[1] It was named after Summer Hill house, built in 1842 by Canadian transportation magnate Charles Thompson.

[2] Much of the area was once part of the original Thompson estate but was subdivided for development during the following decades.

[3] During the 1880s, the North Toronto railway station was established on Yonge Street, and the neighbourhood of Summerhill quickly developed around it.

The railway station was rebuilt in 1916 in honour of a visit by the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VIII).

The station, along with the still-operational Canadian Pacific Railway bridge, is a landmark of the neighbourhood.