Are you planning to hike the Great Divide Trail in 2026? Whether you’re tackling the full length of the trail or just a section, we encourage you to register your hike and pick up a free GDT Hang Tag; your badge of stewardship and a symbol of your commitment to protecting the Great Divide Trail.
The Hang Tag Program is back for another season, and we’re excited to continue growing the program in 2026 with four pickup locations across the trail corridor.
This voluntary registration is open to anyone planning to spend one or more nights on the GDT in 2026.
How to Register
Visit one of the participating locations listed below.
Let the staff know you’re there to pick up your GDT Hang Tag.
Scan the QR code they provide to complete your registration.
Show the staff your completed registration.
Walk away happily with your new Hang Tag!
What You’ll Receive
Hikers who register for 2026 are eligible to receive a free GDT Hang Tag.
These tags are:
A memento of your adventure on the Great Divide Trail
A visible sign of your pledge to practice Leave No Trace and care for the trail
Available while supplies last — once they’re gone, they’re gone!
Note: This registration is not a permit and does not replace permits required in national or provincial parks along the GDT. Be sure to research and obtain all necessary permits for your hike.
Hang Tag Pickup Locations
Hang Tags must be picked up in person at one of the following locations during business hours. Shipping of Hang Tags is not available.
Tamarack Outdoors
214 Mount View Road, Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta Visit their website for hours of operation
Kindred Ground – Movement & Coffee House
7702 18 Avenue, Coleman, Alberta Visit their website for hours of operation
Friends of Yoho Gift Shop
5764 Trans-Canada Hwy, Field, BC
The Friends of Yoho Gift Shop is located inside the Yoho National Park Visitor Centre in Field, BC, and now offers a resupply service for GDT hikers for a $20 service fee per box.
Friends of Jasper National Park Gift Shop
500 Connaught Drive, Jasper, Alberta Visit their website for hours of operation
Friends of Jasper National Park Gift Shop also offers GDTA members a 10% discount in-store with proof of GDTA membership.
Quantities are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Once locations run out, that’s it for the season.
Why Do We Ask You to Register?
Your registration helps us better understand how many people are hiking the GDT, and where. This information is incredibly valuable:
It helps us advocate for the trail with land managers and government agencies.
It supports funding opportunities by showing how popular and meaningful the GDT is to users.
It helps us plan trail maintenance, focusing efforts on the most-used and most-loved areas.
By registering, you’re helping to protect the GDT’s future – thank you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I have to pick up my Hang Tag in person?
A: Yes. Hang Tags are only available for pickup in person at our partner locations. Shipping of Hang Tags is not available.
Q: Can I get a Hang Tag for a previous year’s hike?
A: No. Hang Tags are only available to hikers registered for the current hiking season (2026).
Q: Is registration required to hike the GDT?
A: No. Registration is completely voluntary but strongly encouraged to support trail stewardship and planning.
Q: Do I still need permits?
A: Yes. Registration does not replace permits. Be sure to secure all required camping permits for areas such as national and provincial parks along your route. Visit our Permits Page for more information.
A hundred years from now, someone will walk the Great Divide Trail who doesn’t know our names. They’ll experience the beauty of the Rockies and the corridor we’ve helped to protect, walk along the trails we built together, and feel the connection of the community. They’ll know the trail. But they won’t know us, unless we tell them.
The GDTA is proud to be installing a 100-year time capsule along the GDT this summer. We are collecting stories and photos from members, preserving them, and sending them to the Association of 2126 to tell them about the beginnings of the trail and our hopes for its future.
Start writing today, and join us in sending our trail stories into the future.
Submit your message!
$5 contribution: Your message will be preserved on archival media in digital form, and securely sealed in the capsule. Submit up to 250 words and 1 photo.
$15 contribution: Your message will be preserved on special archival paper, up to 2 pages in length (900 words), and up to 5 photos. PLUS you’ll receive one of only 50 beautiful ceramic mementos (as supplies last). In addition, you can submit up to 12 pages to be preserved in digital format.
