The City of Toronto is expecting cherry blossom (Sakura) trees across the city to reach peak bloom over the next couple of weeks. This annual rite of spring is a popular natural phenomenon Torontonians and visitors will soon be able to enjoy at several locations across the city. There are more than a dozen locations across Toronto where cherry blossoms can be enjoyed, many of which are easily accessible by public transit:
To help manage the volume of visitors to High Park, vehicle access and parking inside will be restricted starting on April 22 for the duration of peak bloom, with the exception of TTC Wheel-Trans vehicles.
For more information on when the High Park cherry blossoms are in bloom, please visit the High Park Nature Centre’s webpage.
Cherry blossoms typically last between four and 10 days depending on weather conditions. More information including a map of locations and accessibility information is available on the City’s Cherry Blossoms webpage.
In 1959, the Japanese ambassador to Canada presented Sakura trees to the people of Toronto on behalf of the people of Tokyo. The trees were planted in appreciation of Toronto accepting relocated Japanese Canadians following the Second World War. Many of these trees were planted on the hillside overlooking Grenadier Pond in High Park.
Continuing this symbol of friendship since this original presentation, the City, the Consul-General of Japan in Toronto, the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre and private donors have continued to plant Sakura trees across Toronto.
Visitors are asked to stay on paved pathways and trails, avoid climbing the cherry blossom trees or removing blossoms or branches and use designated bins for litter and recycling.
Residents and visitors can also support Toronto’s Sakura trees through the City’s DonateTO webpage.
Contributions support planting new trees, maintaining existing trees and enhanced landscaping at cherry blossom tree locations. Donations also support interpretation and education around cherry blossom trees.
Photos of the cherry blossom trees can be found on the City’s webpage.
“Cherry blossom season is back, and I look forward to seeing residents and visitors enjoying the blossoms in parks across the city. These beautiful Sakura trees are a wonderful reminder of the ongoing friendship and relationship shared between Japan and Canada.”
– Mayor Olivia Chow
“It is always a special time of year when the Sakura trees are in bloom in High Park. Plan your trip using TTC or other means and take in the beauty of the cherry blossoms. Please enjoy the Sakura trees respectfully so future generations can also enjoy them.”
– Councillor Gord Perks (Parkdale-High Park)
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