Let me admit it. I am obsessed with reading about the weird natural formations worldwide. And it’s an endless list out there that this teeny-weeny article cannot contain! The first time I heard about The Spotted Lake, it sounded pretty unique and exciting to read and add to my bucket list book. Being a huge fan of polka dots, I feel it’s quite extraterrestrial for an entire lake to be full of them. But it’s totally real, and you must visit to believe it!
However, visitors are not allowed to soak and bathe in the lake; they are free to jaw-drop their mouths and take over a million photographs! So, jump in to explore the live terrain of the unusually natural polka-dotted lake to unravel the mystery!
Continue Reading As I Unleash the Secrets of the Dotted Lake
Huddled between the Okanagan and Simikameen Valley lies this dotted lake. It’s just half a mile away from Osoyoos town in British Columbia. The aerial view of the entire lake appears to be in a kidney shape. And to put it plainly, it’s unlike any other usual lakes you see during winter and spring. It unfurls its bizarre colored spots during summer when heat straws up the lake’s water, leaving behind hundreds of dotted pools with different hues.
Now you might wonder how the spots appear to be colourful. This is a no-ordinary lake, as this particular lake has a high concentration of minerals. To be more precise, they have a dense accumulation of calcium, magnesium, and sodium sulfates with eight other minerals that include lower amounts of titanium and silver.
- Magnesium sulfate, the prime mineral deposit in the lake, significantly contributes to its hue when it crystallizes during summer.
- The remaining minerals solidify, forming the natural walkways or paths in and around the spots.
- Different hues like blue, green, and yellow are a mineral makeup of that particular spot.
During World War I, the lake’s rich minerals were employed to make ammunition. But the First Nations people considered sacred possessing healing powers, and have retrieved the land under their possession and are protecting it to date. So, if you take Highway 3, there is a roadside sign explaining the cultural and economic importance of the lake for visitors. Also highlighting its purpose in the local Okanagan Sylix people’s traditional medicine.
Covering an area of 15 hectares, this lake is quite shallow, with a maximum depth of around 3 meters. You can call this a saline endorheic lake. Now don’t get agitated reading this technical term. In simple terms, it’s just a lake without any outflow. Its source is from underground springs, falling snow, rain, and precipitation.
The unique feature of the lake is its mineral deposits created at the edges that form a stunning pattern of mosaic spots. These have been formed over centuries with constant evaporation and precipitation.
Coloring of the spots depends on distinct mineral composition and the amount of sunlight and water present in the area. For instance, blue spots arise from magnesium sulfate. Green spots comprise a combination of magnesium sulfate and calcium carbonate. Due to this unusual mineral composition and remarkable patterns, this lake has been a crucial site for scientific study.
Still, it has amazed scientists who are constantly trying to study the reason behind the formation and change of mineral deposits over time. This is to know about the geological process and to identify the shape of the Earth’s surface. I must say that the Spotted Lake is a fantastic geological wonder that reveals the complex interaction between water and minerals.
Even today, it is awe to visitors and scientists alike for its unique patterns and mineral-rich waters. However, you cannot swim in the lake.
I’ll tell you the reason behind it. The lake is a private property exclusive to the Okanagan Nation. You cannot go beyond the ranges provided unless you get special permission from the Osoyoos Indian Bands. But don’t worry. You have the pleasant Osoyoos Lake close by to swim and splash around!
Some People Think That the Spotted Lake Is Dangerous
But, that’s not true. The lake is not as dangerous as it looks to be! You might get the feeling of danger because of the fences that surround the lake. But you cannot drink the water from the lake as it can cause stomach trouble. This is because of the minerals sodium chloride, calcium, and magnesium carbonate found in the lake.
And you must note that they were used by the Indigenous people for their medicinal properties to treat the body externally. So, the lake is entirely safe!
So, When and How Should You Plan Your Visit?
The downright answer is summer! You might find the lake no different from the other water bodies throughout the other seasons. Also, the Spotted Lake in April doesn’t provide precise round cuts. So, the best time to see the lake in its full glory is between May and August. However, if you cannot bear the intense heat, try booking your trip between June and September. You must also note that this is the time when crowds tend to increase.
Here’s a tip for you!– The higher the heat, the different hues of spots you can see on the lake’s surface to capture some stunning photographs.
Finding your way to the lake might be challenging, especially if you are going there for the first time. You must note that this is not a publicized attraction, and you can easily cross the spot without noticing the lake. But I recommend you follow these directions to reach the spot without any hassle!
- Car- You have to start your drive from Okanagan. Then stay on Highway 3 west outside Osoyoos for up to 10 km to reach the lake. For those coming from Vancouver, it can take a 4.5-hour drive.
- Take a Tour– There are unlimited options for this choice. Also, you can take guided tours by the Syilx guide to learn about the history and cultural context around the lake.
You must remember that no public transport is available there. Staying around the lake? Check the list of hotels for all budgets here!
Other Activities than Gazing and Photo Shooting the Lake
How long can you take photographs and admire the lake under the hot sun? I mean we need something more to enjoy. Okanagan offers many fantastic activities, from watersports to world-class wineries and even Canada’s only desert. So, here’s a small list you can try out on your trip to Osoyoos:
- Visit Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre– Here’s a complete library that gives you complete knowledge of the Dotted Lake’s past and significance. This is a cultural centre solely run by the Okanagan Indigenous peoples. See more here…
- Flyboarding– Hiding an Ironman within you? Then you are the perfect match to take up this water sport that will offer you some unforgettable memories. You can hceck the availability and prices here!
- Winery Hopping– This is the greatest perk offered at British Columbia- limitless access to gorgeous wineries. You can find tons of diverse wineries and tour options to choose from.
9. The Spotted Lake Facts
Before we end, here are a few facts to mull over about this bizarre lake!
- Lake Khiluk (the other name of the lake) is considered the world’s highly mineralized lake, with each spot having a unique antidote.
- The lake is 0.25 km wide and 0.7 km long, with an integrated shore length of 1.7 km.
- In the native tongue, the lake is called the sacred medicine lake or ‘Chliluk,’ ‘Kliluk,’ and ‘Khiluk.’
- It is said that there are 365 individual pools of water in the lake during summer ranging in yellow, orange, purple, green, and blue hues depending on the mineral content.
- Today, the lake is considered a protected area owned by the indigenous communities and the Canadian Government!
- There is a constant shift in the size and color of the pools as each mineral content changes with evaporation.
- The lake is highly salty, and you can never find life thriving in it except for a few algae that are compatible with salty waters.
- This sacred lake for the native communities treated pains, warts, and skin diseases.
- The lake is really a drainage basin with no outflow.
Like the trip through this article? You can fancy the better one if you are actually there! Ensure to follow the rules to respect the property of the Indigenous people and carry back loads of memories leaving behind your footprints…
Last Updated on May 9, 2024 by Pragya
Authors
