Kariya Park is a traditional Japanese garden tucked behind the Mississauga Civic Centre, just steps from Square One. Gifted to Mississauga in 1992 by its sister city Kariya, Japan, the park is one of the most distinctive and quietly beloved green spaces in the city — free to visit, open year-round, and rarely crowded outside of cherry blossom season.

The park covers just under one hectare but is designed with the intentionality of a full Japanese garden. Winding gravel paths lead past a koi pond, wooden bridge, cascading waterfall, traditional pagoda, stone lanterns, and the Friendship Bell — a bronze bell gifted by Kariya City in 2001, inscribed as a symbol of everlasting friendship between the two cities.

Cherry Blossoms: Each spring — typically late April to early May — Kariya Park’s approximately 80 cherry blossom trees bloom in soft pink. It’s one of the GTA’s most photographed blossom spots and draws visitors from across the region. Arrive on a weekday morning for the best light and smallest crowds.

Beyond Spring: The koi pond, manicured Japanese maples, ginkgo trees, and seasonal blooms make the park worth visiting in every season. Autumn brings warm colour; winter transforms the pagoda and lanterns into a quiet, snow-covered scene.

Parking: Free street parking on Kariya Drive and in the Mississauga Civic Centre lot. Square One’s parking garage is a 4-minute walk and also free.

Getting there from Square One: Exit Square One toward City Hall, walk through the Civic Centre plaza — Kariya Park is directly behind it. 4–5 minutes on foot.

Entry: Free. No tickets required. Open dawn to dusk, year-round.

Address: 3620 Kariya Drive, Mississauga, ON L5B 3J4
Phone: (905) 615-4100
Hours: Dawn to dusk, daily, year-round
City: Mississauga
Website: mississauga.ca/kariya-park

📖 Planning a visit? Read our full Kariya Park visitor guide — cherry blossom timing, best photo spots, seasonal tips and more.