Yoho National Park – As the temperature increases and people start to venture to nearby national parks, a reminder of water activity restrictions:
Waterbody closure
All waterbodies in Yoho and Kootenay national parks are closed to watercraft and angling until March 31, 2026, to reduce the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS), including whirling disease. The closure applies to all lakes, streams, and rivers in Yoho and Kootenay national parks.
Prohibited activities:
• Paddling: The closure applies to all watercraft, such as canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, kiteboards, rowboats, and inflatable boats and toys (e.g., donuts, unicorns, etc.).
• Motorized boats: Motorized boats are not permitted in Kootenay and Yoho national parks.
• Angling: Angling equipment such as fishing rods, waders, boots, gloves, nets, and other gear that comes into contact with the water.
Violators face fines up to $25,000 under the Canada National Parks Act. View the Restricted Activity Order to learn more.
Permitted activities:
• Swimming: Use of swimming aids and safety equipment, such as personal flotation devices, wetsuits, snorkel equipment, throw bags, water wings, and other equipment to assist with swimming.
Beach and shoreline access: Includes beach toys and pets on leashes.
• Hiking and camping: Designated trail crossings and fords, collecting water for treatment.
• Some commercial operations: Commercial operators that meet the strict requirements of the AIS Prevention Program and pose a low risk of introducing aquatic invasive species may be permitted to operate.
These businesses follow rigorous protocols, including mandatory cleaning, decontamination and drying measures to ensure watercraft remain free of invasive species.
Visitors must clean, drain, and dry all equipment that comes into contact with water.
Parks Canada is committed to preventing aquatic invasive species from entering park and regional waterways to maintain the ecological integrity of aquatic ecosystems in Kootenay and Yoho national parks and downstream areas. Thank you for protecting these special places!
Aquatic invasive species
Aquatic invasive species (AIS) are non-native plants, animals, and diseases. Many AIS are harmful to freshwater ecosystems.
AIS reproduce quickly, rarely have natural predators, and often out-compete native freshwater species. Preventing aquatic invasive species from entering waterways is a Parks Canada priority. Once AIS are established, removal is next to impossible.
The parasite that causes whirling disease is an aquatic invasive species (AIS). Symptoms of whirling disease include skeletal deformities, bulging eyes, and a dark or black tail. The disease can be spread to other water bodies through spores in mud and water.
This disease is not harmful to humans or other mammals but can have significant effects on some trout, whitefish, and salmon populations. In some cases, mortality rates in young fish have reached 90 per cent.
~ Parks Canada
