9 Underrated Spots to See Cherry Blossoms in Toronto

Head to these less crowded places to see the cherry blossoms for a quieter experience with the blooms.

The promise of Spring brings warmer weather, more sunshine, and, of course, the beauty of the season’s flowers.

Typically, from late April to early May, Toronto’s Sakura enthusiasts eagerly wait to glimpse these pink and white blooms. However, due to this year's weather, we may see cherry blossoms earlier. 

Like with so many things in nature, the exact timing to see the bloom is unpredictable, and once they blossom, they last a brief one to two weeks. Many loyally follow Sakura in High Park’s frequent updates or perhaps High Park Nature Centre’s Blossoms Watch. 

While the city's most popular spot to see abundant blossoms is High Park, you’ll find yourself among large crowds admiring the beautiful scenery or looking to get the perfect shot. 

If you’re looking for a quieter way to experience the ethereal beauty of these trees, here’s a list of underrated spots to see cherry blossoms in Toronto.

Exhibition Place

This sprawling 192-acre site planted 62 trees in 2002 just south of Liberty Village. They are next to Liberty Grand, near the Princess Margaret Fountain and Queen Elizabeth Theatre, and just north of the Princes’ Gate. Use this map to see the exact locations of the blooms around the Exhibition Place grounds.

Toronto Music Garden

Inspired by Bach’s music, the Toronto Music Garden on the Waterfront offers a unique and peaceful setting to see cherry blossoms with a view of the lake and CN Tower. 

Trinity Bellwoods Park 

While this park is better known as a summer hangout spot, you can also find some Sakura trees scattered throughout, with a beautifully framed view of the cityscape and CN Tower beyond.

Also read: The Best Takeout to Eat in Trinity Bellwoods Park

Toronto Island 

Why not make a day of cherry blossom viewing? Hop on the ferry and head over to Toronto Island for a mini escape to see the Sakura trees in bloom. There are about 30 trees on Centre Island beside William Meany Maze.

Also read: Cycle the Toronto Islands

Woodbine Park 

Located in the Beaches neighbourhood, this Eastside spot offers a cherry blossom tree grove and is a popular spot for picnics, outdoor activities, and seeing all kinds of other spring blooms.

Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre 

This spot in Don Mills boasts a collection of cherry blossom trees surrounding the building. The Japanese Canadian Culture Centre also hosts an annual Sakura Cherry Blossom Festival event, but you can also visit throughout the bloom season to enjoy the trees in a quieter setting.

Robarts Library

This iconic site on the University of Toronto St. George campus near Queen's Park has a group of cherry blossoms along the building’s façade on Harbord Street. Admire their beauty with the backdrop of Robarts Library’s Brutalist architecture. 

Ramsden Park

Located in Summerhill, Ramsden Park is a hidden gem for cherry blossom enthusiasts. The park is home to a small grove of cherry blossom trees and offers a peaceful setting to enjoy the blooms away from the crowds. Plus, the park is easily accessible by public transit, making it a convenient spot to visit.
 

Cherry Blossoms outside the GTA

If you’re willing to venture slightly outside of Toronto, there are some other hidden spots you can visit to see cherry blossoms. Just a short drive away, you can find Kariya Park in Mississauga, which features over 300 cherry blossom trees. 

Another option is the Royal Botanical Gardens in Burlington, which has a cherry blossom alley that’s perfect for a peaceful stroll.