Frequently Asked Questions

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

Yes! Trail maintenance and trail building is coordinated by the GDTA. Trips are announced each spring and notifications are sent via email, our website blog, and on social media. You must be a GDTA member to sign up, and can do so through the membership portal.

We ask that you do not take it upon yourself to do trail maintenance on the GDT. The GDTA works closely with the parks and other land managers to ensure that work done aligns with everyone’s interests. Rogue maintenance, even if done with good intentions, risks damaging these relationships and hampering future work.

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.  See our Trail Conditions and Closures page for recent information.

Yes please! The best way to flag problematic sections of the trail is to make a comment in FarOut at the nearest waypoint. Alternatively, you can send an email to info@greatdividetrail.com with your trail condition report. If you are reporting a specific issue (blowdowns, trail washout etc.) it is helpful to include the kilometre (NoBO) and a photograph of the issue.  

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. 

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. To assist with your trip planning, check out the GDTA sample itineraries for relaxed, average and fast paces.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.  

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

Check out our Backcountry Safety page for more information.

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

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.  

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

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. 

There is no public transportation to Kakwa Lake so you must make your own travel arrangements. 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.

Robson Valley Adventures operates a shuttle service for a fee. See our Access page for more information.

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.

See our Access page for more information.

Calgary and Edmonton have safe, paid carparks, normally near the airport. It is always easier to hitchhike or find public transport towards larger cities to get back to your car at the end of the hike. It may be more expensive than leaving your car at a trailhead, but it is guaranteed to still be there when you get back, and you won’t have to pay for a shuttle to a distant trailhead.  

You cannot “just show up and hike” the entire trail if you do not have permits. You can however do some sections of the trail with no, or few permits, such as Section B (you will still need an Alberta Public Lands Camping Pass). There are other sections that are also possible with just a Public Lands Camping Pass, and easy to book random camping permits, such as Section D, F, and G.

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).  

Parks Canada only allows one tent per tent pad. Tent pads are generally small and will not fit more than one tent anyway.  

Parks Canada only allows a single tent per tent pad. If you bring two tents, you will need two permits. Up to four people can be on a single permit as long as they use one tent. 

You need to get all of your required permits before you hike. If you missed out on one or two, there’s a few things you can do: 

• Check nearby campgrounds. It might not be your first choice, and might mean a longer or shorter day, but it can help fill gaps in your itinerary. 

• Keep checking. Reservations often become available. Parks Canada allows you to sign up for notifications (instructions at the bottom of this page), or you can use a service like Schnerp.  

• Hike an alternate route. For example, go through the Amiskwi valley if you can’t get camp spots along the Iceline Trail in Yoho.  

• If you really get stuck, you can always skip ahead. There may be more availability later in the season, so you can flip back and hike your missing section after you’ve completed most of your hike.  

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.  

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

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 Maps 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). 

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

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. 

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. 

You will need at least an Alberta Public Lands Camping Pass (which is easy to get) to hike Section B and Section G north of Blueberry lake. Sections D, F and G require backcountry random camping permits from Parks Canada, but these permits are normally easy to get.  

You cannot “just show up and hike” the entire trail if you do not have permits. You can however do some sections of the trail with no, or few permits, such as Section B (you will still need an Alberta Public Lands Camping Pass). There are other sections that are also possible with just a Public Lands Camping Pass, and easy to book random camping permits, such as Section D, F, and G.

Yes, GDT Hikers must stay in designated campgrounds in most National and Provincial Parks so it is imperative that you arrange for all park permits and reservations in advance. Many permits book up completely on opening day, so make sure you plan ahead. Our Permits and Itineraries pages can help you with these.

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. The best advice is to create a realistic itinerary, include flexibility in your schedule, and if you get ahead or behind schedule while hiking, talk to the visitor centres or a Park warden about revising your permit.

Everyone over the age of 18 needs their own Public Lands Camping Pass (with a few exceptions, such as for First Nations, or people receiving specific benefits). 

We have! You can read about our efforts towards a single permit system. If you would like to help the GDTA make accessing permits easier for thru-hikers, please become a member. These metrics really help when we negotiate with land managers for easier access.  

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).  

Parks Canada only allows one tent per tent pad. Tent pads are generally small and will not fit more than one tent anyway.  