These mementos are hand-made by a Calgary artisan, a sturdy 3/8″ thick and 5″ across, with a full-colour GDTA logo, GPS location, and opening date of the capsule. Carry it with you, hand down to your descendants, or entrust to an institution, to preserve the memory of the capsule.
These are currently in production and will be mailed to you directly after the capsule is installed. If there is significant interest, more mementos may be produced.
There will also be limited space for physical artifacts, so if there’s something you feel should be included, send us an email explaining your idea and we may be able to include it.
Submissions close June 15th.
How it Works
Online: Fill in our online submission form HERE. You can either submit typed text, or a photo/scan of your handwritten message which is especially fun for people of the future to see. (GDTA 2126 Time Capsule Submission – Fill out form)
or
In-Person: Join us for Trail Days, and visit the GDTA’s booth on June 13th to hand-write a message on archival paper.
Not Sure What to Write?
Here are a few prompts:
The trail asked something of you. A hard day, a hard year, a stretch that cost more than you expected. What did it ask, and what did you learn about yourself when you answered?
Describe a single day or night along the trail. The sound of the forest, laughs with friends, a delicious trail snack creation, or a summit worth remembering. How did it feel?
What do you hope the GDT looks like in 100 years? What exists today that you hope remains, and what does it mean to you?
What would you want a hiker in 2126 to know about the people who built this trail?
Tell us your favorite trail story, or campfire story, that makes people laugh, cry, or get inspired?
For the gear junkies: what is your favorite piece of gear, and why? What are the specs, and what do you predict in the gear evolution of the future?
There’s no wrong answer. Write what matters to you.
Share photos of anything that inspires you, that are related to the GDT. Landscapes and views, the people you’ve met and walked with, or your gear!
The Specs
The capsule itself is a stainless steel tube, 6″ in diameter and 14″ long, filled with argon and welded shut at both ends for total water resistance and it will be encased in a watertight plastic container for additional protection. The capsule will be installed in a secure location near the new Blaeberry Cable Car crossing, as it is a major infrastructure project along the trail that has the best chance of standing the test of time. The capsule location will be registered with historical societies, university history departments, and time capsule record-keeping organizations.
Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity! Submit your message before June 15th.
Everyone is welcome to join the upcoming Ed Gregor Stewardship Day on Saturday, June 6 from 8 am to 5 pm. in Blairmore, Alberta. Come help us maintain sustainable multi-use opportunities in our Public Crowsnest Forest with this long-standing stewardship event!
We will meet at the Blairmore Ranger Station (11901-19 Ave, Blairmore) at 8 a.m. to enjoy a free breakfast put on by the Coleman Lion’s Club. Participants can review the available projects and sign up for their choice. Projects include Fish & Game Pond Trail Clearing, Trail Projects, River and Garbage Cleanups, and Weed Pulls. Lots of options for families and volunteers of all ages.
At 3:30 pm, participants will meet back at the Blairmore Ranger Station for a free supper by the Blairmore Lion’s Club, raffle and a draw to win a chainsaw. Special prizes for all kids!
Don’t forget to bring sturdy footwear, lunch/snacks/water, gloves, clothes for the weather, and eye protection.
The event is supported by the Crowsnest Forest Stewardship Society, Crowsnest Pass Quad Squad, Hillcrest Fish and Game, Great Divide Trail Association, Government of Alberta, Crowsnest Conservation Society, and the Alberta Hiking Association. Thanks to all project supporters and sponsors.
Celebrating the Great Divide Trail—and all trails! Join us this June 12–14 in the Crowsnest Pass for the inaugural Trail Days, a weekend dedicated to celebrating 50 Years of Wild.
While rooted in the legacy of the Great Divide Trail, this event is a celebration of all trails, the landscapes they traverse, and the communities that bring them to life. Hosted by the Great Divide Trail Association, Trail Days brings together locals, visitors, and outdoor enthusiasts to connect, learn, and celebrate recreation in one of Alberta’s most incredible mountain regions.
