Backpacking On The Great Divide Trail
Why Hike the GDT?
Stretching for 1130 km from the Canada/US border to the tranquil waters of Kakwa Lake, the Great Divide Trail (GDT) is one of the legendary hiking routes travelling through the Canadian Rockies. The Northern part of the GDT lies within our neck of the woods, and traipsing along its route travels through some of the most interesting and remote terrain in the range. Adventurers braving the Great Divide Trail should expect rugged trail with unbridged creek crossings, rustic campgrounds, and splendid solitude. If you are curious about any of these routes, feel free to send us an email or fill out a contact form with any questions.
Why Choose Starry Summit?
The Great Divide Trail has a reputation for being a tough route. By choosing one of our guided backpacking adventures we handle all the logistics, food preparation, and many other things leaving you with more time to enjoy the spectacular scenery. For our trips in general, guests choose guided adventures for many reasons including:
Simplifying logistics (we provide food, lodge booking, transportation, and all relevant permits)
Safety (guides are skilled in managing backcountry hazards and certified in advanced wilderness first aid and emergency responses)
Learning about the landscape (gain local knowledge about natural history, wildlife, and plants)
Skill building (learn better backcountry travel, navigation, and self-sufficient wilderness expertise)
Less stressful travel (guides prepare meals, plan exciting day trips, and locate all the best viewpoints)
What is Included?
See Description on Each Specific Adventure for Details
Guiding
Park Visitor and Camping Fees
Food During the Adventure (breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks)
Group Equipment (as required sleeping pads, cooking gear, water treatment equipment, bear spray, tarps, etc)
First Aid Equipment (carried by your guide)
Transportation To and From The Trailheads
What is Not Included?
See Description on Each Specific Adventure for Details
Accommodation and meals in the Jasper Townsite
Personal Equipment (i.e. hiking boots, clothing, etc. see list of recommended items on the page describing each adventure)
How Hard Are Trips, Is it for Me?
The adventures we offer vary in difficulty and duration. Take a look at the pages below for each specific route or ask us if you would like any extra clarification.
On a regular day our adventures will normally travel between 10-20 km with between 500-1000 m of elevation gain. We recommend each guest start training for their adventure by day-hiking, climbing stairs, and other activities prior to setting off to improve their experience while out in the wilderness.
Why Hike the GDT?
Stretching for 1130 km from the Canada/US border to the tranquil waters of Kakwa Lake, the Great Divide Trail (GDT) is one of the legendary hiking routes travelling through the Canadian Rockies. The Northern part of the GDT lies within our neck of the woods, and traipsing along its route travels through some of the most interesting and remote terrain in the range. Adventurers braving the Great Divide Trail should expect rugged trail with unbridged creek crossings, rustic campgrounds, and splendid solitude. If you are curious about any of these routes, feel free to send us an email or fill out a contact form with any questions.
Why Choose Starry Summit?
The Great Divide Trail has a reputation for being a tough route. By choosing one of our guided backpacking adventures we handle all the logistics, food preparation, and many other things leaving you with more time to enjoy the spectacular scenery. For our trips in general, guests choose guided adventures for many reasons including:
Simplifying logistics (we provide food, lodge booking, transportation, and all relevant permits)
Safety (guides are skilled in managing backcountry hazards and certified in advanced wilderness first aid and emergency responses)
Learning about the landscape (gain local knowledge about natural history, wildlife, and plants)
Skill building (learn better backcountry travel, navigation, and self-sufficient wilderness expertise)
Less stressful travel (guides prepare meals, plan exciting day trips, and locate all the best viewpoints)
What is Included?
See Description on Each Specific Adventure for Details
Guiding
Park Visitor and Camping Fees
Food During the Adventure (breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks)
Group Equipment (as required sleeping pads, cooking gear, water treatment equipment, bear spray, tarps, etc)
First Aid Equipment (carried by your guide)
Transportation To and From The Trailheads
What is Not Included?
See Description on Each Specific Adventure for Details
Accommodation and meals in the Jasper Townsite
Personal Equipment (i.e. hiking boots, clothing, etc. see list of recommended items on the page describing each adventure)
How Hard Are Trips, Is it for Me?
The adventures we offer vary in difficulty and duration. Take a look at the pages below for each specific route or ask us if you would like any extra clarification.
On a regular day our adventures will normally travel between 10-20 km with between 500-1000 m of elevation gain. We recommend each guest start training for their adventure by day-hiking, climbing stairs, and other activities prior to setting off to improve their experience while out in the wilderness.
