Water activity rules and regulations
Banff National Park
What are aquatic invasive species (AIS)?
Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) are non-native plants, animals, and diseases.
Self-certification permit
This permit needs to be completed and is a requirement to launch or use any non-motorized watercraft, fishing equipment, or aquatic recreational equipment...
Frequently Asked Questions
Read frequently asked questions and get more info about using watercraft and water-related gear in the lakes and rivers in Banff National Park.
In Banff National Park, it is MANDATORY to:
Clean all mud, sand, plant, and animal materials from your watercraft and water-related gear.
Drain coolers, buckets, compartments, and other items that may hold water on land before leaving the waterbody.
Dry for a minimum of 48 hours after use in the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, or the territories of Canada, including use in the national parks AND a minimum of 30 days after use in the United States or provinces other than British Columbia, Alberta and/or the territories of Canada.
Certify: Users must obtain an AIS Prevention Permit for all watercraft and water-related gear before entering a waterbody in Banff, Yoho and Kootenay national parks.
Motorized watercraft requirements
You must obtain a Parks Canada inspection permit at the Lake Minnewanka inspection station, located 6 km from the town of Banff along the Minnewanka Loop Road. Hours of operation.
Lake Minnewanka is the only waterbody in Banff, Yoho, or Kootenay national parks where boats with motors, both gas and electric, are allowed. There is an unloading ramp and parking area for boats and trailers. There are no public boat docks in the park.
Non-motorized watercraft and water recreational gear requirements
Anyone launching non-motorized watercraft such as canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, inflatables, and water-related gear are required to complete a permit every time you enter a new lake, river or stream in Banff, Yoho and Kootenay national parks.
If you are unable to meet the Clean Drain Dry requirements indicated on the AIS Prevention Self-certification Permit, you are prohibited from launching a watercraft in Banff, Yoho and Kootenay national parks until the permit conditions are met, or your watercraft or water-related gear have been inspected at a Parks Canada watercraft inspection station.
Where to certify in Banff National Park
Locations details
Watercraft inspection stations
|
| Banff Visitor Centres |
| Lake Louise Visitor Centre |
Park gates
|
| Two Jack Lakeside Campground |
| Lake Louise Campground |
| Baker Creek Chalets |
| Boom Lake Trailhead |
| Bourgeau Lake Trailhead |
| Bow Lake - Day Use Area and near Num-Ti-Ja |
| Cascade Ponds |
| Fish Creek Trailhead |
| Glacier Lake Trailhead |
| Hector Lake |
| Helen Lake Trailhead |
| Herbert Lake |
| Howse Trailhead |
| Johnson Lake |
| Lake Louise (Lake) Canoe Launch and kiosk |
| Lake Minnewanka Boat Dock |
| Lake Minnewanka Loop Road |
| Moraine Lake |
| Mosquito Campground Kiosk |
| Mosquito Creek Trailhead |
| Rampart Campground |
| Redearth Creek Trailhead |
| Smith/Copper Lake Trailhead |
| Taylor Lake Trailhead |
| The Bow River - Castle Junction, 5 Mile, Bow Falls, Golf Course Road and Station Restaurant access points, Trans-Canada Highway across from Morant’s Curve (un-named) |
| Two Jack Lake and reservoir |
| Vermillion Lakes |
| Vista Lake Trailhead |
| Waterfowl Lakes (Campground, Kiosk and Viewpoint (pullout)) |
Inspection stations
| Lake Louise Inspection Station For non-motorized watercraft |
May 19 - October 9 - 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. |
| Lake Minnewanka Inspection Station For non-motorized and motorized watercraft. |
June 5 - September 5 - 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. September 6 - October 15 - 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. |
Motorized watercraft inspections are available by appointment from October 16, 2023, to May,14 2024.
Appointments must be booked 48 hours in advance.
Inspections can be booked by emailing bfuaisprevention-eaeprevention@pc.gc.ca. Or by calling and leaving a message at (403) 497- 5821. Please include the following information:
- Date of launch.
- Time you would like to have your watercraft inspected.
- Boat Registration Number.
- Province/State of Origin.
- Type of watercraft (Fishing Boat, Jon Boat, Cabin Cruiser, Pleasure Craft, Inflatable).
- Propulsion Type (Outboard, Inboard, Inboard outboard, Trolling, Jet, Sterndrive).
Please ensure that your watercraft is CLEAN DRAIN DRY.
When entering any new waterbody within Banff, Yoho and Kootenay national parks, users of watercraft and water-related gear must obtain a new AIS Prevention Permit. If you are unable to meet the Clean Drain Dry requirements indicated on the AIS Prevention Self-certification Permit, you are prohibited from launching a watercraft in Banff National Park until the permit conditions are met, or your watercraft or water-related gear have been inspected at a Parks Canada watercraft inspection station.
Report aquatic invasive species sightings
Take a picture, note the location, and send it to llykaisprevention-eaeprevention@pc.gc.ca.
Sightings outside of the national parks can be reported to:
1-855-336-2628 (BOAT) in Alberta and 1-888-933-3722 in British Columbia.
More questions? Consult the FAQ for more information.
Related links
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