A Calgary-based family band blending soul, roots, reggae, and R&B, the Kinjo Brothers bring an energetic and globally influenced sound shaped by years of touring and musical collaboration
Step inside an immersive dome theatre and explore the night sky like never before. Using a 360° projection system, this guided experience takes you on a journey through the stars, planets, and beyond bringing the universe to life through engaging storytelling and visuals, no matter the weather.
50 Years of Wild – Panel Discussion
To celebrate 50 Years of Wild, join us for a special panel featuring three of the Great Divide Trail Association’s founding members, Dave Higgins, Jeff Gruttz, and Jenny Feick, alongside Wayne Marshall and Dan Wallace, who played a key role in bringing the GDTA out of hibernation in 2004.
Renowned Alberta singer-songwriter, author, and former park warden, known for his original songs and storytelling inspired by the Rocky Mountains and life in Western Canada.
Whether you hike, bike, ride, or simply enjoy time outside, Trail Days is your invitation to celebrate the trails that connect us—to nature, to community, and to each other. Explore, learn, and experience everything the Crowsnest Pass has to offer.
Free & Open to the Public
Everyone is welcome to drop in and enjoy select Trail Days experiences at no cost:
Trail Days Market with local vendors and community groups, and live music from Tynan Groves – Saturday, June 12th
Select workshops – Saturday, June 12th
Great Divide Trail hiker meet-up for past, present, and future hikers to connect, share stories, and talk trail planning – Sunday, June 13th
Geartrade Garage Sale in Support of the Great Divide Trail Association
Got gear you are not using anymore? Let it do some good.
The Annual Garage Sale in support of the Great Divide Trail Association (GDTA) is back, and the easiest way to take part is by donating or consigning your gear. No need to set up a table or manage sales. Just drop off your items and we will handle the rest.
It is a simple way to clear out your gear, support the trail, and be part of something meaningful.
The Easiest Way to Participate: Donate or Consign
If you have gently used outdoor gear, we would love to take it off your hands.
Option 1: Donate Your Gear
The simplest way to support the trail.
Drop off your items and we will sell them at the event
100 percent of proceeds go directly to the Great Divide Trail
No follow-up needed
Option 2: Consign Your Gear
Support the trail and earn a little back.
Drop off your items and we will sell them for you
You receive 70 percent of the sale
30 percent supports the Great Divide Trail
How it works:
Drop off your items at Geartrade between May 1 and May 9 (by appointment)
Label each item with your name, phone number, price, and whether you are open to offers
We will take care of the rest
Drop-off options:
Geartrade (May 1 to May 9, during business hours, by appointment)
Day-of drop-off starting at 9:30 am
If these times do not work, reach out and we will find another option.
Pick-up deadline (consignment only): All unsold items or proceeds must be picked up by 3:30 pm on May 9.
Why It Matters
Donations and consignment items are where we raise the most funds for the trail. Every item sold helps support maintenance, protection, and access along the Great Divide Trail.
Your old gear can help keep the trail wild.
Want to Shop or Sell in Person?
You can still join us on the day to browse or sell your own gear.
Come by the Geartrade parking lot for a day of gear, community, and trail support. We will have a campfire, smokies, chips, and refreshments available, with all proceeds going to the GDTA.
Whether you are donating gear, consigning items, hunting for deals, or just stopping in to say hello, we would love to see you there.
A Taste of the Trail – May 7
“The Kakwa Falls is a Northern Alberta landmark revered by many. This makes it the perfect inspiration for Latitude 55 DistilleriesKakwa Rum, the first true craft rum made in Alberta. Distilled in Grande Prairie from blackstrap molasses and aged in bourbon barrels, this golden spirit has been expertly blended for a rich, sweet flavour. Kakwa Rum is a completely unique experience. Just like the falls themselves.” — Latitude 55 Distilleries
Kakwa Rum is the official rum of the Great Divide Trail Film Festival & Fundraiser, featuring films made by trail users, for trail users. Come for a taste! Calgary Film Fest and Rum Tasting Tickets – May 7
Edmonton Film Fest Screening – May 13
Prefer a more casual vibe? Join the Edmonton screening and social — snacks included. BUY EDMONTON TICKETS HERE
photo Alex Northey
Smartphone Photography Guest Speaker at the Film Fest & Fundraiser
Our evening of films will open with InSight Creative Workshops, who will share a quick and practical session on smartphone photography.
photo Leo Queinnec
MAKE IT BIG. MAKE IT MONTHLY.
