In case you are up for the tough logistics of this thru-hike, there are spectacular views round virtually each nook of the Nice Divide Path. This hall has come a good distance lately, with path circumstances enhancing every climbing season, however it’s nonetheless a lot rougher to hike than most of the mainstream lengthy trails within the US. Luckily, there are many sources for potential hikers to assist make this journey the journey of a lifetime.
Fast Information
- Distance: 700 miles (1,123 km)
- Days Wanted: 36 – 68 days
- Peak Elevation: 8,497 toes (2,590 m) at an unnamed cross above Michele Lakes
- Low Elevation: 3,461 toes (1,055 m) Previous Fort Level trailhead close to Jasper
- Permits: Sure
- Issue: Troublesome
Highlights
- Jaw-dropping views all through the hike
- Plentiful wildlife
- Various communities and hikers on the path
Lowlights
- Permits require plenty of pre-planning and restrict spontaneity on the path
- Mosquitoes
- Troublesome and generally harmful glacial river fords
- Lengthy meals carry to Kakwa Lake
Finest Time to Hike
As a result of its northern latitude and mountainous terrain, the very best time to hike the Nice Divide Path is July to September if you wish to decrease the snow you encounter on the path. Beginning earlier than July, you danger operating into snowpack from the earlier winter. The possibility of contemporary snow falling will increase all through the month of September. By October, larger snow totals are probably. Although snowstorms have a tendency to only depart dustings throughout the summer season months, remember that it might snow any day of the yr within the Canadian Rockies.
Issue of Path
The implausible views discovered alongside this route include extra pre-trip planning. It’s essential to “earn these turns,” so to talk, on the Nice Divide Path. In comparison with better-established thru-hikes, such because the Appalachian or Pacific Crest Trails, the GDT is a harder and technical climbing expertise. Having hiked each well-blazed trails and unmarked routes, we might classify it as someplace in between for the next causes.
ROUTE FINDING & TRAIL QUALITY
Although the GDT is an official path with an related non-profit and blazes, there are nonetheless many sections which are in tough situation. There is no such thing as a path in some locations, although the navigation tends to be simple because of climbing above treeline, scrambling alongside rock fields, or following river valleys. In comparison with better-established long-distance trails, hikers ought to really feel extra comfy making navigational selections and coping with blowdowns.
That stated, the GDT has come a good distance lately as a result of arduous work of the Nice Divide Path Affiliation. Many sections that had been as soon as fully off-trail now have path tread or flagging to assist hikers alongside. The FarOut GDT climbing app has additionally helped to make this path extra simply accessible to hikers of various talents.
GLACIAL RIVER FORDS
The Nice Divide Path crosses many creeks and rivers that run quick in the summertime because of each seasonal snow and glacier soften. There are bridges over most of the creeks within the standard components of the nationwide parks, however less-trafficked areas could also be tougher.
For instance, the Howse River flood plain in part D consists of a number of crossings with out bridges. It’s greatest to keep away from crossing throughout the warmest a part of the day when the water is operating the quickest. Hikers ought to analysis secure crossing strategies, be ready to delay their crossing, or flip round if wanted to keep away from an accident.
Permits
One of many greatest hurdles when planning a GDT through hike is the allow course of for the Canadian Nationwide Parks. The path passes by way of 5 Nationwide Parks and eight provincial parks. Although not all parks require permits, there are a lot of locations the place no quantity of lengthy days and strategic planning will get across the allow course of.
The trickiest locations to get permits embody Banff and Jasper Nationwide Parks in addition to Mount Assiniboine and Mount Robson Provincial Parks. Permits are additionally required for backcountry tenting in Kootenay, Yoho, and Waterton Nationwide Parks, in addition to Peter Lougheed Provincial Parks, although it’s simpler to keep away from tenting in these areas with some planning.
Backcountry reservations for the nationwide parks open on the finish of January. Reservations will be fairly aggressive, so we suggest creating an itinerary forward of time with backup plans in case a campsite is already booked. It will be important for all through and part hikers to ebook permits the place required and persist with their reservations to assist keep a constructive relationship with Parks Canada.
There are three provincial parks on the GDT that require in a single day tenting permits. Mount Assiniboine, Peter Lougheed, and Mount Robson all have completely different reservation dates and costs.
An Alberta Public Lands Tenting Allow is the one different cross wanted to camp in a couple of areas of sections B, E, and G. The Nice Divide Path Affiliation has up-to-date data on backcountry permits.
Climate
Summer time within the Canadian Rockies tends to be a lot wetter than additional south, although it will depend on the yr. Snow is feasible throughout the summer season, as are fires. Hikers ought to pack applicable layers, test the climate, and observe closure warnings when wanted.
Wildlife
The GDT hall is dwelling to an abundance of wildlife, together with each black and grizzly bears. Anybody spending time on this path ought to be bear conscious by storing meals correctly, making noise whereas climbing, and carrying bear spray. Different animals, huge and small, additionally frequent the hall, together with moose and mosquitoes.
