Cherry blossom madness is so real Toronto police have issued a traffic warning
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It’s true, cherry blossom season has finally arrived.
According to Sakura in High Park’s latest update, we should see the High Park cherry blossoms start to bloom this weekend between May 4 to 6.
Then, the peak bloom should be at its fullest between May 9 to 12.
And if you’ve ever been in the High Park area during these weeks, you’ll know that the hype is real.
In fact, it gets so busy, that this year the Toronto Police Service has issued a traffic warning for commuters.
From Friday, May 4 to Sunday, May 13, the annual Sakura Festival, better known as the Cherry Blossom Festival, officially takes place in High Park.
Please be respectful of the neighbouring residential streets around High Park. Please take transit, walk or cycle. We have @BikeShareTO at both Keele and High Park subway stations and along the Martin Goodman Trail. Lakeshore is closed Saturday from 8:30am to 3pm https://t.co/RIllfnQGMW
— Sarah Doucette (@SarahEDoucette) May 4, 2018
Police say that during the weekdays, the highest attendance period is estimated to be between 4 pm and 10 pm. During the weekends, visitors begin arriving at High Park at 7 am, with a stream of visitors throughout the day until approximately 10 pm.
“Motorists can expect delays in the area and should consider alternate methods of transportation,” said Police in a news release.
The main streets surrounding High Park that will be affected are Bloor Street West, Keele Street., Parkside Avenue, and Lake Shore Boulevard West.
Police added that the festival will take place regardless of weather conditions.
So if you’re heading down for that Insta moment, maybe take transit.
We are expecting the #sakura cherry trees to start blooming this weekend. Many of you will enjoy the blooms in #HighPark & other parks around the city. Follow these do’s & don’ts so everyone can enjoy their beauty. For more info: https://t.co/qeaKkv0TQ9 #CherryBlossomTO pic.twitter.com/Z6OJY7LS2j
— Toronto Forestry (@TOtrees) May 3, 2018