Protecting and maintaining the Great Divide Trail is a BIG job, but your monthly donation will help tackle it step by step. Make it Monthly by donating here! GEARTRADE GARAGE SALE
Gear up (or clear out)! The Geartrade Garage Sale brings together outdoor enthusiasts for deals, donations, “Tent-a-Polooza,” and backcountry food samples — all in support of the trail. Buy, sell or consign. INFORMATION HERE
photo Leith
TRAIL DAYS June 12–14, 2026 | Crowsnest Pass, Alberta
Join us for the first-ever Trail Days Festival as we celebrate 50 years of the Great Divide Trail Association. Enjoy a weekend of music, inspiring speakers, and all things trails. Details and tickets!
photo Roger Xiao
BEAR AWARE Sharing The Trail This Season
As the snow begins to recede and the trail comes back to life, so do the bears. This month, we’re sharing a quick reminder on what it means to be bear aware as they emerge from their winter torpor and begin moving through the landscape again. It’s a simple but important part of spending time in the backcountry…more.
GDT CALENDAR OF EVENTS
📅 MAY 7
ANNUAL GREAT DIVIDE TRAIL FILM FESTIVAL & FUNDRAISER
Rum Tasting and SmartPhone Workshop Tickets
Films by Satellite
You asked and we listened! For the first time, we will bringing the film festival to Edmonton via satellite; different event, same great films. Details coming soon.
GDT CALENDAR OF EVENTS
📅 APRIL 16 SPRING FLING, Prairie Dog Pub, Calgary 6-10pm
📅 MAY 5
WINGS OVER THE ROCKIES NATURE FESTIVAL – GDT Luncheon
with Jenny Feick, Invermere, BC
12 – 1PM
📅 MAY 7
ANNUAL GREAT DIVIDE TRAIL FILM FESTIVAL & FUNDRAISER more..
Bust out your camping gear because the dates and locations for our 2026 trail building and maintenance trips have been set and we invite you to join us!
This year, we have a wide range of volunteer opportunities, with 3 trail building trips on the High Rock Trail (HRT) to finish construction of the Erris Lake Trail; two trips to the upper Blaeberry to build a cable car and maintain the David Thompson Heritage Trail; two maintenance trips to Cache Creek on the Original GDT; a maintenance trip on the Maligne Pass Trail in Jasper National Park; a helicopter-supported trip to Colonel Creek in Mount Robson Provincial Park; and a backcountry maintenance trip up to Palliser Pass in Height of the Rockies Provincial Park.
Our work is made possible by the support of the Government of Alberta, Durston, Columbia Basin Trust, the Alberta Equestrian Federation, BC Parks, Recreation Sites & Trails BC, and the generous individual and corporate donors from our Trail Supporter Campaign. A sincere thank you to all who make our initiatives possible! We look forward to another productive year.
Please bear in mind that unforeseen circumstances may sometimes lead to changes in trip dates and locations. Rest assured; we will promptly notify volunteers of any such adjustments.
