Did you know cherry blossoms are a symbol of spring in the city? These beautiful colourful flowers, often different shades of pink, bloom in late April and early May.

Where can you find cherry blossoms in Mississauga?

Add Kariya Park to your bucket list this spring if you haven’t visited it yet! This Japanese-inspired park in the city’s downtown is where you will find many varieties of cherry blossoms. While visiting you will see:

·         a gatehouse entrance, with a stone tsukabai basin – hand-carved by Fumio Naito, a sculptor from Kariya, Japan

·         a zig zag boardwalk, which crosses a marsh containing Japanese irises and other water-loving plants

·         a cascade waterfall with overhanging red Japanese maple

·         a dry stream bed, representing a flowing stream with different sizes of stones, carefully placed to imitate fast and slow-moving currents

·         a duck pond

·         a turtle rock in the pond, which represents a turtle climbing out of the water

·         a bridge overlooking a large pond

·         a pavilion with a Friendship Bell rung on ceremonial occasions

If you are planning to see the blossoms this year, here’s what you need to know:

1)    Watch the weather –  The trees need a minimum of 15 degrees Celsius to fully bloom – keep an eye on the weather to time your visit accordingly.

2)    Don’t miss out! These delicate flowers, often soft white, blush pink and dark rose, bloom for just a few days.

3)    Plan your visit –  The park is open seven days a week from 7 a.m. until 11 p.m. Make sure to add this park to your list of things to do this spring if you haven’t visited it yet!

4)    Be patient – since the cherry blossom season is short with many expected visitors make it may be busy in the park!

5)    Snap a selfie – the cherry blossoms don’t stay around for long so make sure you capture the moment!

For more information about visiting one of Mississauga’s parks, please visit mississauga.ca/parks