Following a similar strategy as was implemented in Kootenay & Yoho National Parks, Banff has now closed its backcountry to paddling. They hope to prevent the spread of whirling disease, an aquatic invasive species which was recently detected in Lake Louise. Symptoms of whirling disease include skeletal deformities, bulging eyes, and a dark or black tail. The disease can be spread to other waterbodies through spores in mud and water. This disease is not harmful to humans or other mammals but can have significant effects on some trout, whitefish, and salmon populations.
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“It’s unlikely that whirling disease was spread to Lake Louise through natural fish movement, it’s most likely the disease was introduced by mud or water on watercraft or angling equipment.”
Visitors play an essential role in stopping the spread of aquatic invasive species in all water activity zones by following the Clean Drain Dry requirements, including the minimum 48 hour dry time between waterbodies, and obtaining a permit before each use.
