want to visit especially during cherry blossom, spring and summer time. This park has loads of colorful trees, flowers, water bodies, falls and scenic views across the park. One can do picnic roam around the park and click some nice views and pictures with colorful trees and flowers variety. It's awesome place to be at and spend hours with family and friends. Especially kids are going to love this park.”
“One of the biggest park by area in Toronto. visited here in April last year. Park has many cherry blossom trees that bloom during spring. Easy access through TTC/bicycles. You can roam around the park in your bicycle. One of the must visit place during spring.”

Pros

  • Most famous place in Toronto to see cherry blossoms
  • A large number of cherry blossom trees
  • Annual Sakura Cherry Blossom Festival
  • Amenities: picnic areas, walking trails, and playgrounds

Cons

  • No vehicle and parking access during peak bloom season
  • Limited parking, difficult to find parking
  • Crowded and can be difficult to find a good viewing spot

2. Trinity Bellwoods Park

Google/Dorothy

Another popular park to view cherry blossoms located in the heart of downtown Toronto. With a lot of restaurants and cafes around, you will have a lot to explore in the area. You can even have a picnic under the shade of the cherry trees.

Location Information:

Address: 790 Queen ST. W.

Visitor Reviews:

“Lovely park in the city for walks, runs, bike rides, tennis, etc. Close to good restaurants and bake shops so you can also have a picnic. Beautiful place to admire cherry blossom trees in the spring. ❤”
“Unexpectedly got to experience the First Bloom of cherry blossoms this year. There are numerous cherry blossom trees, didn't find the need to go to High Park only for the specific occasion. Otherwise, the park is clean, nice to spend the evening here.”

Pros

  • Famous CN tower as a backdrop
  • Amenities: washrooms, kids playground, pool etc
  • Located in the downtown area, easily accessible by public transit

Cons

  • Limited parking in the area
  • No designated events or festivals

3. John P. Robarts Research Library

The University of Toronto’s Robarts Library is home to several cherry blossom trees. You can find the cherry trees along the walking path at the intersection of Huron Street and Harbord Street.

Location Information:

Address: 130 St George St.

Visitor Reviews:

“My experience is only of the Cherry Blossoms here. It was pretty and not very crowded. Plenty of parking around. Great to go out for a walk too.”
“Beautiful library! I didn’t get to check out the inside because it was closed when I went but the cherry blossoms were beautiful!”

Pros

  • First cherry trees to bloom in the city
  • Located in the heart of the University of Toronto campus
  • Easy access by public transit

Cons

  • Limited parking in the area
  • Not as many cherry blossom trees as other locations
  • No designated events or festivals

4. Centennial Park

Google/cj13822

Centennial Park has the second largest amount of cherry trees after High Park. You can find most of the cherry trees along Rathburn Road, on Centennial Park Boulevard and northeast of Centennial Park Conservatory.

Location Information:

Address: 151 Elmcrest Rd.

Visitor Reviews:

“Conservatory was awesome. A lot of rare and beautiful plants and flowers. Very artisticly arranged plants in very small spaces. Some exotic plants also nicely kept. Good place to take pictures. It was strange that there was no admission fee.”
“Gem in the city! This little conservatory provides peace for the tired souls. You can spend some time there among lush tropical plants, listening to classical music and feel completely recharged. And it's free! And they have beautiful seasonal exhibitions. Love it! These are the photos I took at their chrysanthemums exhibit.”

Pros

  • Free parking in the park, within walking distance to view spots
  • Located in Etobicoke, away from the downtown congestion
  • Amenities like picnic areas, walking trails, and playgrounds
  • TTC bus stops along Rathburn Road

Cons

  • No paved pathways
  • No designated events or festivals

5. Kariya Park

Kariya Park is a Japanese-style park in downtown Mississauga. The park was built to commemorate the sister-city relationship between Mississauga and Kariya, Japan. I would recommend visiting on a sunny day, the reflection of the cherry trees on the water is definitely Instagram-worthy.

