It’s officially the short but magical cherry blossom season in Toronto, and the city is taking full advantage as evidenced by the crowds at High Park this past weekend!
As the delicate pink blooms only stick around for several weeks, now is the perfect time to experience them in a park near you.
For an extra-memorable way to celebrate cherry blossom season, consider taking a day trip this weekend to the Sakura Festival in Burlington, located just an hour’s drive from Toronto.
Returning this Saturday May 10, 2025 for its 36th year, this beloved annual event is organized by the Burlington Mundialization Committee and celebrates the city’s special connection with its sister city, Itabashi, Japan.
The festival offers an afternoon of cultural experiences, featuring live Japanese drumming, traditional dance performances, and captivating karate demonstrations. To close, visitors will also be treated with exhilarating yosakoi dance by Sakuramai Toronto.
During your visit, be sure to stroll through the stunning cherry blossom trail in Spencer Smith Park. Here, around 40 cherry trees line the lakeside path, forming a tunnel of soft pink petals that are beyond Instagram-worthy.
The festival kicks off at 1 p.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m. at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre, found at 440 Locust St, Burlington.
Please remember to keep cherry blossom viewing etiquette in mind, not only at the festival, but for all Sakura trees. Stay on existing trails and don’t climb the cherry trees or pull on their branches or blooms, as it can severely damage them.
While in the area, you can also find more cherry blossom trees at the Royal Botanical Gardens, or take a detour to Mississauga’s Kariya Park, a Japanese garden home to around 80 cherry blossom trees, waterfall, koi pond, and tranquil greenery.