5 Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Markham
There’s nothing more exciting then when the flowers start to bloom in the spring. One of my favourite things to do in the spring is see Sakura trees in bloom. While many visit High Park, I have a great alternative to Toronto. There are a number of places to see cherry blossoms in Markham and you won’t have to struggle with crowds like in Toronto.
Markham is one of my favourite places to explore because it has so much to offer, yet is packed with hidden gems. Like Sakura trees in Toogood Pond Park in Unionville and Rougeside Promenade. Even on a beautiful sunny and warm day, each of the Markham cherry blossom locations I visited little to no people.
So, if you’re looking for a great alternative to cherry blossom locations in Toronto then I highly recommend you plan a day trip to Markham.
When can I see cherry blossoms in Ontario?
Depending on weather conditions, cherry blossoms bloom in Ontario between the end of April through the middle of May. You can see the blossoms lasting anywhere from one to two weeks.
Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Markham
Toogood Pond Park
The best cherry blossoms in Markham are in Toogood Park. This lovely park is located in the historic village of Unionville.
In 2023, 40 cherry blossom trees were planted. As soon as you pull into the parking lot, you’ll spot the Japanese Sakura trees on the hillside behind the lot. The trees line the hillside and go down to line the trail that circles the pond.
I wandered the hillside photographing the young trees and only crossed paths with others when I was leaving. The limited crowds make Toogood Pond Park a great alternative to High Park cherry blossoms.
Insider Tip: Be sure to check out trail around the pond, it’s home to one of my best boardwalks in Ontario!
Markham Civic Centre
In the park that wraps around the Markham Civic Centre are another 25 cherry blossom trees. The Civic Centre is the Markham city hall and the neighbouring park is a popular place to visit all year long.
During the winter, the park is home to a large outdoor skating rink. But I think the best time to visit is in the spring. In the spring all of the flowers are blooming and you’ll be able to enjoy the cherry blossom trees.
The Markham Civic Centre park features gardens and winding pathways. Along the pathways, you’ll find a number of information plaques highlighting some of the interesting sights in the park.
Insider Tip: Look for the bright orange piece of art work in the park. It’s part of the York Region Experience Trail. The trail features 8 unique pieces by Indigenous artist Donald Chretien at various attractions around the region.
Rougeside Promenade
One of the hidden gem spots to see cherry blossoms in Markham is along the Rougeside Promenade. This quiet street runs parallel to Highway 7 between Warden and Village Parkway.
The 40 Rougeside Promenade cherry blossom trees are located in the two parks along the road, Promenade Park and Dragonfly Park.
These scenic city parks run along the Rouge River and offer a lovely spot to picnic among the Sakura trees. I was amazed by how no one was around to watch the delicate pink flowers bloom.
Milne Dam Conservation Park
One of the top things to do in Markham is visit Milne Dam Conservation Park. It’s the largest park in the city and home to 15 cherry blossom trees.
The park is full of cool sights! Beyond the cherry blossom trees in Milne Dam Conservation Area, the park features scenic bridges, walking trails, a beach, and more.
Spanning over 400 feet, the Milne Dam Suspension Bridge crosses the Rouge River. It’s one of the most picturesque spots in the city.
Insider Tip: I highly recommend visiting the park during the week as it’s free. However, it’s still a nice spot to visit on the weekend and the fee is only a few dollars.
Berczy Park North
In a quiet neighbourhood northeast of Unionville is Berczy Park North. This lovely park is home to blossoming trees and is great for families with children.
Berczy Park North features a playground, splash pad and a sports centre. There’s a soccer field and tennis court. Plus, you’ll find a scenic pond with a bridge crossing it.
Places to Find Cherry Blossoms Near Markham
Sussex Park – If you’re looking for cherry blossom near Richmond Hill, head over to Sussex Park. This lovely little park is located in a mature neighbourhood in Richmond Hill. Sussex Park features over 12 cherry blossom trees. I recommend visiting during the morning, as I only encountered two people walking their dogs.
York University’s Keele campus – For those keen to find hidden gems, head over to the Keele campus of York University. Near the Calumet residency you’ll find two rows of cherry blossom trees.
Birkdale Ravine – West of Thomson Memorial Park you’ll find one of the best places to see cherry blossoms near Toronto, the Birkdale Ravine in Scarborough. This gem of a park is home to 45 cherry blossom trees.
Markham is the perfect destination to see cherry blossoms in Ontario without the crowds like in popular spots in Toronto. I love how each place offers something different, from picturesque parks to streetside gems. If you’re looking for something to do this spring, visiting the cherry blossoms in Markham makes for the perfect outing.
Looking for more blooms? Check out these posts
Where to Find Cherry Blossoms in Canada: +12 Top Spots
15 Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Toronto
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