Cherry blossoms in Toronto expected to reach peak bloom later this week
Cherry blossom trees in High Park and across Toronto are expected to reach peak bloom later this week, the city said.
Peak bloom, which begins when at least 70 per cent of the blossoms are open, can last between four to 10 days depending on weather conditions, the city said in a news release Thursday.
Tens of thousands of people head to High Park every year to admire the blossoms, the city said.
There will be no vehicle access or parking inside High Park starting May 5 for the duration of peak bloom. TTC Wheel-Trans vehicles will continue to have access to the park to drop off visitors, the city said.
Visitors are asked to avoid climbing the trees and removing blossoms or branches.
They are also asked to remain on paved pathways and trails when visiting city parks to protect ecologically sensitive areas.
Visitors can also see cherry blossoms in Trinity Bellwoods Park, Birkdale Ravine in Scarborough, Centennial Park in Etobicoke and Toronto Island Park, as well as on some University of Toronto and York University campuses.
The first cherry blossom trees, known as Sakura trees, were planted in Toronto in 1959 after a fundraising project led by Japanese-Canadian leaders and community members, according to the High Park Nature Centre's website.
Two thousand trees were initially planted in appreciation of Toronto accepting re-located Japanese-Canadians following the Second World War, the website reads.
Several more groves were planted across the city in the following decades. The City of Toronto operates the Sakura Cherry Trees Project, which accepts donations to support the maintenance of existing trees and the planting of new ones.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time Business News
3 hours ago
- Time Business News
Why 2025 Is the Best Year Yet to Move Abroad for Work or Study
Thinking about starting a new chapter overseas? Whether you're planning to pursue a degree abroad, find a job in a high-demand field, or secure permanent residency in a new country, 2025 is your golden ticket. With fresh immigration policies, talent shortages, and generous scholarship programs in place, the stars are finally aligning for students and professionals who've long dreamed of an international life. Here's why you shouldn't wait another year to pack your bags—and how to take full advantage of what 2025 has to offer. It may sound surprising, but many countries are loosening the red tape. Countries like Australia, Canada, Germany, and Ireland are actively updating their visa systems to attract talent, especially from countries like India, the Philippines, Nigeria, and beyond. Take Australia, for instance. It's not just welcoming international graduates; it's also speeding up pathways to permanent residency for those who align with their skilled occupation lists. The PR in Australia process is becoming more straightforward, especially for applicants who have studied or worked in regional areas. Here's the hard truth: many developed countries simply don't have enough workers. Whether it's healthcare, construction, engineering, hospitality, or tech, the labor gaps are growing fast, and they're looking abroad for solutions. In 2025, job seekers with relevant experience or degrees may find themselves in a seller's market. Nations like Germany, Denmark, Luxembourg, and Japan are actively seeking foreign talent to fill critical roles. Some of them even allow job seekers to enter without a job offer, through special talent or opportunity visas. Gone are the days when studying abroad meant packing up and going home after graduation. Now, more governments are tying student visas to permanent immigration goals. In Australia, for example, students who graduate under the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) can now access longer post-study work rights, and if they work in high-demand fields, they can fast-track to permanent residency. Similarly, Canada offers generous post-graduate work permits and even awards extra immigration points for Canadian education and work experience. The UK and New Zealand are also increasingly aligning student pathways with long-term settlement options. If you've been debating whether a degree abroad is worth it, 2025 may just be your final nudge. Not everyone wants to work a 9-to-5 job abroad—and guess what? That's fine now. With the rise of digital nomad and freelancer visas, countries are becoming more welcoming to self-employed professionals. Whether you're a graphic designer, content writer, software developer, or digital marketer, you can now live legally in countries like Portugal, Germany, Spain, and Croatia while working remotely. Even Germany offers long-term residency options for self-employed individuals, especially those contributing to the local economy. So, if you're tired of unstable local markets or want to experience a new culture without tying yourself to a job contract, there's never been a better time to take that leap. Post-pandemic recovery has prompted universities around the globe to increase scholarships for international students in 