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Cherry blossoms across Canada

Cherry blossoms across Canada

There’s something special about delicate pink petals floating down from above and carpeting the ground below your feet. And that’s exactly what we experience across the country come spring. The stunning cherry blossom tree is probably one of the most photogenic (though we’re partial to fall colors as well), and Canada is lucky enough to boast trees in cities right across Canada.

 

From the first blooms of the season, here are some of our favourite spots!

Vancouver

Pockets of cherry blossoms in Downtown Vancouver | Credit: Tourism Vancouver
Pockets of cherry blossoms in Downtown Vancouver | Credit: Tourism Vancouver

Probably the spot with the most fabled history, Vancouver comes to life with color each spring thanks to generous gifts from Japan. In the early 1930s, hundreds of trees were given to the city as a thank you to the Japanese Canadians who served in WWI. Today, the various species of cherry blossoms are both a reminder of that gift, while also adding beautiful bursts of pink to the city with over 40,000 trees.

 

The prime spots to find these flowers are Queen Elizabeth ParkExternal Link Title, Stanley ParkExternal Link Title, Burrard Skytrain Station, and various neighborhoods around the city. You can also check out the Vancouver Cherry Blossom FestivalExternal Link Title - online in 2021.

 

While exploring, consider these other Vancouver springtime activitiesExternal Link Title.

Victoria

Photo of The Butchart Gardens in the spring
Bursts of colour abound in Butchart Gardens | Credit: A. Spargo

Catch the grey west coast capital transform into pink each spring when the cherry blossoms burst onto the scene. All over Victoria, visitors can find the fabled blooms. Some iconic spotsExternal Link Title include James Bay, Beacon Hill Park, Fairfield, South Turner Street, Moss Street, and at the Victoria Clipper Ferry Terminal. From mid-March, the best of spring colours are on showcase at Butchart GardensExternal Link Title - be sure to book tickets early.  

 

Looking for ideas in between strolls? Check out this 72-hour spring itineraryExternal Link Title.

Edmonton

Photo of cherry blossoms at the Alberta Legislature Grounds
Alberta Legislative Grounds in Edmonton | Credit: EEDC

Explore the River ValleyExternal Link Title and the swollen North Saskatchewan River from the spring snow melt. From May cruise along 145 kilometres of trails by bike, segwayExternal Link Title or foot, to enjoy blossoms dotting the city. Hot spots, or rather pink spots, including Fairmont Mac Courtyard, George F. Hustler Memorial Plaza, the French Quarter, the Victoria Promenade, and the Alberta Legislature Grounds. 

 

Keep exploring Edmonton cityExternal Link Title or head out to Elk Island National Park.

Niagara Region

Photo of the Niagara Parks Floral Showhouse
Niagara Parks Floral Showhouse | Credit: Niagara Falls Tourism

On the shores of Lake Ontario, the buds burst open and bulbs emerge to reveal a rainbow of colour across the region. In the warmth of May, catch cherry blossoms in the surrounding towns and stop and shop local in the myriad of cherry farms. Further south, flowers abound. Check out the Centennial Lilac Garden, the neighbouring floral clockExternal Link Title and Niagara Parks Botanical GardensExternal Link Title which bursts to life with over 40 hectares of gardens. Explore the area by foot, or try a self-guided bike tourExternal Link Title. There are spots all around the area, and this guideExternal Link Title will let you know what's blooming when. 

 

Stay and enjoy the best of the Niagara regionExternal Link Title, from the famous falls to exquisite wineries.

Toronto

Photo of cherry blossoms bloom in spring at Trinity Bellwoods Park
Cherry blossoms bloom in Spring at Trinity Bellwoods Park | Credit: Destination Toronto

Blooming in late April to early May, the pink wave continues in Toronto. High ParkExternal Link Title the cherry blossom central, also home to the High Park Cherry Blossom Festival, but other locations include Centennial Park, Trinity Bellwoods Park, Broadacres Park, University of Toronto, or Toronto IslandsExternal Link Title where there are 30 trees to wander amongst. Enjoy the short ferry ride before enjoying the day exploring the area. 

 

Explore the energetic city of TorontoExternal Link Title in full bloom this spring. 

Montreal

Photo of cherry blossoms in Mont Royal
Blossoms overhead in Montreal | Credit: Paul Shio

Montreal comes alive in spring with the blossoms signalling the long, warm summer days are on the horizon. Throughout May hues of pink from cherry, crabapple and magnolia trees spread a fragrance across the city. Visit Montreal Botanical GardenExternal Link Title, Westmount Park, Avenue McGill College, Parc Jean DrapeauExternal Link Title, Nature Park of ?le-de-la-VisitationExternal Link Title to catch a glimpse. 

 

Spring is also the perfect time to sample the local maple syrup at local sugar shacks across the city. 

 

Keep planning your spring getaway in QuebecExternal Link Title.

Ottawa

Photo of tulips along the Ottawa River
Tulips line the Ottawa River overlooking Parliament | Credit: Ottawa Tourism

They may be few and far between, but it's worth trying to track down cherry blossoms in Ottawa. Your best bet is to check out the Central Experimental Farm National Historic SiteExternal Link Title, but others have had luck in the Ottawa River Valley as well. 

 

If you're partial to all blooms, consider the Canadian Tulip FestivalExternal Link Title in May - one of the world's largest tulip festivals. 

 

Find inspiration for your spring adventures in OttawaExternal Link Title.

 

The season may be short, but the sight of thousands of petals in Canada's vibrant cities is worth the visit.