Concerns about the threat posed by aquatic invasive species (AIS) have led to the closure of numerous lakes and rivers to watercraft in mountain national parks across Alberta. This development has motivated some paddlers to advocate for a more collaborative approach in addressing this issue.
Effective this spring, lakes and rivers in Jasper National Park, as well as in Banff, Yoho, Kootenay, and Waterton Lakes, will be categorized into three zones, each with distinct regulations governing water activities. While certain popular water bodies remain accessible to paddlers, the restrictions predominantly impact the backcountry areas.
Expressing his discontent with the new regulations, Andrew Loughlin, a seasoned whitewater enthusiast based in Jasper for over two decades, described the restrictions as “soul-crushing” in a letter addressed to Parks Canada. He lamented, “Some of the most memorable spots I’ve accessed in the park have been by boat, and many of these locations are inaccessible by any other means.”
Loughlin estimated that more than 75% of the navigable waterways in Jasper are now restricted.
Whirling disease in Lake Louise
The decision to enforce these measures follows the recent confirmation of whirling disease in Lake Louise, a situation attributed by Parks Canada to human activities on the lake. This disease, also detected in Banff and Yoho, causes skeletal abnormalities in juvenile fish species such as salmon, whitefish, and trout, with the potential to decimate up to 90% of young fish populations.
Originally identified in British Columbia in 2024, whirling disease spread to the Kootenay River watershed but has not been detected in Kootenay National Park.
Addressing attendees at Jasper National Park’s annual forum earlier this month, Dave Argument, a resource conservation manager at Parks Canada, emphasized the need for immediate action to prevent the disease from spreading further. Argument highlighted that once invasive species and diseases infiltrate, eradication becomes nearly impossible, leading to downstream dispersion.
Parks Canada’s official stance is that AIS primarily propagate through watercraft and fishing gear transported between water bodies.
Argument stressed that Parks Canada’s decision to impose restrictions was not taken lightly, emphasizing that each watershed underwent thorough evaluation to determine the most effective approach for safeguarding aquatic ecosystems while enabling safe recreational opportunities.
Open and Closed Areas
Although the main stem of the Athabasca River remains open for recreational use, the tributaries supplying it—comprising more challenging backcountry routes with Class 4 and Class 5 rapids—are predominantly off-limits to watercraft, fishing waders, and windsport activities.
Some rivers will remain accessible to paddlers as they are situated downstream of natural barriers like waterfalls, hindering the upstream movement of AIS.
Within the water recreation zone, Parks Canada permits scuba diving, but solely under licensed commercial operators.
Segments of the Athabasca River, Chaba River, and Sunwapta River fall under the “