Catching a glimpse of cherry blossoms in Canada may sound surreal, but this Japanese symbol does bloom in some of the most unexpected places across the country, including the prairies.
Cherry blossoms, or sakura as they are known in Japan, bloom into a delicate white flower between March and May each year. The flowers turn pink and the petals then fall off, creating a soft pink carpet underneath the tree.
In Japan, cherry blossoms are a symbol of renewal and beauty. Festivals are held throughout that country to mark the beginning of spring and to enjoy the blossoms.
For Canadians, there are several places from coast to coast to enjoy watching the changing colour of the cherry blossom tree. Here are some of the top spots to see the flowers bloom.
Vancouver
Cherry blossoms are seen with the skyline in the background in Vancouver, B.C., in a file photo. Shutterstock/Max Lindenthaler
Japan gave hundreds of cherry trees to Vancouver in the 1930s as a thank you to Japanese Canadians who fought in World War I, according to Destination Canada. Today the city has over 40,000 trees and hosts activities to help visitors and locals enjoy the scenery. The cherry tress can be found in Stanley Park, Queen Elizabeth Park, and VanDusen Botanical Garden.
Edmonton
Alberta’s capital city also boasts an abundance of cherry blossoms throughout the city, including on the legislative grounds and in the North Saskatchewan River Valley. Visitors and locals can also find the flowers at George F. Hustler Memorial Plaza, the French Quarter, and the Victoria Promenade, among other scenic spots.Toronto
People enjoy views of bright pink full-bloom cherry blossom in High Park in Toronto, Ont., on May 16 2019. Shutterstock/Elena Berd
Toronto has cherry blossom trees planted at various locations around the city, including many of the first 2,000 gifted to the people of Toronto by the Japanese ambassador to Canada in 1959 and planted on the hillside overlooking Grenadier Pond. Other places to find cherry blossoms in Toronto include High Park, Exhibition Place, Toronto Island Park, and Woodbine Park.
Regina
Regina is another location where cherry blossoms bloom in Canada’s prairies. A small but lovely collection of cherry tress bloom each spring at the Regina Floral Conservatory in Wascana Park. These trees can also be found growing and blooming in front of the McKenzie Art Gallery.Montreal
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A spring view of a Chinese pagoda surrounded by cherry blossoms in a botanical garden in Montreal, Que., in April 2021. Shutterstock/Awana JF
In Montreal, the trees bloom throughout May and can be seen by visitors to the Montreal Botanical Garden, Westmount Park, Avenue McGill College, and Parc Jean Drapeau. Other places to catch a glimpse of the trees blossoming are Parc Ahuntsic and Parc-nature de l’Île-de-la-Visitation.
Winnipeg
The cherry blossom grove in Winnipeg’s Assiniboine Park offers those in the prairies another spot to see the flowers.Ottawa
Spring blossoms at Dominion Arboretum in Ottawa, Ont., in a photo file. Shutterstock/J Duquette
Canada’s capital city is the home of The Sakura Project, created in the 1990s by Japan’s then-ambassador to mark the 125th anniversary of Canada’s confederation. Confederation Park is home to a collection of cherry blossom trees, located on the east side of the park. Visitors can also see the flowers bloom at the Dominion Arboretum, which is part of the Central Experimental Farm in Ottawa, as well as Jacques Cartier Park in the City of Gatineau, Quebec, across the Ottawa River.
