Where to Find Cherry Blossoms in Niagara

In about a month Niagara cherry farms will glow in shades of pinks and soft whites as cherry blossoms come to life. It is a beautiful time of year as spring brings with it the blooming of fruit trees throughout this spectacular region. Cherry blossoms seem to be the favourite for people all over the world from the famous Sakura in Japan, to blossoms that line the boulevards in Washington DC. Though less world famous, cherry farms throughout Niagara fill the region with their delicate beauty every spring.

If you are coming to Niagara to enjoy nature and these beautiful blooms, then I highly recommend you visit a space that accepts public visits. Many of the fruit farms here in Niagara are private and farmers are averse to “out-of-towners” trespassing on their land. Simply because of the damage this can cause, either by transporting disease or by trampling plants and flowers. Trespassers will be and have been prosecuted.

So to save you from those trespassing charges I’ll share with you a few public places you can visit safely that will give you all the beautiful pictures you or Instagram could possibly want.

When do Cherry Blossoms Bloom in Niagara?

Cherry blossoms are season dependent and very short lived. You can find them blooming in spring anywhere from late April to Mid May. They prefer springtime cool temperatures with plenty of heat from the emerging sunshine and last on average about 9 days. If it gets too hot or too cold the blooms drop off or fade. As weather varies in the many micro climates of the Niagara region, the duration and timing of blooms will change by a few days depending on where in the region you visit.

8 Public Places to Visit for Cherry Blossoms in Niagara

Brock University – St. Catharines

1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, St. Catharines, ON (Click for Google Map)

Back in 2003 the Japanese government donated 200 Sakura cherry trees to the university as a show of friendship between Japan and Canada. These gorgeous trees line the roads that lead to the front entrance of Schmon Tower and are an incredible sight. You can park in the paid parking lots and then walk along the boulevard to capture the beauty of these cherry blossoms.

Lakeview Cemetery – Thorold

3651 Thorold Townline Rd, Thorold, ON (Click for Google Map)

In 2009 the cemetery received a donation of 60 Japanese cherry trees from the students and staff of Toy Eiwa school to honour the memory of its founder Martha Cartmell who began the school in 1884 with just two students. Cartmell a Thorold resident crossed the oceans by ship to found this school in Japan, that now boasts over 5000 students. An incredible story, and beautiful cherry blossoms line the walkway in the cemetery less than 1 km from where Cartmell was born, as a testament to her will and courage.

Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens – Niagara Falls

2565 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON (Click for Google Map)

Take in the beauty of Niagara Falls then take a leisurely drive along the Niagara Parkway to the Niagara Botanical Gardens where there is so much to see and enjoy. Pack a picnic and enjoy along with the spring blooms. Revisit in summer to catch the beauty of the huge rose garden. You can read more about this 99 acre botanical garden in my earlier post here. There is plenty of metered parking on site. And if you are a regular Niagara visitor you may want to consider an annual Niagara Parks parking pass. Definitely worth it as it gives you parking at many of the sites included below.

Queenston Heights Park – Niagara on the Lake

14184 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara-on-the-Lake (Click for Google Map)

This beautiful park offers a fantastic view of the Niagara River, plenty of picnicking space and a fantastic restaurant. In the vicinity of the Queenston Heights Restaurant you will find a cluster of cherry trees. So why not combine the joy of cherry blossoms with a fun lunch overlooking the Niagara River. Read more about what to find at Queenston Heights Park in my earlier post here.

Fort Chippawa Kingsbridge Park – Niagara Falls

7870 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON (Click for Google Map)

This site was where the Battle of Chippewa was fought in 1812. Today it is a peaceful place where you will find cherry trees in full bloom during the spring. Enjoy the walking trail with beautiful views of the Niagara River and take a family friendly picnic along to enjoy this space on a warm spring day. There is plenty of metered parking.

McFarland Park – Niagara on the Lake

15927 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON (Click for Google Map)

This beautiful open space along the Niagara Parkway in Niagara-on-the-Lake is the site of a historic home, McFarland House, that predates the War of 1812. There is a fabulous tea room with windows that overlook the park grounds. On the grounds you will find an abundance of trees, some cherry. Romanticize your life by planning a tea and cherry blossom day for your sweetie. Metered parking is available by McFarland House, however there a few small free parking lots along the parkway if you enjoy walking.

Foreign Affair Winery – Vineland

4890 Victoria Ave N, Vineland Station, ON (Click for Google Map)

Enjoy a glass of wine while you take in the cherry blossom blooms at this beautiful winery tucked in towards the end of Victoria Avenue in Vineland. May I suggest the L’eridita 2017 only available by the bottle, but worth every cent. The vintage 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon is I believe, available by glass and is also excellent.

Legends Estate Winery – Beamsville

4888 Ontario St, Beamsville, ON (Click for Google Map)

Another beautiful Niagara winery where you can combine the beauty of cherry blossoms with the joy of a glass of wine is the gorgeous estate of Legends Winery. An added bonus is that Legends sits right on the edge of Lake Ontario, so you can also enjoy lake views at the same time. Talk about a beauty overload. You can read more about Legends Estate Winery in an earlier post here.

What to do if You Miss Cherry Blossom Season?

First have hope, there’s always next year.

Second watch this beautiful video I created just for you.

Third – know that there are other blooms to enjoy.

You can visit the Niagara Floral Showhouse for other floral blooms indoors and out. Or to catch Magnolia season in the gorgeous Magnolia Alley. Here’s a previous post on it.

And you can also visit the Centennial Lilac Garden to see the lilacs in bloom. These bloom after cherry blossoms are out. Here’s a previous post on it.

Gosh I love flowers and cherry blossoms, don’t you? They bring so much joy. So remember to feel the joy and live Life with Alegria!