Forest Hill Station

Forest Hill Station Toronto: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction: Forest Hill Station’s History and Significance

Forest Hill Station, located at the intersection of Bathurst Street and Eglinton Avenue West, is a vital node in Toronto’s Line 5 Eglinton Crosstown Light Rail Transit (LRT) system. This modern transit hub connects the contemporary pulse of Toronto with its rich historical tapestry, standing on a site once traversed by the 19th-century Belt Line Railway. The station’s design and amenities reflect Toronto’s commitment to accessible, sustainable transit while honoring local heritage—most notably through the nearby Kay Gardner Beltline Trail, which preserves the legacy of Toronto’s early suburban railways. (Toronto Transit Commission, Metrolinx, UrbanToronto, History of Toronto, BlogTO)

Forest Hill Station is more than a transit stop—it serves as a gateway to one of Toronto’s most prestigious neighborhoods. The area is known for its architecturally significant homes, vibrant Forest Hill Village, and cultural landmarks such as Mount Pleasant Cemetery. The station’s architectural style blends contemporary design with neighborhood character, featuring chamfered corners, generous glazing, and the use of traditional materials. Whether you are commuting, sightseeing, or exploring Toronto’s transit history, Forest Hill Station offers a well-rounded and accessible experience.

Introduction: History and Significance
Visiting Hours and Ticketing Information
Accessibility and Amenities
Historical Context: Belt Line Railway Legacy
Nearby Historical Sites and Attractions
Travel Tips and Photography Spots
Location and Urban Context
Architectural Design and Features
Station Layout, Accessibility, and Visiting Hours
Ticketing and Fare Information
Construction and Engineering Highlights
Integration with Neighborhood Developments
Safety, Security, and User Comfort
Practical Visitor Tips
Forest Hill Station and Toronto’s Transit Expansion
Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility
Exploring Forest Hill Village and Attractions
Broader Urban and Cultural Significance
Navigating Forest Hill Station: Transit Options and Accessibility
Exploring the Station and Neighborhood
Nearby Parks and Green Spaces
Essential Contacts and Resources
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Summary and Recommendations
References

Discover Forest Hill Station: Gateway to Modern Transit and Heritage

Forest Hill Station is a contemporary transit hub on Line 5 Eglinton, serving Toronto’s midtown and connecting residents and visitors to major city destinations. Its location is steeped in history, built on the corridor of the former Belt Line Railway—an ambitious 19th-century project that influenced the city’s suburban development and is now commemorated by the Kay Gardner Beltline Trail.

Visiting Hours and Ticketing Information

Operating Hours: Forest Hill Station generally operates from 5:30 AM to 1:30 AM daily, in line with TTC service hours on Line 5 Eglinton. Always check the TTC website or Metrolinx for real-time updates.
Tickets and Fares: The station uses the TTC fare system. Options include PRESTO cards, single-ride tickets, tokens, and day passes. PRESTO cards are recommended for seamless travel and fare discounts. Tickets are available at station vending machines or via mobile apps. (TTC Fare Information)
Transfers: Fares include free transfers within two hours across TTC buses, streetcars, and subway/LRT lines.

Accessibility and Amenities

Forest Hill Station is fully accessible, offering:

Elevators and escalators
Tactile walking surface indicators
Wide fare gates and accessible washrooms
Multiple entrances with barrier-free access
Digital information displays and clear multilingual signage
Exterior bicycle parking (10 short-term spaces along Bathurst Street)
Retail spaces for passenger convenience

Rich Historical Context: The Belt Line Railway and Forest Hill’s Growth

Forest Hill Station occupies a site once integral to Toronto’s transportation history. The Belt Line Railway, built in 1892, spurred suburban growth by connecting emerging neighborhoods like Forest Hill to downtown. Although passenger service was short-lived, the railway’s path defined local development patterns. Today, its influence endures through the Kay Gardner Beltline Trail—a 4.5 km green corridor for walking and cycling, featuring commemorative plaques and the planned Forest Hill Lost Station installation. (UrbanToronto, History of Toronto, BlogTO)

Exploring Nearby Sites and Attractions

Forest Hill Village: Upscale shopping and dining on Spadina Road, perfect for leisurely strolls.
Kay Gardner Beltline Trail: Scenic, historic, and ideal for walking or cycling.
Mount Pleasant Cemetery: Noted for its monuments and serene landscapes.
Notable Schools: Upper Canada College, Bishop Strachan School.
Community Landmarks: Forest Hill War Memorial, Holy Blossom Temple.

