Sakura in Toronto

The Japanese government presented cherry blossom trees to the people of Toronto to thank them for their support of Japanese Canadian refugees after World War II.  This started a tradition of sakura (cherry blossom viewing) in Toronto.  More than fifty of the trees were planted in High Park.  

On Sunday, I joined hundreds (possibly even thousands) of Torontonians on their annual pilgrimage.  It was a zoo, but the cherry blossoms were gorgeous.  They were in full bloom and in fact most have peaked and there were even some petals falling off.   The weekend before would have been a better time to enjoy both buds and flowers and a weekday would mean a less crowded and more enjoyable park - however, not always an option...

Leaves have already started to come out on some trees

Photographer's paradise

The "stars" were very much in demand, including this "bride" below... 

I've found the trunks as photo-worthy as the flowers...

This is to give you an idea of the crowds and the traffic - DON'T drive.  For many of the people here, it was an expensive parking fee - $105 - the parking control staff had a field day!

The better way...