Categories: Lifestyle

Traverse the spine of the B.C.–Alberta border on this hiking odyssey

Photo via Bronwyn Davies/Shutterstock

Hiking a trail that runs along the Alberta–B.C. border is probably one of the most Western Canadian things you can do. There’s also nothing better to hike on New Year’s Day, and you can try a segment of the trail yourself to welcome 2026.

This 1,000 km hike crosses the border about 30 times on The Great Divide Trail (GDT), where you can journey through the Canadian Rockies beginning at the stunningly scenic Waterton Lakes National Park. It ends at Kakwa Provincial Park, with ice-clad mountains and extensive alpine meadows.

It’s absolutely a hiking odyssey, one that’s not for the faint of heart, especially in the height of winter. Note that it’s also hunting season in the area from November to April, although backcountry hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing are still permitted all year round. The hike is a bit of a toughie.

But if you’re the adventurous type and feel like setting sail on your own odyssey that criss-crosses two borders, the Great Divide Trail is waiting.

What to expect

The Great Divide Trail Association is dedicated to building, maintaining, and protecting this massive trail network. The Canadian not‐for‐profit corporation is also a registered charity and headquartered in Calgary, Alberta.

As the group is responsible for the maintenance of the Great Divide Trail, it’s a big job. This extensive network is made up of several different trail systems joined together by ATV tracks, roads, and wilderness routes. It also passes through five national parks, eight provincial parks, three wildland provincial parks, two wilderness areas, and two special management areas. Approximately 60 percent of the trail is located in the Rocky Mountain National Park and provincial parks.

Outside of these national parks, the GDT varies from well-developed, blazed trails to an unmarked, cross-country wilderness route where navigation skills are a must and few backcountry facilities exist. To hike the whole thing requires some serious mountaineering cred.

Along with the rough terrain, you’ll also have to contend with the elements: hiking conditions can be potentially hazardous, especially during the winter season with avalanche risk, harsh weather, including potential summer snowstorms, grizzly bears, mosquitoes, and remote trail exit points.

Honestly, it all sounds a little daunting. But we know there are folks out there who are looking for a life-defining wilderness experience in one of the most magnificent settings on earth. On the GDT, you’re in for diverse vegetation, snow-capped peaks, glacial waters, and abundant wildlife.

This trail experience is truly one-of-a-kind, but you’re best off preparing a safety checklist before you head out. Be sure to check for any warnings in Castle Wildland Provincial Park before you go, and brush up on your bear safety and winter hiking safety before you lace up your boots.

Whether you’re looking for a truly unique, challenging, and rewarding hike to ring in Jan. 1, or you want something to add to your hiking bucket list this summer, the Great Divide Trail is a welcome choice.

The Great Divide Trail

When: Open seasonally; Castle Wildland Provincial Park is subject to seasonal closure for hunting from November to April.
Where: Waterton Lakes National Park to Kakwa Provincial Park
How to get there: Browse all trail segments