Supporters

Durston was sparked on a thruhike of the Great Divide Trail, where an idea formed in the wilderness of the Canadian Rockies led to the creation of a simpler, lighter and more functional tent called the X-Mid. Since then we have continued to create more functional ultralight backcountry gear through our focus on first principles design, simplicity, user feedback, and advanced materials. Our ultralight tents and backpacks are inspired and shaped by the Canadian Rockies, while becoming some of the most popular and highly regarded gear from Patagonia to the Pacific Crest Trail.

The GDTA is profoundly grateful to Durston Gear for their generous financial support, in-kind contributions, and unwavering belief in the Great Divide Trail. Their commitment strengthens our work, our community, and the long-term future of this incredible route.

Under the “management of public land trails across the province outside of Alberta Parks” legislation, Alberta actively fosters formal partnerships with community organizations to deliver safe, well-maintained, and environmentally responsible recreational trails. This funding strategy strengthens stewardship and ensures trails are managed efficiently and sustainably, supporting tourism, community health, and environmentally responsible recreation. 

The GDTA is grateful to serve as the Trail Manager of the GDT on Alberta Public Lands, and, through Alberta’s Public Lands Trail Grant, the GDTA has received significant financial contributions and on-the-ground support that strengthen the GDTA’s operations in the region.  

Columbia Basin Trust is a regional Crown corporation established by the Province of British Columbia in 1995 to support the social, economic, and environmental well-being of the Canadian portion of the Columbia River Basin. Guided by a mandate under the Columbia Basin Trust Act, the Trust manages its assets to deliver lasting benefits; it reinvests earnings into community initiatives, grants, and partnerships that align with the region’s needs. The Trust’s mission is to support Basin residents in building a legacy of well-being and self-sufficiency for present and future generations. It envisions a region marked by environmental stewardship, economic resilience, and community cohesion, rooted in inclusive governance and strong partnerships. It ensures the voices of Basin residents continue to shape their future. 

Columbia Basin Trust has been supporting the GDTA since 2021 and is currently supporting the Collie Creek Heritage Trails and Blaeberry River crossing project.  

Since its founding in 1978, the Alberta Equestrian Federation (AEF) has proudly served as the sole provincial governing body for equestrian sport, recreation, education, and industry throughout Alberta. Officially recognized by the Government of Alberta, the AEF delivers comprehensive support through programming, advocacy, and community leadership. The AEF connects biking enthusiasts, horse lovers, and industry professionals through a shared love of equines and the outdoors. AEF’s mission is to cultivate a positive and inclusive environment for all equestrian pursuits across Alberta. Its vision positions AEF as the premier source of equine education, information, and support. AEF is committed to reconciliation, ecological stewardship, and equine welfare. AEF is more than a federation, it’s a values-driven community hub. From grassroots trail projects to high-performance coaching and economic equity, AEF nurtures the entire equestrian ecosystem. With steadfast dedication to inclusivity, welfare, education, and industry growth, it truly is the heartbeat of equestrian Alberta. 

The Alberta Equestrian Federation has been a valued supporter of the GDTA since 2016. Thanks to funding through their Trail Supporter program this year, the GDTA was able to construct a new switchback in Castle Provincial Park, re-routing the trail off a steep and unsustainable section. Thank you, AEF, for helping us create a safer and more sustainable trail experience!  

Founded in 2017 by ultramarathon runner Bill Shufelt and master brewer John Walker, Athletic Brewing Company is the leading craft non-alcoholic beer producer. The company uses an innovative brewing process to deliver full-flavor beers under 0.5% ABV. Born from Shufelt’s personal need for a satisfying non-alcoholic alternative, Athletic Brewing debuted with Run Wild IPA and Upside Dawn Golden Ale. Today, it offers a wide range of award-winning styles including IPAs, lagers, stouts, sours, and seasonal releases. As a Certified B Corporation, the brand also channels purpose into action. It donates a portion of proceeds to trail conservation, launches impactful initiatives like the “Two for the Trails” program, which directly benefits the GDTA! Athletic Brewing shows there’s no need to compromise health or flavor. It transforms traditional beer culture by making moderation compelling and accessible—on tap, on trail, and on any day. 

