Head to these less crowded places to see the cherry blossoms for a quieter experience with the blooms.
The promise of Spring brings with it warmer weather, more sunshine, and of course, the beauty of the season’s florals. From late April to early May, you’ll find Toronto’s Sakura enthusiasts eagerly waiting to glimpse these pink and white blooms.
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.
High Park is the most popular place to see cherry blossoms in Toronto—but also the busiest
While the most popular spot to see abundant blossoms in the city 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.
Enjoy the blooms in lesser known spots like Exhibition Place to avoid crowds
Located just south of Liberty Village, this sprawling 192-acre site planted 62 trees in 2002. You’ll find them next to Liberty Grand, near the Princess Margaret Fountain and Queen Elizabeth Theatre, and just north of the Princes’ Gate. More info here.
Inspired by the music of Bach, this Waterfront spot offers a unique and peaceful setting to see cherry blossoms with a view of the lake and CN tower.
Edwards Gardens
This beautiful park in North York often gets overlooked by those heading to the more popular spots. Here you can find a variety of cherry blossom trees, as well as other spring blooms, in a tranquil setting. Plus, the gardens offer plenty of space to wander.
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.
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.
Admire the Cherry Blossoms at Robarts Library
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.