2025. From fully funded opportunities in Europe and Asia to prestigious awards in Australia's top universities, funding has become more generous and more competitive. These scholarships don't just cover tuition; many also include living stipends, airfare, and health insurance. Whether you're aiming for a research program, undergraduate degree, or master's in STEM, law, or business, the financial support is out there—if you apply early. But here's the catch: these offers come in cycles. What's available in 2025 might not return in 2026. So, timing is everything. With so many countries, programs, and policy changes to follow, it's easy to get overwhelmed—or worse, miss out. That's where The Immigration World comes in. It's a platform created to help you stay ahead of visa changes, scholarship openings, and work opportunities worldwide. And for a broader take on real-life travel trends, study tips, and lifestyle updates for global movers, Urban World Story is another solid resource worth checking out—especially if you like your info useful and your scrolls worthwhile. 2025 is a sweet spot. Countries need skilled professionals. Students are in demand. Financial aid is flowing. And governments are finally waking up to the value of immigration. But as with all windows of opportunity, this one may not stay open forever. Global economies shift. Political landscapes change. What's easy today might be complicated tomorrow. So if you've ever dreamed of living, studying, or working abroad, this is your year to move. Don't just scroll past it. Plan it. Apply for it. Go for it. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
New York Post
11 hours ago
- New York Post
Canadian tourist Dorian Christian MacDonald, 38, found dead after ‘drowning accident' on Dominican Republic beach
A Canadian tourist was found dead in the water at a Dominican Republic resort in what loved ones described as a drowning accident last week. Dorian Christian MacDonald was last seen walking along the beaches of Puerto Plata just after 2 a.m. during his solo trip to the northern coast of the Caribbean Island on June 20, according to CTV News. MacDonald was staying at a hotel in the resort town of Maimon Bay when he went for the overnight stroll — an hour before police received calls reporting him missing. 5 Dorian MacDonald was found dead in the waters of the Dominican Republic on June 20, 2025. Tara McKenzie/Facebook The 38-year-old's body was discovered in the water during high tide just after 4 a.m., the outlet reported, citing local officials. An official cause of death wasn't announced, but a family friend reported that MacDonald had drowned. 'Dorian died suddenly in a drowning accident. He was only 38 years old. And now, the world feels a lot quieter and a whole lot less vibrant just knowing he's no longer a part of it,' Tara McKenzie wrote on a GoFundMe. 'The painful reality is now facing the unthinkable task of trying to bring him back to Nova Scotia in a timely manner—to his Mom, his sisters, his family, his people. As much as we know how much he loved DR, we need him home,' McKenzie added. The fundraiser is intended to raise money to bring MacDonald's body back to Canada. 'We don't get to even begin saying goodbye properly or grieve as we should until then,' McKenzie said. 5 MacDonald was staying at a hotel in the resort town of Maimon Bay when he went for the overnight stroll — an hour before police received calls reporting him missing. Tara McKenzie/Facebook 5 The beach of Maimon Bay in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. Universal Images Group via Getty The grieving friend said it would cost $10,000 to $20,000 to get MacDonald out of the 'cold system' of red tape, paperwork, international flights, body preparation and funeral arrangements. McKenzie paid tribute to her 'brother from another,' sharing 80 photos and text messages of the two dating back to 2016. 'I didn't want to ever have to write this.. So I don't know what exactly to say yet…I'm definitely still massively in denial that a presence as infectious as yours could actually be truly gone from this world…You were a part of my life, past, present and I prayed future…' she wrote in a Facebook post. MacDonald's death is the latest involving tourists to strike the Caribbean nation's beaches. University of Pittsburgh student Sudiksha Konanki disappeared while swimming during her spring break trip to Punta Cana in the early hours of March 6. The 20-year-old was with Joshua Riibe, a St. Cloud State University student, at the time. The couple had met at the beginning of the trip. Riibe, 22, was detained by authorities and questioned in Konanki's disappearance. 5 Tara McKenzie and Dorian MacDonald pose in an undated picture. Tara McKenzie/Facebook 5 McKenzie paid tribute to her 'brother from another,' sharing 80 photos and text messages of the two dating back to 2016. Tara McKenzie/Facebook The parents of the missing Washington DC native asked officials to declare their daughter dead and clear Riibe of any wrongdoing in Konanki's death, which a judge obliged with on March 30. Konanki's body has not been recovered.
