Historic photos from around Forest Hill, Toronto

Named after the summer home of John Wickson (built in 1860 at the corner of Eglinton Ave. W and Old Forest Hill Road), Forest Hill was incorporated as a village in 1923, and then later annexed by the City of Toronto in 1967. A mixture of stately homes and gardens, as well as apartment buildings and condos, it is one of the three wealthiest neighbourhoods in Toronto.

List of all areas in Toronto or take a look at the historic photos by date. New! You can now access the photos by street address A subset of the photos have also been arranged by subject.

 
 

1890 Historic photo from 1890 - First UCC building in Forest Hill just after it was built in 1890 in Forest HillFirst UCC building in Forest Hill just after it was built in 1890
(Categorized under: Upper Canada College )
134 years ago - 1890 - Forest Hill at 200 Lonsdale Road north of St. Clair Ave. West
Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library Still not back as of March 2024)
1905 Historic photo from 1905 - Upper Canada College, Forest Hill, before it was torn down in Forest HillUpper Canada College, Forest Hill, before it was torn down
(Categorized under: Upper Canada College )
119 years ago - 1905 - Forest Hill at 200 Lonsdale Road north of St. Clair Ave. West
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1907 Historic photo from 1907 - Toronto Street Railway president, R.J. Fleming home and daughter in Forest HillToronto Street Railway president, R.J. Fleming home and daughter
117 years ago - 1907 - Forest Hill
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1907 Historic photo from 1907 - Mrs. Timothy Eaton and Sir John Eaton at Eaton Memorial Church cornerstone laying in Forest HillMrs. Timothy Eaton and Sir John Eaton at Eaton Memorial Church cornerstone laying
(Categorized under: Timothy Eaton Memorial Church )
117 years ago - 1907 - Forest Hill at 230 St Clair Ave West west of Avenue Road
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1908 Historic photo from 1908 - Robert John Fleming home, St. Clair Avenue West at Bathurst Street in Forest HillRobert John Fleming home, St. Clair Avenue West at Bathurst Street
116 years ago - 1908 - Forest Hill
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1908 Historic photo from 1908 - Upper Canada College Junior School in Forest HillUpper Canada College Junior School
(Categorized under: Upper Canada College )
116 years ago - 1908 - Forest Hill
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1908 Historic photo from 1908 - Rural mail boxes on a tree - Parkwood Ave. and St. Clair Ave. in Forest HillRural mail boxes on a tree - Parkwood Ave. and St. Clair Ave.
116 years ago - 1908 - Forest Hill
Link to archive record - Map location (From the Library and Archives Canada)
1909 Historic photo from 1909 - Opening of the Timothy Eaton Memorial Church in Forest HillOpening of the Timothy Eaton Memorial Church
(Categorized under: Timothy Eaton Memorial Church )
115 years ago - 1909 - Forest Hill at 230 St Clair Ave West west of Avenue Road
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1911 Historic photo from Thursday, November 9, 1911 - Spadina fill - construction of civic car line east of Bathurst in Forest HillSpadina fill - construction of civic car line east of Bathurst
113 years ago - Thursday, November 9, 1911 - Forest Hill
Max temp: 8.9°C - Min temp: 3.9°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1912 Historic photo from 1912 - Women walking on Eglinton Avenue West near Bathurst Street in Forest HillWomen walking on Eglinton Avenue West near Bathurst Street
112 years ago - 1912 - Forest Hill
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1912 Historic photo from 1912 - Avenue Road from St. Clair Avenue West, looking north from Lonsdale to UCC in Forest HillAvenue Road from St. Clair Avenue West, looking north from Lonsdale to UCC
(Categorized under: Upper Canada College )
112 years ago - 1912 - Forest Hill
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1912 Historic photo from Thursday, February 8, 1912 - Fleming Property, St. Clair Avenue east of Bathurst Street in Forest HillFleming Property, St. Clair Avenue east of Bathurst Street
112 years ago - Thursday, February 8, 1912 - Forest Hill
Max temp: -5.6°C - Min temp: -16.7°C - 0.3cm of snowfall (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1912 Historic photo from Thursday, February 8, 1912 - R.G. Fleming property, St. Clair Avenue looking west to Bathurst Street in Forest HillR.G. Fleming property, St. Clair Avenue looking west to Bathurst Street
112 years ago - Thursday, February 8, 1912 - Forest Hill
Max temp: -5.6°C - Min temp: -16.7°C - 0.3cm of snowfall (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1912 Historic photo from Tuesday, May 28, 1912 - St. Clair looking East from Bathurst Street @ R.J. Fleming property in Forest HillSt. Clair looking East from Bathurst Street @ R.J. Fleming property
112 years ago - Tuesday, May 28, 1912 - Forest Hill
