In May, it was time to return to High Park to see the Sakura Cherry trees in bloom. The flowering of these trees is an annual event that has proven to be very popular with Torontonians, especially those of Japanese origin for whom the blossoms hold a special spiritual meaning. The trees were donated to the city of Toronto by the Government of Japan.
We were luck to visit on a weekday when the crowds weren’t so intense, but it was still a busy spot.
We took the subway, because cars were barred from entering the park and there were barriers manned by police to make sure that no one could drive into the park.
Along the way to main display of blossoms, we passed by some wild fruit trees that were also blooming.
There was evidence of the controlled burn that had recently taken place in the park. Authorities do this every few years in order to protect the ancient oak trees by burning away the underbrush.
When we arrived at the hillside, we found it was covered with trees in blossom…
…as was the trail leading to Grenadier Pond.
Close-up of some blossoms:
One of the visitors was even in costume, and many photos were taken of her.
The forsythia bushes were glorious too.
We saw lots of wildlife on the way through the park.
It is a sad commentary on human nature that these signs were necessary:
After we left the park, we walked west along Bloor St. to The Fox and John Pub at Kennedy Ave. and Bloor. Good food, good prices.
Probus Club of Kingsway-Islington 