Glencairn Station opened on January 28, 1978 as part of the original Spadina Line expansion, designed to serve a quiet residential stretch between Lawrence and Eglinton. Modest in its street-level presence, the station doesn’t draw attention from above—but step inside, and it reveals one of the most unique design features in the TTC system. A sweeping glass skylight runs the full length of the platform, allowing daylight to pour into the space and bringing a surprising sense of openness to this underground stop.
The interplay of natural light with the station’s curved roofline and vivid orange-red tilework creates a visually dynamic environment that feels almost cathedral-like during the day. It’s a rare example of the TTC experimenting with light as a design element, offering a calm, almost contemplative atmosphere beneath the city’s surface. Glencairn may not be a major hub, but its architectural clarity and distinctive mood make it one of the hidden standouts of the subway network.
Station Photos
