High Park Cherry Blossoms
April 22, 2024
High Park is a highly popular area when it comes to viewing cherry blossoms in Toronto. This was especially true Monday, when the blossoms appeared to have peaked.
The spectacle of the sakuras blossoming is a regular event around this time of year - certainly not as rare as the total eclipse from earlier this month - but both have something in common; drawing a crowd.
I’m not normally a big fan of crowds, but after a couple years of visiting High Park for some cherry blossom viewing I’ve become more intrigued by the various ways people participate in this sort of event.
It’s disheartening to see branches being pulled for the occasional selfie, but many people were simply enjoying the fleeting beauty of the blossoms through photography, picnics, and casual strolls through the park.
My focus was entirely on the blossoms the first time I saw them, but each year since I’ve enjoyed trying to photograph the greater context of the blossoms - the viewing experience.
I still love capturing up close shots, but now I equally enjoy capturing other’s reactions to the scenery. As long as the trees and surrounding park are treated with respect, it’s a beautiful sight to see everyone gather to share in the experience.
These trees change the park entirely in Toronto’s early (and hopefully real) spring, and I particularly feel grateful for an excuse to get out and enjoy nature. After trudging through the usual cold and dreariness of winter, the bright, almost fantastical blossoms are an incredibly welcome sign that spring has arrived in the city.
Here are some photos I took around the park today - maybe one might end up as a print?
