This is not a drill, Toronto. Cherry blossoms in the city have almost reached peak bloom.

As of April 23 — sakura cherry blossoms at High Park, perhaps the most popular spot in Toronto to see the blush oasis — have officially entered stage four of the bloom development process, according to the High Park Nature Centre.

This means, the peduncles or flower stems have started extending and individual blossoms can clearly be seen.

“We’re now two stages, or six to 10 days, away from peak bloom in High Park,” the Nature Centre said.

“Our peak bloom prediction will be coming soon.”

With six stages total in the blooming process, according to an April 23 update from Sakura Watch, some of the blossom buds at High Park have also already moved into stage five.

And as we eagerly await peak bloom, here’s everything to know before you get out there to chase cherry blossoms this season.

When does peak bloom occur?

Cherry blossoms typically reach peak bloom any time between late April and early May, as per the Nature Centre.

Peak bloom starts when at least 70 per cent of the blossoms are open. It also only lasts about a week. So, your window to catch a glimpse of the sakura sweethearts in all of their glory is pretty small.

And because bloom development is a temperature-sensitive process, “it is difficult to predict peak bloom more than 10 days in advance because it is dependent on weather conditions,” the Nature Centre states.

“Warm weather encourages cherry trees to bloom early, while cooler temperatures delay bloom time.”

Last year, peak bloom took place on May 3, while in 2024, it occurred on April 22, according to historical data from the Nature Centre.

Cherry blossom viewing etiquette

When peak bloom finally does arrive, be sure to take only photos and memories while visiting cherry blossoms. 

“Climbing the cherry trees, pulling on the branches and plucking off the blooms can damage the trees,” according to the City of Toronto.

Where to see cherry blossoms in Toronto

Across the city, there are several spots to admire cherry blossoms in peak bloom that extend beyond High Park, located at 1873 Bloor St. W.

This includes Edwards Gardens at 755 Lawrence Ave. E., Exhibition Place at 100 Princes’ Blvd., the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre at 6 Sakura Way, and Trinity Bellwoods Park at 790 Queen St. W.

For a full list of places to visit this sakura season, check out our story here.

Where to see cherry blossoms outside of Toronto

Those leaving the city for more cherry blossom viewing opportunities can check out Mississauga’s stunning, Japanese-inspired Kariya Park at 3620 Kariya Dr.

And while you’re in Mississauga, head to Brueckner Rhododendron Gardens at 660 Lakeshore Rd. W., St. Lawrence Park at 75 St. Lawrence Dr., or Mississauga Valley at 1275 Mississauga Valley Blvd. for more beautiful buds.

Other spots in the GTA and beyond include Birkdale Ravine in Scarborough at 1297 Ellesmere Rd., Brampton’s Joyce Archdekin Park on Main Street South, and the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens at 2565 Niagara River Pkwy. in Niagara Falls.

For more cherry blossom destinations beyond Toronto, check out our story here.

And to keep watch on when exactly peak bloom will happen this year, check out High Park Nature Centre’s online tracker.