markham cherry blossoms

Markham to become a cherry blossom haven

Has Toronto's sakura scene become a bit too intense for your liking? You're far from alone, and few who've witnessed the melee at High Park or Bellwoods would blame you.

Fortunately, next year will be different. Or rather, it could be, for you, if you're willing to drive north.

The GTA will have more cherry blossom trees than ever next May thanks to a massive donation from various Japanese diplomats to the City of Markham.

A total of 80 sakura trees have been planted across three different parks in Markham to honour the 90th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Canada and Japan, according to a city press release.

Gifted through the Trees for Tomorrow program, their pretty flowering branches will explode into shades of white and pink each spring at Milne Dam Conservation Park, Rougeside Promenad the Markham Civic Centre for all to enjoy.

Want to welcome them into our home and native land? 

The City of Markham is hosting a celebratory ceremony this Saturday, June 23, complete with refreshments, speeches and performances by the Japanese Canadian folk music group Ten-Ten.

Lead photo by

Hector Vasquez


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in Sports & Play

Kyle Dubas offers subtle social media shot at Leafs in wake of Keefe firing

There's a secret forest boardwalk in Ontario

This small town in Ontario will transport you to Europe

Two new pickleball clubs opening in and around Toronto

This is what Canada's Wonderland looked like in the 1980s

Details emerge about Matthews' injury that kept Leafs star out of playoffs

Toronto will get a WNBA team for the 2026 season

Sheldon Keefe says Leafs 'deserve the Stanley Cup' in goodbye message to team