Cherry Blossom Ontario Guide | Best Locations & Insider Tips

When you think of cherry blossom trees, what countries do you think of? Probably Japan, China, or South Korea. However, there’s no need to fly thousands of miles anymore. You can find them in Canada, too, with the help of our cherry blossom Ontario guide.

That’s right. Come cherry blossom season in Ontario; you’re in for a real treat. But where exactly in the province are you to find these blooming trees?

Fear not, young one, as our extensive list highlights the Sakura trees on Lake Ontario and its surrounds. It will show you the best cherry blossoms in Ontario, where to find them, and when to visit during peak bloom season.

So, all that’s left to do for you is to pick up your camera, pack for your Ontario weekend getaway, and be prepared to shoot these beautifully landscaped grounds in the province. Are you ready?

What Is the Best Time of the Year to See Cherry Blossoms in Ontario?

Spring means it’s cherry blossom season in Upper Canada. And some of the best things to do in spring in Ontario is to visit the wonderful parks and gardens that hold these beautiful blooms. 

Ultimate Cherry Blossom Ontario Guide: Where to See Cherry Blossoms in Ontario 

Hundreds of Sakura trees ignite the streets and parks with bright pink and white as the cherry blossoms bloom yearly. You can spend hours ‘oohing’ and ‘aahing’ at these beautiful flowering cherry trees. Here are the best places in the city to see the beautiful cherry blossoms.

Where to See Cherry Blossoms in Toronto

High Park

One of the most popular destinations to see cherry blossoms in Toronto. It’s also the largest, home to over 2,000 cherry blossom trees, attracting large crowds during the blooming season.

Centennial Park

The second-largest number of cherry blossom trees in Toronto, this park has over 400 trees planted from 2002 to 2011. 

Broadacres Park

Broadacres Park offers an off-the-beaten-path location with 100 trees blossoming for a quieter cherry blossom sighting. 

Birkdale Ravine

This small park doesn’t have as many trees as some of the bigger spaces, but a cherry blossom tunnel was planted from the 45 trees donated by Sagamihara, Japan. 

Toronto Island Park

Take a ferry to Toronto Island Park and enjoy a stroll through the ±30 cherry blossom trees there.

Cedarvale Park

Cedarvale Park is a beautiful place to appreciate the beauty of nature, especially during cherry blossom season. Every year in mid-April, the park is full of vibrant pink Japanese cherry blossoms, making it the perfect spot for a romantic picnic or stroll.

Trinity Bellwoods Park

Trinity Bellwoods Park in Toronto is an absolute gem of a park, especially when it comes to cherry blossoms. This popular park is home to Toronto’s most beautiful cherry blossom trees, making it the perfect spot to admire their beauty and take pictures.

Woodbine Park

Woodbine Park is one of the best spots in Toronto to see the beautiful cherry blossoms of Ontario. Located in the heart of the city, it’s a great way to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Cherry Street and Villiers Street

Cherry Street and Villiers Street, located in the heart of Ontario, Canada, provide some of the most beautiful views of the famous Cherry Blossom season. Every year during April and May, these streets become drenched with delicate pink and white blooms, turning the street into a sight of pure beauty.

Where to See Cherry Blossoms In Ottawa

Rideau Canal

The Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famous for its picturesque waterway and stunning cherry blossoms. The canal is adorned in spring with beautiful cherry blossom trees that create a vibrant and colourful atmosphere. 

Major’s Hill Park

Find this park in Downtown Ottawa and see the cherry blossoms against the backdrop of Ottawa Castle. You can relax on the park’s grassy slopes, have a picnic, or take a leisurely stroll while surrounded by the beauty of the cherry blossoms.

Hog’s Back Falls

Situated along the Rideau River, it is a captivating waterfall and a hidden gem for cherry blossom enthusiasts. While the fall is a stunning natural attraction, the surrounding area is adorned with cherry blossom trees.

Where to See Cherry Blossoms in Burlington

Spencer Smith Park

A must-visit location in Burlington during the spring season, especially for the Sakura (Cherry Blossom) Festival. This festival celebrates the blooming of cherry blossoms and takes place in the park.

Royal Botanical Gardens

Within the gardens, you can find cherry blossom trees in the Arboretum and the David Braley & Nancy Gordon Rock Garden. The Arboretum features a diverse collection of trees, including cherry blossoms, while the Rock Garden offers a scenic setting with waterfalls and rock formations amidst the blooming cherry blossoms.

Downtown

While not specifically a designated location, the downtown area of Burlington can surprise you with the sight of cherry blossoms during spring. The city takes pride in its tree-lined streets and parks, and you may come across cherry blossom trees as you explore the downtown area. 

Where to See Cherry Blossoms in Niagara

Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens

This expansive garden showcases a variety of plant species, including a stunning collection of cherry blossom trees. The well-manicured pathways, serene ponds, and meticulously maintained landscapes create a tranquil environment that enhances the beauty of the cherry blossoms.

Kingsbridge Park

This picturesque park is nestled along the banks of Twelve Mile Creek and is known for its natural beauty. During the cherry blossom season, the park comes alive with the blossoms’ delicate pink and white hues. 

Queenston Heights Park

A historic park is known for its beautiful landscapes and panoramic views of the Niagara River. As you ascend the park’s hill, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking river and countryside vistas, all while surrounded by the beauty of the cherry blossoms.

Where to see Cherry Blossoms in Oakville

Centennial Park

This expansive park offers a serene environment with various amenities, including walking paths, picnic areas, and open green spaces. During the spring season, the park comes alive with the blooming of cherry blossom trees, creating a vibrant display of pink and white hues. 

Gairloch Gardens

This beautifully landscaped garden is known for its art installations, sculptures, and manicured lawns. As you wander through the gardens, you’ll be surrounded by the delicate petals and the fragrant scent of the cherry blossoms. 

Other Places in Ontario You Can Find Cherry Blossoms

Besides these cities, a few other places are scattered about where you can find Japanese cherry trees. These places are usually worth a short day or weekend trip. If you have the time, why not plan a road trip to see most of these?

• Shakespearean Gardens, Stratford
• Kariya Park, Mississauga
• Centennial Park, Etobicoke
• Broadacres Park, Etobicoke
• Joyce Archdekin Park, Brampton
• Lakeview Cemetery, Thorold

Final Thoughts | Japanese Cherry Trees in Ontario

Hopefully, now you have more than enough information to help you locate the many cherry blossom trees planted in Ontario. Yes, some bigger cities have a more concentrated amount of these ornamental trees, but you can find them almost anywhere in the province.