The Southern Terminus of the Great Divide Trail, where it meets the Continental Divide Trail and our neighbors to the south, is located within the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park. On November 22, we join together in celebrating International Peace Pole Day.
What Peace Poles Stand For
The first Peace Pole was erected in 1976 Japan based on the ideas of Masahisa Goi. The first one in North America was in 1983 in California. Every Peace Pole has May Peace Prevail on Earth in 4 to 8 languages.
“May Peace Prevail On Earth is an all-inclusive message. It is a meeting place of the heart, bringing together people of all faiths, backgrounds, and cultures to embrace the oneness of our planetary family.”
There is over 250,000 Peace Poles around the world dedicated as monuments to peace. “Planting a Peace Pole is a way of bringing people together to inspire, awaken and uplift the human consciousness the world over. It is a wonderful project for any community, organization, or your home. Peace Poles are now recognized as the most prominent international symbol and monument to peace. They remind us to think, speak, and act in the spirit of peace and harmony, and they stand as a silent visual for peace to prevail on earth. Each pole is engraved with 4 or 8 languages which all state, “May Peace Prevail On Earth”.
Waterton Glacier International Peace Park Association
In 1931, in Waterton close to 100 Rotarians from Canada and the United States assembled. Looking south from Alberta to Montana from the Prince of Wales Hotel, one Rotarian observed, “Where no border can be seen, no border should exist.” Just one year later, in 1932, both the Canadian and United States governments agreed to create the worlds first International Peace Park.
Today, there are an estimated 265 international peace parks in the world. The Waterton Glacier International Peace Park Association has set a goal of 100 additional Peace Poles in the four-member Rotary Districts (Kootenays British Columbia, Alberta, Montana, and Idaho) for our 100th anniversary in 2032. For more; https://www.watertonglacierpeacepark.org/
Pledge Of Peace
We invite you, your community, and your Rotary Club to;
share the Waterton Glacier International Peace Park Association’s Pledge of Peace;
“In the name of all we hold sacred, we will not take up arms against each other. We will work for peace, maintain liberty, strive for freedom, and demand equal opportunities for all. May the long existing peace between our nations stimulate other peoples to follow this example”
In our current world, we seek positive peace between all nations.
This past July, the Great Divide Trail Association (GDTA) partnered with Alberta’s Junior Forest Rangers (JFR) for a week of trail work along the Erris corridor on Section B. Together, we built approximately 300 metres of new trail through rugged backcountry terrain that future generations of hikers will enjoy.
The Junior Forest Rangers arrived with enthusiasm and curiosity, ready to take on the challenge of creating trail through untouched wilderness. Guided by GDTA trip leaders Tyler Blaney, Brodie Bauer, and Maggie Gietz, the crew not only learned the technical skills of safe tool handling, but also gained a deeper appreciation for the vision and stewardship behind the Great Divide Trail.
Trail building is hard work, but also deeply rewarding. As JFR Crew Sub Leader Caleb Froehlich reflected:
“Our time on the GDT was hard work – but it was especially rewarding. Our crew got to leave their mark on history, a mark that their great grandkids will one day be able to experience… To me, it did not feel like a day at work. The scenery was beautiful, especially Erris Lake, which some of us swam in. Overall, 100% recommend.”
For many, this was their first experience with trail construction, and the impact was lasting. JFR Crew Leader Rachel Aldworth shared:
“What a breathtaking experience! I have never personally done trail building before and I could not have asked for a better opportunity. It was amazing to really see the work that goes into building and maintaining trail systems… I am so glad the Rocky JFR crew could be involved in the Great Divide Trail, something they can share with their families to come!”
The week was also a powerful lesson in perseverance and teamwork. Junior Forest Ranger – Leader In Training, Trice Black, captured it well:
“Creating new trails out of pure wilderness was truly a ‘thrown into the deep end’ kind of experience. The crew pushed through with sweat, grit, and more blisters than they’d like to admit. Carving a path through naturally untouched nature, this project stands as a testament to what our youth and community can achieve together.”
Beyond the physical work of trail building, the week was about connection – between people, place, and purpose. Around campfires and along the path, stories were shared about the history of the GDT, conservation challenges, and the responsibility that comes with stewarding wild spaces. The Junior Forest Rangers not only gained practical skills but also joined a larger community of people committed to keeping the trail alive for future generations.
The GDTA is grateful for the dedication, resilience, and spirit of the Junior Forest Rangers. Their contributions this summer will be felt for years to come, both on the trail and within the broader community of backcountry stewards. Together, we showed that when people unite with passion and purpose, remarkable things can happen.
If you would like to bring your youth group on a trail maintenance trip, or would like to organize a GDT presentation for them, please contact info@greatdividetrail.com
Thank you for your interest in submitting your film to the Great Divide Trail Association’s Annual Film Fundraiser
We are excited to showcase as much of the Great Divide Trail (GDT) from as many perspectives as we can. If you have touched this trail that we love in any way, we want to see it and share it!
We want to see your thru-hike experience!
We want to see your section hikes!
We want to see your weekend getaways!
We want to see your trail-building experience!
We each have our own personal relationship and experience with the GDT, and we want to see and share it all!
Submission Guidelines
Deadline
March 15th, 2026
Duration
Max – 15 Minutes (incl. Title and Credits)
Eligibility
Content MUST: Align with the mission and values of the GDTA promoting Environmental stewardship Respect for local communities Cultural sensitivity, AND Respect the rules and regulations of all land use areas Please be sure to: – Obtain any relevant Parks Canada Film Permits – Adhere to all copyright laws and permissions
Title/Credits
Opening and closing credits should be included and contain: Title of your film, and Your name as the filmmaker
Format
For best viewing: HD – 1920 X 1080p
Submission
Upload your file to the link below: Submission Link Clearly label the file with your name and the film title AND email events@greatdividetrail.com with: – Subject Line: GDTA Film Festival Submission – Film Title – Filmmakers: Full Name Email, Address Mailing address , Phone Number – A brief synopsis of the film Max – 200 words – Any additional relevant information
About the Selection Process:
A committee of judges will review all submitted films and curate a diverse lineup for the annual film fest. The selected filmmakers will be notified via email by April 15th, 2026.
The festival will take place in Calgary AB, on Thursday May 7th, 2026
Please note that by submitting your film, you grant the Great Divide Trail Association the rights to showcase your film during the Annual Film Fundraiser, including subsequent promotional use.
For any inquiries or further information, please contact us at events@greatdividetrail.com
We eagerly await your inspiring films, capturing the essence of the Great Divide Trail!
Looking for the perfect gift for the trail lover in your life, or a way to bring a little wilderness inspiration into your home? The Great Divide Trail 2026 Calendars and Special Edition Wall Maps are now available for pre-sale until December 1, 2025!
The Special Edition Great Divide Trail Wall Map was carefully and lovingly created by GDTA volunteer Brad “Blue Magi” Maguire, capturing the beauty and scale of the GDT. This stunning 16” x 36” map not only showcases the trail’s spectacular terrain but also helps support the GDTA’s mission to protect, promote, and maintain the Great Divide Trail for generations to come.
The 2026 Great Divide Trail Calendar features breathtaking images submitted by trail users through the GDTA’s annual photo contest: a celebration of the places, people, and moments that make the GDT unforgettable.
Every purchase supports the Great Divide Trail Association, a registered charity powered by passionate volunteers working to keep the trail wild and sustainable.
Are you wondering what’s happening with the crossing over the Blaeberry River in Section D?
The Blaeberry Crossing Project has been a labour of love, and one of the GDTA’s top safety priorities, for the past four years. This work is essential to improving hiker safety and maintaining connectivity through the Blaeberry Valley, a remote and rugged stretch of the Great Divide Trail located northeast of Golden, BC.
Currently, a temporary log bridge spans the Blaeberry River near its confluence with Cairnes Creek. While this structure has allowed hikers to cross safely in the short term, it’s not expected to last much longer, and possibly not even through the coming spring.
