Parks Canada aquatic invasive species (AIS) inspection station staff provide a free watercraft inspection. AIS stations are found in Banff, Waterton Lakes and Jasper national parks. Visitors must "clean, drain, dry and certify" their watercraft when visiting the mountain national parks/Parks CanadaParks Canada is asking water recreationists to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species across the mountain national parks.
Data was collected in 2022 for the Parks Canada Aquatic Invasive Species prevention program in five parks — Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, Yoho National Park, Kootenay National Park and Waterton Lakes National Park. It showed that about 13,000 non-motorized watercraft (such as kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddleboards) entered lakes and rivers without following "Clean Drain Dry protocols," increasing the risk of aquatic invasive species introductions in the Canadian Rockies.
People using any non-motorized watercraft and water-related gear must complete a clean, drain, dry self-certification permit.
Everything must be cleaned of all mud, sand, plant and animal materials. It must be drained of all water from coolers, buckets, compartments and other items that may hold water. And it must be dried for at least 48 hours after being used in the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta and/or the territories of Canada, and at least 30 days after being used in the United States or provinces other than B.C., Alberta and/or the territories of Canada.
Violators may be charged under the Canada National Parks Act and face penalties of up to $25,000 (about $19,000 USD).