Getting There
Each NOBO and SOBO GDT thru-hikes are potential, however northbound tends to be the only option for many thru-hikers. A NOBO thru-hike permits hikers to start out barely earlier within the season and gives time for hikers to achieve their path legs earlier than coping with the extra distant and higher-consequence components of the path. The primary benefit of a SOBO hike is that it might be simpler to rearrange a shuttle alongside Walker Creek Highway to the Kakwa Lake terminus with a set begin date.
SOUTHERN TERMINUS
Positioned on the US-Canadian border the place Glacier Nationwide Park transitions into Waterton Nationwide Park, there are a number of methods to achieve the southern terminus. For individuals who strictly wish to hike the GDT solely, the terminus will be reached by an out-and-back hike from the Waterton townsite to the border on the boundary lake path. Some hikers additionally decide to take a ferry from the Waterton marina to the Goat Hang-out ranger station in Glacier Nationwide Park. Each routes are roughly the identical distance, round 7-8 miles spherical journey (12-13 km).
These beginning or ending on the Waterton townsite have a couple of journey choices. The primary choice is to fly into Calgary, AB, and take a shuttle. Another choice is to take a prepare to East Glacier, Montana, and ebook a shuttle to Waterton from there.
Some hikers select so as to add an extended method or extension to their hike by climbing the Continental Divide Path by way of Glacier Nationwide Park. This may increasingly simplify the shuttle side by permitting hikers to reap the benefits of the Amtrak prepare station in East Glacier.
NORTHERN TERMINUS
There are two official northern termini for the Nice Divide Path: Mount Robson and Kakwa Lake. Mount Robson is situated north of Jasper, AB, and is the tallest level within the Canadian Rockies. The terminus is within the provincial park sharing its title. Hikers ending right here should add a further 17 miles (27 km) to the Mount Robson customer middle on Freeway 16. Public transportation just isn’t obtainable right here, so hikers should be ready to rearrange a shuttle or hitchhike.
Kakwa Lake is the northernmost terminus, however its distant location could make it logistically troublesome to achieve. Hikers who end right here ought to count on to stroll for no less than one other day or two to achieve the closest highway, probably longer if a experience with 4×4 capabilities just isn’t organized forward of time. Most individuals use the western entry level, Walker Creek Service Highway. It’s 17 miles (28 km) to the 4×4 trailhead and one other 46 miles (75 km) to pavement. From there, hikers should hitch or organize a shuttle experience to Prince George, BC. The opposite choice is to hike 20 miles (32 km) by way of Deadhorse Meadows to the closest 4×4 trailhead. From there, hikers might attempt to get rides at a number of trailheads additional down the highway to Grande Prairie, AB.
Planning Your Itinerary
Luckily for these occupied with thru-hiking the GDT, there are a lot of planning sources. The Nice Divide Path Affiliation has a wealth of data obtainable on their web site, together with allow data and pattern itineraries. Mountain climbing Canada’s Nice Divide Path by Dustin Lynx is presently the primary guidebook obtainable and in addition pairs with the paper topo map set, additionally created by Dustin Lynx, which is a free useful resource.
Extra detailed, waterproof maps are additionally obtainable by way of GoTrekkers. The discharge of the FarOut GDT app in 2017 was a sport changer for this path and makes an ideal useful resource for planning and day-to-day navigation. The GDTA additionally manages a Fb group known as Nice Divide Path Hikers, and is a good place to get questions answered.
ALTERNATE ROUTES
There are numerous various routes alongside the GDT. Some provide simpler strolling, many present a scenic, however more durable route in comparison with the official path. Lots of the alternates are proven on the FarOut app in addition to on the Guidebook Topo Map set created by Dustin Lynx.
Among the extra standard alternate routes embody Barnaby Ridge in part A, Northover Ridge in part C, Kiwetinok alternate in part D, and Shock Cross in part F. It’s a good suggestion to analysis the routes beforehand and have grasp of off path journey. Barnaby Ridge, specifically, is usually a bit technical, dropping off from La Coulette Peak.
The place to Resupply
The number of path cities and resupply areas is huge on the GDT, starting from the bustling vacationer entice of Banff townsite to the extra distant Peter Lougheed customer middle. Under are among the widespread areas to resupply, although it’s under no circumstances an exhaustive checklist. The Nice Divide Path Affiliation gives extra sources.
WATERTON TOWNSITE, AB (NOBO MILE 4 [KM 6.4])
Waterton has a shocking variety of facilities given its distant location. It’s potential to resupply on the grocery retailer, and there are numerous lodges for in a single day stays. We booked a hiker campsite on the Parks Canada campground to economize and used it to go to the movie show as an alternative. There are many eating places, as Waterton is a vacationer cease near the US border. Don’t neglect to cease on the customer middle to name customs and declare your go to for those who hiked into the park from Glacier Nationwide Park.
Don’t Miss: Waterton Lakes Opera Home, Large Scoop Ice Cream Parlor, Waterton Customer Info Heart
COLEMAN & BLAIREMORE, AB (NOBO MILE 91 [KM 145])
The cities of Coleman and Blairmore are only some miles aside on Freeway 3. The official GDT goes proper by way of Coleman, however as the primary grocery retailer is in Blairmore, most hikers will go to each. There are a couple of accommodations and eating places in each cities, and lots of locals are keen to supply rides. Hikers who know they are going to be spending all of their time in Blairmore might select to hike the Blairmore Entry alternate route into city.