The GDTA first received Athletic Brewing’s Two for the Trails grant in 2023, and again this year, to support trail clearing in Section G from Sheep Creek to Casket Creek.  

BC Parks actively supports community-led conservation and recreation initiatives through its Community Park Enhancement Fund (Community PEF), funded by BC Parks licence plate sales. In 2024, this accounted for $385,000 across 104 projects, ranging from trail maintenance and facility upgrades to habitat restoration, accessibility improvements, and educational programming. BC Parks balances conservation and recreation, offering a protected network of natural spaces while encouraging communities to recreate in them. Its funding programs make parks more accessible, safer, and better preserved for current and future generations. 

The GDTA is grateful to have volunteer agreements that allow us to complete trail maintenance in Height of the Rockies, Mount Robson, and Kakwa Lake Provincial Parks. BC Parks also provides financial support for this work each year through the BC Parks Community Park Enhancement Fund.  

Employment and Social Development Canada is federal program that helps young Canadians aged 15-30 gain valuable summer work experience while developing skills that boost their employability. The Canada Summer Jobs program provides wage subsidies to employers in the not-for-profit, public sector, and small private sector helping them create quality summer positions. Not-for-profits can get up to 100% of the provincial/territorial minimum wage (plus certain mandatory employment-related costs). Small private employers can receive up to 50% of the minimum wage. Canada Summer Jobs plays a vital role in giving youth hands-on experience and workplace skills, so they are better prepared for longer-term jobs, supporting organizations (non-profits and small businesses) to deliver meaningful work opportunities, and prioritizing inclusion (by helping youth who face barriers to employment), and aligning with national and local priorities. 

The summer of 2025 was the first year that the GDTA successfully received the Canada Summer Jobs grant. This funding allowed us to hire a Field Crew Assistant to support trail trips throughout the season.  

Recreation Trails and Sites BC (RSTBC) is a branch of British Columbia’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, responsible for designing, maintaining, and managing a vast network of over 1,350 recreation sites and 800 trails across the province. These offer a multitude of public recreation opportunities from camping and hiking to mountain biking, horseback riding, snowmobiling, and beyond. RSTBC oversees Crown land beyond parks and settled areas. Many sites are remote and rustic—typically accessed via gravel forest service roads—with basic amenities such as fire rings, picnic tables, outhouses, and sometimes boat launches. RSTBC doesn’t work alone; it thrives on partnerships. Stewardship agreements (SPIP) are common with community groups, First Nations, local governments, and volunteers. These partners manage site and trail upkeep such as signage, trail clearing, and maintenance. RSTBC brings the outdoors closer to communities with wilderness trails and camp sites. It supports tourism, rural economies, public wellness, and environmental education and preservation in British Columbia’s vast wild spaces.  

The GDTA is grateful to have a 10-year partnership agreement (established in 2018) with RSTBC to care for the David Thompson Heritage Trail. We are currently working toward another partnership agreement for the Collie Creek Historical Trail, which includes constructing a cable car over the Blaeberry River. This year, RSTBC provided both funding and the cable car components to the GDTA, in good faith, to work together to complete this project.  

For more than six decades, the Servus Calgary Marathon has been Canada’s longest-running marathon, welcoming runners from around the world while celebrating Calgary’s western spirit and vibrant running community. Through its Green Bib program, the Marathon is taking meaningful steps toward a more sustainable event by encouraging participants to forgo race shirts and finisher medals in exchange for supporting local charities. 

The Great Divide Trail Association was proud to be selected as the 2025 Green Bib Charity and is honoured to have been chosen again for 2026. Thanks to 632 runners who chose the Green Bib option in 2025, the GDTA received direct support for the protection, maintenance, and promotion of the Great Divide Trail. 

Venture for Canada is a national non-profit charity on a mission to equip young Canadians with entrepreneurial skills, mindsets, and experience so they can build meaningful careers. Since its founding in 2013, VFC has supported over 7,000 young Canadians and facilitated more than 12,000 work-integrated learning placements. It has worked with around 2,400+ startups, small-medium businesses, and social enterprises to date. Many participants report strong improvements in work readiness, professional skills, and connections to employers. Venture for Canada fills a critical gap between formal education and the reality of work in startups and small to medium sized businesses. By focusing, not just on job placement, but, on building entrepreneurial capacity (resilience, innovation, problem solving, and adaptability), VFC helps young people be ready for a changing economy, while helping small businesses access talent and fresh ideas. 

