FAQ – The Great Divide Trail Association

How/where do I resupply?

Generally, you will be able to resupply via a mailed package and/or purchasing food from a local store every 4 to 9 days along the GDT. Some resupply locations are a short distance off-route which will add some distance and time to your hike. There are only three places directly on the GDT with stores that carry adequate food and supplies for long-distance backpacking: Waterton townsite, Coleman/Blairmore and Jasper – so preparing resupply packages is an essential part of a long-distance journey on the GDT. There are small stores at Coleman, Boulton Creek Trading Post, Field and The Crossing Resort where limited food and supplies are available. While not directly en route, Blairmore, Pincher Creek, Banff, Lake Louise and Golden all have supermarkets and outdoor gear shops.

When mailing resupply packages to yourself, be aware of the hours of operation for the resupply locations. You may find yourself racing to beat closing time, or waiting for it to reopen.

Standard policy is that the packages will be held for 15 days so write “Please hold for Great Divide Trail hiker” with your anticipated date of arrival to ensure the package will be there when you arrive. Allow plenty of time for shipping as some remote locations may take up to two weeks to receive a package. You will need government issued photo id to pick up your package from most locations. For government Post Offices, mail your package general delivery.

Ensure your resupply package is tightly sealed (i.e. mouse-proof) and contains no perishable items or hazardous materials. Large heavy packages might not be accepted. A good rule is maximum 25 lbs (11 kg) per package. If you are packing food for more than 2 people, split into 2 packages. If using a courier, only prepaid couriered packages will be accepted. Call or email in advance to confirm that the resupply location will accept your resupply package.

For more information, including a list of resupply locations with addresses and telephone numbers, check out our Resupplying page.

Where do I camp?

There are many campgrounds along the GDT. Hikers must stay in designated campgrounds on most sections of the GDT in National and Provincial Parks. Random camping is authorized in some areas within National Parks (e.g. Amiskwi valley in Yoho, Howse Pass Trail in Banff) and is an acceptable alternative almost anywhere outside of National and Provincial Parks.

Random camping is allowed in:

All of Sections A & B outside of national and provincial parks;
Only within Height of the Rockies Provincial Park in Section C;
All of Section D, including sections of the GDT within Yoho and Banff National Parks in Section D (a Backcountry Permit is still required to random camp within national parks);
From Owen Pass to Cataract Pass in Section E;
All of Section F except for the Berg Lake Trail in Mount Robson Provincial Park, and not along Highway 16.
All of Section G except for the short section of the North Boundary Trail in Jasper National Park.

Check out our Campgrounds page for a list of campgrounds along the GDT or check out these sample GDT itineraries.

Do I need a permit? How do I get one?

Yes, GDT Hikers must stay in designated campgrounds in most National and Provincial Parks so it is recommended that you arrange for all park permits and reservations in advance.

A National Park Backcountry Permit is required for any overnight stay in a National Park. Backcountry Permits require selection of all National Park backcountry campgrounds and random camping locations (where applicable) to be used on your route, and are subject to campground availability. Banff, Jasper, Kootenay and Yoho national parks now accept online reservations starting in January. The exception is Waterton Lakes National Park where reservations can be made up to 90 days in advance via telephone or email. Hikers planning a long-distance trek through multiple national parks are recommended to reserve campgrounds online where available and then if necessary, call each applicable national park office to complete other required campground reservations, including random camping locations, and get any duplicate reservation fees reimbursed. Click here for detailed instructions on how to use the Parks Canada Online Reservation Service.

Random camping is allowed on the following sections of the GDT within National Parks but a Backcountry Permit is still required:

Yoho: Amiskwi valley
Banff: Howse Pass Trail
Jasper: Miette River Trail, Colonel Pass, Calumet, and Elysium Pass

Making all campground reservations in advance of a thru-hike can create obvious challenges trying to stay on a defined schedule when hiking several months later, but do your best to create a realistic itinerary, include flexibility in your schedule, and if you get ahead or behind schedule while hiking, talk to a Park warden about revising your permit.

Outside of National and Provincial Parks, permits and reservations are not required on the GDT.

For more detailed information on how to reserve a permit including links, telephone numbers and email addresses, check out our Permit page.

What should I contact Parks Canada about?

GDT hikers should contact Parks Canada staff for the following reasons:

Obtaining Parks Canada Discovery Passes and Wilderness Passes (mandatory for any overnight stay on the GDT in a National Park);
Making or changing campground reservations in National Parks;
Inquiring about trail conditions or backcountry safety in National Parks;
Reporting problem trail conditions or closures in National Parks;
Emergencies while hiking in a National Park;
Reporting wildlife sightings or incidents within National Parks.