Max temp: 26.1°C - Min temp: 11.7°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1913 Historic photo from Friday, April 4, 1913 - R.J. Fleming residence, northeast corner St. Clair Avenue and Bathurst Street in Forest HillR.J. Fleming residence, northeast corner St. Clair Avenue and Bathurst Street
111 years ago - Friday, April 4, 1913 - Forest Hill
Max temp: 12.8°C - Min temp: 1.7°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1913 Historic photo from Friday, April 4, 1913 - St. Clair Ave West looking east from Bathurst at the gates out from of the R. J. Fleming property in Forest HillSt. Clair Ave West looking east from Bathurst at the gates out from of the R. J. Fleming property
111 years ago - Friday, April 4, 1913 - Forest Hill at 498 St Clair Ave West
Max temp: 12.8°C - Min temp: 1.7°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1914 Historic photo from Monday, March 16, 1914 - Plan of Russel Hill Road - proposed improvements south of Lonsdale Road in Forest HillPlan of Russel Hill Road - proposed improvements south of Lonsdale Road
110 years ago - Monday, March 16, 1914 - Forest Hill
Max temp: 12.8°C - Min temp: 1.1°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1915 Historic photo from 1915 - Forest Hill Jr. and Sr. Public Schools - Spadina Rd. at Hawarden Cres in Forest HillForest Hill Jr. and Sr. Public Schools - Spadina Rd. at Hawarden Cres
(Categorized under: Schools )
109 years ago - 1915 - Forest Hill
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1920 Historic photo from 1920 - Exterior view of the Eaton Memorial Church, St. Clair Avenue West in Forest HillExterior view of the Eaton Memorial Church, St. Clair Avenue West
(Categorized under: Timothy Eaton Memorial Church )
104 years ago - 1920 - Forest Hill at 230 St Clair Ave West west of Avenue Road
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1920 Historic photo from 1920 - East side of the Eaton Memorial Church, St. Clair Avenue West in Forest HillEast side of the Eaton Memorial Church, St. Clair Avenue West
(Categorized under: Timothy Eaton Memorial Church )
104 years ago - 1920 - Forest Hill at 230 St Clair Ave West west of Avenue Road
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1920 Historic photo from 1920 - Gothic style Bishop Strachan School designed by Henry Sproatt and opened in 1915 in Forest HillGothic style Bishop Strachan School designed by Henry Sproatt and opened in 1915
104 years ago - 1920 - Forest Hill at 298 Lonsdale Road just east of Spadina Road
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1922 Historic photo from 1922 - Casket of Sir John Craig Eaton leaving the Timothy Eaton Memorial United Church during his funeral in Forest HillCasket of Sir John Craig Eaton leaving the Timothy Eaton Memorial United Church during his funeral
(Categorized under: Timothy Eaton Memorial Church )
102 years ago - 1922 - Forest Hill at 230 St Clair Ave West n.e corner at Warren Road
Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library Still not back as of March 2024)
1922 Historic photo from 1922 - Sir John Craig Eatons funeral at Timothy Eaton Memorial Church in Forest HillSir John Craig Eatons funeral at Timothy Eaton Memorial Church
(Categorized under: Timothy Eaton Memorial Church )
102 years ago - 1922 - Forest Hill at 230 St Clair Ave West west of Avenue Road
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1922 Historic photo from 1922 - People leaving Sir John Craig Eatons funeral - Timothy Eaton Memorial Church in Forest HillPeople leaving Sir John Craig Eatons funeral - Timothy Eaton Memorial Church
(Categorized under: Timothy Eaton Memorial Church )
102 years ago - 1922 - Forest Hill at 230 St Clair Ave West west of Avenue Road
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1924 Historic photo from Thursday, November 6, 1924 - St Clair and Bathurst, showing safety loading, from boulevard in Forest HillSt Clair and Bathurst, showing safety loading, from boulevard
100 years ago - Thursday, November 6, 1924 - Forest Hill
Max temp: 18.9°C - Min temp: 6.7°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1928 Historic photo from Thursday, August 2, 1928 - Leaded glass window - Eaton Memorial Church, interior in Forest HillLeaded glass window - Eaton Memorial Church, interior
(Categorized under: Timothy Eaton Memorial Church )
96 years ago - Thursday, August 2, 1928 - Forest Hill at 230 St Clair Ave West west of Avenue Road
Max temp: 30.0°C - Min temp: 16.7°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1928 Historic photo from Thursday, August 2, 1928 - South side and tower - Eaton Memorial Church in Forest HillSouth side and tower - Eaton Memorial Church
(Categorized under: Timothy Eaton Memorial Church )
96 years ago - Thursday, August 2, 1928 - Forest Hill at 230 St Clair Ave West n.e corner at Warren Road
Max temp: 30.0°C - Min temp: 16.7°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1934 Historic photo from 1934 - Bridge over Bathurst St. on Old Forest Hill Rd. in Forest HillBridge over Bathurst St. on Old Forest Hill Rd.
