Sakura Watch May 1, 2022 - BloomCam is online and shows first few cherry blossoms open
Sakura Watch May 1, 2022 - BloomCam is online and shows first few cherry blossoms open at the top of Cherry Hill in High Park. First launched by the City of Toronto during the 2020 cherry blossom season, the virtual viewing was created in response to the closure of the park to visitors due to crowding concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, the crowds will return with unobstructed unperson viewing, and the City is continuing the virtual viewing throughout the blooming period.
Watch the BloomCam LIVE on Youtube, as shown below, or visit the City of Toronto Cherry Blossom page.:
Credit: BloomCam is provided by the City of Toronto during the blooming period.
The angle of the BloomCam is atop Cherry Hill, just west of the Grenadier Cafe, and it overlooks one of the most giant sakura trees in High Park, with Grenadier Pond hinted in the distance. The cherry blossoms may only appear as tiny white dots on the trees, but these are some of the first blossoms to open in 2022. Checking back daily, you can view the progress as these tiny white dots become larger and larger as more blossoms open, until finally, you can see the magnificent blooming white crown of the grand sakura tree!
Weather Ahead Looks Great!
We have now finally seen the first signs of the sakura cherry blossoms opening over the April 30-May 1 weekend. The 7 Day weather forecast from the Weather Network is looking very favourable. Though we start the week with rain, the daytime temperatures will remain in the teens through to Mother’s Day, and the nights are still relatively warm and more spring-like. This is more in line with the ideal conditions we want to see to encourage the blossoms to open for a great sakura hanami season.
Credit: 7 Day weather forecast from The Weather Network for High Park
2022 Bloom Prediction
We should finally see the peak bloom with sunnier weather ahead, where about 75% of the blossoms are open. We will likely start to get close to this number around May 4, continue through the Mother’s Day weekend, and finally begin to see petals falling after May 11.
Of course, any significant changes in the weather can move these dates by a day or two. So I will keep checking and updating if anything changes, so keep watching out for future updates.
Keep Park Visits Safe and Clean
Although the mask mandates have been lifted in Ontario, and specifically Toronto, its now optional, and recommended, for visitors to wear a mask when viewing the cherry blossoms while in large crowds. Other ways to stay safe it to visit the park during less peak times such as early morning weekdays. Late afternoon, weeknights and weekends tend to draw the largest crowds. Virtual viewing will also be setup by the City of Toronto.
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.
All COVID-19 Restrictions Lifted
The City of Toronto has lifted restrictions for in-person viewing of the cherry blossoms in High Park for 2022. This year, everyone is once again welcome to walk, run, or bike through the park. However, the park will be closed to motorized vehicle traffic during the peak bloom - so no parking or drop-offs during the peak bloom. Read more details and information posted here and on the City of Toronto website.
City of Toronto - https://www.toronto.ca/COVID-19/
Health Canada - https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada.html
Thank you all for visiting the site. Be careful, be safe, and watch for more updates soon.