Catch the Cherry Blossoms Bloom in Burlington 

April 29, 2024

Add a new spring in your step with a visit to the Cherry Blossoms in Burlington. Don’t miss this opportunity to take in the beauty and enjoy a nature filled afternoon in the City.  

Experience the Beauty:  

The Royal Botanical Gardens host a collection of flowering cherry blossom at three garden locations; Rock Garden, Laking Garden and the Arboretum with additional trees added at the Rock Garden and Arboretum in 2010 as part of their Sakura project. Enjoy lunch at Rock Garden cafe before heading out on a hike to explore the blossoms or consider bring your own picnic style food to enjoy at the Arboretum.  

All Royal Botanical Garden locations with Cherry Blossoms can be reach via Burlington Go and completing the short walk to the garden gates. Parking is also available on site.  

If you’re looking to experience the blossoms from the city centre, make your way to Spencer Smith Park and walk the limestone walkway under the cherry blossom arch This picture perfect locations is a great opportunity to spend the afternoon taking in the blossoms and lake views in one afternoon. Take break at one of the many cafe’s in Downtown Burlington or for those with an empty stomach explore the large variety of dining experiences available.  

If you are visiting the city by Go Transit you can access Spencer Smith Park by transferring to Burlington Transit at the Burlington Go station. If traveling by car make sure to acquaint yourself with the downtown parking locations and their parking fees.  

Best Practices:  

The beauty and short bloom season of the cherry blossoms means that crowds will travel to all locations in the city to experience the sight. To allow everyone to enjoy the blooms, avoid climbing on the trees, pulling the branches or plucking the blooms. Make sure you stay on the designated trail to protect the plant and wildlife.  

Discover new traditions:  

The cherry blossoms hold additional significance for Burlington each year at  the Sakura (Cherry Blossom) Festival. The festival is designed to highlight Japanese culture in honour of Burlington’s twinning with Itabashi, Japan. This year we celebrate 35 years of friendship with our Japanese twin city on  May 11 from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.. The afternoon will be full of cultural demstrations including karate, aikido and iaido, as well as musical presentations from Nagata Shachu and Burlington’s Do Kon Daiko Japanese drumming group.  

The cherry blossom trees enjoyed at Spencer Smith Park were sent to Burlington from Itabashi as a way to share Japanese culture with the city.  

Extend your stay:   

Don’t miss a beautiful moment, enjoy the Cherry Blossoms from dawn to dusk with a stay at a Burlington Hotel and share your experience with us @tourimsburlington.