Bulletins

WATERTON PARK, AB – March 11, 2025
Parks Canada is continuing to take action to prevent the spread of zebra and quagga mussels, whirling disease and other aquatic invasive species (AIS). Watercraft and angling restrictions are in effect for 2025.

Waterton Lakes National Park is the headwaters of the Waterton River, which feeds into the broader Oldman and South Saskatchewan watersheds. It is critical that all residents and visitors continue to take the threat of AIS seriously and take action to reduce their spread. An introduction of invasive mussels would cause irreversible damage to park and regional waters, and downstream infrastructure like irrigation canals, dams and water treatment plants. Treatment and ongoing management could cost millions of dollars each year.

Non-motorized watercraft access prohibited (unchanged from 2024)

Non-motorized watercraft (kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, etc.) from outside Waterton Lakes’ boundaries remain prohibited from launching in park waters in 2025. The prohibition on outside watercraft, introduced in 2024, has been more effective in reducing the likelihood of AIS transmission than previous programs. The risk of AIS introduction remains high, and as a result Waterton Lakes’ non-motorized watercraft restrictions will continue in 2025. This decision follows a full review of the 2024 aquatic invasive species program.

Watercraft rentals for visitors will be available from local businesses. Parks Canada is committed to accessibility and will permit adaptive paddling equipment for those who require it, with conditions. Users whose watercraft remain inside park boundaries can once again apply for a seasonal permit. These users must take a short course on AIS and have their watercraft inspected by Parks Canada. Course dates will be shared later this month.

Key findings from 2024

• Compliance with the prohibition on outside non-motorized watercraft was estimated at 78 per cent, up from 56 per cent compliance in 2023 when the mandatory inspection station was in operation.

• Park Wardens issued five charges, 58 warnings, and noted 12 instances where education prevented an offence relating to non-compliant non-motorized watercraft use within the park.

• Parks Canada staff and volunteers conducted 76 days of compliance monitoring at popular day use areas this past summer, educating visitors on AIS and restrictions in place.

• 1776 self-certification permits were collected in 2024, which is a significant increase from 744 in 2023.

Powerboating access permitted via 90-day quarantine (unchanged from past years)

The mandatory 90-day quarantine and sealing program for all motorized and trailered boats remains in effect for 2025. This program has proven to be effective in preventing AIS introduction.

In 2024, Parks Canada completed public engagement on the future of powerboating in Waterton Lakes. The What We Heard Report for this review is now available. Parks Canada will continue with an internal assessment of powerboating and determine the feasibility of any changes to this activity. Feedback collected will help inform these decisions.

Angling: Restrictions lifted on Cameron Creek and Waterton River. Belly River remains closed.

In 2025, angling will again be permitted in some flowing waters in the Waterton River watershed, including Cameron Creek and the Waterton River. Water levels and temperatures will be monitored park-wide, and drought-related closures will be issued if required.

Unfortunately, whirling disease was detected in nearly all fish sampled in the Belly River in 2024. Whirling disease mortality rates can reach 90 percent in young fish, and there is no treatment. The Belly River and its tributaries will remain closed to angling in 2025. Please respect this closure and ensure all fishing gear is cleaned, drained, dried and self-certified to prevent the spread of whirling disease. Felt-soled wading boots and barbed hooks continue to be prohibited.

Please visit the fishing regulations webpage for all regulations, including angling season dates and a list of open and closed waters.

How can you help?

Clean, Drain, Dry and Certify all fishing equipment, scuba gear, water toys, etc. Filling out a self-inspection permit is mandatory before any of these items can be used in park waters. Self-inspection permit boxes can be found at popular day use areas, as well at the visitor centre, entrance kiosk and campground.

Volunteer as an AIS Prevention Ambassador! Ambassadors will assist with a wider range of activities this year, including compliance monitoring, visitor education and data collection. Seasonal watercraft permits are available to volunteers who meet requirements. Training and equipment will be provided. Email wlnp-volunteer@pc.gc.ca for more information or to sign up.

If you are planning on visiting other national parks, please check their water recreation regulations beforehand.

Continuing the conversation

Parks Canada thoroughly reviewed all public feedback from 2024 when deciding how to proceed for 2025. We would like to thank everyone who shared their thoughts with us. Waterton Lakes staff will continue engagement with regional partners, interested parties and other Parks Canada-administered places to explore solutions for water recreation that respect ecological integrity.

Interested in continuing the conversation with us? Online meetings will be hosted in the coming months. Please contact us at watertoncommunications@pc.gc.ca to get notified about these meetings and additional program information.

Related links 

Non-motorized watercraft and gear regulations

Aquatic invasive species information

90-day quarantine program for motorized watercraft

Fishing regulations