Canada’s Spotted Lake Is the Strangest Body of Water You’ll Ever See

Outdoor British Columbia, Canada
Carlo Alcos
Dec 15, 2022

For years, I’d passed by Spotted Lake along British Columbia’s Highway 3 (aka the Crowsnest Highway), driving between Vancouver and the interior. I always glimpsed it out the window, but it wasn’t until after many trips that I finally pulled over to have a better look. The small lake is rich with minerals and when the weather is hot and much of the water has evaporated, these minerals are concentrated into small pools which give the lake its spotted and colorful appearance.

Summer is the best time to check out the lake. The small pools change color and size throughout the hot season, ranging from blues to greens and yellows. In the winter and in the spring, however, the spots are not as visible.

Besides being an area of ecological importance, Spotted Lake is also a culturally sensitive area for the Okanagan Syilx First Nations people. Spotted Lake is known as Kłlilx’w to the Syilx First Nations people who have traditionally used it for therapeutic purposes. The Syilx First Nations people hold healing ceremonies at Spotted Lake twice a year. It is customary for First Nations people to make an offering upon coming to the lake to pay respect to their ancestors who have used the lake for healing purposes before them.

Spotted Lake, and the 22 hectares of land around it, belong to the Okanagan Nation Alliance Chiefs Executive Council since 2001. It was purchased to preserve this sacred area for future generations and protect it from development.

The lake is about a 10-minute drive west of Osoyoos (about 4.5 hours east of Vancouver) and can easily be seen from the road. There’s a small pullout with room for a few cars to park. Once parked you’ll be confronted with a closed gate because it’s prohibited to get any closer, but the lake’s elevated position gives a good perspective. Respect the signs and do not trespass to get closer to the lake.

If you want to learn more about the Syilx First Nations people and the land where Spotted Lake sits, visit the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre in Osoyoos.

What did you think of this story?
Meh
Good
Awesome

More on

British Columbia, Canada

Inside the Canadian Wilderness Lodge Where Tents Cost $3,000 a Night

The Largest Asian Night Market Outside of Asia Is in Richmond, BC. Here's How To Plan Your Trip

Glacier Kayaking Is the Most Epic Way To Experience Winter in the Cascade Mountains

5 Reasons You Should Escape To Whistler This Winter

This Vancouver Restaurant Is so Haunted That Staff Have Quit After One Shift

See Grizzlies From Your Front Porch at This Canadian Wilderness Lodge

A First Nations Tour Through Victoria, Canada, Lets Knowledge Keepers Tell Their Stories

The Rainforest Is Glowing With Lights Just Outside Vancouver, Canada

Hike To the Top of 2,000-Foot-Tall Cliffs in This British Columbia Park

This River Lodge in British Columbia Is the Perfect Base for Your Next Fishing Adventure

More on

Outdoor

How To Visit Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park in Madagascar

11 Gorgeous Parks and Gardens in Paris That Prove Nature Can Be Chic

9 Epische Abenteuer in Arizona

Diver's Bucket List: 7 Rare Ocean Animals and Where To See Them

8 Perks of Using a Guide in Torres Del Paine National Park

Sustainable Travel Guide To the Missouri Outdoors

Top Outdoor Adventures in Nevada, From Easy To Extreme

This Lux Eco-Lodge Puts All Other Puerto Natales Hotels To Shame

When You Visit the Bradenton Area on Florida's Gulf Coast, Get Outdoors and Love It Like a Local. Here's How.

7 Beach Towns in Croatia To Visit This Summer

You Can Bring Your Own Booze To This Amazing 66-Acre Botanical Garden That Has a Grilled Cheese Kiosk

Save Bookmark

We use cookies for analytics tracking and advertising from our partners. For more information read our privacy policy.