National Geographic
12 hours ago
- National Geographic
Everything you need to know about Scottish whisky
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). These days, every nation is discovering whisky distillation, but the global superstars are without doubt the Scottish. With a production history dating back to the 15th century, the country has spent hundreds of years perfecting distillation and wood-ageing. Along with heritage, it's the variety that sets the Scots and their scotch apart from other whiskies worldwide. The spirit is produced in every corner of the country, and there are complex contrasts between, say, an eye-opening Islay whisky, something sweet from Speyside or the lighter lowland styles. Meanwhile, blended whisky takes the array of single malts and combines them with innovative results. The flavour spectrum runs from warm wood and smoke to cereals, biscuits, honey, fresh and spiced fruit and floral notes, so there's a prospect for every palate here. Strict legislation has also helped the industry deliver consistent quality, and while traditional techniques are at the artisan heart of scotch, there have been more recent sparks of innovation. Wood finishes have become more interesting, for example, where the whisky is rested for a final spell in different kinds of oak, with port, Maderia or Burgundy barrels being employed. Such experiments have elevated the spirit's profile again and can make it accessible for a broader spectrum of drinkers. Dram Bar in London pours up an almond and pineapple cocktail using the Craigellachie whisky with its cereal and meaty notes. What is single malt Scottish whisky? This simply means the whisky must be produced in a single distillery, and in the case of scotch, distilled from malted and then fermented barley. The difference between single malt and blended scotch is that the latter is combination of single malts from many distilleries. Rather than simply malted barley, it can also include a different grain distillate. In all cases, to be considered scotch it must be distilled and matured in oak casks in Scotland for at least three years and bottled there at a minimum of 40% alcohol by volume (ABV). How does it compare to other varieties around the world? The Japanese initially worshiped and indeed mimicked scotch, and while you'll find fresh, innovative voices there now, there are many similarities in flavours. But since the Scots came first, they have a few centuries on the Japanese whisky-makers, having learned from mistakes, and spent decades testing wood styles, learning about the nuances of ageing, advancing the science of distillation and judging the impact of still shape on distillation. The Irish triple distil and produce smoother styles — they invented whiskey and spell it with the 'e'. They were once the market leader but initially stuck with their pot stills and turned their back on the column still, a technology ushered in in the 19th century that distilled spirit quicker and cheaper. The Irish were concerned the lighter style of spirit it produced would put drinkers off, but the Scots embraced this technology (also known as the continuous still) for their blended whisky and it helped brands like Johnnie Walker become global powerhouses. However, the Irish industry has been flourishing recently, so keep an eye on whiskeys from the Emerald Isle. The Americans play with grains, and in the case of straight bourbon use corn as the dominant ingredient and age the spirit in new American oak. It's a much sweeter whisky, but there's variety here, too, including single malts and — something spicier — American straight rye. There's also an interesting movement in 'world whisky', with the Austalians, Germans, Scandinavians and even English enjoying plaudits from the purists. Glenmorangie Distillery in the Scottish Highlands has the tallest stills in the industry, which creates a lighter spirit. Photograph by Glenmorangie Distillery What are some traditional names to look out for? Speyside is the heartland of Scotch, with a higher density of distilleries than anywhere else, and a water source that imparts a sweeter profile. Approachable crowd-pleasers like The Glenlivet, Glenfiddich or sherry-forward The Macallan will be familiar to most — but branch out to Glenfarclas to see a whisky maker take a sherry profile in a different direction or the complex Craigellachie for its cereal and meaty notes. In the Highlands, Glenmorangie has the tallest stills in the industry, which creates a lighter spirit. The company has also been celebrated for innovation in wood finished spirits. For the more experienced palate, head to Islay where firing the malt in kilns fuelled with local peat bestows bold, smoky notes. Lagavulin is the