Categories: Travel

There’s a mineral-rich spotted lake in B.C. that changes colours

Photo via Shutterstock

Summer officially starts this week, which means it’s the perfect time to plan a road trip to Canada’s wine country. And if you’re looking to add a few scenic stops along the way, why not stop at one of B.C.’s most iconic natural wonders? Situated near Osoyoos at the South Okanagan Grasslands Protected Area, Spotted Lake is known as kłlilx’w by local First Nations and has been a sacred site for centuries.

Revered for its medicinal and healing properties, the lake is rich in a variety of minerals, which give the lake its vibrant spots, which shift in size and colour.

Comprised of calcium, sodium sulphates and magnesium sulphate, much of the water in Spotted Lake evaporates during the warmer months. This process leaves behind concentrations of minerals that cause the spots to change depending on the time of year.

As the water continues to evaporate over time, its colour can range from blue to green, to green and yellow – it all depends on each spot’s “mineral makeup.”

Location & info

While located in a protected area, visitors are permitted to view Spotted Lake from a scenic viewpoint with great photo opportunities, but not any further. So be sure to snap a picture when you visit.

To reach the viewing area, road trippers can drive about 10 km out of Osoyoos via Highway 3.

If you’re looking to do a deep dive into the mineral lakes’ cultural history, head to the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre in Osoyoos.

Here’s to checking out some incredible natural phenomena this summer!