On June 14, 2026, we unveiled the stunning Great Divide Trail mural, created by artist Lynnie Wonfor in Coleman, Alberta, during our inaugural Trail Days Celebration.
This project, led by GDTA volunteer Tara Fleming, was a year and a half in the making. It all began with a simple question from Alyssa and Seb, owners of Kindred Ground Coffee and Yoga House: “Would the GDT like to put a mural on our building?” The answer was an emphatic yes.
Soon after, the process began: obtaining permits from the municipality, securing funding through South Canadian Rockies Tourism, and searching for the perfect artist and concept to bring the mural to life. We received many incredible submissions, but one stood above the rest; one that truly captured the essence of the Great Divide Trail: Lynnie Wonfor’s depiction of Tornado Mountain.
Having hiked the Great Divide Trail herself, Lynnie has an intimate understanding of what it feels like to be out on the trail and of both the challenge and reward of crossing Tornado Mountain.
Artist’s Statement
“Tornado Mountain, one of the icons of the Great Divide Trail, is the perfect example of how the trail can gift us an accomplishment that proves something to ourselves and lasts a lifetime. The longer you hike it—and even long after the hike is over—the more it continues to give. The GDT changed my life forever.”
-Lynnie Wonfor
We couldn’t be happier with the final piece.
While Tornado Mountain may not be as well known locally as Crowsnest Mountain, it holds a special place in the history and identity of the Great Divide Trail. In fact, it is the mountain featured in the GDT logo, making it a fitting subject for this mural.
There are many people to thank for helping make this project a reality. To artist Lynnie Wonfor, thank you for creating this spectacular piece. To South Canadian Rockies Tourism, thank you for helping fund the project. To Seb and Alyssa at Kindred Ground Coffee and Yoga House, thank you for providing the canvas, obtaining permits, and preparing the building for installation. And finally, thank you to GDTA volunteer Tara Fleming for taking the lead and guiding this project from concept to completion.
We are thrilled to share this mural with the community and with all who walk the Great Divide Trail.
The Green Bib Program once again saw strong support in 2026, with 614 participants choosing the sustainable race option. Their participation resulted in a $6,140 donation to the Great Divide Trail Association (GDTA).
Introduced in 2025, the Green Bib Program gives runners the option to forgo a race shirt and finisher medal while still receiving a chipped race bib and enjoying the full race-day experience. For every Green Bib selected, the Servus Calgary Marathon donates $10 to the GDTA.
The Green Bib Program is part of the Servus Calgary Marathon’s broader Sustainability Program, sponsored by the wonderful team at Fluid Projects. The program includes compostable cups at aid stations, recycling and composting initiatives, food and clothing donations, paperless race communications, transit and cycling incentives, water refill stations, and ongoing efforts to reduce excess race merchandise. Since 2017, the event has reduced leftover shirts and medals by more than 75%.
Together, these initiatives help make the Servus Calgary Marathon a more environmentally responsible event while giving participants meaningful ways to reduce their race-day footprint.
We at the Great Divide Trail Association are incredibly grateful to the Servus Calgary Marathon for choosing our charity as the recipient of the Green Bib donation. This partnership not only supports the protection and maintenance of Canada’s premier long-distance hiking trail, but also demonstrates how the running and outdoor communities can work together to create a positive impact.
Ticket and wristband pick-up will be available starting at 6:00 PM at the Orpheum Theatre on Friday evening, and from 10:00 AM–4:00 PM on Saturday at the Great Divide Trail booth in Gazebo Park.
If you haven’t purchased your tickets yet, get them here!
Friday, June 12
Orpheum Theatre, Blairmore
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM – Ticket and wristband pick-up
7:00 PM – Mayor’s Welcome
7:30 PM – 9:30 PM: Kinjo Brothers A Calgary-based family band blending soul, roots, reggae, and R&B with globally inspired sounds and energetic live performances.
Saturday, June 13
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM – Morning Walk Meet-Up: Alison Falls Loop (2 km)
This is not a guided hike.