Check out the map below of this year’s Trail Building & Maintenance Trips:
Trip #1 June 19-24 – Blaeberry Cable Car Base Camp Trip A (maximum 8 volunteers): This trip will focus on starting construction of a cable car across the Blaeberry River. Technical construction will be completed by a contractor while volunteers will assist with non-technical work and trail maintenance. Volunteers will be able to drive to base camp. Volunteers should have backcountry camping experience and must bring their own food and camping gear. Trip leader: Dave Higgins
Trip #2 June 25-30 – Blaeberry Cable Car Base Camp Trip B(maximum 8 volunteers): This trip will focus on finishing construction of a cable car across the Blaeberry River. Technical construction will be completed by a contractor while volunteers will assist with non-technical work and trail maintenance. Volunteers will be able to drive to base camp. Volunteers should have backcountry camping experience and must bring their own food and camping gear. Trip leader: Dave Higgins
Trip #3 June 26-28 – HRT Erris Remote Base Camp Trip A(maximum 4 volunteers): This trip will focus on recon and base camp set-up. Volunteers should have backcountry camping experience and must be able to hike 8 km to remote base camp carrying personal backpacks with their own food and camping gear. Helicopter will transport base camp facilities, including cook tent, wood stove, two cooking stoves, latrine, water filtration system, dish-washing station, and bear-proof food storage area. Trip leader: Dave Hockey
Trip #4 July 3-9 – Palliser River Backcountry Walking Trip (maximum 8 volunteers): This trip will focus on trail maintenance in Height of the Rockies Provincial Park. Volunteers must have backcountry camping experience and be able to hike up to 20 km carrying their own food and camping gear, and up to 10 km carrying power and hand tools. We require at least two volunteers with brush saw or chainsaw experience. If you’re interested in getting trained and certified to use a chainsaw or brush saw, let us know! Trip leader: Deb Yanchula
Trip #5 July 8-13 – HRT Erris Remote Base Camp Trip C(maximum 15 volunteers): This trip will focus on building trail between Erris Lake and Clay Lake. Volunteers should have backcountry camping experience and must be able to hike 8 km to remote base camp carrying personal backpacks with their own food and camping gear. Volunteers will use base camp from Trip #3 with cook tent, wood stove, two cooking stoves, latrine, water filtration system, dish-washing station, and bear-proof food storage area. Trip leaders: Dave Hockey, Jim Schieck
Trip #6 July 14-19 – HRT Erris Remote Base Camp Trip D (maximum 15 volunteers): This trip will focus on building trail between Erris Lake and Clay Lake, and base camp take-down on the last day. Volunteers should have backcountry camping experience and must be able to hike 8 km to remote base camp carrying personal backpacks with their own food and camping gear. Volunteers will use base camp from Trips #3 & 5 with cook tent, wood stove, two cooking stoves, latrine, water filtration system, dish-washing station, and bear-proof food storage area. Trip leader: Dave Hockey
Trip #7 August 14-20 – Cache Creek Base Camp Trip(maximum 10 volunteers): This trip will focus on trail maintenance, campground improvements, and small bridge construction. Volunteers must be able to hike up to 5 km per day carrying daypacks and tools. Volunteers will be able to drive right to base camp. Volunteers must bring their own food and camping gear. Trip leader: Stuart Mitchell
Trip #8 August 14-16 – Cache Creek Weekend Base Camp Trip(maximum 6 volunteers): This shorter trip will focus on trail maintenance and campground improvements. Volunteers must be able to hike up to 5 km per day carrying daypacks and tools. Volunteers will be able to drive right to base camp. Volunteers must bring their own food and camping gear. Trip leader: Stuart Mitchell
Trip #9 August 26-30 – Maligne Pass Trail, Jasper Backcountry Walking Trip(maximum 10 volunteers): This trip will focus on trail maintenance in Jasper National Park. Volunteers must have backcountry camping experience and be able to hike up to 20 km in a day carrying their own camping gear and hand tools. The Maligne River must be forded, normally knee-deep but it may be more than 3’ deep if the water is high. Volunteers must bring their own food and camping gear. Trip leader: Josh Edwards
Trip #10 September 8-12 – Colonel Creek Self-Supported Trip(maximum 4 volunteers): This trip will focus on trail maintenance in Mount Robson Provincial Park. Volunteers must have backcountry camping experience and be able to hike up to 10 km in a day carrying day packs, power tools and hand tools. Volunteers, tools and equipment will be transported to and from the work area using a helicopter. Volunteers must bring their own food and camping gear. We require at least two volunteers with brush saw or chainsaw experience. If you’re interested in getting trained and certified to use a chainsaw or brush saw, let us know! Trip leaders: Dave Hockey, Lisa Belanger
Additional Information:
4-15 people per trip.