2025 marks the first year the GDTA has received support from Venture for Canada. This funding was dedicated specifically to supporting the wages of our Field Crew Coordinator.  

Canada’s go-to hub for lightweight and ultralight backpacking gear, offering a thoughtfully curated selection of top brands like Gossamer Gear, Zpacks, Big Agnes, and MSR. Based in Okotoks, Alberta, this family-owned and operated business stands out for exceptional customer service—both online and in-store—and deeply connects with the Canadian outdoor community. They offer a wide spectrum of product categories—from apparel and tents to trail running and winter sports, truly making it easy to gear up for any adventure. GearTrade blends specialist knowledge, personal service, and ultralight expertise; it caters directly to outdoor enthusiasts who value both performance gear and a seamless shopping experience. 

GearTrade began partnering with the GDTA in 2022. In addition to donating annually, GearTrade hosts the official GDTA store, selling GDTA merchandise, and works with the GDTA on the now-annual GearTrade Garage Sale event, which is heading into its third year.  

BearVault is a small, family-run business that designs and manufactures bear-resistant food canisters. Their mission? To keep wildlife wild, ensure human safety, and deliver intuitive, high-performance solutions for outdoor adventurers. BearVault models, such as the BV500, BV475, and BV450 are lightweight, transparent, and user-friendly. They’re designed with wide openings, strap guides for pack attachment, and easily twistable screw caps. These canisters are certified by both the Sierra Interagency Black Bear Group (SIBBG) and the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC), capable of withstanding an hour of relentless bear assaults. BearVault is more than gear, it’s a purpose-driven brand. The company is carbon negative, diverting 96% of waste from landfills and supporting conservation partners through 1% for the Planet. Their efforts include trail organizations, Leave No Trace education, bear habitat protection, and outreach to underserved communities. BearVault offers a rare combination of practicality, durability, and environmental ethics, all rooted in real-world needs for safe, reliable food storage in bear country. 

BearVault and the GDTA partnered in 2022. In addition to providing financial support, BearVault helps the GDTA educate hikers about bear awareness, including presenting at our planning webinar.  

FarOut is a navigation app born from a simple idea: make multi-day outdoor navigation easy and reliable. Co-founded by thru-hikers Paul Bodnar and Ryan “Guthook” Linn, the app launched after their treks on the Pacific Crest Trail inspired them to bring trusted trail data to smartphones. FarOut partners with trail organizations, guidebook authors, and local experts to provide accurate, up-to-date routes, complete with side trails, elevation profiles and detailed waypoints, including sections or the whole GDT. Once set up, FarOut works entirely offline, using your device’s GPS to show real-time location, waypoint lists, and elevation stats No signal? No problem. Community powered insights are another key feature; users can leave comments at waypoints for water sources, conditions, or trail magic. The app also includes a check-in feature to share your location with friends and family. Whether you’re hiking remote trails or biking unfamiliar terrain, FarOut makes confident exploration possible with real-time guidance, reliable maps, and a vibrant user community all accessible even when you’re off-grid. 

The GDTA has been working with FarOut to provide mapping information to GDT hikers. Each year, the GDTA supplies FarOut with updated GIS data on route changes and waypoints. In return, FarOut provides the GDTA with a percentage of the income from app sales.  

Sinister Sports is a trail-running and endurance-event company based in Alberta, Canada, that has been crafting world-class ultra-marathons and adventure races for over two decades. Sinister is driven by a belief in human resilience and a love for the stunning Rocky Mountain terrain. Sinister Sports produces some of Canada’s toughest and most iconic endurance races right on the GDT.  The Divide 200, Western Canada’s first 200-mile race, covers rugged terrain along the Great Divide Trail in Alberta and BC. Sinister Sports isn’t just about putting on races, it’s about crafting transformational experiences in pristine mountain settings. Combining professionalism, community culture, wild terrain, and grit, they set the bar for endurance events in Canada. 

Sinister Sports has supported the GDTA since 2019, beginning with the transport of gear and equipment to trail-building camps using their ATV. In 2023, they expanded their support by becoming an annual donor to the Trail Supporter Campaign.