All other questions about the GDT can be directed to the GDTA.

How are campground reservations made outside of national parks?

Most Provincial Park backcountry campgrounds do not take reservations and have first-come first-served self-registration. The exceptions are in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park and on the Berg Lake Trail in Mount Robson Provincial Park where backcountry campgrounds reservations are required. For more detailed information on how to reserve a provincial park campground including links, telephone numbers and email addresses, check out our Permit page.

The Alberta Public Lands Camping Pass is required to random camp on public land along the Eastern Slopes of the Rocky Mountains in Alberta from north of Waterton Lakes National Park to Willmore Wilderness Park. The pass does not apply in Kananaskis area, national parks, provincial parks, wildland provincial parks, provincial recreation areas, wilderness areas and natural areas, which limits the pass’s applicability on the GDT to the southern half of Section B, Michele Lakes to Pinto Lake (Section E), and Willmore Wilderness Park (Section G).

Is there a guidebook?

Yes, Hiking Canada’s Great Divide Trail (4th edition – May 31, 2022) by Dustin Lynx. Outlining the seven major sections of the GDT, the guidebook breaks the trail into shorter, more attainable segments and thoroughly describes the terrain and condition of each. Not only are these trail segments invaluable for planning shorter trips along the GDT, Lynx’s pre-trip planning advice will also prove indispensable for long-distance hikers overcoming such daunting logistical challenges as resupply, navigation and access.

Fourth edition updates include new information, contemporary photos and trail details, a revised selection of alternative routes, and detailed maps to help hikers piece together the myriad of individual routes that form a continuous trail along the Great Divide.

Is the trail well marked?

The GDT is officially signed in portions of Sections A, B, D and G, but elsewhere the GDT is not officially signed. Much of the trail within national and provincial parks is well marked but not identified as the GDT. The route is actually made up of several separate trail systems joined together by ATV tracks, roads, and wilderness routes. The GDT varies from being a well-developed, signed trail to an unmarked, cross-country wilderness route where navigation skills are required.

Do I need to bring maps and/or a GPS?

Yes, always bring a map and a compass and know how to use them. Consider bringing a GPS or satellite-based communication device such as SPOT or Garmin inReach. Check out our map page for a GPS based map of the entire trail. The detailed descriptions in the guidebook can also be helpful in keeping you on track. Because weather and trail conditions are always changing, it is best to research your route from as many sources as possible; don’t rely on a single source and be prepared to improvise.

Another option is the Great Divide Trail App by FarOut Guides, a GPS map-based hiking guide for smartphones and tablets. The App works in airplane mode. No mobile service or internet is required after initial setup. The app uses your device’s built-in GPS and downloaded topographic maps. We recommend that you always bring a paper map and compass even if you have the GDT App (because a map’s “battery life” is significantly longer than that of a smartphone).

Is the GDT marked on maps?

Yes, the GDT is marked on several maps, including the Gem Trek series, Backroad Mapbooks and Dustin Lynx’s Guidebook Topo Map Set.

Is there a GPS track available for the GDT?

Yes, check out our map page for a GPS based map of the entire trail. A KML file for the GDT can be downloaded and easily converted to GPX format for use on GPS devices.

How difficult is the GDT?

The GDT has been described as the most spectacular and challenging long-distance trail in North America. A journey on the GDT promises to be rewarding but not without a few challenges:

hiking conditions are potentially hazardous and often strenuous, including steep climbs and challenging trail conditions (brushy and muddy)
navigation can be difficult, especially on sections where the trail is overgrown or non-existent
glacial stream crossings can be deep and fast
the hiking season in the Canadian Rockies is deceptively short (July to mid-September)
there’s always a potential for rain or even summer snowstorms
the GDT is in prime grizzly and black bear habitat
swarms of mosquitoes are common in the summer
trail exit points for resupply or potential emergency access are remote

Due to the remoteness of the GDT, self-sufficiency is required. Safety is your responsibility and should be your top priority. Preparation is key to a successful hike on the GDT. Research your trip to be sure you have the skills and experience it will demand of you. Know your personal limitations and stay within them. Training in wilderness navigation, first aid and survival are recommended.

How difficult are the river and creek crossings?

