Head to these less crowded places to see the cherry blossoms for a quieter experience with the blooms.
Every spring, cherry blossom season transforms Toronto into a city of soft pink petals and picture-perfect views. High Park is the most famous spot to take it all in—but if you’re looking to avoid the crowds and discover quieter, just-as-beautiful locations, you’re in for a treat.
From tucked-away trails to parks with skyline views, here are Toronto’s best lesser-known cherry blossom spots—plus everything you need to know to plan your spring visit.
When do cherry blossoms bloom in Toronto?
Cherry blossoms in Toronto typically bloom between late April and early May. In 2025, peak bloom is expected during the last week of April or the first week of May, depending on weather conditions.
The blossoms only last about a week at peak, so timing your visit is key. For real-time updates, check the City of Toronto’s Cherry Blossom Tracker to help plan your visit.
High Park: Toronto's most popular spot for cherry blossoms
We can’t talk about cherry blossoms in Toronto without mentioning High Park. It’s home to over 2,000 cherry trees and is truly spectacular during peak bloom. But it also gets very busy.
If you do go:
Tip: If you want to see both, consider visiting a lesser-known park first and then stopping by High Park during off-peak hours.
Top lesser-known cherry blossom spots 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.
Edwards Gardens
Edwards Gardens is a beautiful park in North York that is often overlooked by those heading to the more popular spots.
Here, you can find a variety of cherry blossom trees and other spring blooms in a tranquil setting. Plus, the gardens offer plenty of space to wander.
ALSO SEE: Photograph Peak Blooms at the Toronto Botanical Garden
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 SEE: Cycle the Toronto Islands
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 cherry blossoms along the building’s façade on Harbord Street. Admire their beauty against 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 Greater Toronto Area
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.
Embrace the Japanese tradition of hanami and pause to quietly take in the fleeting blooms
The tradition of hanami
In Japan, cherry blossom viewing is known as hanami—a seasonal tradition of gathering with friends or family to appreciate the fleeting beauty of the blossoms.
You can bring a bit of hanami to your Toronto visit: pack a picnic, find a quiet park bench, and take in the scenery. Just be sure to respect park rules and avoid picking or damaging the trees.
This story has been updated recently but was originally written in April 2023.
