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Step into spring: Kariya Park’s cherry blossoms are starting to bloom

Kariya Park’s cherry bloom trees are expected to reach their full bloom over the next two weeks. Here’s what you need to know before you visit.

Environment | April 30, 2026

Sakura trees in bloom at Kariya Park, Mississauga (April 29, 2026).

Every spring, Kariya Park bursts into a pink-petaled paradise as its nearly 80 Japanese cherry blossom trees show off their blooms. Gifted from Mississauga’s sister city, Kariya, Japan, these stunning trees come in different varieties and shades. They create a magical pastel canopy that only lasts for up to two weeks.

Cherry blossoms in Mississauga usually hit full bloom in May, once the city gets about a week of warm, 15 degrees Celsius days. Plan your visit to Kariya Park and soak in the pink while it lasts.

Planning your visit

Kariya Park is a peaceful, beautiful oasis tucked into the heart of downtown Mississauga. This Japanese-inspired park is a celebration of Mississauga’s special sister-city relationship with Kariya, Japan, which has been in place since 1981. In addition to the park’s four varieties of cherry blossom trees, the park features beautifully designed garden beds, a pavilion, unique Japanese features, a marsh and pond, and several sculptures gifted to Mississauga by Kariya, Japan.

When you visit, you’ll be surrounded by vibrant plant life, including rhododendrons, pines, ginkgo, sweetgum and magnolias. You may also spot a variety of creatures who call Kariya Park home, including ducks, squirrels and turtles – remember to give them their space.

When visiting, make sure to stop at the park’s many features:

Stone tsukabai basin, which was hand-carved by Fumio Naito, a sculptor from Kariya, Japan.
Zig-zag boardwalk, which crosses a marsh containing Japanese irises and other water-loving plants.
Cascade waterfall with overhanging red Japanese maple trees.
Dry stream bed, representing a flowing stream with different sizes of stones. These stones have been carefully placed to imitate fast and slow-moving currents.
Duck pond with a turtle rock, which represents a turtle climbing out of the water.
Friendship Bell, located in the pavilion, which is rung on ceremonial occasions.

Getting there

Kariya Park is open daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Parking is very limited at the park, so consider walking, riding your bike or taking MiWay. Paid parking is also available on Kariya Drive or in Municipal Parking Lot #36 at the south-east corner of Burnhamthorpe Road and Kariya Drive.

Practise park etiquette

As you enjoy the beauty of the cherry blossom trees, remember to treat the park, park visitors, and the wildlife that call Kariya Park home, with respect. When visiting remember to:

Stay on the trails.
Avoid actions that could harm the trees and plants like climbing on them or pulling at their branches.
Leave your dogs at home. Dogs are not permitted in Kariya Park. If you’re looking for a place to bring your dog, consider visiting a leash-free zone.
Throw out your waste in the proper bin.
Only park in permitted areas.
Don’t feed or disrupt the wildlife.

Looking for other places to see cherry blossom tree blooms this time of year? You can find a few trees at Brueckner Rhododendron Gardens, St. Lawrence Park and Mississauga Valley.