Many streams along the GDT are glacial fed which means their volume can fluctuate significantly during the day. Plan to ford hazardous river and creek crossings early in the morning when they are at the lowest level. Depending on seasonal water levels and the time of day, the following rivers and creeks can be challenging to ford: Aldridge Creek (b32), Palliser River (c4), Amiskwi River (d3), Cairnes Creek (d9), Lambe Creek (d10), Howse River (d13), Cataract Creek (e9), Maligne River (e23), Miette River (f4), Moose River (f12), Smoky River (f16), Gendarme Creek, Carcajou Creek, Chown Creek (near g2), Jackpine River (g8) and Buchanan Creek.

What do I need to know about wildlife safety? What about bears?

Beware of all wildlife hazards. The Canadian Rocky Mountains are home to both grizzly bears and black bears. Although the chances of having an encounter with an aggressive bear are low, proper planning before you head out can help reduce your risk. Most National and Provincial Park campgrounds have bear poles or secure food lockers. Bring a rope to hang your food elsewhere or consider using a bear canister or Ursack. Carry bear spray and check out Parks Canada’s “bear-aware” safety tips, including how to travel safely in bear country and how to use bear spray.

What are Alternate Routes and how difficult are they?

Alternate Routes leave the main route of the GDT at one point and rejoin the trail farther on, usually providing an alternative to road walking or overgrown valley walking. In most cases alternate routes are unmaintained trails or routes that are more difficult than the main route of the GDT (sometimes significantly so), occasionally involving scrambling beyond the scope of regular hiking. Hikers that choose to take an alternate route should be comfortable scrambling while carrying a heavy backpack. Because many alternate routes are off trail and at higher elevations, good weather conditions are strongly recommended. Off trail alternate routes can require significant navigation skills, especially in poor weather.

Alternate routes are indicated in orange on the GDT map, and include:

Mount Rowe to Sage Pass – moderately difficult cross-country ridge walk, literally on the Great Divide without any water sources (other than residual snow).
Barnaby Ridge – difficult alpine route (includes sections of scrambling) with limited water sources, but significantly more scenic than the main route in the valley below. Recommended in good weather only.
Blairmore – easy road walk if you plan to resupply in Blairmore.
Coral Pass – very difficult route with a potentially dangerous river ford, strenuous cross-country climb over a high scenic pass, some moderate scrambling and challenging route finding. Recommended in good weather only.
Northover Ridge – exceptionally scenic, difficult alpine route with sections of exposed scrambling and extended ridge walking directly on the Great Divide. Only attempt in good weather and no/low wind conditions.
Kiwetinok Pass – offers spectacular alpine hiking on mostly good trail with different challenges than the overgrown valley bottom trail, including significant elevation change over 4 passes and 7.8 km of off-trail route finding.
6 Passes (open for day use only; no overnight camping) – scenic cross-country alternative to the overgrown Maligne Pass Trail. Requires some easy scrambling and route-finding skills. This is caribou country so dogs are not permitted, hikers only.
Wabasso Lake – alternate lower trail to Jasper if weather or lack of campground availability restricts access to the Skyline Trail.
Marjorie-Virl Lakes – avoid highway-side walk on good trail with a 2 km section of difficult cross-country bushwhacking connecting Minnow Lake trail to Dorothy-Virl Lake trail.
Jasper-Tote Road – avoid highway-side walk on a scenic old road and railbed with some moderate bushwhacking.
Mount Robson – original northern terminus of the GDT, easy hiking on spectacular trail (Closed in 2023).
Perseverance High Route (Jackpine Mountain Trail to Meadowland Creek) – difficult alpine scrambling route. More scenic than the main route in the valley below but plan for twice as long. Recommended in good weather only. Return to GDT via Meadowland Creek valley is possible.
Perseverance High Route (Meadowland Creek to Little Shale Hill) – very difficult alpine scrambling route. Scrambling or climbing experience required. Only attempt in good weather.
Surprise Pass High Route – moderate alpine scrambling route; very scenic. Recommended in good weather.
Providence Pass High Route – moderate cross-country route.

How long does it take to hike the entire trail?

A safe estimate for hiking the Great Divide Trail is eight weeks. The total time to hike the entire trail from Waterton Lakes National Park to Kakwa Provincial Park is dependent on individual hiking pace, planning and selection of routes.

What’s the weather like?

The best word to describe the weather in the Canadian Rockies is variable. During the typical hiking season you can have lows of -5°C (23°F) and highs up to 30°C (85°F). Days can start out with clear skies then cloud over and give you an afternoon rain shower, and clear off for a crisp night. At higher elevations, snow can fall at anytime of the year. Overall most people would describe the GDT as colder and wetter than they expected so it’s best to prepare for that.

