Most Gem Trek maps are guides as well as maps, in that the back of the map features descriptions of recommended trails, making it easy for map users to choose a hike. We also include backcountry booking information, relevant contact numbers, photos and more.

Gem Trek maps are updated on a three to four-year cycle. We do extensive ground-truthing ourselves, and work closely with Parks Canada, Kananaskis Country rangers and other people in the field to make sure our data is the most current available.

Gem Trek maps are made by people who live in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies and know the area well. That means map-users can trust our recommendations, as they are based on years of exploring the area.

We use different colours to show hiking trails, mountain biking trails, and equestrian trails. This information is particularly important to mountain bikers, who are subject to a stiff fine and can have their bike impounded if they are riding on an "illegal" trail in the National Parks.

Because we are not tied to a grid system like the federal government is, we can cover the most popular destination areas with only one map. For example, it takes four government maps at 1:50, 000 to cover the same major trail networks we cover on our Lake Louise & Yoho map (Chateau Lake Louise and Moraine Lake areas, the Skoki Valley, the Lake O'Hara area and Yoho Valley. That saves the map-user both money and frustration.

We add the trail names to each trail on the map to make it easier for map users to locate trails described on the back of the map, in Parks publications, or in other guide books of the area. We also show trail distances, to make it easier for people unfamiliar with the area to plan their outing.

Our maps cost less than the (less current) government topographic maps.