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Cherry blossom, Toronto, is a yearly and eagerly awaited sight for all citizens and tourists worldwide. This article will help you dive into the sea of cherry blossoms.
1. Family and Genus of Cherry Trees
The Cherry Blossom tree is a part of the genus Prunus or Prunus subg. Species of cherry blossoms are common in East Asia, Korea, China, and mainly Japan. Wild species are distributed along the Northern hemisphere.
2. History of Cherry Blossom Toronto
Cherry blossoms are native to Japan. Here is a brief history of when and how the cherry blossom trees find their way to Canada and North America.
After WWII, Japan gifted 2000 Japanese Sakura trees to the citizens of Toronto as a thank gift for Toronto’s support of Japanese-Canadian refugees. Maybe that’s why Cherry Blossom Toronto is strictly maintained and looked after by corporations.
The ancient wild species of the cherry tree are today mutated and are known as cultivars. Cherry blossom, Toronto, is also the cultivar.
3. Cherry Blossom Season in Toronto
Cherry blossom season is a month-long, though time depends upon prevailing weather conditions. Cherry blossom trees in Toronto are in full bloom in late April or early May.
4. Cherry Blossom Tree – Areas in Toronto
If you wish to enjoy the evening out or relax under the cherry blossom trees in Toronto, here is a list of beautiful cherry blossom areas in Toronto, along with the address to help you reach on time.
4.1. High Park
Toronto High Park sees the highest concentration of cherry blossoms in Toronto. If you are a photo buff, cherry trees on the west road of Grenadier Pond are the prime location.
High Park cherry blossom trees are the prime location for picnickers, walkers, and leisure strollers. The other rare species add to the vivacity of the place. Most of the cherry blossom trees in the high park are found near hillside gardens and a few near duck ponds. The 399 acres of Toronto High Park allow you to click a few photos while you enjoy the main path.
High Park cherry trees, located in downtown Toronto is the best place to take a quiet stroll along the pathways.
4.1.1. Address
1873 Bloom St W, Toronto
4.2. York University
Cherry trees at York University’s Keele campus serve a twin purpose. The 100 sakura trees beautify the campus and allow researchers to understand global climate shifts.
York University is the first university to join the sakura project.
4.2.1. Address
4700 Keele St, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
4.3. Trinity Bellwoods Park
At Trinity Bellwood’s Park, find cherry blossom trees with the backdrop of the CN tower. The south end of the 38-acre park has a circular garden, and most of the cherry trees encircle it.
The benches and shelter belts allow you to enjoy the spring scene and let the beauty of pink blossoms seep through you. It presents a unique view of Cherry Blossom Toronto.
4.3.1. Address
790 Queen ST. W., Toronto
4.4. Centennial Park
The title of the second largest concentration of cherry blossoms in Toronto is held up by Centennial Park Boulevard and the area closest to Rathburn road. With over 200 cherry trees, slightly less than the High Park cherry trees count, Centennial Park Boulevard is the place for athletic activities. BMX bike parks, soccer fields, and baseball are a few of them.
4.4.1. Address
151 Elmcrest Road, Etobicoke, ON
4.5. Broadacres Park
At Broadacres Park, around 100 cherry trees at the southwest corner near Elderfield crescent offer a peaceful walk. Broadacres Park is the least busy area to enjoy sakura trees.
The park is not as crowded as High Park. Therefore Broadacres Park is worth visiting if you love peace.
4.5.1. Address
35 Crendon Dr, Etobicoke, ON.
4.6. Exhibition Place
Head to the Exhibition Place if you wish to experience beauty with historic fervor. Located in downtown Toronto, cherry trees are spread across the exhibition grounds. Enjoy the beautiful scenery and take photos of the historical backdrop. The place is as crowded as High Park.
4.6.1. Address
100 Princes’ Blvd, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
4.7. Cedarvale Park
The trail along Cedarvale Park welcomes you either for a light stroll or a slight pass on your bike. Take a walk with your furry friend and let him enjoy the off-leash dog area.
The workout at outdoor fitness accessories lets you breathe in the subtle fragrance of Cherry blossom Toronto while you breathe heavily.
4.7.1. Address
443, Arlington Avenue, York.
4.8. Edwards Gardens
Edward Gardens is the botanical garden of Toronto. 8 out of 10 beautiful trees of cherry blossoms are primarily located near the garden’s courtyard, near the botanical garden’s parking lot. The rest of the 2 is on the west side of the ravine close to Bridal Path. Parking for this location is accessible.
