Spring Events for Blooms in Toronto (Tulips, Cherry Blossoms, CrabApple, Magnolia and GTA Spot Tips)
Celebrate Nature’s Revival in Spots Around the Greater Toronto Area
Photo credit: feature image at High Park Toronto by Mike Simpson, photo walk and event facilitator for Tdot shots and Tdot.cc.
Introduction: Signs of Spring in Toronto
Come springtime in Toronto, many of us eagerly search for signs of the new season: gardens dotted with sprouting tulips, carpets of blue Siberian Squill, and the celebrated cherry blossoms that grace many city parks. As temperatures rise and daylight stretches longer, Toronto and the GTA become a playground for photographers and nature lovers alike.
From casual strolls to organized photo walks, spring in Toronto offers countless ways to experience blooms and blossoms at their peak. Let’s explore the best events, locations, and floral highlights to capture the magic of the season.
Toronto Spring and Bloom Events
Photo Walks and Tours (May 2025)
- May 3 – Cherry Blossom Photo Walk with Taku Kumabe (Centennial Park)
- May 10 – Photo Walk and Tour at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery (with Tdot Shots and Rob Mee)
- May 15 – University of Toronto Campus Photo Walk (Cherry blossoms, crabapple)
- May 22 – High Park Toronto Spring Photo Walk
Tip: For details or tickets, visit Tdot Shots events page
Whether you’re chasing cherry blossoms or capturing historic architecture amid spring blooms, these guided events are a perfect opportunity to connect with fellow creatives.
York University, Toronto
Royal Botanical Gardens, Burlington
Spring Flower and Bloom Guide
Cherry Blossoms (Sakura)
Toronto’s sakura season is a highly anticipated event. Depending on the weather, blooms reach peak beauty from late April to early May.
Top Locations:
- High Park (most famous!)
- Trinity Bellwoods Park
- Centennial Park (Etobicoke)
- University of Toronto (Robarts Library and Front Campus)
Fun fact: High Park’s cherry trees were a gift from the Japanese ambassador in 1959!
Tulips
Tulip time typically runs late April to early May. Fields of vibrant reds, yellows, and pinks draw photographers from all over.
Festivals & Locations:
- Pingle’s Farm Market (“Tulip Days”) – Opening early May.
- TASC Tulip Farm (Milton) – Tentative opening April 26.
- Toronto Botanical Garden – Ongoing blooms throughout spring.
Tips:
- Tulip seasons are sensitive to spring temperatures.
- Always check festival websites for updates.
Crabapple Blossoms
Crabapple trees light up Toronto’s parks in mid to late May. Their blooms range from soft pinks to rich magentas.
Best Spots:
- High Park (near tennis courts and Nature Centre)
- Trinity College, University of Toronto
- Kew Gardens (Beaches area)
Some varieties bloom early; others follow in late May, offering an extended display after cherry blossom season wraps up.
Magnolia Trees
Magnolia blooms are large, fragrant, and often among the first trees to flower after winter. Their delicate white, pink, or purple blossoms are breathtaking.
Top Viewing Spots:
- University of Toronto (Victoria College and Trinity College)
- Allan Gardens Conservatory exterior
- Branksome Hall area (Rosedale)
Bonus: Siberian Squill (Scilla siberica)
Very pretty, but the City of Toronto warns that it is an invasive species. It is literally everywhere, and easy to spot all over town. It is really a sign of spring as by early to mid April it begins popping up.
“Siberian Squill is a common invasive species in gardens that can easily spread into natural areas and forests,” the city said in a post. “If a dog consumes a large amount of Siberian squill bulbs or foliage they can experience symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach discomfort.”
Galanthus nivalis (snowdrop, common snowdrop) and Scilla siberica are among the earliest spring flowers that appear at the University of Toronto
These charming blue flowers bloom early, often in April, carpeting gardens and parks like little blue bells. They start hanging downward and slowly open, revealing a striking white center.
Where to Spot:
- Beltline Trail (midtown Toronto)
- University of Toronto (Trinity College grounds)
- Cabbagetown and Riverdale neighbourhood gardens
Lilacs
Lilac bushes offer an intoxicating fragrance and stunning clusters of purple, pink, or white blooms. They usually hit peak bloom in late May.
Lilac Hotspots:
- High Park
- Spadina Museum Gardens
- Toronto Islands (Ward’s Island gardens)
Top GTA Locations for Spring Blooms (Beyond Downtown)
Here are some additional spots outside downtown Toronto worth exploring:
- Royal Botanical Gardens (Burlington/Hamilton)
One of Canada’s largest botanical gardens, featuring magnolias, tulips, lilacs, and more. - Centennial Park Conservatory (Etobicoke)
Tropical and seasonal plant displays, including spring flowers. - James Gardens (Etobicoke)
Stunning landscaped gardens with flowering trees. - Adamson Estate (Mississauga)
Historic property with beautiful crabapple and cherry trees along the waterfront. - Riverwood Conservancy (Mississauga)
Wildflowers, woodlands, and manicured gardens bloom throughout May.
Bonus: Enjoy Spring All Year at Allan Gardens
One of Toronto’s hidden gems is the Victorian-era greenhouse known as Allan Gardens Conservatory. Open year-round, it offers a lush, tropical escape filled with colorful flowers and exotic plants — regardless of the weather outside.
Tip:
- Pair your visit with a stroll through nearby Cabbagetown or Ryerson campus to catch early spring blooms in the neighborhood parks.
Conclusion: Embrace the Bloom
Whether you’re photographing cherry blossoms at High Park, admiring crabapple trees at Trinity College, or frolicking through a tulip field outside the city, spring in Toronto offers endless opportunities to celebrate nature’s renewal. Grab your camera (or smartphone), pack your curiosity, and go explore!
And don’t forget — Tdot Shots hosts walking tours and private photo sessions. We’d love to show you the city’s best springtime views!
Contact us at tdot.cc to book your spot.
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Gallery
More amazing images from around Greater Toronto, from Niagara to Edwards Gardens.
Daffodils in Niagara Falls -incredible beauty along the Niagara River in the daffodil capital of the world .
High Park gardens, Toronto. Take a walking tour with Mike from Tdot Shots.
Join us for a photo walk – book us for a tour
Whether you sign up for an organized public event or hire us for a ;private photo walk or walking tour, Tdot Shots and Tdot Mike aim to please.
Contact us about our events and we’ll be delighted to show you the city.
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