(MODERATE to DIFFICULT) While the resplendent waters of Maligne Lake are known to many, far fewer feet hike along the spectacular terrain of Maligne Pass. The pass connects Poboktan Creek (along the Icefields Parkway) to Maligne Lake on a route famously travelled by Mary Schäffer in 1908 and now part of the modern day Great Divide Trail. This route can be quite rugged with sections wallowing through willows, and several unbridged river crossings. Adventurous travelers are rewarded by excellent viewpoints and being able to visit a delicate and marvelous landscape. This trip is a great choice for backpackers who have loped along popular routes, and are looking to delve deeper into the wild.
(3 Day Guided Backpacking Adventure),
August 11-13, 2025 & Contact Us For Custom Dates For This Adventure
(3 Day Guided Backcountry Hut Based Adventure)
August 11-13, 2025 & Contact Us For Custom Dates For This Adventure
(MODERATE to DIFFICULT) While the resplendent waters of Maligne Lake are known to many, far fewer feet hike along the spectacular terrain of Maligne Pass. The pass connects Poboktan Creek (along the Icefields Parkway) to Maligne Lake on a route famously travelled by Mary Schäffer in 1908 and now part of the modern day Great Divide Trail. This route can be quite rugged with sections wallowing through willows, and several unbridged river crossings. Adventurous travelers are rewarded by excellent viewpoints and being able to visit a delicate and marvelous landscape. This trip is a great choice for backpackers who have loped along popular routes, and are looking to delve deeper into the wild.
(DIFFICULT) North of the Yellowhead Highway there is still much to see in Jasper National Park. This adventure travels along one of the most rugged sections of the Great Divide Trail route. Starting in Jasper, before travelling through Mount Robson Provincial Park we cross over four passes: Miette Pass, Grant Pass, Moose Pass, and Robson Pass. Impressive mountain views, fields of wildflowers, and long stretches of untouched wilderness await backpackers along this route. This is a difficult but rewarding adventure, and much of the trail can be muddy and have numerous unbridged creek crossings; however for those with a sense of adventure this is an excellent way to gain more experience backpacking in more-rugged areas.
(6 Day Guided Backpacking Adventure),
Contact Us For Dates For This Adventure
(6 Day Guided Backpacking Adventure)
Contact Us For Dates For This Adventure
(DIFFICULT) North of the Yellowhead Highway there is still much to see in Jasper National Park. This adventure travels along one of the most rugged sections of the Great Divide Trail route. Starting in Jasper, before travelling through Mount Robson Provincial Park we cross over four passes: Miette Pass, Grant Pass, Moose Pass, and Robson Pass. Impressive mountain views, fields of wildflowers, and long stretches of untouched wilderness await backpackers along this route. This is a difficult but rewarding adventure, and much of the trail can be muddy and have numerous unbridged creek crossings; however for those with a sense of adventure this is an excellent way to gain more experience backpacking in more-rugged areas.
(MODERATE to DIFFICULT) One of the most varied stretches of the northern Great Divide Trail travels from Berg Lake to Blueberry Lakes. Starting off on one of the most spectacular (and popular) trails in the Rockies this route leaves the crowds behind and follows the GDT along Jasper's North Boundary Trail as far as Chown Creek Campground, before leaving the park at Bess Pass taking a resplendent highline route to reach Blueberry Lakes.
(6 Day Guided Backpacking Adventure),
Contact Us For Custom Dates For This Adventure
(6 Day Guided Backcountry Hut Based Adventure)
Contact Us For Custom Dates For This Adventure
(MODERATE to DIFFICULT) One of the most varied stretches of the northern Great Divide Trail travels from Berg Lake to Blueberry Lakes. Starting off on one of the most spectacular (and popular) trails in the Rockies this route leaves the crowds behind and follows the GDT along Jasper's North Boundary Trail as far as Chown Creek Campground, before leaving the park at Bess Pass taking a resplendent highline route to reach Blueberry Lakes.
(DIFFICULT- VERY DIFFICULT) North of Blueberry Lakes lies the most remote and most rugged section of the entire Great Divide Traverse. Adventurers are challenged by numerous river crossings, considerable elevation gain, and rustic (but scenic!) campgrounds; hikers are however rewarded with excellent views in some of the least travelled parts of the Rockies.
Contact us if interested in this adventure.
(11 Day Guided Backpacking Adventure),
Contact Us For Dates For This Adventure
Miette Pass to Berg Lake Traverse
A Unique and Spectacular Loop Through Mount Robson Provincial Park and Jasper National Park
(11 Day Guided Backpacking Adventure)
Contact Us For Dates For This Adventure
(DIFFICULT- VERY DIFFICULT) North of Blueberry Lakes lies the most remote and most rugged section of the entire Great Divide Traverse. Adventurers are challenged by numerous river crossings, considerable elevation gain, and rustic (but scenic!) campgrounds; hikers are however rewarded with excellent views in some of the least travelled parts of the Rockies.
Contact us if interested in this adventure.