Hiking Northover Ridge

By Barb Lauer It’s time to start dreaming about epic summer backpacking trips!  And the Northover Ridge should be on your list – it’s on the continental divide (directly on the BC-Alberta border), is easily accessible from Calgary as a short 1,2 or 3 day hike and is spectacular!  It’s…

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Alberta Coal Lease Impacts on the Great Divide Trail

In May 2020, the Alberta government rescinded, without public consultation, its 1976 Coal Policy, banning open-pit mining on Category 2 lands since they were deemed vital to environmental protection.  This decision to rescind exposed these Eastern Slope headwaters to coal exploration and strip-mining, and resulted in more than 350 new…

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Identifying Tracks in the Snow

  Did you know: The Great Divide Trail (GDT) is a 1,095 kilometre trail running along the continental divide watershed from Waterton Lakes National Park to Kakwa Provincial Park in Canada. Each year several hundred hikers attempt to traverse the entire trail. Many more hike a small section, or volunteer…

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Committee Corner Winter 2021

Committee Corner is where one finds news about what various committees are working on.  Sharing news is voluntary and committees are busy, so may not always find time to share news.  We hope committee participation grows over time.  Thank you to the committees that sent news on such short notice.…

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Our Amazing Donors

By Mary Jane Kreisel Last June, I wrote an article in the Pathfinder about our newly registered charitable status and how donations could support the GDTA’s work.  I am writing now to update you on the progress of our donation program and its impact on the GDTA over the last…

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A Step-by-Step Guide to Planning Your GDT Hike

By Charlene Deck The Great Divide Trail offers an unparalleled wilderness experience thanks to the numerous national parks, provincial parks, and wilderness areas through which it passes, but it requires more challenging trip planning logistics than most other long-distance trails. So where should you begin?   1.    Start with a…

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International Volunteer Day 2020

The Great Divide Trail Association would like to thank our amazing volunteers, who, despite the challenges of 2020, have made this one of our most productive years. As a result of our volunteers’ hard work, the new High Rock Trail was opened, and the Association obtained Charitable Status. In addition…

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Pathfinder Newsletter – Autumn 2020

This edition of the Pathfinder Newsletter includes articles showcasing adventures on the GDT, accomplishments this year, volunteer recognition, trees of the Great Divide, and the GDTA Board going into the future. Enjoy!   2020 President’s Report: It’s amazing what we’ve achieved this year! Volunteer Appreciation: A big shout out to our…

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2020 Changes to the GDTA Board

By Doug Whiteside  GDTA By-Laws Changes  Despite COVID-19, 2020 has been a busy and productive year. In addition to obtaining charitable status and opening the High Rock Trail, the Board has spent a significant amount of time reviewing the GDTA’s administrative challenges. Two key areas were examined:   The GDTA’s organizational structure  The Board’s…

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