Water activities
Banff National Park
Fishing
A national park fishing permit is required when angling in Canada's national parks.
Boating
Boats with motors, both gas and electric, are allowed on Lake Minnewanka only. Learn more about boating on Lake Minnewanka.
Swimming
The park's glacier-fed lakes provide spectacular photo opportunities, but most are much too cold for swimming.
Scuba diving
Learn about scuba diving at Lake Minnewanka and Two Jack Lake.
Water activity rules and regulations
Learn what is needed before entering the lakes and rivers in Banff. Follow these rules to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species!
Help stop aquatic hitch hikers!
Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) are non-native plants, animals, and diseases. Many AIS are harmful to freshwater ecosystems. AIS reproduce fast, they rarely have natural predators and often out-compete native freshwater species.
Parks Canada needs YOUR help to protect park waterways. Learn what is needed before entering the lakes and rivers in Banff. Follow these rules to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species!
Equipment requiring mandatory Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Prevention Permits in Banff National Park:
Motorized watercrafts
boats with motors, both gas and electric are required to obtain a Parks Canada AIS Prevention Inspection Permit. Lake Minnewanka is the only waterbody in Banff where motorized watercraft are allowed.
Inspection Permit required
Non-motorized watercrafts
such as canoes, kayaks, stand up paddleboards, paddle boats, drift boats and sailboats are required to obtain a Clean, Drain, Dry self-certification permit or inspection permit.
Self-Certification or,
Inspection Permit required
Water-Related Gear
such as fishing and diving gear and personal floatation devices are required to obtain a Clean, Drain, Dry self-certification permit.
Learn more about Fishing Regulations
Self-Certification
When entering any new waterbody within Banff, Yoho and Kootenay national parks, users of watercraft and water-related gear must obtain a new AIS Prevention Permit. The self-certification permits and watercraft inspection stations are available at the following locations.
Aquatic invasive species sightings in Banff National Park can be reported to:
llykaisprevention-eaeprevention@pc.gc.ca.
Sightings outside of the national parks can be reported to:
1-855-336-2628 (BOAT) in Alberta and 1-888-933-3722 in British Columbia.
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