Welcome to Forest Hill
A sophisticated Toronto neighborhood bustling with life
This sophisticated neighborhood is full of sloping hills, winding roads, and gorgeous pockets of nature. This is one of Toronto’s most prestigious areas, thanks to its prime location, gorgeous mansions, and acclaimed schools. But don’t be fooled by its peaceful atmosphere because it also has incredible shopping and dining that caters to the affluent residents of Forest Hill.
In 1923, the village of Forest Hill was incorporated. Lower Forest Hill was developed quickly into gorgeous residential areas that made homes for sale here coveted, while Upper Forest Hill followed more slowly due to the Belt Line Railway and the industry that occupied it. By the time it was incorporated into the city of Toronto in 1967, Forest Hill was an affluent community and home to many of the city’s most prominent professionals.
Forest Hills has many bylaws that date back to the early 20th century and require homes to be designed a certain way and for homeowners to plant a tree at the front of their property. These bylaws pertaining to Forest Hills real estate have created a beautiful neighborhood full of stately trees and gorgeous mansions. The Upper Village homes are more modest in size, but no less attractive than their Lower Village counterparts, making either area of Forest Hills an incredible place to call home.
What to Love
- Gorgeous wooded neighborhoods
- Shopping and dining at Forest Hill Village
- Historic homes
- Incredible outdoor spaces
Local Lifestyle
It’s a brilliant accomplishment to be considered the most prestigious of Toronto’s gorgeous and affluent neighborhoods, yet Forest Hill has done it. It has a lively community full of summer events, and it’s laden with magnificent architecture in residential and commercial areas. This tight-knit community is easily accessible via major thoroughfares and is located near the downtown core. This neighborhood has it all, so it’s no surprise it’s one of those places residents never want to leave.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Forest Hill Village is the central shopping district in the community. It has a quaint, small-town feel while still being full of high-end shops and restaurants.
Find your next read at the area’s best independent bookshop, TYPE Books. Specialty grocers Village Market and The Kitchen Table are excellent local spots to pick up your groceries for the week. Penny Lane Boutique is the place to go for fashionable pieces from high-end women’s fashion brands.
Both Sofra and Mashu Mashu have menus full of tantalizing Mediterranean fare. The cozy, art-filled dining room of Pizza Banfi is the perfect place to enjoy a glass of wine and a delicious plate of pasta. Cafe on The Hill is an artisanal, family-run coffee shop full of espresso options, pastries, and friendliness.
Things to Do
The lush outdoor spaces of Forest Hill are perfect for taking advantage of the gorgeous summer months. There are activities for children and adults of all ages, so it’s perfect for residents who enjoy having nature close at hand.
If you’re looking for a new hobby or to brush up on your creative skills, the Forest Hill Art Club hosts art shows and events alongside their many incredible community art classes.
Enjoy the lush, wooded expanse of Forest Hill Road Park. This neighborhood park has a wonderful playground and serves as one of the entrances to the Kay Gardner Beltline Trail. The Beltline is a 9-kilometre walking path that is built on what used to be the Toronto Belt Line Railway. Oriole Park has been revitalized and is now a premier gathering place with tennis courts, a baseball diamond, and a splash pad.
Schools
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Forest Hill Collegiate Institute, 9-12, stellar academics with dynamic student clubs
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Blyth Academy, 9-12, a private school with incredible extracurriculars
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Bishop Strachan School, JK-12, Canada's oldest independent girls’ day and boarding school
