Parks Canada only allows one tent per tent pad. Tent pads are generally small and will not fit more than one tent anyway.
FAQ Category: Permits
Questions about the various permits required
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Does each person in the party need the Alberta Public Lands Camping Pass?
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).
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We are a party of two but with two tents. Do we need two permits or will one work?
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.
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How would you recommend getting random camping permits if I am outside of Canada and can’t call them?
Random camping permits can also be obtained via email. You can find email addresses for each Park Office on our Permit page.
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If I’m only a day or so off my permit(s) is it okay?
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.
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What if I can’t stick to my permit due to weather or injury?
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.
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Are there sections I can hike without a permit?
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.
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Has the GDT considered a single GDT Permit that covers everything?
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.
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Can I just show up and hike?
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.
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What can I do if I can’t get one or more of the permits I need?
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.