Meet at the Atlas Staging Area (by the kiosk sign) for a casual group walk along the newly built Alberta Hiking Association Trail to Alison Falls. From the falls, the route follows the creek before connecting with the Great Divide Trail and returning to the Atlas Staging Area.
This is a moderate 2 km loop that is a great opportunity to meet fellow hikers, stretch your legs, and explore some of the area’s newest trail infrastructure.
Gazebo Park, Blairmore
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM: Trail Days Market Local vendors, community groups, trail organizations, and outdoor exhibitors. Ticket and wristband pick-up at the Great Divide Trail Booth.
11:00 AM – 11:30 AM: Bear Hang Demo Learn practical backcountry food storage techniques while having a great time!
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Animal Tracks Workshop with The Path Less Taken An interactive wildlife tracking experience for all ages. Put your animal tracking abilities and investigative skills to the test in this interactive “Whodunit” adventure designed for all ages! Learn how to identify animal tracks and uncover clues from the natural world as you work together to solve an exciting “Conservation Caper.” Follow the evidence, crack the mystery, and discover the fascinating stories wildlife leaves behind!
12:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Live Music with Tynan Groves Tynan Groves is an eclectic mix of many genres, he seamlessly moves his music from folk to metal, jazz to rap, punk to classical. His diverse repertoire comes from his study of jazz and a career spent freelancing in many different musical situations. Currently residing in the Crowsnest Pass Tynan relishes in the humour and joy of playing such a varied range of music.
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM: Head in the Clouds with The Path Less Taken Need a moment to recharge, reset, and reconnect? Step away from the rush of everyday life and immerse yourself in a refreshing Mindful Nature Moment experience. Slow down, breathe deeply, and discover the beauty of the natural world around you. Spend time with your “head in the clouds” as you mindfully gaze skyward, embark on a colourful scavenger hunt, and learn the creative art of Zentangling with Aspens. Through playful and calming activities, you’ll experience a unique and inspiring way to connect with your local landscape and leave feeling renewed, grounded, and energized.
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM: Knot Tying & Trail Survival Visit Crowsnest Adventures at their table for this experiential learning opportunity focused on practical outdoor and trail survival skills.
3:00 PM – 3:30 PM: Intro to Dehydrating 101 Tips and techniques for preparing dehydrated trail meals.
12:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Planetarium Experience with Dark Sky Guides Step inside an immersive dome theatre and explore the night sky through engaging storytelling and 360° visuals. Sign up for your timeslot at the Great Divide Trail Booth at Gazebo Park on Saturday 10-4pm
Aurora: Lights of Wonder Duration: 29 minutes The Aurora Borealis is an atmospheric phenomenon that has dazzled and inspired humans for millennia. Dive into this 360-degree cinematic experience and explore the stories, science, and secrets behind the dance of the Northern Lights. In this multi award-winning film you will learn what ancient civilizations believed about the Northern Lights, see the Northern Lights from the International Space Station, hear how scientists of the past and present have explained this spectacular phenomenon, and discover the secret behind the vibrant auroral colors. Thanks to the pioneering work of astrophotographer, Kwon O Chul, you can now experience firsthand the incredible dance of the Auroral ribbons of green and purple as never before.
Orpheum Theatre, Blairmore
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: How Recreational Trails Affect Plant Communities Speaker: Heather Davis
Increases in visitation to protected areas coupled with natural disturbances make it challenging to meet both goals of conserving biodiversity and inspiring connection with the natural world. Researcher, Heather Davis, uncovers how recreational trails shift plant communities based on trail use levels, vegetation type, wildfire, and the interactions between them. Learn more about this research, see amazing pictures of Waterton Lakes National Park, and find out how you can be a more mindful explorer.
6:00 PM – 6:30 PM: Nibbles & Mingle
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM:Great Divide Trail Legacy Panel Celebrating 50 Years of Wild with GDTA founders and legacy members Dave Higgins, Jeff Gruttz, Jenny Feick, Wayne Marshall, and Dan Wallace.
