Cherry Blossoms

Starting May 4, 2019 at 7 a.m. High Park will be car-free to address pedestrian safety during the cherry blossom peak bloom. Only Wheel-Trans vehicles will be allowed into High Park during the closure period. High Park will re-open to vehicles once the peak bloom is over. See other cherry tree locations and learn about their accessibility in the following list.
Nothing symbolizes spring like the beauty of a blooming cherry tree! Every year thousands of people flock to parks across the city to take part in the centuries-old tradition of hanami, the Japanese term for flower viewing. Called sakura in Japan, these pretty trees bloom at the end of April to early May and delight visitors who stroll under the pink blossoms.
Most cherry tree locations are easily accessible by TTC Opens in new window.
2019 is the 60th anniversary of many cherry trees in High Park. In 1959, the Japanese ambassador to Canada presented 2,000 trees to the people of Toronto on behalf of the people of Tokyo. The trees were planted in appreciation of Toronto accepting relocated Japanese-Canadians following the Second World War.

Etiquette

Climbing the cherry trees, pulling on the branches and plucking off the blooms can damage the trees. Stay on existing trails to protect ecologically sensitive areas.
Map data ©2019 Google
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TitleDescription
Birkdale Ravine
1100 Brimley Rd.
Scarborough
  • Cherry trees are planted as a tree tunnel near the Pomeroy Street and Lyon Heights Road entrance
  • 45 trees were donated by Sagamihara, Toronto’s sister city in Japan, and planted in 2015 and 2016
Birkdale Ravine is close to Thomson Memorial Park.
Accessibility
  • There are sloped, paved paths from the north end at Birkdale Community Centre and from the parking lot off Brimley Road to the trees
  • There is a level paved pathway from the Pomeroy Street and Lyon Heights Road entrance
  • TTC has service along Ellesmere/Brimley
Broadacres Park
35 Crendon Dr.
Etobicoke
  • Cherry trees are located in rows near the southwest corner of the park near Elderfield Crescent
  • 100 trees were planted in November 2002
Find out what facilities are at Broadacres Park.
Accessibility
  • There are no paved pathways to the trees
  • Trees can be seen from the road
  • TTC has bus service along Burnhamthorpe Road and along The West Mall
Cedar Ridge Park
225 Confederation Dr.
Scarborough
  • Cherry trees are located north of the Cedar Ridge Creative Centre
  • Five trees are planted in this location
Find out what facilities are at Cedar Ridge Park.
Accessibility
  • There is an interlock driveway from the parking lot to the tree location
Cedarvale Park
443 Arlington Ave.
York
Find out what facilities are at Cedarvale Park.
Accessibility
  • There are paved paths near the trees
  • There is free parking at Phil White Arena
Centennial Park
151 Elmcrest Rd.
Etobicoke
  • Cherry trees are located along Rathburn Road, on Centennial Park Boulevard and northeast of Centennial Park Conservatory
  • 463 trees have been planted in this park: November 2002, June 2005, April 2009, April 2010, April and May 2011
Find out what facilities are at Centennial Park.
Accessibility
  • There are no paved pathways
  • Trees can be seen from the road
  • TTC has bus service along Rathburn Road
  • Free parking is available in Centennial Park and is within walking distance of the trees
Cherry Street and Villiers Street
  • Cherry trees are at the northeast corner of this intersection
  • 45 trees were planted in July 2006
Accessibility
  • There are paved pathways to the trees
  • The trees can be viewed from the road
Edwards Gardens
755 Lawrence Ave. E.
North York
  • 8 medium trees are located near the water fountain near the Edwards Garden courtyard
  • 2 mature trees are close to the bridal path entrance on the west side of the ravine
Find out what facilities are at Edwards Gardens.
Accessibility
  • There are paved pathways
  • There is a parking lot off Leslie Street at the Toronto Botanical Gardens
  • TTC service on Lawrence Avenue East and Leslie Street
High Park
1873 Bloor St. W.
Toronto
  • Cherry trees are primarily located on the west side of Grenadier Pond
  • 50 trees were planted between 2017 and 2018
Find out what facilities are at High Park.
There is no vehicle or parking access to High Park during the cherry blossom peak bloom period. Only Wheel-Trans vehicles will be allowed into High Park during peak bloom.
The City is committed to a safe environment for all who use or visit City facilities or property. Due to safety concerns, all non-essential vehicle access to High Park and all vehicle parking in High Park and at Grenadier Café will be prohibited during the peak cherry blossom bloom days in late April or early May.
Check out the High Park Nature Centre Blossom Watch Opens in new window to see when the trees are in bloom.
Accessibility
  • Cherry Hill is not located close to paved pathways, and is a sloped area
  • Accessible portable washrooms will be provided on site during peak bloom days
Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre
6 Garamond Crt.
North York
  • Cherry trees are located on the north, south and east sides of the parking lot with more on the north side of the building
  • Trees were planted in September 2002, June 2004 and September 2012

John P. Robarts Research Library
130 St George St.
Toronto
  • Cherry trees are at the corner of Huron Street and Harbord Street, lining the walking path
  • 70 trees were planted in October 2005
The John P. Robarts Research Library is close to Queen’s Park.
Construction in 2019: Due to construction, there may be limited or no access to cherry trees.
Toronto Island Park
Take the ferry at 9 Queens Quay W.
Toronto
  • Approximately 30 cherry trees are located on Centre Island beside William Meany Maze
  • Trees were planted in 2011
See what facilities are on Centre Island Opens in new window.
Accessibility
  • There are level paved pathways to the trees
  • Accessible washrooms are located nearby
Trinity Bellwoods Park
790 Queen St. W.
Toronto
  • Cherry trees are along the walking path from Trinity Circle to the southeast corner of the park
  • 70 trees were planted in October 2005
Find out what facilities are at Trinity Bellwoods Park.
Accessibility
University of Toronto Scarborough Campus
1265 Military Tr.
Scarborough
  • Cherry trees are in front of the Humanities Wing
  • 50 trees are planted here
The U of T Scarborough Campus is close to Morningside Park.
Woodbine Park
1695 Queen St. E.
Toronto
  • Cherry trees are planted as a tree tunnel along the curved path next to the pond
  • 20 trees are planted here
  • Trees are not mature
Find out what facilities are at Woodbine Park.
Accessibility
  • There are paved pathways to the trees
  • TTC service nearby
York University
4700 Keele St.
North York
  • Cherry trees are throughout the campus
  • 250 trees have been planted: May 2003, June 2004, May 2005 and June 2007