Concerns over the threat of aquatic invasive species (AIS) have led to the closure of several lakes and rivers to watercraft in mountain national parks in Alberta. This has prompted paddlers to advocate for a more cooperative approach to address the issue.
Starting this spring, lakes and rivers in Jasper National Park, along with Banff, Yoho, Kootenay, and Waterton Lakes, will be divided into three zones, each with distinct regulations for water activities. While some well-known lakes and rivers remain accessible to paddlers, the restrictions primarily impact the backcountry.
Andrew Loughlin, a seasoned whitewater enthusiast from Jasper with over two decades of experience, expressed dismay over the new limitations in a letter he sent to Parks Canada. He described the restrictions as disheartening, emphasizing the loss of access to significant locations that can only be reached by boat.
Loughlin estimated that more than 75% of the navigable waterways in Jasper are now restricted.
Presence of Whirling Disease in Lake Louise
The decision to implement these measures follows the recent confirmation of whirling disease in Lake Louise. Parks Canada stated that human activities in the lake are the likely cause of this disease, which also affects Banff and Yoho. Whirling disease leads to skeletal abnormalities in young fish species such as salmon, whitefish, and trout, with the potential to decimate up to 90% of juvenile fish populations.
Initially identified in British Columbia in 2024, whirling disease has since spread to the Kootenay River watershed but has not been detected in Kootenay National Park.
During Jasper National Park’s annual forum earlier this month, Dave Argument, a resource conservation manager at Parks Canada, emphasized the urgency of taking action to prevent further spread of this disease. Argument highlighted the challenges of eradicating invasive species once introduced, as they can propagate downstream.
Parks Canada indicates on its website that AIS are commonly transmitted through watercraft and fishing gear transported between different bodies of water.
Argument stressed that the decision to impose restrictions was made after careful evaluation of each watershed to safeguard aquatic ecosystems while supporting safe recreational activities.
Open and Closed Areas
While the main stem of the Athabasca River remains open for recreational use, the tributaries feeding into it, particularly the advanced backcountry routes with Class 4 and Class 5 rapids, are predominantly closed to watercraft, fishing waders, and windsports.
Some rivers will remain accessible for paddlers as they are situated downstream of natural barriers like waterfalls, which impede the upstream movement of AIS.
Within the water recreation zone, scuba diving is allowed, but solely through licensed commercial operators according to Parks Canada.
Segments of the Athabasca River, Chaba River, and Sunwapta River fall under the “special tactics zone,” where only fishing with waders is prohibited.
Even in restricted zones, activities such as swimming, beach toys, snorkelling, and fishing without w