Should I hike South to North or North to South?

The trail can be hiked in both directions but most people will start at the southern end and hike northbound (NOBO) because it is warmer in the south which speeds the melting of the snowpack, freeing high passes of snow earlier in the summer. The difficulty of the trail generally increases as you travel north, allowing NOBO hikers to acclimate to trail conditions as they hike. Southbound (SOBO) hikers beginning with Section G may feel like they’ve been thrown into the deep-end immediately. The starting date of a SOBO hike will likely be delayed a week or two compared to a NOBO hike to allow more time for snowmelt and improved trail conditions.

What is the best time of year to hike on the GDT?

Most people will start in late June or early July and continue into the middle of September on average. Some years you can hike snow free until the end of September but this is rare.

Does the GDT close?

Portions of the GDT within National Parks close during the winter but most of the trail remains open all year round. However, the GDT is not designed, nor intended, for snow travel. When the trail is covered in snow, finding it may be impossible. You’ll have to be an excellent navigator to follow the trail corridor when it’s covered in snow.

Wildfire and flooding can also temporarily close sections of the GDT.

Are there check-in points or registers along the trail?

You will need to register with Parks Canada for backcountry permits for those sections in the National Parks, and with Peter Lougheed Provincial Park for backcountry permits in that park. Outside of the Parks, there are a few informal trail registers along the GDT (e.g. Baril Creek, White Goat Wilderness Area, the summit cairn on the highest point on the GDT) but most other areas don’t have check-in points and don’t require registration. It is always a good idea to tell someone where you plan to go and when you plan to return.

How do I get to and from the trailheads in Waterton Lakes, Mount Robson, and Kakwa?

Airport Shuttle Express offers a shuttle between the Calgary Airport and the Prince of Wales Hotel in Waterton Lakes National Park. This shuttle continues on to Glacier Park Lodge in East Glacier, Montana for an additional fee. Tamarack Outdoor Outfitters offers shuttle service during the summer to and from the Chief Mountain border crossing, connecting Waterton Lakes National Park with Glacier National Park in Montana.

There is no public transportation to Mount Robson or Kakwa Lake so you must make your own travel arrangements. Mount Robson Visitor Centre is easily accessible on Highway 16. Access to Kakwa Provincial Park is very remote via the Walker Creek Forest Service Road off of Highway 16. Walker Creek FSR is a rough and muddy dirt road prone to washouts and closures. A 4WD high clearance vehicle is required.

There are several bus service options for getting to and from towns along the GDT (e.g. Banff, Canmore, Lake Louise, Jasper) but public transportation options to GDT trailheads are limited. For more information, check out our Access page.

Is access to water an issue?

Access to fresh water is rarely a concern on the GDT but you should still boil, treat or filter all water before drinking. A minimum of two litres of water storage capacity is recommended. There are some high elevation sections of trail, particularly on ridge crests, where water may be scarce late in the season, so fill up water bottles whenever possible. Plan for enough water to accommodate additional requirements due to heat, cold, altitude, exertion, or emergency. Always consult your map or guidebook for distances between available water sources.

During periods of hot weather or late in the summer when seasonal water sources are dry, hikers should carry extra water on the following sections of trail:

Jutland Creek to West Castle Road via La Coulotte Ridge – 14.5 km. This is one of the most difficult and longest waterless sections of the GDT, and can take all day for even the most experienced hikers, so loading up with extra water is mandatory. The Barnaby Ridge alternate route beginning at La Coulotte Peak is also very difficult and waterless for most of its 24 km.
Lynx Creek to Creek Gully via Willoughby Ridge – 13 km. Hiking through the old burned forest along Willoughby Ridge on a hot day will leave you parched.
Allison Creek to Window Mountain Lake via the High Rock Trail – 16 km. The seasonal water sources on this section usually run dry by mid-July. While the trail here isn’t particularly difficult, much of it is above treeline, exposing hikers to the hot sun without reliable water sources.
Hidden Creek to Cache Creek – 10 km. A relatively long waterless stretch up and over a ridge crest without much shade.
Og Lake to Citadel Pass – 13 km. The Valley of the Rocks is a notoriously dry (but beautiful) section of trail. Hikers can detour to Porcupine campground for water if necessary.

Will I need any technical gear, e.g. ice axe, crampons, climbing rope, skis or snowshoes?

