The City of Toronto is readying to welcome people back to viewing cherry blossoms up close and in person at High Park for the first time since 2019.
Tens of thousands of people take part in what has become a Toronto rite of spring: viewing blossoming Sakura trees. The blossoms typically last between four to 10 days, depending on weather conditions, and peak bloom typically occurs in late April or early May. While the Sakura groves in High Park are well-loved by Torontonians, the public can also experience cherry blossoms at 15 locations across the city.
As another sign of the progress Toronto has made in confronting COVID-19 and getting residents vaccinated, this year everyone will once again be able to enjoy the cherry blossoms in High Park with no plans in place to deter possible crowds.
In the interest of public safety, the City, in consultation with the Toronto Police Service, will again restrict vehicle access and parking inside High Park for the duration of the peak bloom, with the exception of TTC Wheel-Trans vehicles. High Park will continue to be closed to vehicle traffic on weekends and public holidays.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, High Park was fully closed to the public during peak bloom in 2020 and the cherry groves were fenced off in 2021, based on public health advice at the time. During those two years, a Bloom Cam provided real-time 24/7 footage for the public to experience the bloom from home.
In 2020 the Bloom Cam had almost 125,000 unique views and was watched for more than 36,600 hours. Its popularity continued in 2021.
The Bloom Cam will operate again this year for the public to enjoy the blossoms online. When available, a link to its broadcast will be posted on the City’s social channels, as well as on the cherry blossom webpage.
More information, including locations, virtual tours and accessibility information is available on the City’s cherry blossom webpage.
Quotes:
“Thanks to the progress we have made confronting COVID-19, everyone will be able to come out and enjoy the cherry blossoms when they bloom this spring. When the peak bloom begins, I encourage you to rediscover the cherry blossoms in High Park and in cherry blossom locations across the city.”
– Mayor John Tory
“In late April or early May, cherry blossoms will bloom at 15 locations across the city. Visiting the blossoms provides the opportunity to discover a new park and the many urban nature possibilities that Toronto has to offer.”
– Councillor Jennifer McKelvie (Scarborough-Rouge Park), Chair of Infrastructure and Environment Committee
“The Sakura trees are a beautiful symbol of friendship between Japan and Canada, and one of the many things that make High Park special.”
– Councillor Gord Perks (Parkdale-High Park)
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