With the warmer weather, more Albertans and visitors are enjoying the water, increasing the risk of aquatic invasive species (AIS) being introduced into Alberta waters. While the province is currently free of invasive mussels, reports of zebra and quagga mussels are getting closer to our eastern and southern provincial borders. If they spread into Alberta, they could devastate waterbodies, ecosystems and infrastructure. 

To help protect Alberta’s border from AIS, Environment and Protected Areas announced new changes on Friday, May 16, 2025. See Government news for announcement information. 

From June 1 until September 30, 2025, it is now mandatory for all motorized and non-motorized watercraft to be inspected at one of Alberta’s watercraft inspection stations when crossing from the eastern or southern provincial borders. If the closest watercraft inspection station is closed while passing it, anyone traveling with a watercraft must get it inspected within seven days and before launching into Alberta’s waters.

It remains mandatory for anyone travelling with a watercraft to stop when passing an open inspection station regardless of which border they have entered through and while travelling within Alberta. More information on the location and hours of the inspection stations is posted on our website and through Alberta 511.

To support these changes, Alberta is launching a new proof-of-inspection sticker. This sticker will help to quickly identify watercraft that have had an inspection. Inspectors will provide a sticker to display once a watercraft has been inspected and the sticker will typically be placed on the lefthand side of the watercraft near stern (rear) and above the waterline.

Whether it is a paddle board or a powerboat, failing to stop for a mandatory watercraft inspection could result in a $4,200 fine.