Kat Harlton
Photos: Tiffany Shum
Happy Spring! It’s time to celebrate the return of warm weather and gorgeous blooms with our list of places to view stunning Cherry Blossom and Magnolia trees in Toronto.
Located in parks and other locations throughout Toronto, take part in the centuries-old tradition of hanami, the Japanese term for flower viewing. Called Sakura in Japan, these Cherry Blossom trees bloom at the end of April to early May, as do Magnolias.
Please do not climb the Cherry or Magnolia trees, pull on the branches or pluck off the blooms, as this can cause damage to the trees.
High Park
Address: 1873 Bloor Street West
High Park’s 399 acres in the middle of Toronto is an excellent getaway for children and adults of all ages. High Park is one of the most popular areas in early spring for those wishing to admire the beautiful cherry blossoms. Generally the bloom in late April or early May.
Most of the Sakura cherry trees are located around Hillside Gardens and there are a few by the Duck Pond as well.
The Cherry blossoms last for about a week to a week and a half if the weather is nice but if it rains while they are in bloom then the flower petals fall quicker and the blooming may be over in just a few short days. We reccomend going as early in the morning as possible to beat the crowds, especially on weekends.
Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre
Address: 6 Garamond Ct, North York
Founded in 1963, the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre (JCCC) is one of the largest and most vibrant Japanese cultural centres in the world. Their serene and modern grounds feature few stunning Sakura trees. The Cherry trees are located on the north, south and east sides of the parking lot with more on the north side of the building.
John P. Robarts Research Library
Address: 130 St George St.
The John P. Robarts Research Library is the main humanities and social sciences library of the University of Toronto and the largest individual library in the university. 70 Sakura trees were planted in October 2005 lining the walking path and are located at the corner of Huron Street and Harbord Street.
Trinity Bellwoods Park
Address: 790 Queen ST. W.
Trinity Bellwoods Park is 14.6 hectare park on Queen Street West at Strachan Avenue and was once the home of University of Trinity College (Trinity College). The gates at the southern edge of the park (facing Queen Street) were part of the former college and restored in 2007. The Cherry trees are visible from Queen Street, and line part of the pathway through the park.
Aga Khan Museum
Address: 77 Wynford Dr, North York
The Aga Khan Museum is a museum of Islamic art, Iranian art and Muslim culture. The Aga Khan Park which surrounds the museum features two kilometers of pedestrian trails and more than 1,000 shrubs and 500 mature trees, including the Magnolias (which are slightly different from Sakura) but look very similar. A formal geometric garden enclosed within a cedar hedge, the space contains five granite-lined pools in a quincunx pattern, whose mirror-like surfaces reflect its surroundings.
Did we miss one? Leave a comment! Let us know your favorite place to check out stunning Spring colors in Toronto.