90 years ago - 1934 - Forest Hill
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1935 Historic photo from Tuesday, January 1, 1935 - Looking north-easterly up Bathurst St. from top of new concrete bridge on Old Forest Hill Rd. in Forest HillLooking north-easterly up Bathurst St. from top of new concrete bridge on Old Forest Hill Rd.
89 years ago - Tuesday, January 1, 1935 - Forest Hill
Max temp: 1.1°C - Min temp: -7.8°C - 2.3cm of snowfall (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1935 Historic photo from 1935 - Aerial view north of Lonsdale Rd. and west of Dunvegan Rd.  in Forest HillAerial view north of Lonsdale Rd. and west of Dunvegan Rd.
89 years ago - 1935 - Forest Hill
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1935 Historic photo from 1935 - Aerial view of Forest Hill area, showing area west of Bathurst St. and north of Eglinton Ave. West in Forest HillAerial view of Forest Hill area, showing area west of Bathurst St. and north of Eglinton Ave. West
89 years ago - 1935 - Forest Hill
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1935 Historic photo from 1935 - Aerial view of Forest Hill area, showing area east of Bathurst St. and north of Eglinton Ave. West in Forest HillAerial view of Forest Hill area, showing area east of Bathurst St. and north of Eglinton Ave. West
89 years ago - 1935 - Forest Hill
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1935 Historic photo from 1935 - Aerial views of Forest Hill area, showing intersection of Russell Hill and Old Forest Hill Roads in Forest HillAerial views of Forest Hill area, showing intersection of Russell Hill and Old Forest Hill Roads
89 years ago - 1935 - Forest Hill
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1935 Historic photo from Thursday, December 12, 1935 - Dump north side of St. Clair east of Bathurst in Forest HillDump north side of St. Clair east of Bathurst
89 years ago - Thursday, December 12, 1935 - Forest Hill
Max temp: 2.2°C - Min temp: -1.7°C - 4.1cm of snowfall (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1938 Historic photo from Wednesday, April 20, 1938 - Eglinton and Spadina showing McRonald property and Beltline tracks in Forest HillEglinton and Spadina showing McRonald property and Beltline tracks
86 years ago - Wednesday, April 20, 1938 - Forest Hill
Max temp: 19.4°C - Min temp: 10.0°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1938 Historic photo from Wednesday, April 20, 1938 - Eglinton Ave and Spadina Rd., looking north-east in Forest HillEglinton Ave and Spadina Rd., looking north-east
86 years ago - Wednesday, April 20, 1938 - Forest Hill
Max temp: 19.4°C - Min temp: 10.0°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1939 Historic photo from 1939 - Grace Church on the Hill, Russell Hill Road and Lonsdale, exterior in Forest HillGrace Church on the Hill, Russell Hill Road and Lonsdale, exterior
85 years ago - 1939 - Forest Hill
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1939 Historic photo from 1939 - Grace Church on the Hill, Russell Hill Road and Lonsdale Road, interior in Forest HillGrace Church on the Hill, Russell Hill Road and Lonsdale Road, interior
85 years ago - 1939 - Forest Hill
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1939 Historic photo from 1939 - Avenue Theatre - People gathered  at night - 680 seats in Forest HillAvenue Theatre - People gathered at night - 680 seats
(Categorized under: Midtown theatres )
85 years ago - 1939 - Forest Hill at 331 Eglinton Ave West
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1939 Historic photo from Tuesday, August 1, 1939 - Avenue Theatre Marquee - opened 1938, closed 1955 in Forest HillAvenue Theatre Marquee - opened 1938, closed 1955