ideal introduction with a slightly richer and sweeter smoke versus Laphroaig for the bigger iodine notes. Meanwhile, Johnnie Walker remains the reliable stalwart of traditional blending, with master blender Emma Walker — a former pharmaceutical chemist who has no relation to the family-founded brand — is celebrated in the whisky world. What are the new-wave whiskies of note? There has been a raft of new Scottish distilleries opening in the past 20 years, and many are now producing stunning spirits. Torbhaig on the Isle of Skye was the first new distillery on the island for 190 years and the light, peaty and maritime whiskies from here are absolute belters. NcNean has pushed boundaries of sustainability with its Organic Single Malt, a lighter and spicier spirit that's been rested in red wine casks. And Highland newcomer Ardnamurchan is a true gem. Based on the Western edge of Scotland, it's been seriously impressing whisky fans since releasing its first bottle in 2020. And the one to watch? That would be Dalmunach, in Speyside. The distillery only opened in 2014, and is already turning out incredible whisky, including 2024's six-year-old releases. In the world of blended whisky, Compass Box deserves credit for shaking things up by being incredibly transparent about the types and ages of whisky it uses. And in terms of new kids on the block, try bottlings from both Turntable and Woven — both producers are proving truly innovative with their small-batch, blending approach. By focusing on limited editions rather than one style, they've explored a wide range of flavour profiles and are attracting a younger audience to the category. A variety of whiskies are offered at Malt Vault in Utrecht, Netherlands. Photograph by Thirsa Nijwening Does age matter? Yes. It determines the minimum amount of time a whisky spends in a barrel. And wood maturation is critical to aroma and flavour, so any decent single malt is likely to have spent more time in the barrel than the requisite three years. The longer whisky spends in the barrel, the more colour the whisky takes on and the more influence the wood has on aroma and flavour. But older isn't necessarily better. Too much time in wood can adulterate the house style of a new-make whisky distillate, so it's about balance. For example, the Dalmunach 6 Year Old is an example of something young that can impress. In more recent years, dwindling stocks of single malt have led to the emergence of No Age Statement whiskies, allowing a producer to blend different ages and styles but still deliver a tasty single malt. Meanwhile, Johnnie Walker Blue includes 60-year-old whiskies in the blend, so it doesn't always follow that a number on the bottle is the entire story. What is the most authentic way to drink it? Whisky snobs are a dying breed, yet some will still tell you not to add anything to your whisky. But drink it any way you see fit — it's your whisky. However, neat and at room temperature is an essential starting point to understand the flavour. Adding a little water is accepted by the traditionalists and opens some more of the aroma and flavour — and it's also essential with a cask strength whisky at 57% abv. It's true that the chill from added ice will restrict and suppress some of the flavours, but if you like ice in a spirit, then add ice. And know that whisky makes fantastic cocktails, one of the best serves you can try is a highball: simply whisky over ice in a tall glass, topped with soda water. The Malt Vault in Utrecht, Netherlands is hidden at canal level and built into an arched former wharf storeroom. Photograph by Thirsa Nijwening Where are the best places to try it? A distillery visit is essential to really getting to know the spirit — and falling for its charms. And many producers provide engaging experiences. Talisker in Skye offers some of the best tours and tastings, although its worth noting the tourist numbers are putting a strain on the island. Easily accessible, the Bow Bar in Edinburgh is an essential whisky pub experience, while the city's glitzier Johnnie Walker Princess Street experience is the Malt Disney of whisky tours. And you don't necessarily need to head north; most major cities now have a great whisky bar. Take The Malt Vault in Utrecht, Netherlands — a fantastic gem, hidden at canal level and built into an arched former wharf storeroom. Elsewhere, Dram, in London is an innovative spot that proves whisky cocktails deserve respect. The Thinking Drinkers are Ben McFarland and Tom Sandham, award-winning alcohol experts who have recently embarked on The Great British Pub Ride, cycling 1,000 miles on a tandem, stopping only in pubs. Visit YouTube to see the journey. To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
