90-day quarantine program for motorized and trailered boats

Waterton Lakes National Park

Beginning April 1, 2024, all non-motorized watercraft from outside of the park are prohibited from entering water bodies in Waterton Lakes National Park.

Background

Preventing invasive mussels from entering Waterton Lakes National Park is our top priority

In 2019, Parks Canada implemented a mandatory 90-day quarantine program for all motorized and trailed boats.

The program was triggered by the 2017 discovery of invasive mussels in the Tiber Reservoir in Montana, a half-day’s drive from Waterton. This discovery prompted a temporary ban on all recreational power boats and trailer launched watercraft from entering waters in Waterton Lakes National Park to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive mussels.

The Clean Lake Initiative (CLI), a committee of the Improvement District #4 council, began researching options on how to safely return recreational power boating to the park. This quarantine program was determined to be sufficient to eliminate any chance of live mussels being introduced to Upper or Middle Waterton Lake.

For more information on this program or to book a sealing appointment, contact the Clean Lake Initiative.

Parks Canada takes aquatic invasive species, particularly whirling disease and zebra and quagga mussels, seriously. We are taking action now to ensure that the ecological integrity of the park’s aquatic communities remains intact.

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

Taking action against invasive mussels

Once invasive species are introduced, they are nearly impossible to eradicate, and their effects are irreversible. We all have a role to play in protecting regional waters in and outside of Waterton Lakes.

Preventing invasives from entering Waterton Lakes National Park is our top priority. The sealing and quarantine program as well as the non-motorized watercraft prohibition were developed with this in mind.

Parks Canada reminds visitors to complete the mandatory self-certification permit for aquatic equipment and to Clean, Drain, Dry their aquatic equipment after every trip.

Motorized and trailered watercraft program FAQs
Why are powerboats still allowed? What is happening with the powerboating review?

Motorized and trailered watercraft continue to be permitted by exception and are subject to a 90-day quarantine program to launch in park waters. This program has successfully mitigated the risk of AIS introduction via motorized boats. A review of powerboating as a recreational activity is ongoing, as committed to in the 2022 Management plan.

Who is managing the sealing program?

Improvement District #4 is managing the sealing program. For more information on this program, visit the Improvement District #4 website.

Is the 90-day quarantine an effective method for preventing the spread of invasive mussels?

Yes. Preventing invasive mussels from entering Waterton Lakes National Park is still our top priority. The quarantine program was developed with this in mind, while providing 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 watercraft are not permitted unless authorized by the Superintendent. The quarantine procedure is the only method in which motorized watercraft will be allowed back in Waterton Lakes National Park.

Are invasive mussels still a threat?

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

Where can I operate motorized or trailered watercraft in Waterton Lakes National Park?

These types of watercraft are permitted in Upper and Middle Waterton Lakes only, after the 90-day quarantine period has been completed.

Is there a penalty for launching a prohibited boat in Waterton Lakes National 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 boat in the park is $25,000. The offender can be arrested, their boat seized, and the offender will be compelled to attend court. If found guilty, in addition to the fine imposed by the court, the crown can seek forfeiture of the seized boat.

Where can I launch my motorized watercraft?

All watercraft with motors (gas or electric, trailered or hand launched) are restricted to use on Upper and Middle Waterton Lakes only. The exception to this is any Parks Canada or RCMP watercraft needed for emergency response.

Are detachable electric motors allowed in the park?

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

  1. They follow the 90-day quarantine program.
  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 AIS and receive an inspection permit from Parks Canada staff to continue to use said watercraft.

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