Thursday, July 31, 2025

Nice Divide Path Backpacking Information


If you’re 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 great distance lately, with path situations enhancing every climbing season, however it’s nonetheless a lot rougher to hike than lots of the mainstream lengthy trails within the US. Happily, there are many sources for potential hikers to assist make this journey the journey of a lifetime.

The viewer is standing high up on a ridge looking down towards two blue lakes in the valley below. There are other mountains in the distance.
A scenic view from the favored Skyline Path in Jasper Nationwide Park. – Photograph Credit score: Bailey Bremner (CleverHiker.com)

Fast Info

  • Distance: 700 miles (1,123 km)
  • Days Wanted: 36 – 68 days
  • Peak Elevation: 8,497 ft (2,590 m) at an unnamed go above Michele Lakes
  • Low Elevation: 3,461 ft (1,055 m) Outdated Fort Level trailhead close to Jasper
  • Permits: Sure
  • Problem: Troublesome
The viewer is standing in a rocky, open area. There is a mountain rising in the distance covered in a glacier.
Glacial views make the GDT distinctive from different standard thru-hikes. – Photograph Credit score: Bailey Bremner (CleverHiker.com)

Highlights

  • Jaw-dropping views all through the hike
  • Plentiful wildlife
  • Numerous communities and hikers on the path 
A trail runs straight away from the viewer through an open, grassy area. There are craggy, glacier covered mountains in the distance.
Mountain climbing alongside the Rockwall Path in Banff Nationwide Park. – Photograph Credit score: Bailey Bremner (CleverHiker.com)

Lowlights

  • Permits require loads of pre-planning and restrict spontaneity on the path
  • Mosquitoes
  • Troublesome and typically harmful glacial river fords
  • Lengthy meals carry to Kakwa Lake
A person wearing a backpack is crossing an eroded section of trail on the side of a hill. There are pine trees and green grass in the background.
Part B has many steep trails and few switchbacks. – Photograph Credit score: Bailey Bremner (CleverHiker.com)

Greatest Time to Hike

On account of its northern latitude and mountainous terrain, one of the best time to hike the Nice Divide Path is July to September if you wish to reduce the snow you encounter on the path. Beginning earlier than July, you danger working into snowpack from the earlier winter. The possibility of contemporary snow falling will increase all through the month of September. By October, increased snow totals are doubtless. Although snowstorms have a tendency to only depart dustings throughout the summer season months, remember that it may possibly snow any day of the yr within the Canadian Rockies.

A scenic view of a prominent mountain with pine trees down in the valley.
There are views round each nook. – Photograph Credit score: Bailey Bremner (CleverHiker.com)

Problem of Path

The improbable views discovered alongside this route include further pre-trip planning. You need 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’d classify it as someplace in between for the next causes.

A person wearing a backpack is hiking through some trees. In the distance a peak rises up sharply along the same ridgeline.
Mountain climbing alongside the La Coulotte ridgeline. The climbs are steep and the path non-existent. – Photograph Credit score: Bailey Bremner (CleverHiker.com)

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 straightforward as a result 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 mentioned, the GDT has come a great distance lately because of the onerous 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 skills. 

GLACIAL RIVER FORDS

The Nice Divide Path crosses many creeks and rivers that run quick in the summertime as a result of each seasonal snow and glacier soften. There are bridges over lots of the creeks within the standard elements of the nationwide parks, however less-trafficked areas could also be more difficult.

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 working 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.

There is a decommissioned bridge on the other side of a fast flowing river. There are trees and mountains in the distance.
There are numerous troublesome fords on the GDT. – Photograph Credit score: Bailey Bremner (CleverHiker.com)

Permits

One of many largest hurdles when planning a GDT via hike is the allow course of for the Canadian Nationwide Parks. The path passes by means of 5 Nationwide Parks and eight provincial parks. Although not all parks require permits, there are numerous locations the place no quantity of lengthy days and strategic planning will get across the allow course of.

The trickiest locations to get permits embrace 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 could be fairly aggressive, so we suggest creating an itinerary forward of time with backup plans in case a campsite is already booked. It’s important for all via and part hikers to guide permits the place required and stick 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 totally different reservation dates and charges.

An Alberta Public Lands Tenting Allow is the one different go wanted to camp in just a few 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 is dependent upon the yr. Snow is feasible throughout the summer season, as are fires. Hikers ought to pack applicable layers, verify the climate, and observe closure warnings when wanted.