Travel Tips and Photographic Highlights

Best Times: Early mornings and weekdays are less crowded.
Photography: Capture modern LRT architecture, historic plaques along the Beltline Trail, and vibrant street life at Bathurst and Eglinton.
Local Tours: Check historical societies or tourism websites for architecture and history walks.

Location and Urban Context

Forest Hill Station anchors midtown Toronto at Bathurst Street and Eglinton Avenue West, serving as a transit hub within a mixed urban neighborhood. The area features low-rise commercial buildings, residential streets, and is well-connected via TTC bus routes (7 Bathurst, 32 Eglinton) and cycling paths. The Beltline Trail entrance is about 650 meters north. (UrbanToronto, History of Toronto)

Architectural Design and Features

Forest Hill Station’s design unites modernity with neighborhood tradition:

Material Palette: Brick and stone echo Forest Hill’s established character. (Forest Hill Village Urban Design Guidelines, p.12)
Natural Light: Large windows and open sightlines enhance safety and welcome.
Chamfered Corners: At Bathurst and Eglinton, 45-degree angles provide extra sidewalk space and visual interest. (Urban Design Guidelines, p.24)
Public Realm: Widened sidewalks, landscaping, and street furniture create a vibrant pedestrian environment.

Station Layout, Accessibility, and Visiting Hours

Entrances: Multiple, all barrier-free.
Facilities: Spacious concourse and platform levels, intuitive wayfinding, digital displays.
Operating Hours: 5:30 AM to 1:30 AM daily.
Bicycle Parking: 10 short-term spaces.

Ticketing and Fare Information

Payment Methods: PRESTO card, contactless credit/debit, tickets, tokens.
Where to Buy: Station vending machines, PRESTO app, authorized retailers.
Fare Discounts: Available for seniors, students, and children.
Transfers: Free within a two-hour window.

(TTC Fare Information)

Construction and Engineering Highlights

Forest Hill Station uses cut-and-cover construction and reinforced concrete to support its below-grade platform. The design prioritizes minimal neighborhood disruption, energy efficiency, and future capacity needs. The station is part of the transformative Eglinton Crosstown project, enhancing east-west mobility and supporting sustainable growth. (Metrolinx)

Integration with Neighborhood Developments

A nearby 17-storey mixed-use building is proposed just south of the station, supporting transit-oriented development and incorporating retail, improved public lanes, and enhanced pedestrian and cycling connectivity. (UrbanToronto)

Safety, Security, and User Comfort

Security: CCTV, emergency call points, regular patrols.
Lighting: Energy-efficient, high-visibility fixtures.
Comfort: Climate-controlled areas, real-time service updates.

Practical Visitor Tips

Transit Connections: Easy transfers to buses and nearby subway stations (Eglinton West, St. Clair West).
Cycling: Beltline Trail access and secure bike parking.
Accessibility: Elevators, tactile indicators, clear signage.
Local Amenities: Proximity to shops, parks, and cultural sites.
Plan Ahead: Use real-time transit apps like Moovit or Rome2Rio.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are the station’s operating hours?
A: Daily, 5:30 AM to 1:30 AM.

Q: How do I purchase fares?
A: At station vending machines, online, or using a PRESTO card.

Q: Is the station accessible?
A: Yes—elevators, tactile guidance, wide gates, and accessible washrooms.

Q: Are there facilities for cyclists?
A: Yes, 10 short-term bicycle parking spaces.

Q: How do I transfer to other lines?
A: Multiple TTC bus routes and nearby subway stations are easily accessible.

Exploring Forest Hill Village and Attractions

Stroll through Forest Hill Village for boutique shopping and diverse dining, or enjoy a peaceful walk or ride along the Kay Gardner Beltline Trail. The area’s charm extends to historic schools, cultural landmarks, and scenic parks, making it ideal for both leisure and learning. (TCTeam)

Broader Urban and Cultural Significance

Forest Hill Station is emblematic of Toronto’s blend of heritage and modernity. By improving local accessibility and supporting new development, it strengthens community ties and encourages sustainable, inclusive growth. (Toronto City Council)

Essential Contacts and Resources

TTC Customer Service: TTC official website
Transit Apps: Moovit, Rome2Rio
Bike Share Toronto: Bike Share Toronto
Taxi/Ride-Hailing: Uber, Lyft, and local taxi services.

Summary and Recommendations

Forest Hill Station is a model of how transit infrastructure can both honor the past and propel a city forward. With extended operating hours, accessible features, and proximity to cultural and historic attractions, it offers something for every visitor. Make the most of your Toronto journey by exploring Forest Hill’s trails, shops, and landmarks—and rely on PRESTO cards and transit apps for a smooth experience.