Toronto’s peak cherry blossom season nearly here

Peak cherry blossom season is expected this week in Toronto.

Sakura Watch noted that the first open blossom was spotted in High Park on Saturday, and they predict the peak will happen this week.

By mid-week, depending on the weather and the amount of rain Toronto gets, the trees should be in full bloom, Sakura Watch says on the website.

Full bloom is when the trees reach at least 70 per cent of open blossoms, Sakura Watch says. This should start around April 28.

The peak bloom, when the trees are at least 90 per cent open, will begin at the end of April and into the early May weekend, Sakura Watch adds.

High Park Nature Centre also monitors the blooms, and they predict the blossoms will open slowly over the course of the week and peak bloom is expected on Friday, May 1.

Once open, flowers last four to 10 days, depending on weather conditions. Unfortunately, there is a risk of thunderstorms on Tuesday in Toronto, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada.

There is also a chance of rain both Saturday and Sunday this weekend.

High Park tends to be busy during cherry blossom season, and the park will be closed to vehicle traffic for the duration of peak bloom.

The Nature Centre asks visitors to help protect the fragile trees by not touching or plucking the blossoms. Visitors should not pull or break branches, and don’t climb or lean on the trees.

“Take only photos and memories – leave the blossoms for everyone, including wildlife, to enjoy,” the Nature Centre says.

While High Park has the largest concentration of cherry blossom trees, there are many other, less-crowded spots to view the blooms, including parks, the Exhibition Place grounds and the University of Toronto and York University campuses. You can see more spots here.