(Categorized under: Midtown theatres )
85 years ago - Tuesday, August 1, 1939 - Forest Hill at 331 Eglinton Ave West
Max temp: 27.8°C - Min temp: 18.3°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1939 Historic photo from Tuesday, August 1, 1939 - Avenue Theatre with Anna Neagle and Herbert Wilcox out front - 331 Eglinton Aveue West in Forest HillAvenue Theatre with Anna Neagle and Herbert Wilcox out front - 331 Eglinton Aveue West
(Categorized under: Midtown theatres )
85 years ago - Tuesday, August 1, 1939 - Forest Hill at 331 Eglinton Ave West
Max temp: 27.8°C - Min temp: 18.3°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1940 Historic photo from Thursday, March 7, 1940 - St. Clair dump on north side, east of Bathurst where subways station is now in Forest HillSt. Clair dump on north side, east of Bathurst where subways station is now
84 years ago - Thursday, March 7, 1940 - Forest Hill
Max temp: -2.2°C - Min temp: -6.1°C - 0.3cm of snowfall (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1941 Historic photo from 1941 - Depositing the RCAF colours in Timothy Eaton Memorial Church in Forest HillDepositing the RCAF colours in Timothy Eaton Memorial Church
(Categorized under: Timothy Eaton Memorial Church )
83 years ago - 1941 - Forest Hill at 230 St Clair Ave West n.e. corner at Warren Road
Link to archive record - Map location (From Archives of Ontario)
1941 Historic photo from 1941 - Houses on south side of St. Clair across from Timothy Eaton Memorial Church - depositing RCAF colours in Forest HillHouses on south side of St. Clair across from Timothy Eaton Memorial Church - depositing RCAF colours
(Categorized under: Timothy Eaton Memorial Church )
83 years ago - 1941 - Forest Hill at 230 St Clair Ave West
Link to archive record - Map location (From Archives of Ontario)
1946 Historic photo from Friday, December 13, 1946 - C.N.R. train wreck, near Chaplin Crescent & Russell Hill Rd. along the Beltline in Forest HillC.N.R. train wreck, near Chaplin Crescent & Russell Hill Rd. along the Beltline
78 years ago - Friday, December 13, 1946 - Forest Hill
Max temp: -2.2°C - Min temp: -4.4°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library Still not back as of March 2024)
1950 Historic photo from 1950 - Holy Blossom Temple - front entrance with vines in Forest HillHoly Blossom Temple - front entrance with vines
74 years ago - 1950 - Forest Hill at 1950 Bathurst Street n.w. corner at Ava Road
Link to archive record - Map location (From Archives of Ontario)
1951 Historic photo from 1951 - Sign announcing the site of the new Goel Tzedec Synagogue (eventually renamed Beth Tzedec Synagogue) in Forest HillSign announcing the site of the new Goel Tzedec Synagogue (eventually renamed Beth Tzedec Synagogue)
(Categorized under: Beth Tzedec Synagogue )
73 years ago - 1951 - Forest Hill at 1700 Bathurst Street n.w. corner at Warwick Ave.
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1954 Historic photo from 1954 - Beth Tzedec Synagogue under construction in Forest HillBeth Tzedec Synagogue under construction
(Categorized under: Beth Tzedec Synagogue )
70 years ago - 1954 - Forest Hill
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1955 Historic photo from 1955 - Beth Tzedec Synagogue under construction - designed by Peter Dickson in Forest HillBeth Tzedec Synagogue under construction - designed by Peter Dickson
(Categorized under: Beth Tzedec Synagogue )
69 years ago - 1955 - Forest Hill at 1700 Bathurst Street n.w. corner at Warwick Ave.
