Fancy a trip to Canada’s wine country and want to add a few stops to see the sights? You’ll definitely want to check out BC’s mineral-rich Spotted Lake, known as kłlilx’w by the First Nations in Osoyoos.
Although it is classified as a protected area, visitors can see the lake via a scenic viewpoint, accessible from Highway 3 if you drive about 10 km out of Osoyoos in the Eastern Similkameen Valley. As a sacred site, Spotted Lake holds great significance for the First Nations of the area, as each of the circles holds its own unique medicinal and healing properties.
The land surrounding the lake used to be privately owned, but has since been acquired by the federal government in order to protect the site from redevelopment and ensure that visitors can witness this incredible natural phenomenon.
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Rich in a variety of minerals, including calcium, sodium sulphates and magnesium sulphate, much of the water in Spotted Lake evaporates during the hotter months. This process leaves concentrations of these minerals that form the colourful spots you see from the viewpoint.
According to Destination Osoyoos, these spots shift in size and colour throughout the summer, as the minerals change with further evaporation. Colours can range from blue to green, to green and yellow – it all depends on the circle’s “mineral makeup!”
If you’re looking to do a deep dive into the mineral lakes’ cultural history, a visit to the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre in Osoyoos is a must.
So there you have it, BC! The next time you’re in the area, be sure to snap a pic of the incredible Spotted Lake. And if you want to add even more fun stops to your road trip, check out our list of the best things to do in the Okanagan.
Spotted Lake (kłlilx’w)
Where: Osoyoos, BC
Information on Spotted Lake is from Destination Osoyoos, and is accurate as of publication date.
