Toronto cherry blossoms in High Park expected to reach peak bloom soon
Where else will you find incredible cherry blossoms in Toronto?
That’s right! It’s April and that means Cherry blossom viewing season in Toronto is almost here. High Park Nature Centre and the City of Toronto expect the cherry blossoms in High Park to reach peak bloom on Monday, April 22.
The blooming period, when 20% of the cherry blossoms are open, will begin sometime this weekend and will end when the petals fall. Peak bloom, which is the ideal cherry blossom viewing period, starts when at least 70% of the blossoms are open. Once open, flowers last from 4-10 days, depending on the weather conditions. Cool, calm weather can extend the bloom period, while warm, unsettled weather can shorten it.
Thanks to High Park Nature Centre’s Cherry Blossom Watch, thousands of Torontonians continue to track the progress of cherry blossoms as they turn from brown buds to glorious white and pink flowers. Cherry Blossom Watch is High Park Nature Centre’s online guide for predicting peak bloom by tracking the cherry trees from bud to blossom. From what factors help us determine when peak bloom will occur to the history of cherry blossoms in High Park — Cherry Blossom Watch offers Torontonians the best resources to prepare for this popular season.
Each year, the Nature Centre brings the wonder and beauty of cherry blossoms to Torontonians by dedicating a portion of our website, social media, and staff to the High Park Cherry Blossom Watch. With the goal of aiding and enriching the cherry blossom viewing experience for all, High Park Nature Centre has created the following informative resources:
This webpage is updated on a regular basis with photos showing the various stages of the blossom development for the season. Also included is an interactive map showing the location of all the cherry trees in High Park. Curious nature lovers can use this webpage as their primary starting point to learn more about the cherry blossom season in High Park.
Cherry Blossom Bloom Tracking:
Find out more about the general progression of cherry blossoms through the bloom development stages by visiting this webpage. Informed by historical data collected by the Nature Centre, this page also includes data visualizations showing dates of peak bloom in previous years and the close correlation between temperature and peak bloom. The Nature Centre also has a Cherry Blossom Hotline. People can dial 647-946-2547 for additional information about bloom status and predictions.
Use this resource to learn more about the unique history of Sakura trees in High Park and Toronto and the important role played by the Japanese Canadian community in creating spaces for these trees to thrive. People can also find out more information about the selectively bred varieties of cherry blossom trees in High Park and the benefits of cherry blossom trees to the park’s wildlife and ecosystem.
During peak bloom in High Park, visitors can use this information to prepare for a pleasant, stress-free and ethical viewing experience. Cherry blossom viewing in High Park is a vehicle-free blooming experience except for TTC’s Wheel-Trans service. In addition to useful guides for planning alternative transportation arrangements like directions from nearby TTC subway and streetcar stations, this webpage also lists environmentally and ecologically sound practices for the public. Here are some useful tips to keep in mind for a safe, mindful and enjoyable cherry blossom viewing experience in the park:
- Avoid climbing or walking under the trees and pulling on branches or blossoms.
- Stay on trails and pathways
- Dispose of litter in waste bins or take out what you bring in
- Watch where you step – turtle hatchlings are appearing in High Park
The spectacular flowering of Sakura trees attracts tens of thousands of people from around the world each year. While High Park is a popular spot to see cherry blossoms, it is not the only location Toronto where visitors can experience peak bloom this cherry blossom season.
Other places in Toronto to view cherry blossoms include:
People can visit the City of Toronto’s website for more information on these other locations.
“Cherry Blossom season is a magical and popular experience for Torontonians,” said Sara Street, Executive Director of the High Park Nature Centre. “Cherry Blossom Watch is one of the many ways we promote awareness and respect for nature and build stronger, lasting connections between people and the natural world around them.”
Cherry Blossom Watch is supported by the kindness and generosity of donors. For those who wish to make a contribution and continue supporting this resource, please visit the High Park Nature Centre’s Cherry Blossom donation website. For more information and to stay updated about Cherry Blossom Watch this year, please visit the High Park Nature Centre’s website and follow their social media channels on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Note: The annual cherry blossom experience in High Park is led and managed by the City of Toronto. The High Park Nature Centre is not responsible for planning the experience or any other park amenities. As a charity operating out of High Park, the Nature Centre only offers Cherry Blossom Watch observations and resources as a benefit to the general public.
lead image High Park cherry blossoms in peak full bloom, April 22, 2024. photo by Naomi Hiltz
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