Random camping permits can also be obtained via email. You can find email addresses for each Park Office on our Permit page.  

It is not okay to camp if you do not have a permit to camp on that date.

If you find yourself behind on the trail and unable to catch up by hiking more miles or skipping zeros, check upcoming alternates. Many alternates are significantly harder than the official trail, but there are a few shortcuts and easier routes too. If this isn’t an option, you should skip ahead to a section of trail where you still have permits. You may be able to get your dates changed by working with the park offices, though you will need to be flexible to wait for openings.

You are responsible for sticking to your permits. The easiest way to do this is to plan ahead, make sure your daily mileage is doable, and build in extra zeros to help you catch up if you get behind.

Parks Canada only allows a single tent per tent pad. If you bring two tents, you will need two permits. Up to four people can be on a single permit as long as they use one tent. 

You need to get all of your required permits before you hike. If you missed out on one or two, there’s a few things you can do: 

• Check nearby campgrounds. It might not be your first choice, and might mean a longer or shorter day, but it can help fill gaps in your itinerary. 

• Keep checking. Reservations often become available. Parks Canada allows you to sign up for notifications (instructions at the bottom of this page), or you can use a service like Schnerp.  

• Hike an alternate route. For example, go through the Amiskwi valley if you can’t get camp spots along the Iceline Trail in Yoho.  

• If you really get stuck, you can always skip ahead. There may be more availability later in the season, so you can flip back and hike your missing section after you’ve completed most of your hike.  

You are responsible for sticking to your permits. The easiest way to do this is to plan ahead, make sure your daily mileage is doable, and build in extra zeros to help you catch up if you get behind. 

If you find yourself behind on the trail and unable to catch up by hiking more miles or skipping zeros, check upcoming alternates. Many alternates are significantly harder than the official trail, but there are a few shortcuts and easier routes too. If this isn’t an option, you should skip ahead to a section of trail where you still have permits.  

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. 

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. 

You can find out what food is permissible to bring into Canada on the Canadian Food Inspection Agency Website here. Generally, prepackaged commercially dehydrated meals are allowed, though this may depend on the country you are coming from and what is in each meal. If in doubt, declare your food at the border.  

There is a small convenience store at the Crossing, which carries limited snacks, dry meals such as pasta, and fuel. It is possible to purchase food that doesn’t do well in a mailed resupply, such as cheese and bread. However, due to high prices, it’s recommended to mail a resupply box and supplement with items from the store if needed. Boxes sent to the crossing are picked up by a staff member in Lake Louise, which may only happen every other week, so give your box plenty of time to arrive, or drop it off in person.  

Doing a full resupply in Field would be tricky. There is a small gas station with a tiny selection of food, and it may be possible to pack out a meal or two from the restaurants in town, but there is no grocery store. It would be much better to mail a resupply box, or travel to either Golden or Lake Louise to 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.

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

Write “Please hold for Great Divide Trail hiker” with your anticipated date of arrival clearly on the box. Make sure your legal name (not trail name) is clear and visible.  It can be helpful to use something distinctive to help people find your box- bright coloured ductape or stickers help your box stand out in a pile.  

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. 

If you are completing a thru-hike, you will require some kind of bear resistant container in order to camp legally at any of Parks Canada’s random camping areas. Some hikers will choose an Ursack over a bear cannister due to the weight difference as it is approved by Parks Canada as a bear resistant container. It is recommended to bring a cannister or Ursack even in areas where it is not legally required to reduce your chances of a negative bear encounter.  

If you are only staying at campsites where you know there are bear lockers, food storage poles, or cables, you do not need a bear cannister. However, there is not a complete section of the GDT where this is possible – only for shorter hikes within the national parks such as the Rockwall Trail or Skyline Trail. 

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.   

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. 

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. 

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. Read more on our Backcountry Safety page.

You can check fire danger on both the Alberta and British Colombia wildfire pages. Be aware that during a bad fire year, conditions can change quickly, and the GDT has very limited cell service to check fire maps. It can be helpful to have a support person at home keep an eye on new and growing fires and send updates to your satellite messenger.  

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.  During high snow years, microspikes may be useful for lingering snow patches at high elevation.