Parent category of all content that could be considered as news (as opposed to blog)
Hikers!
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.*
Photo Credit: Alison Young
|
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 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!
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.
The GDTA is always looking for more volunteers to help us build, maintain, and promote the Great Divide Trail. Can you help?
During the non-hiking season, GDTA volunteers collaborate remotely on all the hard work that happens behind the scenes. Even if you only have a few hours to give we would love to have you join us!
Take a look at our Volunteer page for a current list of urgent needs. But even if you don’t see something that catches your eye, please reach out to us at volunteer@greatdividetrail.com. Each of our Committees always welcome extra help!
Photo Credit: Caitlin Hardee
Wow… What another amazing collection of photos this year! With 110 photos submitted from 32 individuals it was quite the job to narrow things down! Thank you to everyone that submitted photos – your entries help the GDTA promote the trail.
Please join us in congratulating this year’s winners!
Entering the final stages of the GDT, pitching our tent after another “G-section-Casual-Fording”. Clear sky view with endless stars. For tent lighting a mix of red & white flashlights were used.
Sunset ignites the skies above Floe Lake.
Pris dans la fumée d’un incendie, le soleil est devenu feu, à Blueberry lake.
Looking for more? Check out last year’s winners too!
|
The GDTA website has been a labour of love since its creation by Brad Vaillancourt in 2013. From the beginning, the goal has been to ensure that hikers can easily find all the information they need to plan an epic adventure on the Trail. It has grown to be the place hikers, members, and fans keep up to speed on everything related to the GDT and the GDTA.
More than a year in the making, the GDTA is proud to roll out a big refresh to our beloved website! Built collaboratively entirely by volunteers, you’ll still find all the content you’ve come to rely upon. The most referenced pages should be even easier to find with more links in more places. You’ll find additional content related to the Association’s commitment to Reconciliation, Responsible Recreation, our Supporters, History of Trail Work, an updated set of Frequently Asked Questions, and more.
Every page has been refreshed and adorned with fresh new images (many courtesy of our annual photo contest). Check out our credits page to learn more about who contributed these beauties!
The look may be new, but the GDTA remains committed to ensuring that the website provides the critical information future hikers.
We’d love to hear what you think of the new site. And if you find something that doesn’t seem right, we’d appreciate you dropping us a message at website@greatdividetrail.com. News, Events, and Blogs will continue to get added, and keep checking back for even more great additions throughout the year.
Are you Great Divide Trail curious? We are having a presentation at Valhalla Pure Outfitters and can’t wait to show you what we are all about.
?: October 16th
?: 7-9PM PST
?: VPO @ 2814 48 Ave, Vernon BC
We are excited to see you there.
