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FAQ Category: AboutGDT

General questions about the GDT

  • 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. 

  • 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. 

  • 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. 

    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. 

  • 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. 

  • 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 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. 

  • 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. 

  • Can I help maintain trails?

    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.

  • Does the GDTA want trail condition reports from hikers when we reach cell service? 

    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.  

  • Where can I find hiking partners? 

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