Base camp facilities* include kitchen/dining shelter, wood burning stove, cooking stoves, water filtration system, bear-proof food storage area, and a latrine. (*Not available on Backcountry Walking Trips.)
Volunteers are responsible for bringing and cooking their own food.
While trail building experience is not mandatory, volunteers should have experience backcountry camping and hiking. Backpacking experience is required for all backcountry walking trips.
Carpooling assistance may be coordinated by the GDTA for those interested.
The GDTA will provide all trail maintenance tools, tool training, and safety orientation for all trips.
For more information on what to expect while you’re volunteering on a GDTA trail crew, including descriptions of our different Trip Models, check out the GDTA Volunteer Guide.
How to Join: To register online, please click on the links provided in the Trip Schedule above. You can sign into your members account and register for the trip directly through the website. If the trip is showing full, please email trailbuilding@greatdividetrail.com to be added to the wait list.
You can also join by emailing us at trailbuilding@greatdividetrail.com, indicating the trail building and maintenance trip (or trips) you are interested in. If you have experience, certifications, or skills such as operating chainsaws, brush saws, OHVs, or first aid certification, please include that information in your email.
We look forward to your participation and another successful year on the trails!
CALGARY OUTDOOR ADVENTURE & TRAVEL SHOW
March 21 & 22
10 AM – 5 PM
Stampede Park, BMO Centre, Calgary, AB
The GDT wilderness experience in one of the most magnificent settings on Earth: diverse vegetation, towering snow-capped peaks, iridescent glacial waters, abundant wildlife, and panoramic vistas at every turn! But not without challenges: strenuous and hazardous hiking conditions, difficult mountain navigation, glacial stream crossings, deceptively short hiking season, remote trail exit points for resupply or emergency access, and harsh summer snowstorms, grizzly bears, and mosquitoes. The Great Divide Trail Association can help you! Discover a wealth of information at our booth. See you there!
GDT SPRING FLING
Thursday, April 16
6 – 10 PM
Prairie Dog Brewing, near Chinook LRT station
105D 58 Ave SE, Calgary, AB
Join the Great Divide Trail community for an easy-going evening of good company, great conversations, and local craft beer. Whether you’re a hiker, supporter, volunteer, or simply trail curious, this night’s for you.
Mark your calendars and invite a friend who needs this on their spring calendar!
GDT CALENDAR OF EVENTS
📅 MARCH 15
Film Submission Deadline
Feature your GDT thru-hike or section hike, weekend adventure, trail work & stewardship, community & connection on the trail. Here’s how to submit your film to our 2026 Film Festival & Fundraiser to be held on May 7.
📅 MARCH 21 & 22 Calgary Outdoor Adventure & Travel Show
📅 APRIL 16 Spring Fling
📅 MAY 7
Annual Great Divide Trail Film Festival & Fundraiser more..
Help us build, maintain, and promote the GDT!
Here at the Great Divide Trail Association a lot happens long before the hiking season — and we could use your help. Check out our volunteer page for urgent help needed, or reach out to volunteer@greatdividetrail.com. Many roles can help remotely, and there’s room for anyone who has time and interest.
photo Matis Laliberte
Multi-Year Sponsorship
We are excited to announce a new multiyear sponsorship with Durston, and we couldn’t be more grateful! Read more about the partnership.
Incredible Trail – Incredible You
This year’s Trail Supporter Campaign was epic!
With grant uncertainty and the upcoming Blaeberry Cable Ferry in the works, we needed you – and wow, did you show up!
Please read our blog for more information.
Thank you for being a Trail Supporter!
SAVE THESE DATES!
May 7, 2026
Great Divide Trail Film Festival and Fundraiser 2026
Globe Cinema, Calgary, Alberta and On Line
Filmmakers: March 15 is the deadline to submit films to the selection committee. Click here for all the details.
photo Ofri Carni
May 9, 2026
GearTrade Garage Sale
Okotoks, Alberta
The sale of the year is back for 2026 on Saturday May 9! Click here for all the details.
