This park near Toronto is an under-the-radar spot to see cherry blossoms
Cherry blossom season is now approaching peak bloom in Toronto, and viewing the colourful sakura trees are sure to draw huge crowds in the coming days.
As the flowers only last a short week or two, navigating through the mass hordes of people flocking to hotspots like High Park and Trinity Bellwoods can be overwhelming.
If you want to avoid the crowds this year, there are several less crowded locations within the city to find the blooming trees or consider heading just outside the city to Gairloch Gardens in Oakville for cherry blossoms set against a scenic backdrop of Lake Ontario.
Situated between Lakeshore Road and Cairncroft Road, Gairloch Gardens is much smaller than High Park, but you won't have difficulty photographing the gorgeous cherry trees.
Right along the waterfront, the park also has a pond with a fountain and grassy areas perfect for a picnic.
The gardens and adjoining grounds were formerly a private estate which was bequeathed to the Town of Oakville in 1971 by James Gairdner, a Toronto investment dealer.
In his will, Gairdner requested that the residence be used as a contemporary art gallery, and the remaining land become a public park. In 1972, a group of dedicated volunteers worked to make that request a reality.
Today, Oakville Galleries exists in what used to be the main house, with the grounds becoming the present day beautifully-landscaped Gairloch Gardens.
The park's cherry blossoms are expected to reach peak bloom in the coming weeks. Parking is free of charge.
You'll find Gairloch Gardens at 1308 Lakeshore Rd E in Oakville.
