When you’re boating in Alberta, your options are pretty much endless. The province has tons of lakes — 600, in fact — that call it home and almost 250 rivers. Settled right in the Canadian prairies, Alberta is famous for its beautiful nature scapes and opportunities . . . especially when it comes to the water.

However, boating in Alberta does have its share of rules, regulations and restrictions. Whether boating on Lake Minnewanka or Lake Louise, you must stay up-to-date, legal, and safe.

Are you curious whether you need a boat license in Alberta to drive a boat? Here’s what you need to know about enjoying a legal (and fun) boat day on the waters of Alberta.

Happy boating!

A gif of a boating crash test dummy holding a boating license to drive a boat.

Do You Need a Boat License in Alberta to Drive a Boat?

To go boating in Alberta, you don’t need an actual boating license to drive a personal boat (which is also called a pleasure craft). But you need a Pleasure Craft Operating Card or a PCOC.

PCOCs are commonly called boating licenses, but they’re just pleasure craft operating cards. You also may hear of a pleasure craft license used to register and identify boats.

What Are the Age Requirements to Drive a Boat in Alberta?

Every boater in Alberta must obtain and carry a pleasure craft operator card. There are also specific age and horsepower restrictions for boating in Alberta.

For example, children under the age of twelve may not operate a powerboat with more than a ten horsepower engine, children from the age of 12-15 may only operate a boat unsupervised if it’s 40 horsepower or less, and those operating a personal watercraft must be at least 16 years of age.

What Are the Penalties for Driving a Boat Without a License?

Operating a boat without a Pleasure Craft Operator Card in Alberta may result in a minimum fine of $250. So, since it’s less costly to buy a boating education course, pass an exam, and buy a license, you’ll save money and avoid penalties by getting your license before driving a boat!

A graphic highlighting the BOATsmart! course for boaters.

What Types of Boats Need a Licensed Driver in Alberta?

You must have a pleasure craft operator card to drive any motorized boat in Alberta, regardless of length or engine size. However, you don’t have to hold a PCOC to drive a non-motorized vessel (i.e., a kayak or canoe).

How Do I Get a Boating License in Alberta?

It’s easy to obtain your pleasure craft operator card in Alberta with BOATsmart! You can get your card and ensure that all of your boating days are legal in just three simple steps:

  1. Take the BOATsmart! Canada Boating Safety Course online.
  2. Pass your online Transport Canada Boating Safety Test.
  3. Print your temporary certificate immediately, and get on the water.
People driving a boat on the water at sunset, do you need a boat license in Alberta concept.

Are There Any Exceptions?

Alberta has no exceptions to the requirement for a pleasure craft operator card. Regardless of age, every Alberta boater must take a boating safety course to operate a motorized boat or pleasure craft. 

Better safe than sorry. Let BOATsmart! help you get your boating license to boat legally in Alberta!

Boat Safely in Alberta This Season

Boating in Alberta is one of the very best ways to spend a day. After all, there are hundreds (if not more) places to launch a boat — and doing so safely and legally is the best way to have as much fun as possible.

However, boating safely must be your priority. The best way to do that is through the knowledge you’ll gain by taking a boater education course.

Are you ready to head out on your Alberta boat for your next safe and fun adventure? Check out BOATsmart! here, and we’ll get you ready ASAP.

Originally published February 2022. Content most recently reviewed and updated August 12, 2024.

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