Lost in the lush green embrace of Summit Woods. This isn’t just any park. This is Summit Park. Once known as Summit Park it now boasts the more fitting name Summit Woods a true urban forest heart of Westmount.
Did you know that this very spot was once slated for an observatory? Back in 1895 McGill University bought the land. Sir William Macdonald a tobacco tycoon donated the funds. The plan was grand. An observatory atop Westmount Summit. The plan ultimately failed due to light and air pollution. The observatory’s foundation remains a testament to that ambitious project. Now birds and squirrels share this place instead of astronomers.
Summit Woods wasn’t always a forest though. In the 1940s the Verdun and District Sportsmen’s Association attempted to establish a game bird sanctuary here. Pheasants quail grouse were introduced. They hoped to boost hunting stocks. Unfortunately the birds were often stolen leaving the project a failure. However this accidental attempt at game keeping inadvertently fostered the biodiversity of the woods.
The park is significant. In 2005 the Quebec government designated it part of the Mount Royal Heritage Zone. The current name Summit Woods was officially adopted in 2010. It was a rebranding effort. It better reflects the area’s true nature a haven of tranquility and wildlife.
Today Summit Woods remains a beloved spot for dog walkers and birdwatchers. The paths wind through a diverse landscape. You’ll find red oak groves black cherry trees and sugar maples. Listen carefully you might hear the melodic sounds of birds singing. They migrate here for breeding and nesting. And on occasion a peregrine falcon may soar overhead. It visits from its nest at the University of Montreal.
One unique aspect of Summit Woods is its history as a dog run. Seasonal leash rules ensure a balance between canine enjoyment and wildlife protection.
Remember this next time you visit Summit Park. This isn’t merely a green space. It’s a place with stories whispered through the trees a vibrant ecosystem thriving amidst the urban sprawl. A testament to nature’s resilience. A reminder that even in the heart of a bustling city. Wild beauty can flourish.