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  • 2026 Trail Building & Maintenance – Call for Volunteers

    2026 Trail Building & Maintenance – Call for Volunteers

    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. 
    • Trips are free for GDTA Members. 
    • 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! 

  • Waypoints – January 2026

    Waypoints – January 2026

    WayPoints: Helping You Plan
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    IN THIS ISSUE  Planning – Volunteer – Sponsorship – Trail Supporter – FilmFest – Garage Sale – Marathon

     
    Trip Planning Resources Updated for 2026
    All of our Trip Planning Resources have been updated to help you: Campgrounds, Itineraries, Trail Conditions, Permits.

    And the biggest part of planning is Permits! Read Why Permits Are Important and how we can help.

    photo Brad Mol
    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.




     



    May 23 & 24, 2026
    Servus Calgary Marathon
    Calgary, Alberta
    We’re the Green Bib Charity again at this year’s Servus Calgary Marathon! 
    Learn how to register and find out more about the Green Bib program.





     

    Masthead Banner photo: ‘Winter Wonderland’, Charlene Deck
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    Copyright © 2026 Great Divide Trail Association, All rights reserved.
    You are receiving this email because you subscribed to our mailing list or because you are a member of the Great Divide Trail Association. We thank you for your continued support of the GDT.

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  • Great Gear and Great Trails Go Together: The GDTA Partners with Durston 

    Great Gear and Great Trails Go Together: The GDTA Partners with Durston 

    The Great Divide Trail Association is proud to announce a significant multiyear sponsorship with Durston.  

    Designed in the Canadian Rockies and built on real-world backcountry experience, Durston is known for thoughtful, functional, and lightweight equipment that supports long days and big miles. And the Great Divide Trail certainly has big miles to offer. 

    This multiyear sponsorship will directly support trail maintenance, volunteer-led projects, and long-term improvements along the Great Divide Trail, while also helping cover the all-important but less flashy organizational work that keeps everything moving forward. It reflects a shared belief that well-built gear and well-cared trails go hand in hand. 

    We are grateful to Durston for stepping up in a meaningful, long-term way and for investing in the future of the GDT. We are excited about what this partnership will make possible in the years ahead. 

    Welcome to the trail, Durston. 

    Click here for more information about Durston

  • GDT Updates for 2026

    GDT Updates for 2026

    All Trip Planning Resources have been updated for 2026. This includes our Maps, Campgrounds, Itineraries, and Permits pages, as well as the track in the GDT App. A list of notable changes to the GDT are summarized below – Happy Planning!

    Section A:

    • New switchbacks were constructed on the Syncline Trail, decreasing the steepness of the climb up from the West Castle Road.
    • Reminder for hikers needing a detour around La Coulotte Ridge due to adverse conditions, the South Castle Road alternate route offers a bypass route from the Font Creek Trail (near a20) reconnecting with the GDT at Suicide Creek trailhead (a31).

    Section B:

    • New bear lockers have been installed at North Racehorse Creek campground and Cache Creek campground.
    • The new Erris Lake Trail is now available as an alternate on the north end of the High Rock Trail.
    • Additional trail construction continues as we fine-tune the Erris Lake Trail and the High Rock Trail resulting in a few minor route changes. If you see GDTA trail crews out there this summer, say hi!

    Section C:

    • Resupply package delivery will continue to be available at the Elk Pass Trailhead in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park. Resupply packages will be delivered by the GDTA and stored in bear lockers installed at the Elk Pass Trailhead. Resupply delivery service fee is $70 for GDTA members or $90 for non-members. Contact the GDTA at elkpass@greatdividetrail.com to book your delivery service and receive mailing instructions.

    Section D:

    • The log bridge across the Blaeberry River near Cairnes Creek Rec Site (built in June 2024) was still in good shape at the end of the 2025 hiking season, connecting the Collie Creek alternate with the David Thompson Heritage Trail. If all goes according to plan, the bridge will be replaced by a new cable car this summer, creating a long-lasting connection to the Collie Creek Trail on the east side of the Blaeberry River.
    a hiker crossing the temporary log bridge over the blaeberry river
    • The Howse River has shifted course over the past few years. The track on the GDT map and app has been adjusted slightly to accommodate the river’s new course, but hikers should be prepared to route-find in order to navigate safely across the floodplain as the river continues to shift from time to time.

