Montreal cherry blossoms are almost at peak bloom — Here are the 7 best spots to see them
Warning: These photos will take your breath away! 😍 📸
Someone in front of the Montreal Botanical Garden's Chinese pavilion. Right: Someone admires a cherry blossom flower in Montreal.
Ah, spring — that glorious time of year when breathtaking cherry blossoms paint the town pink, turning Montreal into a picture-perfect fairytale. Unfortunately, this is the type of fairytale that ends before you want it to, only lasting a few weeks before the petals fall and the season comes to a close.
While it's always a treat to catch a glimpse of the cherry blossoms in Montreal, the best time to do so is when they're at peak bloom. Also, some places in the city serve as much better vantage points than others.
Don't know what "peak bloom" means? Curious about when Montreal's blossoms will reach said peak this year? Not sure where to go to see them?
We've got you covered with explanations from experts and the seven best spots to see the cherry blossoms, according to Montreal's tourist information centre.
What does the term "peak bloom" even mean?
David Wees, plant scientist and associate director of McGill University's farm management and technology program, told MTL Blog that "peak bloom" simply refers to the period when most of the flowers on a given plant are in bloom at the same time.
"Of course, not all flowers on a given tree or bush will flower on exactly the same date," Wees explained.
Experts generally consider "peak" to mean that at least 70% of the blossoms are open.
When will the cherry blossoms reach peak bloom in Montreal in 2024?
While it's difficult to predict when cherry blossoms will reach "peak bloom" because environmental factors like daily temperature come into play, you can use the date a particular tree started blooming along with weather patterns to get an idea. Experts can also use their trained eyes to make assessments based on what stage of development the blossoms appear to be at.
A horticulturist from Parc Jean-Drapeau, which was named one of the best places in Canada to see the cherry blossoms bloom, has predicted that the cherry blossoms there will reach their peak this weekend. After that, we won't have much time left with them because once the flowers open, they become more fragile. Wees predicts they'll last a few days past peak. In particular, "hot, windy weather will make the petals drop faster," he said.
Please note that some of the following locations are also home to crabapple blossoms, which look very similar to cherry blossoms and are often confused for them. The crabapple blossoms are just beginning to bloom in the Montreal area and are not yet nearing peak.
Parc Jean-Drapeau
Where: 1, circuit Gilles-Villeneuve
Why You Need To Go: Montreal's third-largest park, comprised of two islands off the shore of Old Montreal, in the Saint-Lawrence River, is home to many attractions: the Biosphere, La Ronde, Canada's largest casino, music festivals, 25 kilometres of trails and pathways, and more. So, it's no surprise that Parc Jean-Drapeau is also a top spot to see cherry blossoms. In fact, according to Skyscanner, it's one of the best places in Canada to do so.
"They're starting to appear all over the park," a spokesperson for Parc Jean-Drapeau told MTL Blog on Tuesday, noting that one of the park's horticulturalists suspects the cherry blossoms there will peak this weekend. "To see a lot at the same spot, visitors can go either near the Biosphere, the Tunisia Pavilion or the customer service building, all within easy reach of the metro."
The park is just five minutes from downtown, one stop from Berri-UQAM, making it a quick trip that allows you to trade city life for a botanical paradise.
Montreal Botanical Garden
Where: 4101, rue Sherbrooke E.
Why You Need To Go: Aside from Parc Jean-Drapeau, Montreal's Botanical Garden is the only local cherry blossom viewing spot that ranked among the best in Canada. The third largest botanical garden in the world, spread across 75 hectares of land, has blossoming cherry, plum and pear trees in its Chinese Garden, Japanese Garden, Food Garden and Arboretum.
"They're quite beautiful at the moment at the Botanical Garden," Space for Life communications manager Isabel Matte told MTL Blog on Monday.
People in the Groupe International des fans du Jardin Botanique de Montréal have been sharing stunning shots of the Botanical Garden's cherry blossoms on Facebook over the past couple of weeks — the sight of which confirms that they are not to be missed.
Westmount Park
Where: 327, av. Melville
Why You Need To Go: The alley of blossoms surrounding the gazebo at Westmount Park, and those lining its pathways, are a hit with Instagrammers and nature-lovers alike. Within the 26-acre area, you'll also find a playground, baseball diamonds, a playing field, tennis courts and a duck pond, which make it a beautiful place to spend the day, outside of just seeing the blooms.
Chinatown (Sakura Garden)
Where: Beside Palais des congrès, 200, rue De la Gauchetière O.
Why You Need To Go: Talk about an urban oasis. This little park beside the Montreal Convention Centre, in the heart of Chinatown, is teeming with gorgeous cherry blossoms this time of year. Grab some delicious take-out at a neighbourhood restaurant or boba at a nearby tea shop and go for a pretty pink petal-filled stroll that'll make you feel like you've touched down in China or Japan — no plane ticket required.
Ahuntsic Park
Where: 10555, rue Lajeunesse
Why You Need To Go: Located in the city's north end, Ahuntsic Park is a cherry blossom destination that's sometimes overlooked by flower seekers living in central or southern Montreal. But it's a gem well worth a visit — not to mention that it's conveniently located right next to Henri-Bourassa metro station.
In addition to enchanting cherry blossoms, Ahuntsic Park has something for everyone — from a skateboard park to a dog park to a fully accessible playground that accommodates children with disabilities. Between the fountains, the authorized graffiti wall and, of course, the blooms, this place is so aesthetically pleasing that your eyes won't know what to feast on first.
Maisonneuve Park
Where: 4601, rue Sherbrooke E.
Why You Need To Go: From the sprawling green fields to the melodious chirps of Vireo birds to the sheep that roam in the summer, this 63-hectare park in Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie feels like something out of a storybook. And the magnificent cherry blossoms only make Maisonneuve all the more magical. With a view of the Olympic Stadium in the distance, Maisonneuve Park is a Montreal dreamland, so don't sleep on it. Or, wait, actually do sleep on it. You know what we mean... just go.
Parc-nature de l’Île-de-la-Visitation
Where: 2425, boul. Gouin E.
Why You Need To Go: You'll find some of the best flora and fauna accessible within city limits at Parc-nature de l’Île-de-la-Visitation, and that of course includes cherry blossoms. Seeing the flowers, the Back River and hundreds of species of birds coexisting alongside historic structures, like the ruins of old mills and the Maison du Pressoir museum, makes this nature park well worth a visit — just as its name suggests.
This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.
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