GDT Route Updates for 2025

Section A: A portion of the West Castle River Trail from Castle Mountain Resort to the Barnaby Ridge trailhead is now the main route of the GDT, eliminating 4 km of road walking. Just before crossing the West Castle River Bridge (a30) turn right at a junction to follow the…

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Importance of Permits

A laptop surrounded by maps and a GDT guidebook

The biggest challenge of thru-hiking the Great Divide Trail (GDT) isn’t the remoteness, the wildlife, the mountain passes, or the river crossings. It’s getting all the camping permits. But why is this so hard? What is the Great Divide Trail Association (GDTA) doing about it? And why isn’t there a…

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Introducing the GDTA’s New Strategic Plan

A calm Magog Lake in the early morning

The GDTA’s new Strategic Plan sets our course for the next five years (2025-2029), focusing on the Trail, the Association, and our Partnerships, while also refining our Mission, Vision, Values, and Guiding Principles. We’re excited about the direction it provides as we continue to grow the Great Divide Trail and…

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Support the GDTA at the 2025 Calgary Marathon!

2025 Calgary Marathon Promotional Poster

The Great Divide Trail Association is this year’s Green Bib Charity for the Servus Calgary Marathon. The 2025 marathon dedicates time, energy, and resources to reduce environmental impact. If a registrant chooses the Green Bib option, a $10 donation will be made to the Great Divide Trail Association in lieu of a race shirt and medal. Enter the race, join…

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2025 GDT Calendar

Front page of the 2025 GDT Calendar

Back by overwhelming support is the 2025 GDTA Calendar. Featuring 14 spectacular photos of the GDT, showcasing our Photo Contest winners. These make great gifts! They are $25 shipped within Canada and $30 to the USA. If you are interested please email [email protected] These will ship around December 10th via…

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2024 Winners of the GDTA Photo Contest

1st, 2nd, and 3rd place placques for the 2024 GDTA photo contest

The 2024 GDTA Photo Contest was a huge success, with over 200 photos submitted. A huge thank you to everyone who submitted photos this year. Your entries help the Association as it works to protect, promote, and maintain the trail. Our winners and honourable mentions are listed below, along with…

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Banff Mountain Film Festival 2024

The Great Divide Trail Association ran a successful booth from November 1-3 at the Banff Mountain Film Festival. Sixteen volunteers took turns signing up new association members, selling merchandise and providing information about the trail. Visitors to the booth ranged from thru-hikers and section hikers who have completed the route,…

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