I've been viewing cherry blossoms (a custom called "hanami" in Japan) for years, and there are certain spots in the Greater Toronto Area I always recommend for seeing dreamy cherry blossom trees.
While cherry blossoms typically bloom in the Toronto area around late April to early May, this year, peak bloom is set to arrive sooner, with some areas already seeing flowers.
In other words, start planning your cherry blossom viewing now! Here are seven spots in and around Toronto for gorgeous views of the sakura.
Exhibition Place
Address: 100 Princes Blvd., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: You'll find an array of cherry blossom trees on the grounds of the Exhibition Place.
According to Exhibition Place, the trees were first planted in the 1950s, with 68 new trees planted in 2002. They have since grown to form a stunning canopy of pink blossoms over several areas of the grounds.
The cherry blossom trees at Exhibition Place are mainly of the Yoshino variety, which is known for delicate pink and white flowers.
You'll find the trees next to Liberty Grand, near the Princess Margaret Fountain and Queen Elizabeth Theatre, and just north of the Princes' Gate.
The Exhibition Place also has a handy online map showing where you'll find the trees on the grounds.
Exhibition Place website
High Park
Address: 1873 Bloor St. W., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: High Park is a classic spot to take in the blooms in Toronto.
The park's first cherry blossom trees were planted in 1959 in appreciation of Toronto accepting re-located Japanese Canadians following the Second World War.
The park paints a pretty scene with the cherry blossom trees blooming by Grenadier Pond.
Since it's a prime spot in the city for seeing the cherry blossoms, the park gets quite busy during peak bloom. However, even with the crowds, there's tons of space in the park for everyone to enjoy the blossoms, and it's still worth visiting. You could also try to visit during a weekday for fewer crowds.
If you plan to visit High Park, be aware that the park is closed to vehicle traffic (with the exception of Wheel-Trans vehicles) during peak bloom, so visitors should plan to walk into the park.
For updates on the cherry blossoms in the park, you can visit the Sakura in High Park website, which details the progress of the blooms and when peak bloom is predicted.
High Park website
Trinity Bellwoods Park
Address: 790 Queen St. W.
Why You Need To Go: For an alternative to High Park, head to Trinity Bellwoods Park for a beautiful cherry blossoms display.
You'll find an array of sakura trees scattered throughout the park. The cherry blossoms here are a bit more white in colour compared to other spots in the city, so keep that in mind if you're looking for that classic pink cherry blossom colour.
The park also has an off-leash dog area, so feel free to bring your furry friend along.
Don't forget your camera if you check out this spot — the trees frame the CN Tower so beautifully, and you'll definitely want to snap some pics.
City of Toronto website
Joyce Archdekin Park
Address: 185 Main St. S., Brampton, ON
Why You Need To Go: You'll find about 70 cherry blossom trees in this quiet little park in Brampton.
Located near the downtown area, the park has a trail of sakura trees that were gifted to the city by Japan as part of the Sakura Project, in which cherry blossom trees were granted to a number of public locations in the province as a symbol of goodwill and friendship between Japan and Ontario, according to the City of Brampton.
The flowers you'll find here are that classic light pink cherry blossom shade. Just down the road, you'll find a charming park with a white gazebo as well as coffee shops and restaurants in the downtown area.
City of Brampton website
Kariya Park
Address: 3620 Kariya Dr., Mississauga, ON
Why You Need To Go: Located in downtown Mississauga close to the Square One shopping mall, Kariya Park is a Japanese garden where you can see cherry blossoms and magnolia blooms.
The park is named after Mississauga's sister city in Japan, Kariya, which gifted Mississauga with the cherry blossom trees planted here. In Kariya, Japan, you'll likewise find a park named after the city of Mississauga.
The park is home to 80 cherry blossom trees of different varieties and colours.
Though the park is on the smaller side, it's a beautiful place to view sakura. You'll also find here a traditional Japanese pavilion, a bridge that crosses a scenic pond, a cascade waterfall with overhanging red Japanese maple, and a zen garden.
Kariya Park website
Spencer Smith Park
Address: 1400 Lakeshore Rd., Burlington, ON
Why You Need To Go: Spencer Smith Park in downtown Burlington is a lesser-known spot that offers stunning views of the cherry blossoms and the waterfront.
There are around 40 cherry blossom trees in the park, which were gifted to the city by the Japanese city of Itabashi.
The trees line either side of a limestone walkway that was also gifted by Itabashi. You can stroll along the path lined with the trees under a pink canopy of blooms.
Burlington also hosts an annual Sakura Festival, which will run this year on May 11 and will feature karate, aikido and iaido demonstrations, traditional dance performances and more.
Spencer Smith Park website
Royal Botanical Gardens
Address: 680 Plains Rd. W., Burlington, ON
Why You Need To Go: Another Burlington spot, the Royal Botanical Gardens is an always beautiful place to take in the cherry blossoms.
A number of trees can be found in the Arboretum, Rock Garden, and Laking Garden at the Royal Botanical Gardens, with the majority of the Sakura trees located at the Arboretum.
While the Arboretum is free to enter, Garden Admission is required for entry to the Rock Garden and Laking Garden.
The trees here typically have white or pink blossoms. In 2010, the Royal Botanical Gardens added 34 trees to its collection donated as part of the Sakura Project.
You can get updates on the cherry blossoms at the Royal Botanical Gardens by visiting the "What's in bloom" page on their website.
While you're here, you can also check out the garden's magnolia collection, some of which are approaching peak bloom at the Arboretum.
Royal Botanical Gardens website
Enjoy!
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.
The Winter Wonders trail at the Royal Botanical Gardens. Royal Botanical Gardens | Handout