Great Divide Trail
The Great Divide Trail (GDT) is a long-distance hiking route that follows the Continental Divide through the Canadian Rockies. It runs mostly between Alberta and British Columbia, crossing the divide more than 30 times. The southern end is at the Canada–US border near Waterton Lake, and the northern end is at Kakwa Lake, north of Jasper National Park. The trail is about 1,095 km (680 miles) long and climbs from about 1,055 m (3,461 ft) to 2,590 m (8,500 ft).
What you’ll see and where you go
- The route passes through iconic scenery and several parks: Waterton Lakes National Park, Banff National Park, Kootenay National Park, Yoho National Park, Jasper National Park, Willmore Wilderness Park, and Kakwa Provincial Park and Protected Area.
- The landscape features rocky peaks, glacial valleys, and limestone and other rocks typical of the Canadian Rockies.
- Highlights along the way include famous spots like Mount Assiniboine and Maligne Lake, plus many wild and remote areas outside of the big parks.
How hard it is and when to hike
- Difficulty: Strenuous. The trail includes long days, big elevation changes, rough sections, river crossings, and sometimes unmarked routes.
- Best hiking season: July to September. Snow can linger into June, and early September can bring cold snaps or early snow at high elevations.
- A typical thru-hike takes about 5 to 10 weeks, with around 7 weeks being common for many hikers.
Who runs it and its history
- The Great Divide Trail Association (GDTA) maintains and advocates for the route. The GDTA has grown to hundreds of members and has taken on official management responsibilities on Alberta public lands (as of 2023–2024).
- The idea for a long trail along the divide began in the 1960s. It went through periods of activity and dormancy, with revivals in the 2000s and early 2010s. Today, sections of the trail are signed in parks, but large parts remain unmarked and require strong navigation skills.
How the trail is laid out
- The GDT isn’t a single continuous, perfectly maintained path. It’s made up of several trail systems linked by roads and wilderness routes.
- It’s commonly divided into seven sections (A through G). Some parts are well-signed in parks; other parts are more cross-country and unmarked.
- If you’re planning to hike the whole thing, you’ll resupply at various points between sections A–G. Some resupply towns are off-route.
What to know about safety and planning
- You’ll be in real backcountry, with big river crossings, wildlife (grizzly bears in core habitat), and rapidly changing mountain weather.
- Water from glacial rivers can be silty; crossings can be dangerous when rivers are high.
- Weather can swing from hot and sunny to cold, wet, or snowy. Thunderstorms, hail, and gusty winds can occur, especially in the afternoons.
- Much of the trail has limited cell service. A satellite communicator is strongly recommended for emergencies.
- Many sections require permits, especially in national parks. Designated campsites and backcountry camping are common.
Getting there and moving between sections
- The southern end connects with the Continental Divide Trail near the US border; the northern end finishes at Kakwa Lake.
- Some parts of the route are near towns with services, while other stretches are remote and require careful planning for food, water, and shelter.
- There are also related routes, such as the Great Divide Traverse (a ski route) and connections to other long-distance paths.
If you’re curious or planning a trip
- The official resource for planning, maps, and updates is the Great Divide Trail Association’s website.
- Whether you do a few week-long sections or a full thru-hike, the GDT offers a rugged, remote experience along one of North America’s great mountain divides.
This page was last edited on 3 February 2026, at 13:27 (CET).