    Section E:

    • Random camping is not allowed anywhere along Owen Creek within Banff National Park.
    • The Six-Passes Alternate Route remains closed to all overnight random camping but is open for day use.
    • Trail maintenance on the Maligne Pass Trail has significantly improved that route with much of the deadfall and brush removed over the past few years. Similar to previous years, the three campgrounds on the Maligne Pass Trail previously available online as ‘Maligne Pass North’ (Mary Vaux, Mary Schäffer, Trapper Creek) are listed in the online reservation system separately, with 1 site per night available at each campground.
    • In 2024, Jasper was devastated by wildfire, destroying about a third of the town and many square kilometres of wilderness in the national park. Most of the park has reopened, including all of the GDT, but recovery from the wildfire continues. Please be mindful that while the park and town have reopened to visitors, businesses and residents are still recovering from the impact of the wildfire.

    Section F:

    • After being closed for a few years during repairs, the Berg Lake Trail in Mount Robson Provincial Park completely re-opened in 2025, including several re-routed sections of new trail. Hikers can exit via the Berg Lake Trail to reach Highway 16 or resupply at the Mount Robson Visitor Centre.
    • The Colonel Creek Trail was cleared of deadfall (again) in 2025.

    Section G:

    • Exit or resupply via the Blueberry Trail are good options. Resupply package delivery is available at the Blueberry Trailhead delivered by Robson Backcountry Adventures and stored in bear lockers. Please contact info@jasperhikesandtours.ca or 1.780.931.4453 to book your delivery service and receive mailing instructions. Discount for GDTA members.
    • The south end of the Providence Pass High Route (alternate) was re-routed to begin at Providence Pass rather than at Broadview Lake, creating an improved hiking experience. Route-finding is still required.
    • The Walker Creek FSR was in rough shape at the end of the 2025 season and might not be accessible all the way to Bastille Creek trailhead. There are several rough, muddy and washed out sections; 4WD high clearance vehicles are highly recommended.

    Happy trails and good luck out there in 2026!

  • A Huge Thank You for an Incredible Trail Supporter Campaign 

    A Huge Thank You for an Incredible Trail Supporter Campaign 

    This year’s Trail Supporter Campaign was nothing short of inspiring. 

    Thanks to the generosity of our community, we raised $46,112.39 in direct donations through this year’s Trail Supporter Campaign. In addition, our matching donor contributed $50,000, bringing the total raised to $96,112.39. The impact of this campaign will significantly support the GDTA’s 2026 operating season. 

    Our sincere thanks to all of the businesses and individuals who contributed. Your support plays a critical role in maintaining and improving the trail, supporting our field crews and volunteers, and advancing key infrastructure projects. 

    We would like to extend a special thank you to our matching donor for their leadership and generosity. Their commitment not only doubled the funds raised but also motivated others to give, strengthening the overall impact of the campaign. 

    One of the key projects we are trying to complete in 2026 is the Blaeberry River Cable Car. While much of this work happens behind the scenes, we are actively completing the necessary back-end tasks, including planning, approvals, coordination, and logistics, to ensure we can move forward responsibly and successfully. This groundwork is essential to setting the project up for long-term success, and your support is helping make it possible. 

    Campaigns like this are a strong reminder that the Great Divide Trail is a true community effort. Whether you donated, shared the campaign, or helped spread the word, you made a difference. 

    From all of us at the GDTA, thank you for believing in the trail and in the work we do together. 

  • Pathfinder Newsletter Winter 2025

    Pathfinder Newsletter Winter 2025

    The Winter 2025 edition of the Great Divide Trail’s Pathfinder newsletter is now available! 

