Toronto’s cherry blossoms are on the verge of blooming, and a newly released guide provides essential information on when and where to enjoy this beloved springtime spectacle.
The High Park Nature Centre has reintroduced its “Cherry Blossom Watch” for the 2025 season, the blossoms in the west-end park are currently in the initial stage of their blooming process.
The organization explains that this first stage signifies the forthcoming arrival of peak bloom, which generally occurs between late April and early May, when at least 70 percent of the blossoms have fully opened.
The duration of peak bloom can vary from four to ten days and is influenced by weather conditions. The organization notes that cooler, stable weather can prolong this period, while warmer, unpredictable weather may shorten it.
The specific date of peak bloom can fluctuate; In recent years, peak bloom in High Park has typically occurred between April 20 and May 10.
“Cherry Blossom season is a magical and cherished experience for the people of Toronto,” stated Rohith Rao, the acting executive director of the High Park Nature Centre, in a press release. “Cherry Blossom Watch is one of the many initiatives we undertake to foster awareness and appreciation for nature, while strengthening the connections between individuals and the natural environment.”
The nature centre indicated that it is still too early to provide a precise prediction for when peak bloom will take place.
Cherry blossoms, or Sakura trees, are not native to Toronto; they were first introduced to High Park over 60 years ago.
According to the city, in 1959, Toru Hagiwara, the then Japanese ambassador to Canada, gifted 2,000 Japanese Somei-Yoshino Sakura trees to the people of Toronto on behalf of the citizens of Tokyo. This gesture was made in gratitude for Toronto’s acceptance of Japanese-Canadians who were relocated after World War II.
The High Park Nature Centre said it will continue to update its cherry blossom tracker leading up to peak bloom.