We speak to the city in foot traffic, and the ground splits to listen. Here’s a list of urban/suburban desire paths found in + around Montréal, documented over the summer of 2024.
A desire path through an overgrown lot in Laval, beelining to a bus shelter.
A desire path through an overgrown lot in Laval, beelining to a bus shelter.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Kf25hPXp7x9M8ddX6
The primary purpose of desire paths is to cut literal corners. When a point of interest - like a home, bus stop, business, or shelter - is just around a sidewalk bend, pedestrians prefer to dart through. This footpath off de la Montagne weaves between trees on its way to Lucien-L’Allier, bypassing most of rue Torrance.
Desire path near tour des Canadiens 3, cutting from de la Montagne to Lucien-L’Allier
https://maps.app.goo.gl/PE1GD8dNYmfESFtx8
Behind the OACI building lies an empty field perfectly suited for shortcuts. The intended route is unnecessarily long, the field itself lacks obstacles, and its adjacency to the Square-Victoria-OACI metro entrance beckons pedestrians to cross diagonally. This path inevitably emerged, giving folks a more direct route between Saint-Antoine O and rue du Square-Victoria.
Desire path in field behind OACI building.
Desire path in field behind OACI building.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ob3Y9iRetkqduvVo8
South of Herzing and Grey Nuns, a daily desire to circumvent a never-ending construction site has eroded a clear path between rue Saint-Antoine O and Guy.
Attributing desire paths is nearly impossible, but I’ll try anyway. Judging from its shape and orientation, it seems to have been formed by the collective effort of 1) people sheltered beneath the nearby overpasses, and 2) students living in a dorm across the street.