Beginning April 1, 2024: all non-motorized watercraft from outside of the park are prohibited from entering water bodies in Waterton Lakes National Park.
Getting out on the water is an excellent way to explore Waterton Lakes National Park.
Home to a string of pristine mountain lakes, the park is a paradise for anyone who enjoys being on, in or near the water.
In town, Upper and Middle Waterton lakes are the park’s biggest and busiest bodies of water. The calm waters of Emerald Bay are perfect for swimming and paddleboarding and divers can even explore the wreckage of a sunken ship.
Boaters planning to stay overnight at a backcountry campsite accessible by water (Bertha Bay and Boundary Bay) require a wilderness permit. Please refer to wilderness camping. Overnight camping or sleeping on boats is not permitted.
Prevent aquatic invasive species from entering parks waters
Infographic - Text version
Prevent aquatic invasive species from entering park waters
All watercraft and water equipment entering Waterton Lakes National Park require self-inspection, or completion of the 90-day quarantine program.
Always Clean, Drain and Dry your watercraft and gear.
What I have: Trailered powerboat (gas or electric)
What permit do I need? 90-day quarantine program
Where do I get my permit? Call Shoreline Cruise Co: 403-859-2362
Where can I go? Upper/Middle Waterton Lakes only
What I have: Trailered rowboat or sailboat
What permit do I need? 90-day quarantine program
Where do I get my permit? Call Shoreline Cruise Co: 403-859-2362
Where can I go? Boat ramps are available only on Upper/Middle Waterton Lakes
What I have: Hand-launched boat with detachable electric motor
What permit do I need? Watercraft Inspection permit
Where do I get my permit? Inspection Station near park entrance
Where can I go? Upper/Middle Waterton Lakes only
What I have: Kayak, canoe, or paddleboard
What permit do I need? Watercraft Inspection permit
Where do I get my permit? Inspection Station near park entrance
Where can I go? Any lake or stream (Cameron Lake, Upper Waterton Lake etc.)
What I have Hand-launched rowboat, sailboat
What permit do I need? Watercraft Inspection permit
Where do I get my permit? Inspection Station near park entrance
Where can I go? Any lake
What I have: Fishing and scuba gear
What permit do I need? Self-inspection permit
Where do I get my permit? Visitor centre or boxes at popular beaches
Where can I go? Fishing prohibited in Blakiston, Bauerman, Sofa, Dungarvan creeks, Maskinonge lake.
What I have: Inflatable toys/floats
What permit do I need? Self-inspection permit
Where do I get my permit? Visitor centre or boxes at popular beaches
Where can I go? Any lake or stream
You have a role to play in protecting park waters.
Quarantine sealing program for motorized and trailered watercraft
Parks Canada has authorized motorized and trailered watercraft to operate on Upper and Middle Waterton Lake, once the watercraft have completed a 90-day quarantine seal program.
Parks Canada is confident this program will protect the ecological integrity of Waterton Lakes National Park while also returning an excellent recreational boating experience to park users.
Parks Canada continues to take the threat of invasive mussels very seriously. A 90-day quarantine is longer than most current sealing programs and is considered sufficient to prevent the introduction of live mussels to Upper or Middle Waterton Lake.
For more information on this program and obtaining your seal, visit:
