Sakura season is upon us and there is no shortage of pink petals to admire in our city. According to Toronto’s local cherry blossom expert, High Park’s trees are on track to peak bloom as early as this Thursday. However, if you’d like some insider tips on where to see cherry blossoms in Toronto without the High Park crowds, we’re happy to report that there are plenty of gorgeous and lesser-known options all over town.
According to the City of Toronto, these 14 parks, ravines, and green spaces in Toronto are home to cherry blossom trees that are just waiting to be enjoyed.
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Birkdale Ravine
This Scarborough ravine is a great destination for some prime cherry blossom spotting. According to the City, the trees are planted as a tunnel near the Pomeroy St and Lyon Heights Rd entrance There are 45 trees in total, which were donated by Toronto’s sister city in Japan, Sagamihara, a few years back.
Where: 1100 Brimley Rd
Broadacres Park
There are 100 blooming trees to see at this Etobicoke park, which are visible from the road so you know exactly where to go. The cherry trees are located in rows near the southwest corner of the park near Elderfield Cres.
Where: 35 Crendon Dr
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Cedar Ridge Park
You likely won’t find much of a crowd at this park during cherry blossom season since there are only five sakura trees to spot. The trees are located north of the Cedar Ridge Creative Centre, according to the City.
Cedarvale Park
This sprawling green space and nature trail in midtown is home to plenty of blooming cherry blossoms. There are paved paths that take you near the trees, so you can make an afternoon stroll out of it. If you’re bringing your pup along, Cedarvale has a massive dog park too.
Where: 443 Arlington Ave
Centennial Park
This Etobicoke park rivals High Park during cherry blossom season, with over 460 trees planted over the past 20 years. You’ll find the blooming sakuras all along Rathburn Rd on Centennial Park Blvd, and northeast of Centennial Park Conservatory.
Where: 151 Elmcrest Rd
Cherry Street and Villiers Street
Paved pathways will take you past dozens of trees along the waterfront. The trees are at the northeast corner of this intersection, which you can stop by and enjoy before making your way to the nearby Cherry Beach.
Where: Cherry St & Villiers St
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Edwards Gardens
There is so much to see at this gorgeous park and botanical garden in North York, including some cherry blossom trees. There are eight medium trees to see near the water fountain by the Edwards Garden courtyard, and two mature trees at the Bridal Path entrance on the west side of the ravine.
Where: 755 Lawrence Ave East
Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre
Located near the Aga Khan Museum, this cultural centre has plenty of sakura trees to see from late April to mid-May. The trees are planted on the north, south and east sides of the parking lot with more on the north side of the building.
Where: 6 Garamond Crt
John P. Robarts Research Library
Many locals know that the green space outside of University of Toronto’s Robarts Library blooms during cherry blossom season, making for some gorgeous photo ops. There were 70 trees planted back in 2005, many of which are located at the corner of Huron Street and Harbord Street, lining the walking path.
Where: 130 St George St
Toronto Island Park
There are around 30 cherry trees to see during your trip to the Toronto Islands, which are located on Centre Island beside William Meany Maze. You’ll have to hop on the ferry to catch a glimpse of these trees, making it the perfect excuse for a spring day trip.
Where: Take the ferry at 9 Queens Quay W
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Trinity Bellwoods Park
You’ll be able to see the sakura trees in all their glory this spring at Trinity Bellwoods Park. Be sure to bring a picnic blanket and sit under a canopy of pink petals. Many of the trees are located near the entrance to the park along Queen St West near Gore Vale Ave and are visible from the street as well as the paved pathways.
Where: 790 Queen St W,
University of Toronto Scarborough Campus
There are plenty of trees to see at the U of T Scarborough campus, 50 of them to be exact. The trees are located in front of the Humanities Wing, the ideal setting for a springtime stroll.
Where: 1265 Military Tr
Woodbine Park
There are 20 cherry blossoms to see at Woodbine Park, which have been planted as a tree tunnel along the curved path next to the pond. However, these trees are not mature, so these views may not compare to the likes of High Park. But, it’s still worth the visit, especially for its close proximity to the beach.
Where: 1695 Queen St E
York University
You might be surprised at just how many cherry blossoms there are to see on the York University campus. The City says that 250 of them were planted from 2003 to 2007, so you’ll be spoiled with gorgeous views if you stop by for a visit during the peak blooming season.
Where: 4700 Keele St
