Water activity rules and regulations

What are Aquatic Invasive Species?

Aquatic invasive species (AIS) are non-native plants, animals, and diseases. Many AIS are harmful to freshwater ecosystems. AIS reproduce quickly, rarely have natural predators and often out-compete native freshwater species. Preventing aquatic invasive species from entering waterways is a Parks Canada priority. Once AIS are established, removal is next to impossible.

• Whirling Disease

  Whirling disease is caused by a parasite that causes skeletal deformities of an infected fish’s body or head, usually in young fish, and the tail may appear dark or black. The disease can be spread to other waterbodies through spores in mud. This disease is not harmful to humans or other mammals but can have significant effects on some fish populations, such as Westslope cutthroat trout.

  

• Invasive mussels

  Quagga and Zebra mussels are small, fan-shaped, and range from dark brown to white in colour. Just a few mussels can produce millions of eggs. They are very efficient at filtering nutrients from the water, leaving no food for native species. Dense colonies of mussels can clog water pipes and make the shoreline unusable because of their sharp shells and odour.

  

• Eurasian water milfoil

  Eurasian water milfoil is a perennial, submersed aquatic plant native to Eurasia and North Africa. Although not currently present in Alberta, new colonies can form from a single stem, seed or leaf. Eurasian milfoil forms thick layers that shade native plants and decrease oxygen levels as they decay.

  

• Didymo

  Didymo is a freshwater algae that has the appearance of wet toilet paper and the feel of wet cotton wool. It attaches to rocks in streams and can form into large beige to brown mats that completely cover the stream bottom, blanketing important fish and plant habitat.
  Felt-soled wading boots (banned in mountain national parks) and other water gear are a common way for didymo to spread.

  

Clean, drain, dry, and certify all watercraft and water-related gear before entering a new waterbody to prevent the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species

 

Clean

all mud, sand, plant, and animal materials from your watercraft, gear, and angling equipment.

 

Drain

all watercraft, gear, and angling equipment before leaving the waterbody.

 

Dry

for at least 48 hours when last used within AB, BC, NWT, or YT; and at least 30 days when last used outside of AB, BC, NWT, or YT.

 

Certify

watercraft, gear, and angling equipment by visiting a Parks Canada inspection station or obtaining a self-certification permit.

How to certify at Banff National Park

Inspection requirements for motorized watercrafts

You must obtain a Parks Canada AIS prevention inspection permit at the Lake Minnewanka inspection station, located 6 km from the town of Banff along the Lake Minnewanka Road.

Lake Minnewanka is the only waterbody in Banff National Park 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.

How to get a watercraft inspection

Watercraft inspections are available at the Lake Minnewanka inspection stations by appointment between May 17, 2025 - September 14, 2025. 

Date Range	Inspection Type	Notes
May 17 – June 15, 2025	By appointment only	Appointments must be booked 48 hours in advance
June 16 – August 31, 2025 Mon–Thu Fri–Sun	By appointment only Drop-in inspections	Appointments must be booked 48 hours in advance Lake Minnewanka station open 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
September 1 – September 14, 2025	By appointment only	Appointments must be booked 48 hours in advance

The last day for motorized inspections (permitting access to Lake Minnewanka) is Sunday, September 14, 2025. The boating season on Lake Minnewanka will close on September 15, 2025, with no launches permitted as of this date.

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Inspection requirements for non-motorized watercrafts and water recreational gear

Anyone launching non-motorized watercraft such as canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, inflatables, and water-related gear are required to complete an AIS prevention self-certification permit every time you enter a new lake, river or stream in Banff National Park.

 

How to certify your non-motorized watercraft, gear, and angling equipment (paddleboards, canoes, inflatables, scuba gear, etc.)

1. Obtain an AIS prevention self-certification permit from:
   • Self-certification stations at waterbody access points and  trailheads 
   • Visitor centers and campgrounds
   • Online
2. Inspect your watercraft or equipment to ensure it is clean, drained, and dried. All equipment must be dried for:
   • 48 hours if last used within AB, BC, NWT, or YT and when switching waterbodies within the park.
   • 30 days if last used outside of AB, BC, NWT, or YT.
3. Fill out the self-certification permit. Keep the top portion with you while you recreate. Deposit the bottom portion in the self-certification permit box.
4. If your watercraft is not clean, drained, and dry or does not meet the dry time requirements, you must visit a Parks Canada inspection station prior to entering park waters.
5. When switching waterbodies: Clean, Drain, and Dry watercraft or equipment for 48 hours, then obtain a new self-certification permit.

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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.

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Going fishing? Learn more about fishing regulations in Banff National Park