Caribou antlers sit on a rock at a low mountain pass.
Woodland Caribou are uncommon, however could be discovered within the northern Canadian Rockies. – Photograph Credit score: Bailey Bremner (CleverHiker.com)

Wildlife

The GDT hall is residence to an abundance of wildlife, together with each black and grizzly bears. Anybody spending time on this path must be bear conscious by storing meals correctly, making noise whereas climbing, and carrying bear spray. Different animals, large and small, additionally frequent the hall, together with moose and mosquitoes.

Close up of some bear foot prints in the mud.
Hikers ought to plan to take precautions for bears. – Photograph Credit score: Bailey Bremner (CleverHiker.com)

Getting There

Each NOBO and SOBO GDT thru-hikes are attainable, 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 offers time for hikers to achieve their path legs earlier than coping with the extra distant and higher-consequence elements of the path. The principle benefit of a SOBO hike is that it could 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 succeed in the southern terminus. For individuals who strictly need to hike the GDT solely, the terminus could be reached by an out-and-back hike from the Waterton townsite to the border on the boundary lake path. Some hikers additionally choose 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 just a few journey choices. The principle possibility is to fly into Calgary, AB, and take a shuttle. An alternative choice is to take a practice to East Glacier, Montana, and guide a shuttle to Waterton from there. 

Some hikers select so as to add an extended strategy or extension to their hike by climbing the Continental Divide Path by means of Glacier Nationwide Park. This will likely simplify the shuttle facet by permitting hikers to make the most of the Amtrak practice station in East Glacier. 

A person stands next to a obelisk that is about the same height. There is a blue lake behind them and pine covered mountains in the distance.
The southern terminus of the GDT is the US-Canadian Border. CDT thru-hikers will acknowledge this monument. -Photograph Credit score: Carly Swisher

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 identify. Hikers ending right here should add an extra 17 miles (27 km) to the Mount Robson customer heart on Freeway 16. Public transportation is just not 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 succeed in. Hikers who end right here ought to anticipate to stroll for a minimum of one other day or two to succeed in the closest highway, presumably longer if a trip with 4×4 capabilities is just not 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 prepare a shuttle trip to Prince George, BC. The opposite possibility is to hike 20 miles (32 km) through Deadhorse Meadows to the closest 4×4 trailhead. From there, hikers could attempt to get rides at a number of trailheads additional down the highway to Grande Prairie, AB.

Close up of a hand holding an iphone. The FarOut app is open on the phone.
The FarOut App is a superb useful resource for planning and climbing the GDT. – Photograph Credit score: Bailey Bremner (CleverHiker.com)

Planning Your Itinerary

Happily for these thinking about thru-hiking the GDT, there are numerous 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 principle 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 means of GoTrekkers. The discharge of the FarOut GDT app in 2017 was a sport changer for this path and makes an awesome 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 superb place to get questions answered.

Late afternoon light glows on the side of a rocky mountain.
The Kwintenok Alternate is a well-liked alternative amongst thru-hikers for the spectacular views. -Photograph Credit score: Bailey Bremner (CleverHiker.com)

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.

A number of the extra standard alternate routes embrace 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 a great grasp of off path journey. Barnaby Ridge, specifically, is usually a bit technical, dropping off from La Coulette Peak.

An open area allows for a view of a glacier covered mountain in the distance.
Extra Views from the Kwintenok Alternate. – Photograph Credit score: Bailey Bremner (CleverHiker.com)

The place to Resupply

The number of path cities and resupply areas is huge on the GDT, starting from the bustling vacationer lure of Banff townsite to the extra distant Peter Lougheed customer heart. Beneath are among the widespread areas to resupply, although it’s on no account an exhaustive record. The Nice Divide Path Affiliation affords further sources.

WATERTON TOWNSITE, AB (NOBO MILE 4 [KM 6.4])

Waterton has a stunning variety of facilities given its distant location. It’s attainable 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 save cash and used it to go to the movie show as a substitute. There are many eating places, as Waterton is a vacationer cease near the US border. Don’t overlook to cease on the customer heart to name customs and declare your go to in the event you hiked into the park from Glacier Nationwide Park. 

Don’t Miss: Waterton Lakes Opera Home, Massive Scoop Ice Cream Parlor, Waterton Customer Info Middle

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 means of Coleman, however as the principle grocery retailer is in Blairmore, most hikers will go to each. There are just a few resorts 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 could select to hike the Blairmore Entry alternate route into city. 

