Sakura Watch April 20, 2021 - Cherry Blossoms are IN PEAK BLOOM in High Park. As predicted, the peak bloom has hit the majority of cherry trees and areas throughout High Park. With most trees having at least 75% of their blooms open, or even very close to, the 2021 cherry blossom season is now in full swing.

Today's visit was to have a good look at all the trees in all the main areas and really get a sense of where they were and how much bloom had been experienced.

(Watch for my latest YouTube update to be posted soon!)

Sports fields

Our first stop would be near the sports fields near High Park & Bloor entrance. Greeted by the pair of trees with large, gracious canopies of blossoms, you get your first impression of the other trees in the park to enjoy. This year they are all fenced in, but you still need to take a few steps back to take any photos that would fully capture these majestic beauties. Following the fence line, you come across a few more trees in various states of bloom. Though most years these trees are well ahead of the rest of the park, the southern set of 3 trees are still a few warm days behind the others closer to the Bloor St entrance.

Here are the photos I captured today by the sports fields:

Cherry Hill and Grenadier Pond

Our next stop is the famed Cherry Hill, which this year can best be experienced through the City of Toronto's BloomCam. Set up atop Cherry Hill, the view is directly in front of what I feel is the most impressive cherry tree in High Park. Being one of the older trees, it towers over the hill as it looks over all the other trees that line Cherry Lane that winds its way down toward Grenadier Pond.

From street level, you can enjoy the view looking down Cherry Hill and see the blossoming trees as far as you can see. A few are close enough to see the individual blossoms, and with a good zoom lens like I have, even get some great close-up shots - here are a few I captured today:

Further down the road, you will see the Toronto Library Bookmobile, which runs the BloomCam 24 hours a day in full 4K for the duration of the bloom. You can even catch a glimpse of the magnificent tree from either side, with the best view to be on the left, where you can see a more expansive panoramic view of the trees.

Even though the main path by Grenadier Pond is closed off if you feel ready to enjoy a good walk and a gorgeous view of the landscape from the upper levels of the park, you can follow the road along the top of the hillside until your reach the southern portion of the park. Once there, enjoy walking down the curved paved path and be flanked by blooming cherry trees on either side. The path curves toward the pond, but be warned that the walk back up can be a steep one!

Here are some photos captured by Grenadier Pond:

Jamie Bell Adventure Playground

Our last stop would be near the Jamie Bell Adventure Playground. This area is also usually the last to fully bloom, so if you miss seeing the trees bloom in other areas, you can watch these ones peak a few days or up to a whole week beyond the different areas of the park. The reason why these ones tend to be last in this area of the park doesn't get as much sun as it's tucked in between hills on either side, resulting in cooler temperatures and a bit slower development time than other areas.

This year, visitors can walk the paved pathway between the trees or even enjoy the view from the Adventure Playground and duck pond across the road. The High Park Zoo is closed as part of the lockdown, so remember any visits are only for passing through for the time being. Even though the trees are only a few, like the sports fields, this small grove is still a beautiful sight to see each spring!

Here are some photos captured today from near the Adventure Playground:

Late April Snow Threatens Bloom

With news of an impending snowfall and drop in temperature over the next couple of days, it will be interesting to see how much they will affect the cherry blossoms trees. Freezing temperatures will likely cause the cherry blossoms that are already fully open to prematurely brown and fall. This is similar to what happens to the fully opened magnolia flowers when exposed to near or below freezing weather conditions.

For comparison, the usual temperatures for this time of year should be in the mid-teen range, anywhere between 12-17ºC. However, the forecast calls for near 0ºC with minus wind chills that would feel as cold as -8ºC. If this bears out, it will definitely drastically shorten the life of the currently open blossoms. How well the others will fair when they are so close to bloom remains to be seen. The only bright light is that Friday and the weekend will see higher, more seasonal temperatures return, which the cherry trees really need. Time, and more visits, will tell how well the trees will fare in the days ahead.

Keep Park Visits Safe and Clean

Anytime you visit the park, it's essential to be safe and remember to follow these health guidelines. Social distance from others by keeping at least 2 meters or 6 feet apart, avoid public crowds or engaging in large gatherings, and if ever in doubt, protect yourself and others by wearing a mask that adequately covers your nose and mouth.

And also, please respect the park and others when you are out. Dispose of your mask and other items in trash bins, or take them home instead of tossing them on the ground. This helps keep our parks clean and safe.

For more COVID-19 information

Every day we're seeing just how highly contagious this virus is and how it can infect both young and old alike. Even if you don't have the symptoms, you may still be carrying it and spreading it to your family and friends. Your best and only right option is to listen to the advice from our medical professionals.

City of Toronto - https://www.toronto.ca/COVID-19/

Health Canada - https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada.html

Remember to follow the advice from the health experts. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, stay home (if you can), and if you absolutely need to go out in public, practice Social Distancing by keeping at least 2 meters or 6 feet apart from others.

Thank you all for visiting the site. Be careful, be safe, and watch for more updates soon.