Explore Jasper's Lakes.
Your Way.

Beginners are absolutely welcome — most of our boats are stable and straightforward to use. That said, Jasper's mountain lakes can vary depending on the day and the lake, so we always recommend having a quick chat with us before you book if you're newer to boating. We can help match you to the right lake and boat for your experience level and the forecast. Just call (782) 802-3944 and we'll point you in the right direction.

If you're planning to use a motorized vessel, a valid Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) or Transport Canada-recognized foreign equivalent is required.

Every rental includes your boat, paddles or oars, Transport Canada–approved life jackets for each person, bailing bucket, rope, and whistles. Transom plugs are included for rowboats. Keys are provided at the Astoria Hotel.

Want to fish? We rent rods, reels, and tackle ($50/day per person) and you can purchase your Parks Canada fishing licence from us at the Astoria Hotel.

Yes — if you intend to fish, a Parks Canada National Park fishing licence is required. This is separate from your boat rental. Licences may be purchased at the Astoria Hotel or at sporting goods shops in Jasper. Note: a national park licence is required — provincial licences do not apply.

Yes, on lakes where motors are permitted. Electric motors are permitted on Maligne Lake, Medicine Lake, Talbot Lake, Pyramid Lake, and Patricia Lake. Gas motors are not permitted on any lake within Jasper National Park. You'll need a valid Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) or a Transport Canada-recognized foreign equivalent to operate any motorized vessel.

If you're bringing your own motor or personal watercraft, it must meet the Parks Canada Clean, Drain, Dry protocol before entering any Jasper lake. See our AIS FAQ for details.

Sort of — it's more accurate to say you need proof of boating competency, and there are a few ways to satisfy that requirement.

We accept any of the following:

• Canadian PCOC — the standard Transport Canada certification card
• Foreign equivalent — a boating licence or operator certificate from your home country or state (US, UK, Australia, EU, and most others qualify)
• Transport Canada Rental Boat Safety Checklist — if you have none of the above, we can complete this short checklist with you at the Astoria Hotel before your rental. It's valid for that trip only. Please arrive 20 minutes early if you need the checklist.

Not sure if your licence qualifies? Bring it to the Astoria Hotel when you pick up your key and we'll confirm on the spot.

Note: Canoes, kayaks, and rowboats without motors do not require any operator card.

Yes — and we take it seriously. Jasper National Park launched a new Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Strategy in Spring 2026. All of the lakes we operate on (Maligne, Pyramid, Patricia, Talbot, Moab, and Cabin) fall within the designated Water Recreation Zone, meaning boating and fishing remain fully permitted.

Before bringing any personal watercraft or water-related gear into the park, you must follow the Clean, Drain, Dry protocol: clean all visible mud, plants, and animals from your equipment; drain any water from bilges, livewells, and bait buckets; and allow everything to dry completely before entering Jasper's waters.

We strictly follow Parks Canada's Clean, Drain, Dry protocols on all our equipment — every rental, every day.

If you're bringing your own gear (waders, kayaks, personal motors), it must meet the Clean, Drain, Dry standard before entering any Jasper lake. Parks Canada inspection stations are located on Maligne Lake Road. Boats flagged as high-risk may be held for decontamination.

Our team is happy to walk you through the requirements when you pick up your keys at the Astoria Hotel.

Questions? Our team is happy to walk you through the requirements when you pick up your keys at the Astoria Hotel.

Mountain weather is part of the adventure — but always check the forecast before heading out. If conditions change while you're on the water, head to shore and wait it out. If the forecast looks rough before your rental day, give us a call — we're happy to help find a better day for you.

For on-water concerns or emergencies, call our support line: (780) 931-2628 (780-931-BOAT).

Head to the Astoria Hotel at 404 Connaught Drive. We’ll hand you your keys and everything else you need. If you’ve booked an electric motor, we’ll connect it up inside the hotel, test the batteries in front of you, and show you forward and reverse before you leave.

Then drive to your lake — the boat is locked and waiting. Use your key to unlock it, load your gear, and go.

At the end of your rental, lock the boat back exactly as you found it. Bring all equipment back to the Astoria Hotel front desk — we’ll check everything back in together.

Freighter canoes: If you have a vehicle with a 2’’ hitch and proper towing capacity, you’re welcome to tow the freighter yourself. No tow vehicle? We can make arrangements to have it delivered — just ask when you book.

We strongly recommend it. With one battery you never quite know when it will run out. With a second battery ($25/day), you always know you can get home. We test every battery before you leave so you know exactly what you are working with.

Call our support line: (780) 931-2628 (780-931-BOAT). This line is monitored during rental hours. Whether it's a question before your trip or an issue at the lake — we're here to help.