Here's where to see cherry blossoms in Canada in 2024 and when you can expect the blooms
Spring is just around the corner! As the warm weather starts to move in, one thing Canadians can look forward to is the start of cherry blossom season.
But you don't need to travel to Japan to take in the beautiful blooms — there are plenty of places across Canada where you can take in gorgeous cherry blossom trees.
To help you narrow down where you should go to see cherry blossoms this spring, Skyscanner has shared some of the top spots in the country for seeing Sakura and when you can expect to see the blooms.
In an email shared with Narcity, the travel company shared the best places in Canada for cherry blossoms in 2024, with parks in several cities and towns across Canada. Here's where you'll want to go:
Toronto, Ontario
When: April to May 2024
Where To See Cherry Blossoms In Toronto: According to Skyscanner, High Park is the best spot in the city for taking in the cherry blossoms this year.
The park is a classic place 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.
Since it's a prime spot in the city for seeing the cherry blossoms, the park gets quite busy during peak bloom. It's also closed to vehicle traffic during this time, so visitors should plan to walk or take transit into the park.
Other places to catch the blooms in Toronto include Trinity Bellwoods Park, the John P. Robarts Research Library, the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus and York University.
Vancouver, B.C.
When: March to April
Where To See Cherry Blossoms In Vancouver: Each spring in Vancouver, 40,000 cherry trees burst with pink and white blooms.
According to Skyscanner, some of the best places to see the flowers include Stanley Park, which has rows of blossoming trees near its formal rose garden, and Queen Elizabeth Park, which has several varieties of cherry trees that bloom at different times from early March to late April.
VanDusen Botanical Garden is also a great place for taking in the blooms, with more than 100 cherry trees and 24 varieties of cherry blossoms to enjoy.
Victoria, B.C.
When: March to April
Where To See Cherry Blossoms In Victoria: Located on Vancouver Island, Victoria boasts the mildest year-round climate in Canada, and is often the first city to see cherry blossoms start blooming.
For where to see them, Beacon Hill Park offers sprawling gardens, peacocks and even baby goats that you can enjoy amid the blooms.
The University of Victori is also home to a number of cherry blossom trees located across campus.
Other gorgeous spots to see Sakura blooms include the stunning Butchart Gardens, Hatley Castle and Oak Bay.
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
When: April to May
Where To See Cherry Blossoms in Niagara-on-the-Lake: You can catch cherry blossoms a bit later in May in the charming small town of Niagara-on-the-Lake.
A great spot to catch the blooms is along the Niagara Parkway at Kingsbridge Park, Falls Parking Lot, Rapidsview Parking Lot, Queenston Heights Park (picnic field), and near the entrance of the Niagara Botanical Gardens, according to Niagara Parks.
In the area, the indigenous species of white cherry blossoms can be seen first, followed by pink cherry blossoms and deeper pink crabapples along the Niagara Parkway, according to Niagara Falls Tourism.
Montreal, Quebec
When: April to May
Where To See Cherry Blossoms In Montreal: Montreal offers a host of beautiful parks perfect for taking in spring blooms.
According to Skyscanner, some of the best places for seeing cherry blossoms in Montreal are Parc Jean-Drapeau and the Montreal Botanical Garden.
At Parc Jean-Drapeau, you'll find cherry blossoms, views of the Saint Lawrence River, picnic spots and 25 kilometres of trails to enjoy.
The Montreal Botanical Garden, one of the most popular places to see cherry blossoms, offers 10 themed greenhouses and gardens. In the Japanese Garden, you can see different Japanese florae and stunning cherry blossom flowers.
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.