Sakura Watch April 26, 2023 - High Park Peak Bloom still show nearly 80-100% cherry blossoms! There is still time for your own Sakura Hanami, and get out to enjoy the full-blooming cherry blossoms before the rains start knocking them down this weekend. Below I’ve collected some photos of each of the park's main areas. There is much to take in and enjoy, but remember not to pull or break off the branches, and please don’t climb on the trees. This will help ensure we can all enjoy the cherry blossoms for many more years to come!

Watch the Youtube video update below or continue reading further down.

Sports Fields - 100% of blossoms open

Crowds gather in the Sports Fields by the Bloor St entrance to see over 100% of open blossoms visible. All the trees are in full bloom and can be seen along the edge of the field, including some with lower branches that make it easy to get some wonderful closeup images. The larger ones also make a wonder backdrop as there is plenty of room to stand back to get wonderful panoramic photos.  Also note that a few more trees are on the roadway, spread out by the sidewalk. 

Here are photos of the blooms from today:

Cherry Hill - 95-100%

Always the favourite spot, Cherry Hill is where the most extensive collection of cherry blossoms can be seen. These trees are also enjoying 95-100% of open blossoms visible. Here you will find a few larger, older trees mixed in with many newer planted ones. With vast areas to enjoy a nice picnic or simply enjoy the picturesque views from the top of the hill towards Grenadier Pond, Cherry Hill is one of the best spots High Park has to offer. Even walking down the winding paved path makes for an incredible blossom experience.

Here are photos of the blossoms from today:

Grenadier Pond & Dock - 95-100%

If you continue to follow the winding path down the hill, you will soon find yourself walking along Grenadier Pond and be greeted by a few different viewing areas. Overall, this area's trees show 95-100% of open blossoms. A few trees are ready to burst but have chosen to save their blooms for a sunny day. Spread out between Maple Leaf Garden and the dock., there are plenty of beautiful blossom opportunities to enjoy. The trees nearest the dock are always popular as the gently sloping hill offers a nice view of Grenadier Pond, which often includes waterfowl such as geese, swans and ducks.

Here are photos of the blossoms from today.

Jamie Bell Playground & High Park Zoo - 75-90%

Now we visit the last area with cherry blossoms near Jamie Bell Playground and the High Park Zoo. These trees have now caught up with the rest of the park and show 75-90% of open blossoms today. Some trees are also waiting for sunny days to open their flowers fully, but overall they are in peak bloom. Note that there are also trees tucked around the corner of the duck pond and to the right of the playground area. 

Here are photos of the blooms seen today.

How Long will the bloom last

So now the question remains, how long with the peak bloom last? I already saw leaves beginning to grow out on many trees, which usually signifies there are only a few days left before the blossom petals start to fall. The weather for the rest of the week is calling for rain, which will also likely cause petals to fall. 

Taking that all into account, I will stick with my original prediction that the peak bloom that began on April 20 will only last out the end of the week. Then starting April 29, we should see blossoms beginning to fall throughout the weekend.

And don’t forget that there is no vehicle access to the park during the bloom, so plan ahead before your visit. Stay tuned for more details and follow-up updates!

Do Your Part to Help the Trees from Damage

As much fun as it is to get up close to enjoy the cherry blossoms truly, there are some who take it a bit too far and cause damage to the tree that can lead to irreparable harm so the trees can not protect themselves from insects and disease and eventually die. This leaves us with less mature trees to enjoy, so please, if you really want to enjoy the blossoms for many years to come, you need to do your part to help protect the trees and prevent any harm to them:

• Don’t pick or break off any blossoms

• Don’t pull down, shake or break off the branches

• Don’t climb, sit or stand on the trunks or branches - the mature trees are very old and not strong enough to support the weight and stress of people, even small children!

• Don’t leave any litter IN or around the trees - it’s so sad to see people putting their garbage in the hollow trunks of the older trees, which invites animals and other insects to nest inside and cause internal damage.

• DO take photos without harming the trees

• DO enjoy the blossoms and respect their immediate surroundings

• DO remember that respecting the trees from root to branch will help everyone to enjoy the blooming trees for many years to come

Donate to Support The Cherry Blossoms

The City of Toronto now accepts donations to help maintain existing trees and plant future ones. See this link for details.
Read more details and information on the City of Toronto - Cherry Blossom Website

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