GDT

The Great Divide Trail finally sprang into being as a result of the federally-funded Opportunities for Youth programme, under which, in 1974, six students from across Canada joined forces to do the first formal survey of the GDT trail route.

The study area chosen as the focus for the OFY project was the Continental Divide region between Banff and Waterton Lakes National Parks. The group chose to focus their attention on areas outside of national and provincial parks, where no official protection existed.  The aim was to generate public interest in preserving back-country areas outside of the park system, and to provide recreational opportunities to counter-balance the commercial usage of the same lands.

During the summer of 1974, the group covered an enormous study area, each traveling about 800km on foot, taking a multitude of notes and mapping thousands of kilometres of old game, pack and Indian trails. The group's efforts resulted in a recommended route for the GDT between the two parks, crossing the Divide several times and traversing some of the most scenic areas of the region.

During 1975, many public presentations were given by members of the study group, promoting the concept of the GDT. Several motivated individuals joined the effort and the Great Divide Trail Association was formed. The first objective of the GDTA was to build a section of trail, and the Alberta government was approached for funding. The government was receptive, and the project was granted enough money to hire several students for the summer of 1976.

The first official stretch of Great Divide Trail was established between Etherington and Baril Creeks in the Highwood River watershed. This start led to similar work each summer through to the mid-1980's. By the end of 1979, the GDT was complete from Fording River Pass in the north, to the summit of the Highwood/Oldman divide in the south. In addition, many kilometres of access routes were cleared, bridges built, and blazed.