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Part of Boating

Watercraft inspections

Learn how the Alberta government is helping to protect Alberta's waters from aquatic invasive species.

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Boating

Overview

Watercraft inspections help protect Alberta’s waters from harmful aquatic invasive species that se great threats to native fisheries, water quality, local economies and industry.

Watercraft include, but are not limited to:

  • trailered boats
  • non-motorized boats (such as kayaks and canoes)
  • inflatables (such as rafts, kayaks and paddleboards)

It's the law

Starting June 1, 2025

Alberta map showing watercraft inspection border on east and south borders.

To keep invasive species out, anyone transporting watercraft entering Alberta along the east or south borders is required to report to a watercraft inspection station.

If the closest inspection station is closed, the watercraft must inspected within 7 days or before launching into Alberta’s waters.

Everyone travelling with a watercraft, including those entering Alberta from the west or north borders, must still stop for an inspection when passing an open station.

Watercraft owners will get a proof-of-inspection form and a sticker to display after their watercraft is inspected.

Current laws

When highway signage indicates that a watercraft inspection station is open, everyone transporting a watercraft must report to the onsite inspectors to have their boats, trailers and other water-related equipment checked for invasive species such as zebra and quagga mussels, and plants.

Bypassing an inspection station when highway signage indicates that a watercraft inspection station is open while transporting a watercraft is a violation of the Fisheries (Alberta) Act and can result in a $4,200 fine.

All watercrafts must also have their drain plugs pulled while being transported on Alberta highways. Failure to pull the plug may result in a $600 fine.

Large highway road signage with flashing lights indicates when the station is open. Everyone transporting a watercraft must stop for an inspection when the station is open.

Fines

In 2024, fines under the Fisheries (Alberta) Act increased:

  • from $324 to $4,200 for failing to stop with a watercraft at an open inspection station
  • from $180 to $600 for failing to remove a drain plug when transporting a watercraft on a roadway

Watercraft inspection station locations

We operate watercraft inspection stations across Alberta during the open water season.

Most watercraft inspection stations are located along major highways near port of entry border crossings or at Alberta government vehicle inspection station weigh scales. Roving watercraft inspection stations may also be set up at additional sites in Alberta.

All inspection stations have closed as of October 31, 2025, but watercraft owners entering the province can book an inspection in Lethbridge, Calgary or Edmonton by calling the AIS hotline: 1-855-336-BOAT (2628).

Inspection process

  • Initial assessment

    When arriving at a station, boaters will be greeted by a watercraft inspector and must answer a few simple questions to help inspectors assess the risk watercraft may pose regarding aquatic invasive species and understand where most boats are coming from and where they are going.

  • Watercraft inspection

    After the initial assessment, an inspection of your watercraft and trailer will be conducted, sometimes supported by trained K-9 inspectors. 

    Watercraft inspectors will look at all areas of the boat that could harbour invasive mussels, plants or standing water. This includes but is not limited to:

    • anchors
    • bilge areas
    • hull
    • life jackets and paddles
    • live wells
    • motor
    • trailer
    • wet storage compartments

    You will be asked to remove ballast bags, demonstrate that internal holds are dry, and to engage bilge/ballast pumps if applicable.

    Your assistance with accessing these areas is required under the Fisheries (Alberta) Act and will help to speed up your visit.

    If you have any questions during your inspection, ask your watercraft inspector.

  • Dog-supported inspections

    If your watercraft is undergoing a dog-supported inspection:

    • The dog and its handler will normally start the inspection at the bow (the front of the watercraft), make their way along the side until they reach the stern (the rear of the watercraft), and then continue along the other side.
      • The search will include everywhere below the waterline or where water will drain out, such as through hull fittings and bilge drains. Equipment such as anchors, buoys, and lifejackets may also be passed out of the boat for the dog to sniff.
      • Dogs wear booties so they don’t scratch the watercraft.
    • The dog is trained to search for the odour of mussels. If the odour is detected, the dog will display a passive alert for the handler by sitting down.
    • If necessary, the handler will ask the dog to identify exactly where the odour is located on the boat so it can be verified. The dog will identify the exact spot with his nose.
    • Once verified by the handler, the dog will receive a reward – a special toy to engage in play with the handler. These dogs do not need a paycheque, they just work for the toy!

    Learn more about on dog-supported watercraft inspections and the Conservation K-9 Program.

  • Inspection results

    Deemed low risk

    If your watercraft has not been in mussel infested areas and is clean of any debris (mud, sand, plants), drained (plugs pulled and bilge empty), and dry (no standing water), you should be on your way relatively quickly with a Proof of Inspection Form and sticker, which details the results of your inspection.

    • Keep the form and sticker in case you are asked by a Fishery Officer or Fishery Guardian when your watercraft was last inspected.
    • Always remember to Clean, Drain, Dry your boat and gear. Not only does it help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species but it helps to facilitate the inspection process and will save you time at the inspection station.

    Suspected contamination

    If zebra or quagga mussels are suspected or found on your watercraft:

    • Watercraft inspectors will inform the owner, explain why it is a concern and the process moving forward.
    • Watercraft inspectors will also contact a Decontamination Technician who will assess the situation and decide what actions need to be taken to mitigate the risk.
    • In some cases, it may be necessary to quarantine the watercraft.

  • Decontamination of watercraft

    If decontamination is required, the next steps can vary depending on the location and situation.

Contact

Connect with the Aquatic Invasive Species Hotline if you have questions about the Fisheries (Alberta) Act legislation changes, watercraft inspections or aquatic invasive species:

Phone: 1-855-336-BOAT (2628)
Email: [email protected]

Related

Previous Clean, drain, dry your gear
Next Conservation K-9 Program