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1955 Historic photo from Tuesday, October 4, 1955 - G.T.R. Belt Line, looking e. across Bathurst St., betw. Shallmar Blvd. & Roselawn Ave. in Forest HillG.T.R. Belt Line, looking e. across Bathurst St., betw. Shallmar Blvd. & Roselawn Ave.
69 years ago - Tuesday, October 4, 1955 - Forest Hill
Max temp: 25.0°C - Min temp: 10.0°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library Still not back as of March 2024)
1958 Historic photo from Friday, April 18, 1958 - Upper Canada College during demolition  (opened 1891), in Forest HillUpper Canada College during demolition (opened 1891),
66 years ago - Friday, April 18, 1958 - Forest Hill
Max temp: 22.8°C - Min temp: 11.1°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library Still not back as of March 2024)
1958 Historic photo from Friday, April 18, 1958 - Demolition of the 1891 Upper Canada College building in  Forest Hill - poor renovations, near collapse in Forest HillDemolition of the 1891 Upper Canada College building in Forest Hill - poor renovations, near collapse
(Categorized under: Upper Canada College )
66 years ago - Friday, April 18, 1958 - Forest Hill at 200 Lonsdale Road north of St. Clair Ave. West
Max temp: 22.8°C - Min temp: 11.1°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library Still not back as of March 2024)
1958 Historic photo from Friday, April 18, 1958 - Centre block and bell tower of 1891 Upper Canada College building during demolition in Forest HillCentre block and bell tower of 1891 Upper Canada College building during demolition
(Categorized under: Upper Canada College )
66 years ago - Friday, April 18, 1958 - Forest Hill at 200 Lonsdale Road north of St. Clair Ave. West
Max temp: 22.8°C - Min temp: 11.1°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library Still not back as of March 2024)
1960 Historic photo from 1960 - Village Cigar Store at Spadina Road in Forest Hill Village in Forest HillVillage Cigar Store at Spadina Road in Forest Hill Village
64 years ago - 1960 - Forest Hill
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1974 Historic photo from Friday, June 14, 1974 - Ravine land, St. Clair Avenue West, south side looking southeast in Forest HillRavine land, St. Clair Avenue West, south side looking southeast
50 years ago - Friday, June 14, 1974 - Forest Hill
Max temp: 21.7°C - Min temp: 12.2°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1974 Historic photo from Friday, June 14, 1974 - Ravine land, St. Clair Avenue West, south side  looking southeast in Forest HillRavine land, St. Clair Avenue West, south side looking southeast
50 years ago - Friday, June 14, 1974 - Forest Hill
Max temp: 21.7°C - Min temp: 12.2°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1974 Historic photo from Friday, June 14, 1974 - Ravine land, Heath Street, north side, east of Bathurst Street for subway in Forest HillRavine land, Heath Street, north side, east of Bathurst Street for subway
50 years ago - Friday, June 14, 1974 - Forest Hill
Max temp: 21.7°C - Min temp: 12.2°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1974 Historic photo from Friday, June 14, 1974 - Ravine land, looking south from Glenayr for subway construction in Forest HillRavine land, looking south from Glenayr for subway construction
50 years ago - Friday, June 14, 1974 - Forest Hill
Max temp: 21.7°C - Min temp: 12.2°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1974 Historic photo from Friday, June 14, 1974 - Parcel 2235, vacant land used for parking, St. Clair Avenue West, north side, east of Bathurst Street  in Forest HillParcel 2235, vacant land used for parking, St. Clair Avenue West, north side, east of Bathurst Street
50 years ago - Friday, June 14, 1974 - Forest Hill
Max temp: 21.7°C - Min temp: 12.2°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1988 Historic photo from Friday, December 2, 1988 - Lighting the Chanukah lights: While teacher Cheryl Needleman and classmates watch; Zoey Fiksel and Daniel Thorke; both 6; light the menorah at Beth Tzedec  in Forest HillLighting the Chanukah lights: While teacher Cheryl Needleman and classmates watch; Zoey Fiksel and Daniel Thorke; both 6; light the menorah at Beth Tzedec
(Categorized under: Beth Tzedec Synagogue )
36 years ago - Friday, December 2, 1988 - Forest Hill at 1700 Bathurst Street n.w. corner at Warwick Ave.
Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library Still not back as of March 2024)