Great Divide Trail

First of all, the trail is notoriously wild and brutal. The sections are long and rugged, there are barely any trail towns or pit stops, and you will meet very few other hikers. Wildlife is another serious concern. Canada is home to many black bears and grizzly bears, so taking care of your food is something on top of the to-do list.

You’ll start on the Montana Border and hike to Waterton Lakes National Park in the first stage. You can expect relatively gentle terrain through rolling foothills and forests, with occasional river crossings. Keep your eyes peeled, there are a lot of wildlife sightings, especially elk and bears. You’ll pass through Cameron Lake, hop on the challenging Carthew-Alderson Trail, and see the undeveloped wilderness of the Castle Wildland Provincial Park.

Next, you’ll head from Waterton Lakes National Park to Kananaskis Country. Here, the trail difficulty picks up and there are many more ascents and descents, particularly around the High Rock Range. Water sources are generally reliable, but weather can be unpredictable, with the possibility of early snow in higher elevations. This section is less traveled, which means it will be even more of a solitary hiking experience.

From Kananaskis, you’ll head to Banff National Park. Banff is famous around the world for its iconic landscape, which makes this stage special. You’ll hike through the Spray Valley and Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, as well. Expect steep climbs, rocky terrain, and breathtaking views of peaks and alpine lakes. You’ll likely see a lot of wildlife in this section, especially grizzly bears and mountain goats. Hang your food and carry bear spray to be safe!

Next, you continue on to Yoho National Park. This stage has some of the most challenging terrain on the trail, including high mountain passes and glacier crossings. Luckily, you’ll have your trail legs by this point. Because you’re at a higher elevation, you’ll likely see more snowfields and experience more summer thunderstorms, so be cautious as you proceed and plan your days.

Finally, you’ll end in Kakwa. The final leg of the trail takes you through remote and rugged wilderness, with perfect forests and alpine tundra. This segment is known for its remoteness, with few services or amenities available along the trail. You’ll end at Kakwa Lake, the perfect place to take a dip after finishing your months on the trail.

There is no general agreement on the best direction to hike, but most people tend to go northbound. The hike starts in Waterton National Park at the USA/Canada border and ends in Kakwa Provincial Park. Expect to see the most beautiful mountain vistas, alpine lakes, and endless forests: this is Canada at its best. But preparation is everything to make this hike a success. The further north you go, the more remote you will be.

The best time of the year to hike the Great Divide Trail is short. July and August are considered to be the best – or safest – months to hike that high in the mountains. Some hikers start as early as June, but chances are that you get stuck in snow blizzards or horrible rain spells. September is when fall starts to come up, and if you’re lucky the weather holds up. But beware: fall is an extremely short season up north and winter is on the way.

Keep in mind that the weather in the high mountains can change rapidly, and it’s essential to be prepared for various conditions, including sudden rain or snow showers. Always check trail conditions, and local weather forecasts before embarking on a high-alpine hike. Additionally, consider your hiking experience and skill level, as some trails in the high Dolomites can be challenging and require proper equipment and experience.

Since the GDT is a long-distance hike that takes you through alpine regions and therefore you may experience all types of weather, it is essential to come prepared for everything! Sunscreen, hat, gloves, umbrella, rain gear, and base layers are all essential parts of your clothing system. You will face long exposed sections of sun and extreme cold and wind. You can experience weeks of non-stop rain or 40° sun and wildfires. Do a shakedown hike before you leave to make sure you know and understand the gear you are carrying.

Share your hiking plans with your family or friends, providing details like your anticipated start and end times, chosen trail route (and alternate routes!), and emergency contact information. Please familiarize yourself with the trail map and carry navigation tools such as a compass or GPS device to stay oriented and avoid getting lost. And it never hurts to bring a power bank, too. Just in case!

Invest in the right hiking gear, including comfortable, supportive footwear, proper hiking clothing, such as warm base layers and a hardshell rain jacket, hiking poles, a well-fitted backpack, and essential equipment like maps, a GPX device, and a first-aid kit. Check out our comprehensive gear list for long-distance trails like this.

Respect the principles of Leave No Trace by minimizing your impact on the environment. Stick to designated trails, pack out all trash, and show respect for wildlife and natural habitats.