Don’t Miss: Sobeys IGA, Crowsnest Pantry, Cross Beer
ELK PASS TRAILHEAD IN PETER LOUGHEED PROVINCIAL PARK & BOULTON CREEK TRADING POST, AB (NOBO MILE 210 [KM 338])
To interrupt up the lengthy stretch between Coleman and Banff, it’s a good suggestion to ship a resupply bundle to Peter Lougheed Provincial Park. Although the customer’s middle and Boulton Creek Buying and selling Submit not settle for packages, it’s potential to mail them for supply to a particular cache field on the Elk Cross Trailhead. Supply have to be booked by way of a particular e mail, and the fee to take action is listed on the GDTA web site. GDTA members obtain a reduction on supply.
Those that don’t wish to ship a bundle might try and resupply on the Boulton Creek Buying and selling Submit. Simply know that the meals is each costly and restricted as a result of distant location. It is usually primarily geared in the direction of automobile campers.
Don’t Miss: Boulton Creek Buying and selling Submit
SUNSHINE VILLAGE & BANFF, AB (NOBO MILES 270 [KM 435])
The primary entry level for Banff is from Sunshine Village ski space. Hikers might select to stroll up and down the hill, experience the gondola, or a mixture of each. The gondola is a bit expensive, so our advice is to stroll downhill together with your empty pack, then pay for the experience to the highest if you find yourself loaded down with meals. From the underside of the ski space, there’s a bus that shuttles vacationers into Banff townsite.
The city of Banff itself is each a blessing and a curse for through hikers. There are various shops with gear, meals, and most different objects a hiker may wish. Nonetheless, there’s a vacationer markup on costs, and the streets are extraordinarily busy throughout the summer season with vacationers from all around the world. Whereas there’s a hostel on the town, it might be price reserving a campsite reservation upfront when shopping for backcountry permits or paying to take the bus into Canmore, simply down the highway.
Don’t Miss: historic Parks Canada administration constructing, Banff Heart, Fairmont Banff Springs (simply stroll by and test it out), Bow Falls
FIELD & GOLDEN, BC (NOBO MILE 337 [KM 542])
The city of Discipline is situated proper on the GDT, which makes it handy for a fast cease earlier than pushing on. There’s a put up workplace for mailing resupply packing containers, a couple of costly cafes, and a few expensive lodging. These trying to take a zero or spend the evening might wish to contemplate hitching into Golden, which is about an hour to the west, however a comparatively simple hitch. Golden is a full-service city with a number of lodging choices, shops, and eating places. There’s a hostel and a ski space.
Don’t Miss: Dream Catcher Hostel
SASKATCHEWAN RIVER CROSS, AB (NOBO MILE 402 [KM 647])
Saskatchewan Crossing is pricey, however a needed resupply location. The resort accepts packages for a steep dealing with charge. See the GDTA web site for present costs. There may be meals obtainable for buy, however choices are restricted as it’s a comfort retailer and simply as costly as mailing a field. The field charge is waived for hikers who keep the evening. One of the best a part of Saskatchewan Crossing must be the breakfast buffet if you can also make it on time.
Don’t Miss: Breakfast buffet
JASPER, AB (NOBO MILE 520 [KM 837])
A full-service city, Jasper has lots in widespread with Banff, as it’s one other standard vacationer vacation spot. Like Banff, we might suggest planning lodging upfront to keep away from scrambling for costly rooms final minute. The Jasper Curry Place is considered one of our favourite stops on the town and has an all-you-can-eat buffet at an affordable worth. Word that some companies will probably nonetheless be recovering in 2025 and past as a result of devastating fires in 2024.
Don’t Miss: Jasper Curry Place, HI Hostel, Bear Paw Bakery
MOUNT ROBSON VISITOR CENTER, BC (NOBO MILE 583 [KM 938])
Resupply packages will be mailed to the customer middle for individuals who are making the trek to Kakwa Lake and are keen so as to add an additional 17 miles (28 km) one solution to make the journey. Make sure to contact the customer middle earlier than sending the bundle and permit additional time for transit. Those that desire a shorter aspect journey or to interrupt up the lengthy part between Jasper and Kakwa extra evenly would possibly think about using Robson Backcountry Adventures bundle supply service to the Blueberry Trailhead bear field. The supply comes with a steep charge, however could also be price it for some hikers.
Gear Checklist
Make certain to take a look at our Final Backpacking Guidelines so that you don’t neglect one thing essential.
Under you’ll discover our present favourite backpacking gear. If you wish to see extra choices, our curated gear guides are the results of a few years of in depth analysis and hands-on testing by our group of outside consultants.
BACKPACK
Conclusion
The Nice Divide Path is a difficult however rewarding Canadian journey. Although it requires some superior planning, backpackers are rewarded with gorgeous views virtually each mile. We extremely suggest it for individuals who desire a barely (however not fully) off-the-beaten-path path.
And be sure you take a look at a few of our different standard content material:
