Aquatic invasive species prevention

Protecting the waters of Jasper National Park is a shared responsibility. Aquatic invasive species (AIS) are spreading across western Canada and pose a serious threat to the park’s lakes and rivers.

Even a single contaminated watercraft or piece of equipment can introduce invasive mussels, plants, or pathogens, which are often impossible to remove once established. AIS can damage fish populations, degrade water quality, foul beaches and shorelines, and restrict recreational access, changing the experiences visitors come here to enjoy.

By following the park’s water activity rules and requirements, you can take an active role in preventing AIS and protecting Jasper’s waters for future generations.

Strengthening aquatic invasive species prevention

Since 2017, Parks Canada has worked to prevent the introduction and spread of AIS in the mountain national parks (Banff, Jasper, Kootenay, Yoho and Waterton Lakes) through monitoring, watercraft inspections, education, and regulations.

Building on this work, Parks Canada is advancing the next phase of its adaptive management approach by implementing a coordinated, regionally consistent Mountain National Parks AIS Prevention Strategy to further protect the region’s lakes and rivers. The strategy protects park waters while allowing visitors to enjoy them responsibly.

Beginning in spring 2026, lakes and rivers in Jasper National Park are grouped into three zones with different rules for water activities.

You are encouraged to review zone requirements before planning your trip. Together, these measures strengthen the long-term protection for Jasper’s lakes and rivers while supporting the recreational experiences that visitors value.

Water Recreation Zone

Water Recreation Zones include popular or recreationally valued lakes and rivers where recreational use can continue with safeguards in place.

Other water-based recreational activities may also occur in this zone, provided applicable park regulations are followed.

Middle Athabasca River – Special Tactics Zone

Special Tactics Zones are complex waterbodies where site-specific tactics are in place. In these areas, waterbody-specific prevention measures will be used to protect ecological integrity while supporting appropriate visitor use.

Water Preservation Zone

Water Preservation Zones include ecologically sensitive lakes and rivers or areas with limited recreation use that need more protection from AIS. In Jasper, these areas are often above natural barriers, such as waterfalls, which offer a geographic advantage in preventing the upstream spread of AIS.

In Water Preservation Zones, fishing waders and watercraft, including canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and pack rafts, are not permitted. By limiting activities in these locations, Parks Canada is strengthening protection for Jaspers freshwater ecosystems.

Map of Jasper National Park Water Activity Zones 2026

View larger map

Clean Drain Dry

 

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, or the Canadian territories; or 30 days when last used elsewhere.

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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.