Where to See the Cherry Blossoms in Niagara (for Free)
Spring in Niagara is the most beautiful time of the year. With blossoming cherry trees with hues of soft pink and white dotting the landscape, it’s like stepping into a dream world. Cherry blossoms are a favourite amongst visitors, and it’s not hard to see why!
If you’re visiting Niagara during cherry blossom season, I guarantee you’ll want to stop to take photos! While Niagara is one of the top fruit-producing regions in the world, you don’t want to get caught with trespassing. Here are 8 public places to see the cherry blossoms in Niagara.
For your best chance of seeing the blossoming cherry trees in the Niagara Region, plan to visit mid-late April to mid-May, depending on the weather and area of Niagara you’re visiting. Their bloom time is short – between 7-10 days, so keep your eyes peeled!
1. Kingsbridge Park
Let’s start with Kingsbridge Park in Niagara Falls. Located a short drive way from Niagara Falls down the Niagara Parkway, Kingsbridge Park sits along the Niagara River and Welland River.
It’s the former site of the Battle of Chippawa, a well-known battle during the War of 1812. Kingsbridge Park is a peaceful place to escape the hubbub of the tourist area of the Falls. Lined with picnic tables, a scenic walking trail, covered pavilion, playground, and washrooms, it makes a great spot to check out the cherry blossoms during bloom.
While it’s free to visit Kingsbridge Park, parking fees apply at a rate of $8/hour. If you have a Niagara Parks parking pass, parking here is included.
Location: 7870 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara Falls
2. Brock University
Brock University in St. Catharines offers another great public viewing spot for cherry blossoms. 200 Sakura cherry trees line the area between Sir Isaac Brock Boulevard and the roundabout that lead to the Schmon Tower.
These cherry trees were donated by the Sakura Project in 2003 to symbolize the friendship between Japan and Canada.
Parking is $4/hour, offering you lots of time to snap some photos of these beautiful cherry blossoms.
Location: 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, St. Catharines
3. McFarland Park
With the beautiful McFarland House as a backdrop, McFarland Park is a tranquil spot to see blooming cherry blossoms scattered throughout the park. Offering walking and biking trails, picnic pavilion, and washroom facilities, this is a perfect spot to enjoy some quiet away from Niagara Falls and on the way to Niagara-on-the-Lake.
I recommend returning in the summer for a tour of McFarland House and enjoying an afternoon tea here. It’s a gorgeous historic property and one of the few buildings in Niagara-on-the-Lake that predates the War of 1812!
Parking is $8/hour on site, but there is free parking just north of McFarland Park. Parking is included here if you have a Niagara Parks annual parking pass.
Location: 15927 Niagara River Parkway, Niagara-on-the-Lake
4. Queenston Heights
Queenston Heights is a beautiful park a few hundred metres from the Canada-US border with amazing views of the Niagara River and tons of parking.
You’ll find cherry trees surrounding the parking lot and near Queenston Heights Restaurant. There’s a cluster of trees by the Laura Secord Monument.
Popular amongst families, hikers, and bikers, Queenston Heights is the famous site of the Battle of Queenston Heights during the War of 1812. Why not combine your visit with a self-guided history tour through the park?
Location: 14184 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara-on-the-Lake
5. Lakeview Cemetery
More unexpected than other locations is Lakeview Cemetery in Thorold. T
he cemetery received a donation of 60 Japanese cherry trees from the students and staff of Toy Eiwa school (a Christian girls’ school) to honour its founder, Martha Cartmell. She crossed over to Japan by ship in 1884 to found the school in Japan during a time when Japanese girls were not allowed to be educated.
These stunning cherry trees line the walkway in the cemetery.
Location: 3651 Thorold Townline Rd, Thorold
6. Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens
One of my favourite free places to visit Niagara Falls (throughout the year!) is Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens. It’s extra special during spring when its cherry trees are blooming throughout the property.
Spanning 99 acres, you’ll not only spot cherry trees, but other blooming plants and flowers like azaleas and various perennials.
You can find the cherry blossoms near the pathways around the Butterfly Conservatory.
Parking is $8/hour, unless you have a Niagara Parks parking pass.
Location: 2565 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara Falls
7. Legends Estate Winery
Down in my neck of the woods is a place where you can combine the beauty of blooming cherry trees and wine! Legends Estates in Beamsville sits at the edge of Lake Ontario, so you can enjoy views over to Toronto with a glass of wine with pink petals of cherry trees as your backdrop.
While it is technically free to visit the grounds here, I highly recommend popping into their store or arranging a tasting or tour ahead of time!
Location: 4888 Ontario St, Beamsville
8. Foreign Affair Winery
Another amazing winery (and one of my favourites!) to see cherry blossoms is at Foreign Affair Winery in Vineland. Known for its bold red wines made using the Appassimento technique, this winery is located right next to a cherry blossom grove.
Pop in for a wine tasting in their wine cellar, it’s one of the best winery experiences we’ve had!
Location: 4890 Victoria Ave North, Vineland