Canada is a beautiful country filled with natural wonders and stunning landscapes. Every year, the blooming of the cherry blossoms signals the start of spring, the return of warmer temperatures, and longer days. The trees and shrubs bloom with a beautiful white radiance that is incredibly captivating, and these trees draw plenty of crowds in both city centres and neighbourhoods.
Though they may not be as widely spread across the country as Japan, Canada still has its fair share of cherry blossoms. From coast to coast, you can find these iconic flowers blooming in areas like Victoria, Halifax, and even up in the Yukon. We’ve compiled a list of areas where you can view the breathtaking cherry blossom displays!
Cherry blossoms spots that you must check this year!
Vancouver
In Vancouver, the cherry blossoms appear in late March or early April and last through the end of the month. This is the perfect time to take a stroll along the city’s waterfront or through its many parks and take in the beauty of the blooming trees. One of the best places to view cherry blossoms in Vancouver is Queen Elizabeth Park, where the trees line the sidewalks and provide the perfect backdrop for a romantic moment. Other popular spots include Stanley Park, VanDusen Botanical Gardens, and the Nitobe Memorial Garden.
Vancouver also has its cherry blossom festival, known by locals as VCBF. This year, the festival and its intra-community arts and culture activities will run from April 1st to the 23rd. VCBF will also be hosting other local community events in March and April, such as the Haiku Invitational and The Big Picnic – both events you won’t want to miss! See here for more information.
Toronto
Toronto’s cherry blossoms usually bloom in April, with the peak of the blooming season lasting from mid-April to early May. This city is a great place to view cherry blossoms, with one of the best locations being High Park. Many people also go to Allan Gardens and Trinity Bellwoods Park to glimpse the cherry blossoms in their full glory. The City of Toronto even has its own dedicated ‘Cherry Blossoms’ web page, with information on the best viewing locations, etiquette surrounding cherry trees, and BloomCam, a camera that captures and streams the beautiful trees in real time.
Calgary
Calgary is home to various cherry blossom varieties, with some blooming as early as the start of April. The best places to view cherry blossoms are in the downtown core and various parks throughout the city, with the most popular area being Central Memorial Park. This park is located in the Beltline district and is known for its stunning display of cherry trees. Other great places to view cherry blossoms include Prince’s Island Park, Confederation Park, and the Bow River pathway.
Montreal
Montreal is also home to a stunning display of cherry blossoms. In late April and early May, the cherry blossoms begin to bloom, creating a stunning contrast with Montreal’s old-world architecture. You can find cherry blossom trees in many of the city’s parks, such as the Montreal Botanical Garden, Parc La Fontaine, Parc Jeanne-Mance, and Parc Lafontaine. Each park offers a unique experience, with different trees and varieties of cherry blossoms. Outside the parks, you can find cherry blossoms in the bohemian Plateau district, on the McGill University campus, and along the Lachine Canal.
Ottawa
In Ottawa, the cherry blossom season usually starts in late April and ends in early May. The city of Ottawa is home to some of the best cherry blossom displays in the country and is famous for its cherry blossoms. One of the best places to view cherry blossoms in Ottawa is the Experimental Farm, located near the Rideau Canal. Visitors can see stunning displays of cherry blossom trees with their delicate pink and white petals. Other popular places to view cherry blossoms in Ottawa include Major’s Hill Park, Nepean Point, and the Byward Market.
Edmonton
In Edmonton, the cherry blossom season usually starts in early May and ends in mid-May. Edmonton is also home to some wonderful cherry blossom displays. One of the best places to view cherry blossoms in Edmonton is the University of Alberta Botanic Garden. Visitors can enjoy stunning cherry blossoms with their beautiful pink and white petals. Other popular places to view cherry blossoms in Edmonton include Hawrelak Park and the Muttart Conservatory.
Keep in mind…
If you want to see the cherry blossoms in Canada, you’ll want to plan your trip carefully! Be sure to avoid areas that may be too cold for the flowers to survive, and plan for different bloom times in various locations. You’ll also want to dress appropriately for the weather, no matter the time of year you decide to visit.
No matter when or where you decide to go, cherry blossoms in Canada will be an incredibly enjoyable experience. Seeing these iconic flowers in full bloom is something that you’re sure to never forget.
Sources: Guide to Vancouver’s Cherry Blossoms, Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival, Toronto – Cherry Blossoms, 7 Fascinating Places to Watch Cherry Blossoms in Montreal, Narcity Ottawa – Cherry Blossom Map, Cherry Blossoms Across Canada