Cherry Blossom trees are few, but other flower species also bloom here in the spring.
4.8.1. Address
755 Lawrence Avenue East, North York, ON M3C 1P2, Canada.
4.9. Birkdale Ravine
The Birkdale Ravine in Toronto Scarborough campus is a hillside garden with hills at the south end. The 50 beautiful young trees in front of the Humanities wing are a great spring walk.
Around 45 trees are donated by Toronto’s sister city Sagamihara in Japan.
4.9.1. Address
1265 Military Tr, Toronto Scarborough campus.
4.10. Woodbine Park
Woodbine Park offers multiple facilities and enjoys the peak bloom period of cherry blossoms. Apart from it, the bike trail, bottle filling station, drinking fountain, parking lot, splash pad, sports field, and washroom facility add comfort to its visitors’ fun and frolic.
Facilities are available at permit and can be chosen from the A, B, and C categories.
4.10.1. Address
1695 Queen ST E
4.11. John P Robarts Library
Whether you are a student or not, you are bound to stop at the mere glance of cherry blossoms, popularly known as U of T (University of Toronto). The Consulate General of Japan gifted the Japanese sakura tree to Toronto as a part of its Sakura Project.
It embarks the friendship between Japan and U of T.
Cherry trees were planted at the corner of Huron Street and Harbord Street, making Robarts library a comfortable spot for cherry blossom lovers.
4.11.1. Address
130 St. George St, Toronto, ON M5S 1A5, Canada
4.12. Torontos Centre Island
Cherry blossom Toronto island park, i.e., Centre Island, is where to spend time.
Centre Island is the most popular of the Toronto islands in Lake Ontario. It is a famous gateway for tourists and locals alike.
This family-friendly island boasts 30 sakura trees blooming near William Meazy Maze. Center Island in Lake Ontario is perfect if you want a day trip away from the city’s hustle and bustle.
You can reach it by taking a ferry ride. Ferry docks are nearby the beachside.
Entrance to this island is included in the $8.50/ adult ferry ride.
4.12.1. Address
9 Queens Quay W, Toronto.
Cherry Blossom Toronto blooms for a short duration, but there is no shortage of activities in some locations mentioned above. Do follow the 10 most beautiful parks in Toronto for year-round fun.
5. How to Celebrate Cherry blossom Season in Toronto?
The sakura trees bloom for about a week or ten days. You must be wondering how to spend a short-duration peak bloom period. Follow this to have the best of the cherry blossoms in Toronto:
The parks where the cherry blossom trees bloom are the perfect picnic ‘Hanami’ areas in Toronto, Canada.
Post-pandemic places like High Park and other locations of cherry trees are the ideal places to spend time with loved ones and reclaim the perfect photos.
Rejuvenation, the fleeting nature of time, and the temporary nature of beauty are ideologies treated as hidden gems behind cherry blooms. Why not ponder on these while enjoying the cherry trees?
6. Some Don’ts while Savoring Cherry blossom Toronto
Cherry trees hold political and functional significance for the city of Toronto. Here is the list of some don’ts to be followed while you are out to visit these lovely flowers.
- Climbing the cherry blossom trees is a strict no.
- The beauty of cherry blossoms might tempt you to touch beautiful flowers, but cherry blossoms are fragile at peak bloom. So, Never touch or pull the branches of the cherry trees.
- It will help if you don’t grab a branch for your candid photo.
- Plucking off the blooms is strictly prohibited.
- Taking a twig as a ‘souvenir’ is not allowed as the small hole may invite pests and diseases to enter the cherry tree.
- Stay on the trails to protect the cherry blossoms bloom surface.
Most cherry blossom parks in Toronto follow the ‘leave no trace’ policy; please follow it hard.
7. Takeaway
Poets and writers have long adored flowers as their writing prompt. Cherry Blossom Toronto is no different. Along with the harbinger of spring, they bring forth life’s fickleness. They teach how to rise again year after year.
Cherry blossoms and leaves of cherry trees are savored in Japan as tea and added flavors to bakery products.
If you wish to participate in these beautiful cherry blossoms in Toronto, join the Sakura Project. This project aims to plant more sakura trees. If you want to donate to the Sakura Project, click here.
In me, Cherry blossoms have filled a positive note. They may not be present for 350 days in a year, but some things are eagerly awaited and longed for.
So, Cherry blossom Toronto sums up as:
“Leafless but not Lifeless
Picnic areas but not pick areas.”
I end by saying that wherever you are, spread joy no matter how long.
Last Updated on by ayeshayusuf
