It’s tempting to wander off the path to get a better view from a ledge or steep secondary paths. But beware: hikers have been known to slip and fall down the precipitous slope that runs along the Escarpment Path, an often-overlooked 700-metre trail on Mount Royal that offers one of the best cityscape views.
You can drive up and park near the nature reserve and bird sanctuary on Mount Royal’s western peak, but part of this trek’s appeal is getting close to the stately Westmount mansions that line the public stairs above The Boulevard.
For Frederick Law Olmsted, getting there was half the fun. That’s clear from his writings and from the gently sloping, meandering 6.6-kilometre pedestrian and bike road on Mount Royal that bears the landscape architect’s name.
This video and these photos give you a feel for Mount Royal’s Escarpment Path.
Many lifelong Montrealers have never been to Mount Royal’s second major lookout. That might be because it’s not as easy to find as the premier lookout – the Kondiaronk Belvedere, in front of the Chalet, near Smith House.
Walking up to Summit Woods gives you a chance to check out a unique Westmount feature – public staircases that run between homes to help you climb from The Boulevard.
Long before Mayor Valérie Plante’s Projet Montréal administration started its controversial pilot project on Camillien-Houde Way/Remembrance Rd., Westmount decided to close a stretch of Summit Circle road and make it pedestrian only.
Here’s a map I created to help you find and enjoy the Escarpment path (sentier de l’Escarpement).