No, the route is designed within the scope of hiking so as long as you are travelling during the summer hiking season (July to September), you can leave the technical gear at home.

Is there cell phone service on the GDT?

Most of the GDT is quite remote and cell phone reception is almost non-existent, with the exception of the resupply locations on major highways. Consider bringing a satellite-based communication device such as a satellite phone, SPOT or Garmin inReach in case of emergency or if personal communication is desired.

What do I do in case of emergency?

Because cell phone service is very limited and unreliable in the backcountry of the Canadian Rockies, an option for GDT hikers is to use a satellite-based communication device such as a satellite phone, SPOT Messenger or Garmin inReach in case of emergency.

In case of emergency call 911.

When using a satellite phone, dialing 911 may connect you to an emergency centre unfamiliar with your geographic location so be prepared to provide your exact location to the dispatcher.

Parks Canada backcountry emergency numbers:

Waterton Lakes National Park: 1-403-859-2636
Banff, Kootenay, Yoho: 1-403-762-4506
Jasper: 1-780-852-3100

Depending on your location, help may be a long time getting to you so be prepared to self-rescue and to keep yourself and your partners warm and sheltered during the time it takes for a rescue team to reach you.

How much will it cost to thru-hike the GDT?

Not including costs for your personal hiking equipment and travel costs to and from the trail, a good estimate is $2 per kilometre of trail to cover expenses for food, fuel and campground permits. There are only a half dozen resupply points where you could spend additional money on hotels and restaurants but they can be expensive tourist areas so it comes down to your level of budget control.

How many people thru-hike the entire GDT each year?

On average, 150-200 people per year attempt to thru‐hike the entire trail, but fewer than that actually finish the entire trail in a single season.

Where can I find hiking partners?

The best option is to join our Facebook Group “Great Divide Trail Hikers”.

Where do I report problem trail conditions?

Email the GDTA. Problem trail conditions within National Parks should also be reported to the respective Park office.

Is the GDT designed for horse travel?

Much of the GDT is designed for both hiking and equestrian use. However, some sections of the GDT are not passable to horses due to incompatible terrain or restrictions imposed by the National Parks. The GDTA is developing a Great Divide Alternate Horse Route that follows the hiking trail where possible and deviates where horses cannot travel. In order to create a mostly continuous equestrian route from Waterton to Kakwa, the route occasionally travels on gravel roads or in a few places, horses must be transported between trailheads to avoid travel on dangerous or prohibited roads. Generally the route is mostly good trail. Logistical details such as grazing areas and equestrian-friendly campgrounds have yet to be figured out. If you are interested in learning more about this beta route, contact the GDTA.

Are dogs allowed on the GDT?

Dogs are allowed on most of the GDT, with the exception of the section of trail in Jasper National Park from Four Point campground (e15) to Signal Mountain trailhead (e32) which is protected Caribou habitat, and dogs are not allowed in campgrounds on the Berg Lake Trail in Mount Robson Provincial Park. In other areas of Canada’s National and Provincial Parks, dogs are allowed if they are accompanied by a person on a three metre (ten foot) leash. Pets are not allowed in public swimming areas, on public beaches or in public buildings. Outside of National and Provincial Parks, there are no restrictions on dogs but use good judgement. Dogs that are unfamiliar with wildlife may put their humans in jeopardy. Be aware that travelling in bear country with your canine companion may be exciting, to say the least. Fido might come running back to you with a bear, cougar or coyote in pursuit.

Are there GDT ‘Trail Angels’?

The GDT is not as widely known as the big trails in the USA (e.g. Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail) and travels through a sparsely populated area, most often far from any towns or highways. That being said, Canadians are known for their helpfulness so you could be the recipient of Trail Magic from someone who might not even be aware of the GDT. There are a few true Trail Angels out there, so if you need assistance the best bet is to simply reach out. Start by asking questions on the Facebook Group “Great Divide Trail Hikers” and they will help when they can.

Are there any good lakes to swim in?

There are numerous inviting lakes and creeks along the way, it all depends on your threshold for cold water as most of these are glacier fed. A few of the nicer lakes to take a dip along the GDT are (from south to north): Cameron Lake, Lone Lake, Twin Lakes, Chinook Lake, Window Mountain Lake, Lower Elk Lake, Og Lake, Howard Douglas Lake, Egypt Lake, Haiduk Lake, Floe Lake, Pinto Lake, Maligne Lake, Edith Lake, and Annette Lake.