The Forest Hill area stands out as one of Toronto’s neighbourhoods. The grand residences in Lower Forest Hill are only matched by those in Rosedale. The educational institutions in Forest Hill rank among the finest with private schools like Upper Canada College for boys and Bishop Strachan School, for girls. Known for its charm Forest Hill boasts a landscape featuring rolling hills, meandering streets and several quaint parks that enhance the overall appeal of the community.
History Of Forest Hill, Toronto
Forest Hill became a village in 1923 taking its name from John Wicksons summer home constructed in 1860 where Eglinton Avenue meets Old Forest Hill Road. Although the hill remains, the forest has vanished over time making way for apartment complexes.
Before its status as a village Forest Hill was referred to as “Spadina Heights,” derived from the First Nations term “Ishapadenah ” meaning a land or hill. The neighbourhood’s boundaries today are influenced by the Spadina Heights school district.
The southern section of Forest Hill, known as “Lower Forest Hill ” was fully developed by the 1930s. In contrast “Upper Forest Hill” experienced development due to being occupied by the Belt Line railway and industrial activities.
In 1967 Forest Hill Village merged with Swansea Village to become part of Toronto City after being one of the villages to be annexed.
Lifestyle
The shopping area in Forest Hill Village is located at the corner of Spadina Road and Lonsdale Road giving off a small town vibe rather than a bustling city atmosphere.
The boutiques and shops in the Village are tailored to meet the needs of the residents of Forest Hill.
Eglinton West Villages shopping district offers a range of stores catering to preferences and budgets. Along this street you can also find quality restaurants and food outlets. View homes currently for sale in Forest Hill, Toronto
Forest Hill, Toronto Parks & Facilities
The BeltLine fitness and nature trail traces the path of the Belt Line railway Toronto’s commuter train. Covering a distance of fourteen and a half kilometers it cuts through Forest Hill before reaching Rosedale. Nature lovers and fitness enthusiasts alike savor the beauty of the BeltLine Path.
At Forest Hills Public Library there are programs tailored for adults, children and preschoolers to enjoy.
Forest Hill, Toronto Transit
Forest Hill is conveniently situated close to bus routes that provide access to Toronto’s subway system. If you’re driving to or from the city you can easily reach the Allen Expressway from Eglinton Avenue West.
Forest Hill, Toronto Elementary, Secondary High Schools
In Forest Hill North you’ll find elementary and secondary high schools, along with special programs for both levels. The area is served by a total of 10 schools, 5 Catholic schools and 1 private school. Special programs available at these schools cover a range of options such, as Montessori, International Baccalaureate, French Immersion and Advanced Placement.
- Public Schools: 10
- Catholic Schools: 5
- Private Schools: 1
Public
- ÉS Toronto Ouest
- Allenby Junior Public School
- Forest Hill Jr and Sr Public School
- North Preparatory Junior Public School
- Forest Hill Collegiate Institute
- Glenview Senior Public School
- North Toronto Collegiate Institute
- ÉS Étienne-Brûlé
- ÉÉ Mathieu-da-Costa
- West Preparatory Junior Public School
Catholic
- ÉÉC Saint-Noël-Chabanel-Toronto
- Sts. Cosmas and Damian Catholic School
- Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic School
- ÉSC Monseigneur-de-Charbonnel
- St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School
Private
- Alive Montessori & Private School
Forest Hill, Toronto Homes
Forest Hills historical building regulations, from the 1920s and 1930s required that every house in the area must be architect designed and have a tree planted in front. This thinking approach by the village planners has resulted in a landscape with charming brick and stone mansions and grand trees adorning the streets of Lower Forest Hill.
In the Upper Village most houses were constructed during the 1940s and 1950s. While these homes may be more modest compared to those in Lower Village their lot sizes are similar across both neighbourhoods.
Additionally Forest Hill is home to condominium buildings situated west of Spadina on Lonsdale Road and Heath Street West.