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Feb 23, 2024 · Learn about the history, route, planning and highlights of the Great Divide Trail, a 1,123km wilderness path across the Canadian Rockies. Discover tips, maps, permits, safety and gear for this challenging and rewarding adventure.
- The Basics of The Great Divide Trail
- Great Divide Trail Accommodation
- Food on The Great Divide Trail
- GDT Route Information
- Great Divide Trail Itinerary
- Our Favourite GDT Route
- After The Trek
- Frequently Asked Questions About The Great Divide Trail
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One of the challenges of through-hiking the Great Divide Trail (or GDT) is the planning. As it goes through five national parks and nine provincial parks, day-use passes are required for the national parks and camping fees apply for some campgrounds along the way. Typically, purchasing an annual pass for national parks is the most cost-effective op...
Anyone tackling this trek must enjoy backcountry camping. There are about a dozen opportunities to spend the night under a hard roof, some of which are in primitive shelters or a bit off route. All other nights will be spent in the tent, mostly in developed and undeveloped backcountry sites. Most camping sites have water either at the site or nearb...
The trail’s remoteness and pristine wilderness are what makes this trail so great. It also means it has little human activity. A few towns along the way have restaurants and pubs that serve hot meals. They also have stores or markets, but some only sell the basics and others are off route. That means trail meals and snacks will make up most of the ...
The GDT’s southern terminus is Waterton Lakes National Parkin Alberta, right where the US’ Continental Divide Trail ends. Its northern terminus is 1,100km away, in Kakwa Lake Provincial Park in British Columbia. It goes through some of the most beautiful national parks of Canada: Banff, Kootenay, Yoho, and Jasper. The greatest challenge the GDT may...
This trail takes you into the breath-taking wilderness of the Canadian Rockies. Hiking it implies an experience of freedom and connection with nature. For that reason, there are no fixed rules or itinerary for completing it. Some people do it in one summer while others choose to section-hike it. That means they only complete one section and then re...
Like any through-hike, there are two possible directions. The GDT is typically completed from south to north. The reason is simple: snow. The south will be snow-free earlier in the summer. Starting at the southern terminus will also leave more time for the snow to melt in the high and snowier passes of the northern sections. Trekkers can start from...
The right way to end a through-hike like this one is to get a hot shower and celebrate! The only problem is that the GDT ends in remote Mount Robson Provincial Park or even more remote Kakwa Lake Provincial Park. Drive or get a ride to a village nearby where showers and warm meals are available. Sit down and think back on your fantastic journey. Me...
How long does it take to hike the Great Divide Trail?
The Great Divide Trail takes around 45-56 days to complete. The length depends on your itinerary, pace, and trail conditions.
Where is the Great Divide Trail?
The GDT is in the Canadian Rockies, stretching through the Continental Divide between Alberta and British Columbia.
How long is the Great Divide Trail?
The Great Divide Trail is over 1,100km long.
Learn how to plan and hike the Great Divide Trail, a 1,100km backpacking adventure through the Rocky Mountains. Find out when to go, what to expect, and how to prepare for this challenging and rewarding trek.
The Great Divide Trail ( GDT) is a wilderness hiking trail in the Canadian Rockies. The trail closely follows the Great Divide between Alberta and British Columbia, crossing the divide more than 30 times.
Jun 14, 2023 · The GDT begins where the Continental Divide Trail ends, then hits Canada’s five Rocky Mountain national parks, seven provincial parks, and crosses the continental divide 30 times before ending at Kakwa Lake.
Oct 3, 2019 · The very name “Great Divide Trail” is a bit of a misnomer, implying a walk on a cleared two-foot-wide strip of dirt. Instead, this trail delivers so much more; part wilderness, part rugged equestrian and game trail, and yes, part hiking trail.
Jan 26, 2024 · The Great Divide Trail is the Canadian continuation of the Continental Divide Trail, meaning the Northern Terminus of the CDT is the Southern Terminus of the GDT. Trail Overview. Length: 1130km (702 miles) Time to Hike: 6-10 weeks. Start and End Points: Southern Terminus: Waterton Lakes National Park. Northern Terminus: Kakwa Lake Provincial Park.
The Great Divide Trail (GDT) is a wilderness long‐distance trail in the Canadian Rockies. It traverses the continental divide between Alberta and British Columbia. The GDT is about 75% singletrack, 10% wilderness route and 15% old roads and ATV trails.
