Cherry Blossoms in High Park

My wife and I recently went to enjoy the Cherry Blossom Trees and go for a good walk at High Park.  It is one of our favorite parks in Toronto.  Unfortunately, it was overcast all morning and my hopes of getting some great pictures was dashed.  Also, this year the blooms came out later than usual because of the harsher and longer winter we had.  They normally are in blossom at the end of April/beginning of May.

Cherry Blossom Trees - High Park

Further, the trees started to go in bloom the weak prior and with the winds and several days of rain it also caused the trees to be more barren than years past when we visited.

Cherry Blossom Tree - High Park

Some Quick Facts about Cherry Blossom Trees:

• Cherry Blossom Tress (in Japan 'Sakura') are known for their beauty and elegance.  They are a good omen and sign of Spring.
• In 1959, as a gift from Japan the first Cherry Blossom tree was planted at High Park.  In 2001, 34 more additional trees were donated by the Government of Japan.  

Plaque Commemorating Cherry Blossom Trees

• Cherry Blossom trees have a short blooming period (less than two weeks) and approximately one after the blossoms appear ('kaika'), full bloom occurs ('mankai').
• In Japan, they eat the blossoms and leaves.  They are used to enhance the flavor of confectioneries and buns.  Also, as a tea at special events and festivities.  However, they can be toxic in large quantities because they contain Coumarin; which is harmful to the liver and kidneys.  
• 'His Worship' Mel Lastman now can enjoy retirement knowing that he is not the worst Mayor in Toronto history and his verbal gaffe's, out of wedlock affairs and bastard children are nothing compared to our current worship 'Rob Ford.' 

Cherry Blossom Trees High Park

Tips for Enjoying Cherry Blossoms and High Park:

• Get to the the park early.  We arrived at 10:00 am and got one of the last parking spots.  I'd suggest arriving at 9:30 or instead taking the TTC and getting off at High Park Subway Station.
• Parking can also be found on many of the side streets surrounding the park.
• Bring your SLR Camera and have some fun taking photos.

Cherry Blossom Trees - High Park

• Wear comfortable walking shoes that you don't mind getting a little muddy from the trails.
• Don't be 'Johnny' picnic under the Cherry Trees.  It is certainly poor manners and of course people are going to give you dirty looks and openly complain about you. I give two thumbs up to the photographer who set his tri-pod with his camera and cannon sized lens right next to the obnoxious family.
• We noticed the Police and Parking Enforcement out in full force; so I imagine respecting the laws and rules of the park would be a good idea.  I'd keep Fido on his leash and keep your beverages discreet.  

Nesting Swan - Grenadier Pond

Things to do around the Park:

• For the children there is ample to see including small Zoo (Llamas, Deer, Emus, Goats, Yaks, Bison, and Peacocks) and the Castle playground.  The latter is probably one of the best in Toronto and makes me want to be eight again.
• High Park also has a very large off-leash area and we just enjoy watching the dogs play.  I'm always impressed with a dog who can catch a Frisbee mid-air with a jumping leap.  

Swan - Grenadier Pond

• Visit the swans and walk along the shores of Grenadier Pond.
• See the flowers around the park and the central garden.

Tulips at the Main Entrance

Things to do outside the Park:

• Our favorite fancy grocery store Cheese Boutique is only a few block away, just off of the South Kingsway at 45 Ripley Avenue.  A great place to buy cheese, deli meats, pates, chocolate, gourmet cookies, and preserves.  The service is phenomenal and you can easily spend a fortune on some tasty treats.
• Just north of High Park is the Junction neighborhood (Dundas West and Keele St) and there are several good restaurants.  A little further north also is very tasty micro-brewery called Junction Craft Brewery.  Try some samples and see what you like.  You can easily walk out with a growler of great beer. 
• To the South-West is Humber Bay Park at the mouth of the Humber River.  It is also a great place to walk around and you have an amazing view of the CN and the downtown core.  

The Best Photo of the Day:

Trilliums in High Park 

Comments? Thoughts? Suggestions?  What's your favorite park in Toronto?