Powerboating regulations

Waterton Lakes National Park

All non-motorized watercraft from outside of the park are prohibited from launching in water bodies in Waterton Lakes National Park. View 2025 regulations

90-day quarantine program for motorized and trailered boats

To prevent the spread of invasive species, motorized and trailered watercraft are subject to a 90-day quarantine and sealing program before they can be used in park waters. This program has been in place since 2019 and is the strictest in North America. It continues to successfully mitigate the risk of an aquatic invasive species (AIS) introduction via motorized boats.

Motorized and trailered watercraft are only permitted to launch at the Waterton marina, where seals must be removed by trained staff before launching.

For program information or to book a sealing appointment, contact the Clean Lake Initiative. This initiative is managed by Improvement District #4 and Waterton Shoreline Cruise Company on behalf of Parks Canada.

Important: Under the Canada National Parks Act, the maximum penalty for a launching a prohibited boat is $25,000.

Stopping the spread of aquatic invasive species

two buoys hang side by side, each suspended by yellow rope. The buoy on the right is covered by zebra mussels.
Zebra mussels cover a buoy. They fully cover the propeller of a boat motor in as little as three months making it unusable.

Preventing aquatic invasive species from entering Waterton Lakes National Park is our top priority. Once invasive species are introduced, they are nearly impossible to eradicate, and their effects are irreversible.

This quarantine program was developed with prevention as the guiding principle. We all have a role to play in protecting regional waters in and outside of Waterton Lakes.

Reminder: You must also complete a self-certification permit for all recreational gear associated with powerboating before it can be used. This includes life jackets, towed recreation equipment (tubes, skis etc.) and any fishing gear. A self-certification permit station can be found near the marina when you launch your watercraft. Be sure to clean, drain, dry and certify all aquatic equipment before and after every trip.

Background

powerboat travels through shallow waters

The creation of this program was triggered by the 2017 discovery of invasive mussels in the Tiber Reservoir in Montana, only a half-day’s drive from Waterton. In 2019, Parks Canada, in collaboration with the Clean Lake Initiative, implemented the mandatory 90-day quarantine program for all motorized and trailered boats.

The quarantine program has been determined sufficient to eliminate any chance of aquatic invasive species being introduced to Upper or Middle Waterton lakes via motorized and trailered watercraft.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I launch my motorized watercraft?

All watercraft with motors (gas or electric, trailered or hand launched) are restricted to only Upper and Middle Waterton lakes. An exception is in place for any Parks Canada or RCMP watercraft used for emergency responses.

Are detachable electric motors allowed?

Detachable electric motors are permitted in the park through two avenues:

  1. They follow the 90-day quarantine program administered by the Clean Lake Initiative.
  2. They are local motors that do not leave the park. Users with watercraft/detachable electric motors that do not leave the park can take a short course on aquatic invasive species and receive an inspection permit from Parks Canada staff to continue to use said watercraft.
Is a 90-day quarantine an effective method for preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species?

Yes. Preventing aquatic invasive species from entering Waterton Lakes National Park is our top priority. The quarantine program was developed to provide a fair solution for recreational boaters.

What authority does Parks Canada have to make this decision?

Parks Canada manages Waterton Lakes National Park consistent with the expectations of Canadians as reflected in the Waterton Lakes National Park Management Plan, and the Canada National Parks Act. Authority to manage motorized watercraft access is set out in the National Park General Regulations (sections 7 and 21). Motorized watercrafts are not permitted unless authorized by the Superintendent. The quarantine procedure is the only method in which motorized watercraft are allowed in Waterton Lakes National Park.

Are invasive mussels a threat?

Yes. Preventing invasive mussels from entering Waterton Lakes National Park is still our top priority. The Clean Lake Initiative was developed with this in mind, while providing a fair solution for recreational boaters.

Where can I operate motorized or trailered watercraft in Waterton?

These types of watercraft are permitted in Upper and Middle Waterton lakes, and only after the quarantine program has been completed.

Is there a penalty for launching a prohibited watercraft in the park?

All incoming non-motorized watercraft, and all motorized and trailered watercraft that have not undergone the 90-day seal and quarantine program will be considered a prohibited boat. Under the Canada National Parks Act the maximum penalty for a launching a prohibited watercraft in the park is $25,000. The offender can be arrested, have their boat seized, and will be compelled to attend court. If found guilty, in addition to a fine imposed by the court, the Crown can seek forfeiture of the seized boat.

More information

Date modified :