Don’t Miss: Sobeys IGA, Crowsnest Pantry, Cross Beer

Close up of a cup of tea and three tea cakes on a dish.
Probably one of the best tea you’ll ever drink, significantly on a chilly day. Tea Time at Mt. Assiniboine Provincial Park. -Photograph Credit score: Bailey Bremner (CleverHiker.com)

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 heart and Boulton Creek Buying and selling Publish now not settle for packages, it’s attainable to mail them for supply to a particular cache field on the Elk Cross Trailhead. Supply have to be booked by means of a particular e mail, and the associated fee to take action is listed on the GDTA web site. GDTA members obtain a reduction on supply.

Those that don’t need to ship a bundle could try and resupply on the Boulton Creek Buying and selling Publish. Simply know that the meals is each costly and restricted because of the distant location. It’s also primarily geared in the direction of automotive campers. 

Don’t Miss: Boulton Creek Buying and selling Publish

SUNSHINE VILLAGE & BANFF, AB (NOBO MILES 270 [KM 435])

The principle entry level for Banff is from Sunshine Village ski space. Hikers could select to stroll up and down the hill, trip the gondola, or a mixture of each. The gondola is a bit expensive, so our suggestion is to stroll downhill along with your empty pack, then pay for the trip to the highest if you end up 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 via hikers. There are numerous shops with gear, meals, and most different gadgets a hiker may wish. Nevertheless, 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 could 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 Middle, 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, just a few costly cafes, and a few expensive lodging. These trying to take a zero or spend the evening could need to contemplate hitching into Golden, which is about an hour to the west, however a comparatively straightforward 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 dear, however a mandatory resupply location. The resort accepts packages for a steep dealing with payment. See the GDTA web site for present costs. There’s meals obtainable for buy, however choices are restricted as it’s a comfort retailer and simply as costly as mailing a field. The field payment is waived for hikers who keep the evening. The most effective a part of Saskatchewan Crossing needs to be the breakfast buffet if you may make it on time. 

Don’t Miss: Breakfast buffet

JASPER, AB (NOBO MILE 520 [KM 837])

A full-service city, Jasper has quite a bit in widespread with Banff, as it’s one other standard vacationer vacation spot. Like Banff, we’d suggest planning lodging upfront to keep away from scrambling for costly rooms final minute. The Jasper Curry Place is one in all our favourite stops on the town and has an all-you-can-eat buffet at an inexpensive value. Notice that some companies will doubtless nonetheless be recovering in 2025 and past because of the 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 could be mailed to the customer heart for many who are making the trek to Kakwa Lake and are keen so as to add an additional 17 miles (28 km) one approach to make the journey. Make sure to contact the customer heart earlier than sending the bundle and permit further time for transit. Those that need a shorter facet 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 payment, however could also be price it for some hikers.

A mountain ends abruptly as a cliff face leads down to a valley. There are pine covered hills in the distance.
Part A of the GDT outdoors of Waterton Nationwide Park. – Photograph Credit score: Bailey Bremner (CleverHiker.com)
A ridgeline rises and falls steeply between the different peaks. There are other pine covered mountains in the distance.
Wanting north in the direction of La Coulotte Peak. – Photograph Credit score: Bailey Bremner (CleverHiker.com)

Gear Checklist

Be sure to take a look at our Final Backpacking Guidelines so that you don’t overlook one thing vital.

Beneath you’ll discover our present favourite backpacking gear. If you wish to see further choices, our curated gear guides are the results of a few years of in depth analysis and hands-on testing by our crew of outside consultants.

BACKPACK

A butte rises prominently from the pine trees.
Part B of the GDT. – Photograph Credit score: Bailey Bremner (CleverHiker.com)

Conclusion

The Nice Divide Path is a difficult however rewarding Canadian journey. Although it requires some superior planning, backpackers are rewarded with beautiful views virtually each mile. We extremely suggest it for many who need a barely (however not fully) off-the-beaten-path path.

And you’ll want to try a few of our different standard content material:

A person wearing a backpack, rain pants, and a rain jacket looking bundled up stands next to a small obelisk. There are pine trees and a mountain in the background and it is a dreary day.
Its a good suggestion to pack heat layers on the GDT, even in the midst of summer season. – Photograph Credit score: Carly Swisher

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