16 places to check out cherry blossoms in Toronto this spring

We mapped prime cherry blossom locations in Toronto to help with your seasonal excursion.

It all started with a gift. In 1959, Japanese ambassador Toru-Hagiwara gave the citizens of Toronto 2,000 cherry trees in recognition of how the city supported Japanese-Canadian refugees following World War II.

In the years since, viewing the blossoms from these trees has become an annual event. And not only are cherry blossoms lovely to look at — they’re also a symbolic part of Japanese culture.

“In Japan, the cherry blossom, known as Sakura, is a cherished national tradition and symbolic of spring, a time for renewal,’” says Toronto’s cherry blossom guru Sakura Steve. “The brief time they bloom reflects life’s fleeting nature and helps us truly appreciate the people and moments in our lives and all the beauty it has to offer.”

Typically, the trees bloom in late April to early May for four to 10 days, but the current environment has had an impact on the predictability of the bloom season.

"Climate change has made the blooming dates a moving target from year to year, so tracking the stages from bud to bloom is the only way to accurately know when will be the best time to see the sakura cherry blossoms at their best," says Sakura Steve.

So where can you catch these buds when they bloom? The City keeps a list of 16 spots you’ll be able find them — ranging in both popularity and number of trees.

Check the map for the locations and read on for a breakdown of each.

High Park

Several of the original 2,000 cherry trees were planted in High Park, and many more have been added over the years. Today, the park is synonymous with cherry blossoms, and a mecca for many who look forward to this annual event.

Because of its popularity, viewers should arrive early or prepare to wait to take that iconic spring snapshot.

It’s difficult to miss High Park’s cluster of cherry trees, but the best spot for viewing is near the Children’s Adventure Playground.

Woodbine Park

Twenty cherry trees were planted in Woodbine Park last year, and 50 more will arrive this year. While this spot can’t match the numbers of some of the other locations, it’s a great way to view cherry blossoms without being overrun by selfie-snapping crowds.

Woodbine Park is also an ideal place to enjoy a picnic or stroll after getting your fill of flowers.

York University

The picturesque York University campus is home to several cherry trees that signal spring and mark the beginning of the end of the school year.

Most of the campus’s 100 trees can be found south of Calumet College or near the Tait McKenzie Centre.

The University of Toronto Scarborough Campus

Fifty cherry trees were gifted to the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus in 2005 to symbolize the friendship between Ontario and Japan. The trees create a tunnel-like structure that is fun to walk through on a nice spring day.

You’ll find the U of T cherry trees between the social sciences building and the humanities wing (students refer to this part of the campus as “Sakura Grove”).

Toronto Island Park

There are 30 cherry trees located in Toronto Island Park, which makes this location one of the better options to snap some photos while escaping the hordes of crowds you’ll find at more popular spots.

You’ll find the trees on Centre Island beside William Meany Maze. Take the ferry over to check them out, then spend the rest of day walking around the island and in the sights.

Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre

An essential part of Japanese culture, cherry trees are planted all around the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre’s parking lot and just north of the main building.

The trees here were planted in three batches in 2002, 2004, and 2012.

Edwards Gardens

There are 10 cherry trees at Edwards Gardens — eight of those trees are near Edwards Garden Courtyard, and two others are near the Bridal Path entrance.

Edwards Gardens is also easily accessible for kids and people with impaired mobility, making it a popular tree-viewing spot.

Trinity Bellwoods Park

During the pandemic, the City of Toronto installed metal fences around the cherry trees at Trinity Bellwoods Park to avoid massive crowds, but those fences are gone now, and you can get as close to the trees as you like.

This park has several cherry trees set against a picturesque background, making it a popular Sakura-watching spot — get there early for unobstructed views.

Cherry St. and Villiers St.

It’s all in the name, and Cherry St. doesn’t disappoint when it comes to Sakura season.

There are 45 cherry trees on the northeast corner of where Cherry meets Villiers St., and each of which should be adorned with buds and blooms towards the end of April.

John P. Robarts Research Library

Visiting the Robarts Research Library is one of the easiest ways to catch cherry trees in bloom this spring. A handful of trees sit outside the library and are impossible to miss.

Bonus: This isn’t one of the popular blossom-watching spots, so you can enjoy the trees without the crowds.

Cedarvale Park

At least 20 cherry trees are planted at Cedarvale Park, forming a long and picturesque cherry tree tunnel that is a favourite photo spot for locals and tourists.

This park also has plenty of large open spaces, making it perfect for a picnic or afternoon nap.

Centennial Park

After High Park, Centennial Park has the most cherry trees in the Greater Toronto Area, with more than 460 to admire. While not a lesser-known location, Centennial Park is worth the trip while the Sakuras are in season.

Cedar Ridge Park

If big crowds aren’t your thing (but cherry trees are), you’ll want to check out the five trees at Cedar Ridge Park. The small handful of trees is north of the Cedar Ridge Creative Centre.

Exhibition Place

Few people know that Exhibition Place has some cherry trees scattered throughout the property. Unlike at other locations in the city, a blossom-viewing excursion here will require a short walk around the grounds if you want to check out all of the trees.

You can find blossoms alongside Liberty Grand, as well as near Princess Margaret Fountain, the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, and the Better Living Centre.

Birkdale Ravine

A massive tunnel formed by cherry trees is what you’ll find when visiting Birkdale Ravine towards the end of April. There are 45 trees in total at this location, creating an ideal cherry blossom scene.

Broadacres Park

Located in Etobicoke, Broadacres Park has 100 cherry trees lining the roadside and in plain sight. On foot, head to Elderfield Cres. to stand beneath the trees and bask in their springtime blush.

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