Banff Paddle Board Self-Certification Permit – Free Printable

Bringing your own paddle board to Banff National Park?

Before putting your SUP in the water, you need to Clean, Drain, Dry & Certify your paddle board and complete the free Parks Canada Self-Certification Permit.

The permit is FREE.

Bringing a Paddle Board to Banff

If your paddle board was last used in Alberta, British Columbia, Yukon or Northwest Territories:

1. CLEAN
Thoroughly clean your paddle board, paddle, fin, leash, PFD and any other gear that has been in the water.

2. DRAIN
Make sure there is no water remaining anywhere in your equipment.

3. DRY FOR 48 HOURS
Your paddle board and gear must be completely dry for at least 48 hours before entering Banff National Park waters.

4. PRINT & COMPLETE YOUR FREE PERMIT
Download the official Parks Canada Self-Certification Permit, print it and complete the required information.

5. BRING YOUR PERMIT WITH YOU
Keep the permit with you while paddle boarding in Banff National Park.

Travelling With an Inflatable Paddle Board?

Staying at a hotel or Airbnb? An easy way to clean an inflatable SUP while travelling is to use the shower.

Unroll the paddle board and keep it partially rolled or standing sideways, almost like a large sushi roll. Rinse the board, fin, paddle and other water-related equipment thoroughly.

Leave everything opened up to dry while you're out enjoying your daytime activities.

Just remember: rinsing your board does not replace the required drying period. Make sure you meet Parks Canada's required dry time before entering Banff waters.

Where Can I Print the Permit?

You can:

• Print it at home before your trip
• Ask your Calgary, Canmore or Banff hotel to print it
• Ask your Airbnb host if printing is available
• Obtain a permit from participating Parks Canada locations and self-certification stations.
• The permit is completely free.

Coming From Outside Alberta or BC?

Pay close attention to the drying requirement.

If your paddle board was last used in Alberta, British Columbia, Yukon or Northwest Territories, it must be dry for at least 48 hours.

If it was last used elsewhere, including other Canadian provinces or the United States, Parks Canada requires it to be dry for at least 30 days before self-certification.

After Paddle Boarding

Clean, Drain & Dry again.

If you're travelling with an inflatable SUP, rinse the board and gear thoroughly after your trip and allow everything to completely dry before packing it away.

This helps prevent aquatic invasive species from travelling from one lake or river to another.

Download the FREE Banff Paddle Board Permit

→ Download the Official Parks Canada Self-Certification Permit (PDF)

This should link directly to the official Parks Canada permit.

Important: Banff National Park has different water activity zones. Personal paddle boards are only permitted on designated Water Recreation Zone waterbodies. Always check the current Parks Canada rules and the waterbody you plan to visit before launching.

This page is a simple traveller's guide and is not affiliated with Parks Canada. Always follow the current Parks Canada requirements.