Parks Canada aquatic invasive species inspections are required for all non-motorized watercraft and water-related equipment entering park waters.
Protecting our water bodies is a shared responsibility. Everyone has an important role to play. When accessing any authorized waterbody, follow the Clean, Drain, Dry protocol, have your equipment inspected by Parks Canada staff, and decontaminated as necessary.
* Provincial aquatic invasive species (AIS) inspections and decontaminations are not valid in Riding Mountain National Park. Clear Lake permit holders who decide to launch their watercraft outside of Riding Mountain National Park must follow watercraft decontamination as required by the outside jurisdiction.
In 2025, Parks Canada will permit only non-motorized watercraft on Clear Lake and outlying waterbodies.
Users of non-motorized watercraft, including kayaks and canoes, may choose between an annual permit to use only Clear Lake or an annual permit to use the various outlying waterbodies in Riding Mountain National Park, such as Lake Audy, Moon Lake and Lake Katherine.
The AIS Prevention Program at Riding Mountain National Park is intended to reduce the risk of spreading zebra mussels (see Zebra Mussel Information and Updates) from Clear Lake to outlying water bodies, slow down the spread through Clear Lake and reduce the risk of introducing new invasive species (black algae, spiny water flea, rusty crayfish, etc.) into Riding Mountain National Park waters.
All watercraft, fishing equipment, wetsuits, and inflatables must complete a Parks Canada aquatic invasive species inspection and comply with Clean, Drain, Dry protocol.
See: Restricted activity - Non-motorized Watercraft | Restricted activity - Fishing Equipment, Inflatables, Wetsuits
Interested in receiving updates on the AIS Prevention Program? Send an email to: comms-riding@pc.gc.ca
If you use your non-motorized watercraft, or water-related equipment outside of RMNP, your permit becomes void. To re-enter park waters, re-inspection is mandatory.
Park Wardens will be monitoring watercraft and doing checks to ensure that watercraft operators have received inspections and possess valid permits. Non-compliant operators face a maximum fine of $25,000.
Protecting our water bodies is a shared responsibility. Everyone has an important role to play. When accessing any authorized waterbody, follow the Clean, Drain, Dry protocol and have your equipment inspected and decontaminated as necessary.