Bulletins

Effective date

July 31 to December 31, 2026

Paddling, fishing, and other non-motorized water activities

To protect park waters from aquatic invasive species, waters in Jasper National Park have been classified into three water activity zones that restrict or prohibit certain non-motorized water activities. Allowed activities and equipment must comply with Clean, Drain, Dry requirements.

The water activity zones and restrictions established by this Order do not replace or supersede other restrictions that may apply. All activities remain subject to the Canada National Parks Act, its regulations, and any other Restricted Activity Orders in force. Existing orders continue to govern activities such as electric motor use, scuba diving, and water-based traction kiting, and prohibit certain activities in specific areas, including the use watercraft on the Mid-Maligne River, and the use of felt-soled waders throughout Jasper National Park.

What:

Pursuant to Section 7(1) of the National Parks General Regulations, of the Canada National Parks Act, the following activity is restricted or prohibited by order of the Superintendent:

Where

Jasper National Park

Water Recreation Zone:

Waters identified as Water Recreation Zones are open to water-based activities, provided that all watercraft and water-related equipment comply with the Clean, Drain, Dry requirements.

Waters within the Water Recreation Zone:
Lakes

• Beaver Lake
• Cabin Lake
• Caledonia Lake
• Celestine Lake
• Edna Lake
• Emerald Pond
• Hibernia Lake
• Honeymoon Lake
• Horseshoe Lake
• Katrine Lake
• Lac Beauvert
• Lake Annette
• Lake Edith
• Leach Lake
• Maligne Lake
• Marjorie Lake
• Medicine Lake
• Mildred Lake
• Minnow Lake
• Moab Lake
• Patricia Lake
• Pyramid Lake
• Riley Lake
• Saturday Night Lake
• Talbot Lake
• Treefoil Lakes
• Twin Lakes
• Upper Mina Lake
• Valley of the Five Lakes, Fifth Lake
• Valley of the Five Lakes, First Lake
• Valley of the Five Lakes, Fourth Lake
• Valley of the Five Lakes, Second Lake
• Valley of the Five Lakes, Third Lake

Rivers:

• Astoria River downstream of 52°46'24.40"N 118° 2'0.47"W
• Athabasca River downstream of Athabasca Falls
• Fiddle River downstream of 53°10'43.91"N 117°50'2.19"W
• Maligne River downstream of Maligne Lake
• Meadow Creek downstream of 52°51'56.08"N 118°15'29.40"W
• Miette River downstream of 52°52'14.8"N 118°15'48.6"W
• Portal River downstream of 52°47'51.31"N 118° 2'48.54"W
• Snake Indian River downstream of Snake Indian Falls
• Snaring River downstream of 53° 1'7.35"N 118° 8'4.80"W
• Whirlpool River downstream of the Jasper National Park Boundary

Water Preservation Zone:

The following activities are prohibited in this zone: Paddling and floating, and fishing with waders and wading boots.

Waters within the Water Preservation Zone: All lakes and rivers not in the Water Recreation Zone or Special Tactics Zone.

Special Tactics Zone – Middle Athabasca River:

The following activities are prohibited in this zone: fishing with waders and wading boots.

Waters within the Special Tactics Zone:

• Athabasca River between the Chaba River confluence and Athabasca Falls
• Chaba River downstream of 52°22'8.03"N 117°41'44.49"W
• Sunwapta River downstream of 52°29'11.17"N 117°31'31.63"W

Mandatory Clean Drain Dry requirements:

Clean all mud, sand, plant, and animal materials from 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 Alberta, British Columbia, or the Canadian territories; or 30 days when last used elsewhere.

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Definitions:

“Paddling and floating” means: use of any boat, canoe, kayak, raft, stand-up paddleboard, inflatable craft, or other type or class of vessel that is not motorized. Inflatable craft include inflatables in which the user is able to sit, lie, or stand within or on top.

“Fishing with waders and wading boots” means: use of chest waders, waist waders, hip waders, with built-in or separate boots designed for the purpose of staying dry while walking through or standing in water. This does not include the use of standard wet-wading footwear such as rubber boots, water shoes, sandals, or similar footwear not designed for use with waders.

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Penalty

Violators may be charged under the Canada National Parks Act: maximum penalty $25 000