Location Information:

Address: 3620 Kariya Dr

Pros

  • Several cherry blossom trees
  • Japanese-style park with a peaceful atmosphere
  • Amenities like walking paths and gardens

Cons

  • Limited parking in the area
  • No washroom
  • Small space, can be crowded

6. Edwards Garden

Photo by Toronto Botanical Gardens

Edwards Gardens, located in the heart of Toronto, is a beautiful botanical garden that features a beautiful setting for viewing cherry blossoms during the spring season. There are 8 medium trees located near the water fountain near the courtyard and there are 2 mature trees by the bridal path entrance on the west side of the ravine.

Location Information:

Address: 755 Lawrence Ave. E.

Visitor Reviews:

“Absolutely beautiful park! It's perfect for spending some time relaxing and exploring nature either by yourself or with family/friends. Washrooms were very well maintained and actually very clean! Also, there are so many photogenic spots (cherry blossoms! lakes! bridges! rivers! and more! even a fun little learning garden for children) you can get very creative. I'd come visit every week if possible!”

Pros

  • Paved pathway
  • Parking lot on Leslie Street at the Toronto Botanical Gardens
  • Easily accessible by TTC

Cons

  • Paid parking
  • No dogs allowed

7. Toronto Island Park

Google/Eric Lam

Toronto Island Park is a beautiful natural oasis just a short ferry ride away from downtown Toronto. There are approximately 30 cherry trees located on Centre Island beside William Meany Maze, which were planted in 2011.

Location Information:

Address: Take ferry at 9 Queens Quay W

Visitor Reviews:

“Love this place! So beautiful. You can catch amazing views of the city from here and it is so beautiful to walk and have a picnic. Benches everywhere and you can rent bikes too.”
“This is such a beautiful place! Despite living in the GTA for over 10 years, I knew very little about Toronto Island and all the wonderful things here. The greenspaces are perfect, the beach is clean, there are so many things to do and see. It’s a great way to spend the day!”

Pros

  • Paved pathway to cherry trees
  • Accessible washroom
  • Less crowded

Cons

  • Long walk from and to the ferry
  • Could be a long line to get on the ferry

8. York University

Google/Hakki Karaimer

York University, located in the northern part of Toronto, is home to a beautiful cherry blossom view. There have been 250 cherry trees planted throughout the campus since 2003. 

Location Information:

Address: 4700 Keele St.

Visitor Reviews:

“Beautiful campus worn gorgeous cherry trees)”

Pros

  • Easy access by TTC
  • Washroom on campus

Cons

  • Not a park for kids and dogs

9. Exhibition Place

Google/Tyler S

​​Exhibition Place is a popular destination for events and exhibitions, and the cherry blossom trail is a wonderful addition. You can see cherry trees throughout the grounds and 68 trees were planted in 2002.

Location Information:

Address: 100 Princes Blvd.

Visitor Reviews:

“Loved the flower show and the sand sculptures. Great candy apples.”
“Cherry blossom CNE”

Pros

  • Paved pathway
  • Easy access by TTC and GO

Cons

  • Expensive paid parking

FAQs

In Toronto the most common ones are Yoshino and Satozakura.

Yes, there are several events and festivals that take place during cherry blossom season in Toronto, including the Sakura Cherry Blossom Festival at High Park and the Hanami Festival at Trinity Bellwoods Park. These events typically feature music, food, and cultural activities celebrating the cherry blossoms.

Some of the more popular locations, such as High Park, can get quite crowded during peak bloom periods, but there are usually quieter spots to be found within the parks. Other locations, such as York University, are less well-known and offer a more peaceful experience.

Some parks have paid or free parking but they are taken very fast during peak season. It is also a good idea to go by public transit to avoid parking hassles.

Final Thoughts

In terms of crowd and parking, High Park tends to be the most crowded and difficult to find parking during peak bloom period, while Trinity Bellwoods Park and Robarts Library may also be crowded, but are easily accessible by public transit. Centennial Park and Kariya Park are less crowded and have fewer parking issues, but may not have as many cherry blossom trees or designated events as other locations.

If you enjoyed this article, you might also be interested in:

Weekend activities in Toronto

Moru Li

Moru Li

Meet Moru, a talented marketing manager who has called Toronto home for over a decade and truly adores the city. Learn More About Moru

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