Cherry Blossom 101: What You Don’t Know About Toronto’s Cherry Blossom Trees
Cherry blossom season in Toronto usually falls between late April and early May, depending on the weather. The peak bloom period lasts for about four to 10 days.
If you live in Toronto, you probably know that every spring, the city has parks that transform into a pink paradise with thousands of cherry blossom trees. But do you know the history behind these beautiful flowers? Do you know the best spots to enjoy the cherry blossom season in Toronto?
If not, don’t worry! I’m here to help you learn everything you need to know about cherry blossoms in Toronto.
How cherry blossom trees came to Toronto
These delicate pink flowers attract thousands of visitors who flock to High Park, Trinity Bellwoods, and other locations to admire their beauty and take photos. But have you ever wondered how these trees came to Toronto in the first place?
The origin of cherry blossom trees in Toronto can be traced back to 1959, when the Japanese ambassador to Canada, Toru-Hagiwara, presented 2000 sakura trees to the city as a symbol of friendship and gratitude.
The trees were a gift from the citizens of Tokyo, who wanted to thank Toronto for accepting many Japanese-Canadians who relocated from the west coast after World War II.
The trees were planted in several locations, including High Park, the University of Toronto, and the CNE grounds.
Since then, the cherry blossom trees have grown and multiplied, creating a stunning spectacle every spring. The trees have also become a source of cultural exchange and appreciation between Toronto and Japan.
Every year, the trees inspire many artists and photographers who capture their beauty in different ways. Since I came to Toronto in 2016, I always look forward to hanami (flower viewing), which we usually do where the big crowd goes, The High Park.
What is hanami?
Hanami is the Japanese term for flower viewing, especially cherry blossoms (sakura) and sometimes plum blossoms (ume) in parks and throughout the countryside in Japan.
It is an ancient tradition that dates back more than 1,000 years to when aristocrats enjoyed looking at beautiful cherry blossoms and wrote poems inspired by them.
Nowadays, hanami is more like a picnic under the trees, where people drink, eat and celebrate the beauty and impermanence of the blossoms.
Hanami festivals are held all over Japan during the spring, usually between late March and early May.
How to plan your cherry blossom viewing and what to bring with you
Here are some tips on how to plan your cherry blossom viewing and what to bring with you.
First, you need to find out when and where the cherry blossoms are blooming. The most popular place among Torontonians is The High Park located at 1873 Bloor St West.
Other areas you may want to visit are:
- The Japanese Canadian CUltural Centre — 6 Garamond Crt in North York
- The John P. Robarts Research Library — University of Toronto St. George Campus
- York University
- Birkdale Ravine in Scarborough
- Exhibition Grounds at 100 Princes Blvd
- Kariya Park at 3620 Kariya Dr in Mississauga
- Gairloch Gardens in Oakville
Second, you need to decide how you want to view the cherry blossoms. There are many ways to enjoy them, such as walking, biking, boating, or picnicking.
Whatever you choose, make sure to respect the environment and the people around you. Don’t pick the flowers, litter, or block the paths.
Third, you need to pack some essentials for your cherry blossom viewing. Here are some items that you might want to bring with you:
- A camera or a smartphone to capture the beauty of the flowers and share them with your friends and family
- A hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a jacket to protect yourself from the sun and the wind
- A water bottle and some snacks to stay hydrated and energized
- A blanket, a mat, or a chair to sit comfortably and enjoy the scenery
- A trash bag to collect your garbage and leave no trace
How to take stunning photos of cherry blossoms and share them online
The beautiful pink flowers are a delight to see and a joy to photograph. But how can you capture their beauty and share it with the world? Here are some tips on how to take stunning photos of cherry blossoms and share them online:
Use the best camera and settings
You don’t need a professional camera to take great photos of cherry blossoms, but you do need to know how to use your camera well. Whether you use a smartphone, a compact camera, or a DSLR, adjust the settings to suit the lighting and the scene.
You can use the auto mode or experiment with modes such as portrait, landscape, or macro. You can also adjust the exposure, white balance, and focus manually if you want more control.
Compose your shot creatively
Don’t just point and shoot at the flowers. Think about how you can make your photo more interesting and unique.
You can use different angles, perspectives, and distances to create different effects. For example, you can shoot from below to capture the sky and the branches, or from above to show the carpet of petals on the ground. You can also use the rule of thirds, leading lines, or frames to guide the viewer’s eye.
Edit your photos before sharing them online
Once you have taken your photos, you can enhance them further by using editing tools or apps. You can crop, rotate, or straighten your photos to improve the composition.
You can also adjust the brightness, contrast, saturation, or sharpness to make the colors pop. You can also add filters, stickers, or text to make your photos more fun and personal.
Share your photos with the world
Now that you have your stunning photos of cherry blossoms, it’s time to share them with your friends online. You can use social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest to post your photos and get likes and comments.
You can also use hashtags such as #cherryblossom #sakura #spring #photography to reach more people who are interested in your topic. You can also join online communities or groups dedicated to cherry blossoms or photography and get feedback and inspiration from other enthusiasts.
What does cherry blossom trees in Toronto symbolize?
Cherry blossom trees are more than just pretty flowers. They are a symbol of friendship, resilience, and hope.
They remind us of the ties that bind us across cultures and oceans. They also teach us to appreciate the fleeting moments of life, as the flowers only last for a few weeks before they fall.
Plan your sakura flower viewing this weekend in Toronto
This year in Toronto, the bloom came early. Hanami will surely become a daytime family and friends activity this weekend!
Now that you are a cherry blossom expert and ready to make the most of this magical season, take a moment to reflect on its history and meaning. And don’t forget to snap a picture!
Karen Cas-Alinas is a freelance content writer from Toronto and a mom of two lovely girls who make her busy and feel accomplished every day. She is a fan of Japanese culture and used to cosplay during her undergraduate years. Connect with her on Twitter @filipinainTO :)
