Toronto’s much-anticipated cherry trees are predicted to reach peak bloom beginning next week. Torontonians and visitors are encouraged to head to one of the many parks across the city with Sakura (cherry blossom) trees to enjoy this yearly occasion in person.
Tens of thousands of people take part in what has become a Toronto rite of spring: viewing blossoming Sakura. The blossoms typically last four to 10 days, depending on weather conditions.
While the Sakura groves in High Park are well-loved by Torontonians, people can also experience cherry blossoms at locations across the city. More information, including a map of locations, virtual tours and accessibility information is available on the City’s Cherry Blossoms webpage.
Vehicle access and parking inside High Park will be restricted starting Monday, May 2 for the duration of 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.
During peak bloom period real-time views of the blossoms will also be available on the City’s popular Bloom Cam. The City would like to thank Rogers, its virtual experience partner, for powering the internet connectivity needed to bring this year’s High Park cherry blossom bloom into viewers’ homes.
As part of this year’s celebration, the City is launching a new way for residents and visitors to support Toronto’s Sakura trees. Donations can be made to support planting new cherry trees and maintaining existing trees through the City’s DonateTO portal. Contributions will also support interpretation and education around the cherry trees, and enhanced landscaping at cherry tree locations.
City parks contain many ecologically sensitive areas. Visitors are asked to stay on paved trails, avoid removing blossoms or branches, and keep parks clean by using designated bins for litter and recycling.
Quotes:
“In addition to the trees at High Park, cherry blossoms will bloom at other locations across the city. Explore a new park or rediscover a favourite, as the Sakura and many other trees will flower at this time of year.”
– Councillor Jennifer McKelvie (Scarborough-Rouge Park), Chair of Infrastructure and Environment Committee
“This is a special time of year for High Park and all of Toronto to enjoy the cherry blossoms. Please take care to stay on paved trails, don’t climb the trees and use bins for litter so that the park can continue to be enjoyed throughout the year and for future years.”
– Councillor Gord Perks (Parkdale-High Park)
“This new donation service continues and builds upon the ongoing relationship between Toronto and Japan that has been embodied by Sakura blossoms since 1959 when the first trees were donated to High Park by the people of Tokyo. I hope Sakura will keep serving as a reminder to everyone of the warm friendship that exists between Japan and Canada.”
– Consul-General of Japan in Toronto Sasayama Takuya
Toronto is home to more than 2.9 million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City’s website or follow us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.
Please note: this news release was updated on May 2, 2022 to include a quotation from the Consul-General of Japan in Toronto Sasayama Takuya