    Download Pathfinder

    This edition features:

    • Letter from Kate
    • Trail Work Updates by Kristine O’Rielly
    • Permits, Permits, Permits by Meg Kaizer
    • Junior Forest Rangers by Tyler Blaney
    • GDTA’s New Website by Steve Harvey
    • Allison Falls Trails by Jenice Smith
    • Trail Adopter by Daniel Vanderpyl
    • Trail Supporter Campaign
    • Our Last Section by Barb Lauer
    • GDT Forest Fires by Jenny Feick
    • In Defence of the Rain by Meghan Dwyre
    • The Story Behind the Picture by Jenny Feick
    • Supporters

  • 2025 Hiker Survey

    2025 Hiker Survey

    Hikers!

    • Did you hike the GDT this year?
    • Did you hike a section of the GDT this year?
    • Did you hike on a portion of the GDT this year?

    Please take some time to fill out our hiker survey.

    We really appreciate your feedback to help us better understand our GDT hikers!

    *This survey is intended to be anonymous. If prompted, please ignore requests for personal information.*

    Complete our Survey

    Photo Credit: Alison Young

  • Waypoints – November 2025

    Waypoints – November 2025

    WayPoints: Huge Announcement
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    IN THIS ISSUE  Announcement – Pre-sales – FarOut – Blaeberry Crossing– Film Fest

    photo Matis Laliberte
    ANNOUNCEMENT COMING SOON!
    We’re not saying what it is… but it’s huge! In two days check our website, Instagram, or Facebook for some exciting news! 

     
    PRE-SALES ON NOW! 
    Celebrate the beauty of the GDT and support the work of the Great Divide Trail Association.
    The 2026 Great Divide Trail Calendar and Special Edition Wall Map are available for pre-sale until December 1!

     
    FarOut’s BIGGEST SALE OF THE YEAR
    Get 30% OFF EVERYTHING, including subscription. Shop in your FarOut app or at app.faroutguides.com. Sale ends Monday, December 1.
     
    photo ‘Do or Die on the Blaeberry River’ David Mulligan  
    BLAEBERRY RIVER CROSSING IS LEVELLING UP!
    The Blaeberry Crossing has been one of the GDTA’s top priorities for several years: to improve hiker safety and maintain connectivity through the Blaeberry Valley, a remote and rugged stretch northeast of Golden, BC. Currently, a temporary log bridge spans the Blaeberry River near its confluence with Cairnes Creek but it won’t last much longer!  [Read the full update →]

    In collaboration with Recreation Sites & Trails BC (RSTBC), the installation of a cable car aerial ferry crossing will offer an unforgettable experience through this wild and scenic valley. While RSTBC will generously provide the major components for a cable car system along with a $5,000 contribution toward the project, the GDTA will be working hard to fundraise and secure additional support. All donations of $20.00 or more will receive a tax-deductible receipt. 
     
     Annual GDT Film Festival
    Globe Cinema
    May 7, 2026

    The cinema is booked! We are excited to showcase as much of the Great Divide Trail from as many perspectives as we can. If you have touched this trail that we love, we want to see it and share it.
     
    We want to see your thru-hike, your section hike, your weekend getaway!
     
    Deadline to submit is March 15, 2026. Here is the link to how to submit your film!

    photo ‘Hiker’s Summer’ Matis Laliberte
     

    Masthead Banner photo: ‘Kiwetinok Scramble’, Bronwyn Preece
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    Copyright © 2025 Great Divide Trail Association, All rights reserved.
    You are receiving this email because you subscribed to our mailing list or because you are a member of the Great Divide Trail Association. We thank you for your continued support of the GDT.

    Our mailing address is:
    Great Divide Trail Association
    Suite 4016, 918-16th Ave NW
    Calgary, AB T2M 0K3
    Canada

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  • Alberta Junior Forest Rangers

    Alberta Junior Forest Rangers

    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

  • Great Divide Trail Annual Film Festival Call for Film Submissions – 2026 

    Great Divide Trail Annual Film Festival Call for Film Submissions – 2026 

    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!