Next week, Toronto’s enchanting cherry blossom season is expected to reach its peak bloom.
Toronto’s cherry blossoms in High Park are predicted to be in full bloom by April 22, according to experts at High Park Nature Centre.
What is known as the blooming period, or when 20 percent of the flowers are open, is expected to begin April 20–21. The peak bloom period, when 70 percent of the cherry blossoms are open, is the ideal viewing period, a news release from the nature centre said.
“Once open, flowers last from 4-10 days, depending on the weather conditions. Cool, calm weather can extend the bloom period, while warm, unsettled weather can shorten it,” the release said.
“Cherry Blossom season is a magical and popular experience for Torontonians,” said Sara Street, executive director of the nature centre at High Park, Toronto’s largest park.
View the Blossoms
The Nature Centre says tens of thousands of people come from around the world to view Toronto’s cherry blossoms. For those planning a trip to view the flowers, here are some tips for a safe experience:
- Viewing cherry blossoms in High Park, west of downtown Toronto, is a vehicle-free experience, the release said, except for the TTC Wheel-Trans service.
- People are asked to avoid climbing on the trees or pulling the branches or blossoms.
- Visitors need to stay on trails and pathways to view the flowers.
- Garbage should be disposed of in waste bins or taken out of the park when leaving.
- Turtle hatchlings are appearing in High Park and visitors are asked to be mindful of where they step.
Other places to see cherry blossoms in Toronto include:
- Birkdale Ravine
- Broadacres Park
- Cedar Ridge Park
- Cedarvale Park
- Centennial Park
- Cherry Street and Villiers Street
- Edwards Gardens
- Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre
- John P. Robarts Research Library
- Toronto Island Park
- Trinity Bellwoods Park
- University of Toronto Scarborough Campus
- Woodbine Park
- York University
Rainy Weather Impact
Warmer spring weather can move the process along more quickly, and the blossoms should be in Stage 5 during the week’s rainy forecast, said the nature centre’s communications director. “Stage 5 is when you begin seeing the fluffy white flowers emerge,” Rohith Raon said in an email to The Epoch Times.
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Rain also plays a factor in the flowers’ growth, and Toronto’s weather is expected to be cool and rainy for the next few days. That could slow down the blooming process, said Mr. Raon.
Most of the flowers will have their petals relatively closed and covered to protect them from the rain, he said. Heavy rain would only be a concern if the blossoms had already been open for a number of days.
“Taking into account all these weather forecasts we expect peak bloom to begin on Monday, April 22.”
