Waterton Lakes National Park implements a mandatory inspection June 3

Many visitors to Waterton Lakes National Park enjoy its waters each year by boating, fishing, swimming or scuba diving. Watercraft like canoes, kayaks, and standup paddleboards can carry harmful aquatic invasive species such as whirling disease and invasive mussels. Introducing these species to aquatic ecosystems in the park would be harmful to the health of park waters, as well as the regional watershed and associated infrastructure. Therefore, Waterton Lakes National Park is implementing a mandatory inspection for non-motorized watercraft beginning June 3.

Parks Canada will be operating an inspection station on Highway 5 at the turnoff to the park gate. All visitors with non-motorized watercraft, including (but not limited to) canoes, kayaks, drift boats, paddle boats, stand-up paddleboards and sailboats, must report to this station.

If you plan to launch in park waters, your boat will be inspected and once clean, you will receive a permit to launch. Parks Canada recommends that visitors ensure their watercraft are cleaned, drained and dried prior to arriving to ensure an efficient inspection.

How the inspection station works:

1. Visitors planning to launch a non-motorized watercraft in park waters must proceed to the inspection station before entering the park gate.

2. Parks Canada staff will ask visitors a series of questions to assess risks and inspect the watercraft for standing water, mud, plants, or animals.

3. Inspection station staff will remove material that could contain aquatic invasive species, if any exists.

4. A waterproof tag will be applied once the watercraft is certified free of invasive species. A paper permit will also be provided, to be kept with the vehicle.

5. Each time you want to enter the park with your boat, you will need to have it inspected to obtain a new permit.

Parks Canada Agency reserves the right to deny a permit if watercraft and aquatic equipment pose unmitigated risk of aquatic invasive species.

Programs for aquatic gear and motorized and trailered watercraft

Motorized and trailered watercraft are still required to participate in the park’s 90-day quarantine sealing program before being able to enter Upper or Middle Waterton Lake. This program is being administered by Improvement District #4 and Shoreline Cruise Co., with support from Parks Canada.

Fishing, scuba gear, inflatables and other equipment not covered under the inspection program must complete a self-inspection, using the forms found at popular waterfronts, the park gate and visitor centre. When in doubt, please stop by the inspection station. Our staff will either inspect your equipment or provide a self-inspection form for you to fill out.

Parks Canada takes the threat of aquatic invasive species seriously, particularly whirling disease and zebra and quagga mussels. Mandatory inspections ensure the ecological integrity of the park’s aquatic communities. Through these programs, Parks Canada is facilitating water recreation while protecting Waterton Lakes’ aquatic ecosystems and the regional watershed. Your participation in these programs will contribute to healthy park waters.