Nothing marks spring in Toronto like cherry blossom season, and luckily, there’s no shortage of magical places in the city to find the beautiful pink flowering trees at!
While some destinations can certainly draw huge crowds, there are many lesser-frequented parks to head to for flower-viewing.
Here are 10 of the best places in Toronto you can find cherry blossoms at!
1. High Park
Home to around 2050 Sakura trees, many of which were donated from the Japanese ambassador to Canada in 1959, it’s no surprise why High Park is the city’s most popular destination for cherry blossom viewing each spring. Spanning 399 acres, you can find updates on the cherry blossoms at Sakura High Park blog by local expert Steven Joniak.
2. Trinity Bellwoods Park
In Toronto’s west end, Trinity Bellwoods Park has 70 Sakura trees in its south portion to snap your photos with, also boasting an incredible view of the CN Tower. Trinity Bellwoods also features ball diamonds, tennis and volleyball courts, a picnic area, children’s playground, and artificial ice rink.
3. Cedarvale Park
Head to midtown’s Cedarvale Park for a quieter cherry blossom-viewing experience, with dozens of Sakura trees spread throughout the park. A paved walking and biking trail will bring you right through the blooms, and you can bring your pup to its expansive off-leash dog park.
4. Centennial Park
Boasting Toronto’s second largest collection of Sakura trees, Centennial Park in Etobicoke is much quieter than High Park, also featuring a variety of flower types. You’ll find the cherry trees along Rathburn Road, Centennial Park Boulevard, and just northeast of the Centennial Park Conservatory.
5. Exhibition Place
Spanning 192 acres, Exhibition Place has 62 cherry trees to see located near Liberty Grand. The trees here are mostly of the Yoshino variety, which boasts delicate pink and white blooms. You can also use a map to see the exact locations of the Sakura Trees.
6. Birkdale Ravine
The 45 Sakura trees at this Scarborough park were donated by Sagamihara, Toronto’s sister city in Japan, planted in 2015 and 2016. You’ll find a tree tunnel of blooms located near the Pomeroy Street and Lyon Heights Road entrance.
7. Toronto Music Garden
This serene park along Toronto’s waterfront was inspired by Bach’s music, and is the perfect place to find brief refuge from the hustle and bustle of downtown. You’ll find a number of cherry blossom trees, as well as beautiful views of Lake Ontario and the CN Tower.
8. Robarts Library
Located on the University of Toronto St. George campus close to Queen’s Park, Robarts Library is home to 70 Japanese cherry blossom trees originally donated to the school as a gift from the Consulate General of Japan. You’ll find them along Harbord Street, with their delicate beauty contrasting the library’s Brutalist architecture.
9. Toronto Island Park
Toronto Island Park is an underrated spot for cherry blossom viewing, boasting 30 Sakura trees with stunning city skyline views. You’ll have to take the ferry or a water taxi to get there, which is all part of the adventure!
10. Edwards Gardens
This tranquil park and former estate garden in North York is home to a number of cherry blossom tree varieties. Edwards Gardens is perched adjacent to the Toronto Botanical Garden, and has tons of other flowers and plants to stroll amongst.