10 Best Places on the Great Divide Trail

The Great Divide Trail (GDT) is a long-distance hiking trail located in the beautiful Rocky Mountains of Canada. For 1,130 km, the trail follows the Great Divide between British Columbia and Alberta. Our full Great Divide Trail guide and itinerary breaks the route down section by section.

The GDT begins in stunning Waterton Lakes National Park, and ends in rugged Kakwa Provincial Park. Along the way, the Great Divide Trail is one of the most isolated long-distance thru-hikes on earth. Amazing views, expansive nature and a stunning landscape make this trail a must-do for anyone looking for their next thru-hiking adventure.

Of course there will be challenges, the biggest of which is navigation. The Great Divide Trail is not maintained nearly as well as some of the more highly trafficked trails in the United States. Be sure to bring detailed maps and a good GPS system along, and be prepared to forge your own trail when necessary. The challenges will make the accomplishment that much more rewarding!

Natascha Birnböck, a 10Adventures Contributor, hiked the entire GDT in 2018, enduring a smoky August followed by a snowy September. She still had an incredible journey, and below she shares her highlights of the “10 Best Places” on the Great Divide Trail. You can read the full interview about hiking the GDT as well.

What’s New in 2026

• The Berg Lake Trail fully reopened in 2025 after the 2021 flood, including several re-routed sections of new trail. 2026 is its second full season open.
• Berg Lake campground reservations are required from May 27 to September 29, 2026, at $10 per person per night plus a $6 reservation fee. The whole season is released in a single batch online, so book the day it opens.
• National park backcountry reservations for 2026 opened on January 26 for Banff and Kootenay and January 28 for Jasper.
• Random camping permits are still required for the Howse Pass Trail in Banff, the Amiskwi Valley in Yoho, and the Miette River Trail, Colonel Pass and Calumet in Jasper. These cannot be booked online and must be arranged by phone with a park visitor centre.
• An Alberta Public Lands Camping Pass is required to random camp on public land along the Eastern Slopes, from north of Waterton Lakes National Park to Willmore Wilderness Park.
• Jasper reopened after the 2024 wildfire and all of the GDT through the park is open, though recovery continues.
• The Cairnes Creek bridge washed away in spring 2026. A temporary footbridge was built in June 2026 near the confluence with the Blaeberry River.

#1 - Tornado Pass

While walking through Tornado Pass you have uninterrupted views of the mountains on both sides. The views from this ridge are nothing short of spectacular, and part of what make backpacking the Great Divide Trail so special.

#2 - North Kananaskis Pass

From North Kananaskis Pass you have an absolutely breathtaking view of the Royal Group (Mount King George, Mount Princess Mary and Mount Prince George). This section of the trail is one of the highlights of the Great Divide Trail.

#3 - Howse River Floodplain

Reaching the Howse River Floodplain provides some amazing scenery just when you need the extra motivation, with towering mountains surrounding an expansive valley.

#4 - Michelle Pass

At 2,590 m, Michelle Pass is the highest point of the GDT. Located within the boundaries of Jasper National Park, you’ll take in the beauty of yet another jewel of the Canadian Rockies.

#5 - Cataract Pass

Enjoy the relaxing sounds of the creek running next to the trail, scramble through some rocks, and take in the emerald lakes. This is also a great backpacking trip on its own, and is listed as one of our favourite backpacking trips in Canada.

#6 - The Notch Skyline Trail

The Great Divide Trail covers some of the best backpacking routes in the Canadian Rockies. Here the GDT goes above tree line in Jasper National Park, following the Skyline Trail, one of the best backpacking trails in Jasper National Park. Enjoy splendid views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

#7 - Moose Pass

Moose Pass is the last pass on the Great Divide Trail. You’ll want to linger while taking in the views in this beautiful valley.

#8 – Berg Lake Glacier

This incredible glacier flows down Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, towards Berg Lake. A mountain view, a glacier view, and a stunning turquoise lake, it doesn’t get better than this!

#9 - Jackpine High Route

The most difficult part of the Great Divide Trail is the Jackpine High Route. Many also consider it to be the most beautiful section, as the alpine trail winds it way through glaciated mountains.

#10 - Kakwa Lake

The grand finale of the Great Divide Trail, Kakwa Lake sits beneath the backdrop of Mount Ida and Mount Sir Alexander. It is overwhelming to look out at Kakwa Lake and consider the incredible journey you’ve just done on the GDT.

If you liked this article, you can also check out the best long-distance hikes in the United States.

Plan Your Great Divide Trail Trek

• Full Great Divide Trail guide and itinerary
• Best backpacking trails in Banff National Park
• Best multi-day hikes in Canada
• Hiking route guides across Canada