Originally, the GDTA had planned to construct a permanent aluminum bridge at this site. However, after extensive engineering review and close collaboration with Recreation Sites & Trails BC (RSTBC), the vision has evolved into something truly remarkable—a cable car aerial ferry crossing, the first of its kind on the Great Divide Trail and one of the most ambitious backcountry infrastructure projects ever undertaken by the GDTA. Once complete, it will not only ensure a safe and reliable river crossing but also offer an unforgettable experience for backcountry users traveling through this wild and scenic valley.
In spring 2025, RSTBC generously provided the major components for a cable car system, along with a $5,000 contribution toward the project. Together, the GDTA and RSTBC are now working through the final design, engineering, and approval processes required to move forward.
As part of this effort, the GDTA has also applied for a Section 57 authorization to rehabilitate and maintain Collie Creek Historic Trail, which RSTBC has circulated for review and is now awaiting a final decision. This authorization would allow the GDTA to undertake trail restoration, maintenance, and improvements under a formal agreement with RSTBC—similar to the authorization established for the David Thompson Heritage Trail. This partnership ensures that historic routes in the region are maintained safely and sustainably, while preserving their cultural and recreational value.
The Collie Creek Historic Trail project complements the cable car initiative, reconnecting historic travel routes within the Blaeberry Valley and enhancing safe, continuous access through this stunning and historically significant area.
While the cable car represents an exciting advancement for the Great Divide Trail, it also comes at a higher cost than originally anticipated—approximately $50,000 more than the original bridge proposal. As a volunteer-driven, charitable organization, the GDTA will be working hard to fundraise and secure additional support to cover these costs.
A huge thank-you goes out to the incredible volunteers leading this effort, and to Recreation Sites & Trails BC, whose ongoing commitment to a safe, sustainable crossing has been instrumental in moving the project forward.
Another incredible weekend at the Banff Mountain Film Fest! The GDTA set up our beautiful booth at the BMFF Marketplace from November 7–9, returning once again for a weekend of connections.
This event always proves to be an excellent opportunity to promote both the Great Divide Trail and the Great Divide Trail Association. We spoke with many people who have hiked the GDT, those planning future adventures, and several who are excited to begin volunteering with us.
We also launched a special BMFF membership promotion: anyone who became a new GDTA member during the event was entered to win a set of Durston Iceline Poles, generously donated by Durston Gear to support the GDTA, as well as the new Special Edition GDT Wall Map, lovingly created by one of our amazing volunteers, Brad “Blue Magi” Maguire. This initiative brought in 16 new members, and we’re thrilled to welcome them into our growing community. Congratulations to Kelsey Demmings, the winner of this OUTSTANDING prize!
Thank you to everyone who stopped by the booth to say hello! We are always grateful for the support, enthusiasm, and stories shared by the GDT community.
A huge thank-you to Durston Gear for donating the Iceline poles, and to our incredible volunteers who spent their weekend at the booth educating visitors about the GDT and representing the GDTA with so much passion: Charlene Deck, Kaylee Thomson, Doug Hollinger, Meaghan Underhill, Jenn Glover, David Mulligan, and Dale Keller. We couldn’t do this without you!
For the third year in a row, the Great Divide Trail Association (GDTA) is honoured to be one of the charitable recipients of proceeds from GearTrade’s Ultralight Advent Box.
This year, the project carries special meaning. After the passing of GearTrade’s Jesse Hebenton, the box has been renamed in his memory: Jesse’s 2025 Ultralight Advent Box.
Jesse & Michelle Hebenton, and the entire GearTrade team have been incredible supporters of the GDTA over the years, helping us protect, promote, and maintain the Great Divide Trail. Jesse was a dedicated trail advocate and gear enthusiast whose enthusiasm for the outdoors, commitment to responsible recreation, and passion for helping others get outside safely left an indelible mark on our community and continues to inspire us all through the ongoing generosity of Michelle and the GearTrade family.
When Jesse first reached out to let us know that the GDTA would be one of the charity recipients of the Advent Calendar proceeds, we had no idea this would grow into a multi-year tradition of generosity and support. Yet here we are, and we couldn’t be more grateful.
For those of you who were lucky enough to snag one of these awesome boxes before they sold out, know that some of those proceeds have made their way back to the GDTA, helping us continue the important work of maintaining and protecting the Great Divide Trail. This year alone, $2,500 was donated to the GDTA from the proceeds.
Thank you to Michelle Hebenton and everyone at GearTrade for continuing this meaningful project and for supporting the work we do to keep the Great Divide Trail wild, accessible, and inspiring for generations to come.
What a day! We’re thrilled to share that the Annual Garage Sale benefiting the Great Divide Trail Association raised over $1,200—all thanks to the incredible generosity and community spirit of everyone involved.
A huge thank you to Geartrade for hosting this event and donating all table registration fees to the GDTA. We’re so grateful for your ongoing support and for opening your space to our community of outdoor enthusiasts.
Thank you to Flat Out Feasts for donating $1 from every meal sold—not only were the meals delicious, but every bite helped support the trail.
And to all the hikers and supporters who donated their gently used gear for the GDTA to sell: thank you! Your contributions directly help us maintain, protect, and promote the Great Divide Trail.
An extra special thank you to the GDTA volunteers who gave up their Saturday to tend the fire, sell hot dogs, merch, and donated gear—you are the heart of this organization and we are so grateful for your time and energy. You are most appreciated!
One of the best parts of the day wasn’t just the gear sales or tasty campfire eats—it was the people. Old friends and new faces gathered around the fire, roasted hot dogs, swapped trail stories, and shared summer hiking plans. That sense of connection is what makes this community so special.
On May 8, 2025, we gathered at the Globe Cinema in Calgary for an amazing evening celebrating wild places, outdoor adventure, and community spirit. The Great Divide Trail Film Fest brought together 150 in-person attendees and 48 online viewers to enjoy a lineup of inspiring short films, and a silent auction filled with incredible items—all in support of the Great Divide Trail Association.
Thanks to your support, we raised over $6,400 to help protect, maintain, and promote the Great Divide Trail!
Special Thanks to Our Guest Speaker
We were honoured to welcome Eddie Petryshen, Conservation Specialist with Wildsight, who delivered a powerful presentation on Protecting BC’s Inland Temperate Rainforest and Deep Snow Caribou. Eddie’s work has helped safeguard some of the most threatened ecosystems in British Columbia, and his ability to turn complex research into compelling storytelling inspired all in attendance to reflect on our connection to wild places—and what’s at stake. Thank you, Eddie, for your passion and advocacy.
Audience Choice Winners
A huge congratulations to our 2025 audience-voted film winners, who each received GearTrade gift cards:
? First Place: Kristy Dixon – The Weight Inside
? Second Place: Matt King – Traversing the Divide
Honourable mentions to all of the filmmakers who showcased amazing work: Antonio Galvan (and Caroline Galvan), Alex Rezansoff, Clare Tavener-Smith & Mark Mitchell—thank you for sharing your experiences with us!
Thank You to Our Silent Auction Donors
We’re deeply grateful to the following individuals and organizations for their generous contributions:
Adotec Gear, Arts Commons, BearVault, Black Sheep Camps, Castle Mountain Ski Resort, CottageCare Calgary, Drops of Wisdom, Emily Beaudoin Art, Flat Out Feasts, Garmin Canada, GearTrade, Jim Webster Art, Alan & Meg Kaizer, Michel & Suzanne Belanger, Nor’west Pack Co., Rocky Mountain Dogs, Sarah Jane Osadetz, Busy Beavers Touring Co., Unightie, Monogram Coffee
Last but certainly not least, thank you to our incredible volunteers who made this event possible.
Whether you joined us in person or tuned in online, thank you for being part of our biggest fundraiser of the year. We can’t wait to see you on the trail!