8:00 PM – 10:00 PM: Sid Marty & Wailback Live music and storytelling inspired by the Rocky Mountains and Western Canada.
11:00 AM – 11:30 AM: Great Divide Trail Mural Reveal
This project has been a long time in the works, and we are thrilled to reveal the new Great Divide Trail mural on the side of Kindred Ground – location of the Crowsnest GDT Hiker Hang Tags.
Enjoy a leisurely 1.6km walk through the forest guided by an educator from the Crowsnest Museum. Learn about the nature of the Crowsnest Pass and the lives of the miners who once used the same trail.
Start and End Point: Crowsnest Museum Entrance
What to bring: The trail is considered easy but may be muddy after rainfall. Sturdy walking shoes are recommended. The trail has stairs in sections, making it unsuitable for mobility devices or strollers.
Support local businesses during Trail Days by filling up your stamp card for a chance to win local gift cards while discovering the unique businesses that make the Crowsnest Pass special.
How it works:
Pick up a stamp card at the Orpheum Theatre on Friday evening or at the Trail Days Market on Saturday.
Visit participating businesses throughout the weekend.
Receive one stamp for every $25 spent at participating businesses.
Collect as many stamps as you can.
On June 14th, drop off your stamp card at Ophelia Outpost between 1:00 – 3:00pm, or email a photo to desiree.erdmann@greatdividetrail.com to be entered into the draw. Winner’s will be drawn at 6:00pm on Sunday.
Prizes: Over $1,000 in gift cards are up for grabs, thanks to the amazing Crowsnest Pass businesses!
Two Grand Prizes will be awarded to the participants who collect the most stamps.
Two Additional Prizes will be drawn at random from all submitted stamp cards.
The AMAZING participating businesses
A&B Liquor | Ace hardware | Art Gallery | Berta | Blairmore Liquor | Charley Biggs | Cherry on Top | Chris’s | Cinnamon Bear |Crowsnest Candy | Golf Course | Greg’s Liquor | Guilded Haus | Hello Pizza | IGA | Kind Rat | Kindred Ground | Merch on Main |Ophelia Outpost | Orpheum Theatre | Pass Beer | Paws, Claws & Hooves | Pharmasave | Rebel BBQ | Rum Runner | Spry | Stone’s Throw | Summit Home Hardware | Switchback Sips | Tuesdays Bookshop | Work and Play
Shop local. Support local. Celebrate Trail Days!
Thank you to our lead sponsor, Travel Alberta for making this event possible.
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.
Great Divide Trail Mural Reveal at Kindred Ground in Coleman
Afternoon Great Divide Trail hiker meet-up at Ophelia Outpost in Bellevue. Connect with past, present, and future GDT hikers to swap stories and talk trail planning.
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.
How Recreational Trails Affect Plant Communities
Increases in visitation to protected areas coupled with natural disturbances make it challenging to meet both goals of conserving biodiversity and inspiring connection with the natural world. Researcher, Heather Davis, uncovers how recreational trails shift plant communities based on trail use levels, vegetation type, wildfire, and the interactions between them. Learn more about this research, see amazing pictures of Waterton Lakes National Park, and find out how you can be a more mindful explorer.
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.
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!
Join us at Prairie Dog Brewing on Thursday, October 16th from 6–9 pm for a casual meetup with the Great Divide Trail community—past, present, and future hikers welcome! ??
Whether you’ve thru-hiked, sectioned hiked, volunteered on trail, or you’re just GDT-curious, come swap stories, meet new trail friends, and enjoy great food & drinks.
When: Oct 16, 6–9 pm Where: Prairie Dog Brewing (Calgary) Who: Anyone connected to or interested in the GDT
The 2025 marathon dedicates time, energy, and resources to reduce environmental impact. If a registrant chooses the Green Bib option, a $10 donation will be made to the Great Divide Trail Association in lieu of a race shirt and medal.
