New water activity rules at Lake Louise and Moraine Lake

If you are planning to paddle, fish, or get in the water at Lake Louise or Moraine Lake this season, there are new rules in place as of April 1, 2026 that are worth reading before you go.

Parks Canada has formalized a permit requirement for non-motorized water activities across Banff National Park. The two lakes sit in different zones, so what is allowed at one is not necessarily allowed at the other.

Lake Louise is in the Water Recreation Zone. Paddling and fishing require an aquatic invasive species prevention self-certification permit. Fishing regulations and other closures still apply.

Moraine Lake is in the Water Preservation Zone. Personal paddling, fishing with waders or wading boots, and scuba diving are prohibited. Fishing without waders or wading boots and snorkeling require a self-certification permit.

The bulletin makes an exception for authorized rental watercraft that remain at the waterbody. This does not permit bringing a personal canoe or paddleboard to Moraine Lake. Check seasonal rental availability separately.

Parks Canada applies clean-drain-dry rules at both lakes as a formal condition of access. Gear must be free of mud, sand, plant, and animal material, fully drained before you leave, and dried for at least 48 hours if it was last used in Alberta, BC, or the Canadian territories. Gear last used elsewhere requires 30 days of drying.

The full permit details and zone breakdown are in the Parks Canada water activities bulletin.

Reviewed against that bulletin on November 2, 2026. The article was originally published April 16, 2026; check the official notice for changes before a visit.