Forest Hill Station is a contemporary transit hub on Toronto’s Line 5 Eglinton Crosstown Light Rail Transit (LRT) system, at Bathurst Street and Eglinton Avenue West. It serves midtown Toronto and connects residents and visitors to major city destinations. The station is a gateway to the Forest Hill neighborhood, known for its architecturally significant homes, Forest Hill Village and cultural landmarks such as Mount Pleasant Cemetery. Its modern design and amenities reflect Toronto’s commitment to accessible, sustainable transit while acknowledging the area’s history. (Toronto Transit Commission, Metrolinx, UrbanToronto, History of Toronto, BlogTO)
The surrounding area includes low-rise commercial buildings and residential streets, with connections to TTC bus routes 7 Bathurst and 32 Eglinton and local cycling paths. The entrance to the Kay Gardner Beltline Trail is about 650 meters north of the station. (UrbanToronto, History of Toronto)
History
Forest Hill Station stands on a corridor once traversed by the Belt Line Railway, an ambitious 19th-century project that influenced Toronto’s suburban development. Built in 1892, the railway connected emerging neighborhoods such as Forest Hill to downtown. Passenger service was short-lived, but the railway’s route shaped local development. (UrbanToronto, History of Toronto, BlogTO)
The Kay Gardner Beltline Trail preserves this legacy as a 4.5 km green corridor for walking and cycling. It features commemorative plaques and a planned Forest Hill Lost Station installation. The station is also part of the Eglinton Crosstown project, which supports east-west mobility and sustainable growth. (Metrolinx)
What to See
Station design and engineering
Forest Hill Station combines contemporary design with the character of its neighborhood. Brick and stone echo Forest Hill’s established materials, while large windows and open sightlines bring in natural light. Chamfered corners at Bathurst and Eglinton use 45-degree angles to provide extra sidewalk space and visual interest. Widened sidewalks, landscaping and street furniture contribute to the pedestrian environment. (Forest Hill Village Urban Design Guidelines, p.12, Urban Design Guidelines, p.24)
The station uses cut-and-cover construction and reinforced concrete to support its below-grade platform. Its design prioritizes minimal neighborhood disruption, energy efficiency and future capacity needs. (Metrolinx)
Nearby attractions
Forest Hill Village offers upscale shopping and dining along Spadina Road, including boutique shops and diverse dining options. Other nearby sites include:
- Kay Gardner Beltline Trail A historic, scenic trail for walking and cycling.
- Mount Pleasant Cemetery Known for its monuments and serene landscapes.
- Upper Canada College and Bishop Strachan School Notable local schools.
- Forest Hill War Memorial and Holy Blossom Temple Community landmarks.
- Parks and cultural sites The area also includes scenic parks and cultural landmarks. (TCTeam)
Practical Visiting Information
Hours and fares
Forest Hill Station generally operates daily from 5:30 AM to 1:30 AM, in line with TTC service hours on Line 5 Eglinton. Check the TTC website or Metrolinx for real-time updates.
The station uses the TTC fare system. Payment options include PRESTO cards, contactless credit and debit cards, single-ride tickets, tokens and day passes. PRESTO cards are recommended for seamless travel and fare discounts. Tickets can be purchased at station vending machines, through mobile apps or the PRESTO app, online, and from authorized retailers. Fare discounts are available for seniors, students and children. (TTC Fare Information)
Fares include free transfers within two hours across TTC buses, streetcars, subway and LRT lines.
Accessibility, facilities and safety
The station has multiple barrier-free entrances, elevators and escalators, tactile walking surface indicators, wide fare gates and accessible washrooms. Other facilities include spacious concourse and platform levels, intuitive wayfinding, digital information displays, clear multilingual signage, retail spaces and 10 short-term exterior bicycle parking spaces along Bathurst Street.
CCTV, emergency call points and regular patrols support station security. Energy-efficient, high-visibility lighting, climate-controlled areas and real-time service updates are also provided.
Connections and other services
TTC bus routes 7 Bathurst and 32 Eglinton serve the surrounding area. Nearby subway stations include Eglinton West and St. Clair West. Cyclists can access the Beltline Trail and use the station’s bicycle parking.
For transit planning, see Moovit or Rome2Rio. Bike Share Toronto is available through Bike Share Toronto. Taxi and ride-hailing options include Uber, Lyft and local taxi services. For customer service, visit the TTC official website.
Tips
- Early mornings and weekdays are less crowded.
- For photography, consider the modern LRT architecture, historic plaques along the Beltline Trail and street life at Bathurst and Eglinton.
- Historical societies or tourism websites may have information about architecture and history walks.
- Transit apps such as Moovit and Rome2Rio can help with trip planning. For the latest updates, consult Metrolinx and the TTC.
- Forest Hill Station improves local accessibility and supports development intended to encourage sustainable, inclusive growth. A nearby 17-storey mixed-use building is proposed just south of the station, with retail, improved public lanes and enhanced pedestrian and cycling connectivity. (UrbanToronto, Toronto City Council)
- The Audiala app is another resource for the latest updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the station’s operating hours?
Daily, from 5:30 AM to 1:30 AM.
How can I purchase fares?
Fares are available at station vending machines, online or using a PRESTO card. Other options include contactless credit and debit cards, tickets, tokens and day passes.
Is the station accessible?
Yes. It has elevators, tactile guidance, wide gates, accessible washrooms and barrier-free entrances.
Are there facilities for cyclists?
Yes. There are 10 short-term bicycle parking spaces, as well as access to the Beltline Trail.
How do I transfer to other lines?
TTC bus routes and nearby subway stations are accessible from the station. Fares include free transfers within two hours across TTC buses, streetcars, subway and LRT lines.
