High Park to the Humber: Cherry Blossoms and the Lakeshore

The Sakura bloom usually peaks in late April or early May and lasts only four to ten days, depending on weather; the city and the High Park Nature Centre post bloom updates each spring. That week is spectacular and very crowded. For the same walk with space to breathe, come on a weekday in May, June or September, or in October when the oak savannah turns.

High Park station on Line 2 is across Bloor Street from the park’s north gate; Keele station also works. The park is closed to cars on weekends and holidays and for the whole peak bloom, so do not plan to drive. At the end, the 501 Queen streetcar runs along Lake Shore Boulevard West near Humber Bay Park back toward downtown; check the TTC for current routing.

In peak bloom the slope above Grenadier Pond fills by mid-morning, especially on weekends. Arrive at sunrise or on a weekday before work hours and you will have the trees nearly to yourself, with soft light on the water. Late evening is the second-best window.

High Park has a free small zoo with animals like bison and capybaras, and the Jamie Bell Adventure Playground, a big wooden castle-style playground. Both are in the middle of the park, a short detour east from Grenadier Pond. With small children, end at Colborne Lodge and skip the lakeshore half.

When John George Howard gave the estate to the city in 1873, one of his conditions was that no alcohol be served here, and High Park remains Toronto’s dry park. Pack a picnic of the non-alcoholic kind; the Grenadier Café inside the park and Bloor West Village just north cover the rest.

Before the walk, Bloor West Village, just west of the park along Bloor Street, has bakeries and cafés; Roncesvalles Avenue, on the park’s east side, is one of the city’s nicest neighbourhood food streets. Inside the park, the Grenadier Café sits near the cherry trees. The lakeshore half has little beyond seasonal snack stands.

Staying downtown is fine, since Line 2 gets you here in about twenty minutes. If you want to wake up near the park for a sunrise bloom visit, look at rentals and small guesthouses in Roncesvalles, Bloor West Village or the Junction.

It is often several degrees cooler and much windier on the lakeshore than in the park, especially in spring. Bring a layer for the second half. The route is paved or packed path throughout and fine for strollers.