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.
The Great Divide Trail Association is proud to be the Green Bib Charity for the Servus Calgary Marathon once again this year.
The marathon dedicates time, energy, and resources to reducing its environmental impact. When runners choose the Green Bib option, a $10 donation is made to the Great Divide Trail Association in lieu of a race shirt and medal – directly supporting trail maintenance, stewardship, and volunteer-led projects along the Great Divide Trail.
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.
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.
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!
It’s back! After the massive success last year that saw 30 different people submit absolutely astounding photos, the GDTA is once again running our Photo Contest!
Spend some time reminiscing and go dig through all the photos you’ve taken (this year, or any year). Then select your favourite(s) and submit by following the instructions below. Submitting your photos is a unique and simple way to help out the GDTA! As the association works to protect, promote, and maintain the trail, we’re always in need of high-quality imagery. Who better to provide that then those of you who’ve lived it?!
A maximum of five (5) photos per photographer will be considered for the contest
Submissions must include the following text (please copy and paste this into the email submission).
Photographer: <your name>
Working Title: <one-sentence title>
Location: <specific location>
GDT Section: <A through G>
Detailed Caption: <longer caption, please include names of any identifiable individuals>
With this submission I affirm that I have read and agree to the terms and conditions of the GDTA Photo Contest.
Photos must be attached as files, not links (iPhone users in particular, please double check how the photos get included)
One photo per submission
Multiple submissions are welcomed, however only the first five (5) submissions received per photographer will be considered for the contest
Submission deadline: Sunday October 12, 2025 at midnight Mountain time.
Photos can be from any year.
Photos can be color or black & white digital images of any location along the Great Divide Trail
JPEG or TIFF files are allowed and ideally higher than web-resolution (at least 300 dots-per-inch or approximately 1000×1500 pixels for a 3×5 photo).
If you’d like your photos to be considered for our annual calendar or magazine covers, they should be at least 8.5×11 inches at 300 dpi or approx. 2500×3300 pixels in size.
Photos can be horizontal or vertical. Please upload in the proper orientation.
Terms and Conditions
No purchase is necessary to enter or win. Void where prohibited. By entering this contest, you agree to the terms and conditions relating to this contest and you are responsible for understanding your rights.
Photos entered are considered licensed to the Great Divide Trail Association in perpetuity. By entering the photo contest, you are giving the GDTA the right to use your photos as we see fit to promote the trail and its protection.
You will retain copyright to any photograph you submit. You only grant the GDTA rights to your photograph royalty-free, in perpetuity, nonexclusively to:
Reproduce, distribute, transform, display and/or to perform your photographs in all print and electronic mediums at any size.
Use your photos worldwide.
Provide your photograph to other individuals and organizations for non-commercial use, such as in news stories, newsletters, reports, slide shows, displays, web pages, and the like.
Archive in electronic forms so that your photos can be used to support our mission.
The GDTA may request additional permission to use your photo for Commercial and Editorial uses that directly benefit the GDTA and the trail.
Whenever possible, the GDTA will provide attribution in the form the photographer’s name and/or photographer’s website URL per GDTA’s discretion. Attribution will appear next to the photo or in the credits of the work product.
By entering, participants agree to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the GDTA, its respective subsidiaries, affiliates, directors, officers, employees, volunteers, attorneys, agents and representatives, from any and all third party liability for any injuries, loss, claim, action, demand or damage of any kind arising from or in connection with the competition (collectively, “Losses”), including without limitation any third party claim for copyright infringement or a violation of an individual’s right to privacy and/or publicity right. The Contest is void where prohibited by law.
Contest entrants are responsible for ensuring that he or she has the right to submit the photos that he or she submits to the contest.
