You know that spring has arrived in Montreal when you see hundreds of blossoming cherry trees all over the city. The first buds usually begin to bloom at the beginning of May and stay on trees until the end of the month, filling the air with a delicate fragrance.
The best place to enjoy hanami season in the city is the Montreal Botanical Garden located at 4101 Rue Sherbrooke E. During the cherry blossom season, the Botanical Garden is holding a special picnic under the crabapple trees to celebrate the arrival of spring. So grab a blanket and get ready to spend some time outdoors under the warm spring sun.
A few other parks in Montreal also boast a collection of cherry trees. Visit Nature Park of Île-de-la-Visitation for its beautiful flower displays, Westmount Park at 327 Avenue Melville, Ahuntsic Park at 10555 Rue Lajeunesse, and Parc Jean-Drapeau at 296 Chemin du Tour de l’isle. Also, you can check out McGill College Ave for a few beautiful cherry trees in an urban setting.
Practical info
When is the best time to visit Montreal to see the cherry blossoms?
The ideal time to observe Montreal's delightful cherry blossoms is from early to late May. The first buds typically begin blooming during the first week of May and last until the end, creating a delicate scent in the air. However, the exact timing of the cherry blossoms' arrival may differ based on the climate conditions. Show more
Where is the best place in Montreal to see the cherry blossoms?
The Montreal Botanical Garden, situated at 4101 Rue Sherbrooke E, is the top spot to witness the cherry blossoms in Montreal. In the cherry blossom season, visitors can participate in a unique event at the Botanical Garden, a picnic under the crabapple trees in honor of the spring. Other cherry blossom collections located within parks in Montreal are Ahuntsic Park, Nature Park of Île-de-la-Visitation, Parc Jean-Drapeau, and Westmount Park. Show more
How many cherry trees are there in the Montreal Botanical Garden?
With approximately 200 cherry trees scattered over a vast section, the Montreal Botanical Garden hosts an abundance of cherry blossoms. Each tree varies in bloom time and type, so tourists need not worry if they miss the initial blooming. These trees are also marked for the visitor's convenience, allowing them to differentiate between varieties. Show more
What other events are happening in Montreal during the cherry blossom season?
In addition to the cherry blossom season, Montreal hosts various events and festivals during May every year. A few noteworthy happenings include the Montreal Grand Prix, Montreal International Jazz Festival, Montreal's Museums Nights, and Montreal Museums Day. Additionally, visitors can enjoy numerous walking tours, outdoor exhibitions, markets, and engage in other outdoor activities available at the time. Show more
Besides the cherry blossoms, what other flowers bloom in Montreal in the spring?
Apart from Montreal's enchanting cherry blossoms, other flowers bloom in the city during the spring season. Tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and lilacs are the flowers that can be found blooming during the season. Each spring, the city hosts a stunning tulip festival in April and May, which features over 900,000 tulips spread throughout Montreal. These flowers significantly enhance the beauty of Montreal and are strewn across various parks such as The Nature Park of Île-de-la-Visitation, renowned for its mesmerizing flower displays. Show more
