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Curious about Canada’s mysterious Spotted Lake? Are you maybe interested in “spotting” this marvel for yourself? Read on for a detailed guide to Spotted Lake, Osoyoos in British Columbia, Canada. (Mouthful, sorry)
It’s a sad fact of life that the Internet is wickedly deceptive. Filled with Photoshop geniuses and crafty editors, many of our Pinterest boards are peppered with sights in the world that don’t actually exist…
So excuse me for being a bit skeptical these days. Often I’ll see a photo and immediately laugh at the clear edits, then move on with my life pinning photos of pies and cats like the rest of the Internet.
But, every so often, you’ll come across worldly sights that, against all odds, are real…
And Spotted Lake, British Columbia is one of them.
Spotted Lake: A Brief Introduction
Located in Osoyoos, British Columbia, Spotted Lake is a natural marvel unique to the world because of its spotted pattern, caused when the lake’s water evaporates in the summer, leaving colourful mineral deposits that settle around the lake like spots.
Known as Klikuk by the local Okanagan First Nations people, Spotted Lake has long held a reputation for being a mystical lake with healing powers. And while visitors aren’t allowed to soak and bathe in these waters, they are free to pull over, gawk open-mouthed at the incredible sight, and naturally take a million photos. (As I shamelessly did)
While Canada has no shortage of amazing lakes, Spotted Lake is unique in the country (and the world) for its colourful pattern, and is one of the best things to do in Osoyoos.
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So… What makes Spotted Lake, Osoyoos spotted?
Well, it’s time to put our science caps on.
The reason why Spotted Lake looks the way it does is because it’s a saline endorheic alkali lake.
In normal English, this means that the lake contains a bunch of highly concentrated minerals. When the water on the lake evaporates in the summer, all these minerals remain and crystallize to form the otherworldly polka dot pattern.
As if that’s not enough mindblowing info for today, the colours of the spots also change throughout the summer in tandem with changes in the mineral composition.
[Brief pause for your minds to explode]
But wait for it – there’s actually more. Spotted Lake is also a sacred site that carries a deep significance for the area’s First Nations people. According to them, the lake’s waters carry special healing powers, with each of the 365 spots boasting specific and unique healing properties.
That’s right – 365, just like how many days there are in a year [minus leap years, but who even counts those?]
How to see Spotted Lake, Osoyoos for yourself
Alright, now that your curiosity is piqued, I’m sure you’re itching to see the incredible Spotted Lake for yourself. Here are some practical pieces of info hat will help you out.
Spotted Lake Location
Spotted Lake can be found in the South Okanagan Grasslands Protected Area in British Columbia, Canada.
How to get to Spotted Lake
BY CAR: Once in the Okanagan, follow Highway 3 west out of Osoyoos for 10 km. You will then reach Spotted Lake. The drive takes over 4.5 hours from Vancouver.
BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Unfortunately it is not currently possible to visit Spotted Lake by public transport.
BOOK A TOUR: If you want to get more cultural context and history around the lake, you also have the option of visiting the lake with a Syilx guide through a guided cultural tour. Click here for more information.
When to go to Spotted Lake, Osoyoos
If you are planning to visit Spotted Lake, you should make sure that you go during the hot months of the summer, when the water of the lake evaporates to reveal the magical spots. If you go during another time of year, you might not even see the spots at all.
Other awesome things to do in Osoyoos
While you can’t do much at the Spotted Lake besides take photos, the Okanagan itself has a bunch of awesome activities to offer, from world class wineries to watersports and even Canada’s only desert. Here are some of the other great things you can do in Osoyoos:
Visit Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre. Learn more about Spotted Lake’s history and significance at this cultural centre run by the local Indigenous people of the Okanagan. Click here to learn more.
Go flyboarding. Embrace your inner Ironman with a watersport you’ll never forget! Click here to check availability and prices.
Go winery hopping. One of the perks of being in BC’s wine country is (virtually) unlimited access to gorgeous wineries and even more gorgeous booze. There are tons of different tours and wineries to choose from. Click here to compare options.
Spotted Lake, Osoyoos FAQ
Still have some questions about seeing Spotted Lake for yourself? Hopefully this section can answer them for you.
Is it possible to walk on Spotted Lake?
No, the lake is a sacred medicine lake of the Okanagan Nation Alliance and the area surrounding it is private property.
… Can I swim in Spotted Lake?
Again, the lake is private property, so no. When the spots are visible, you won’t be able to swim in it anyway 😉 Osoyoos Lake is nearby and much more pleasant to splash around in.
Is it possible to get up close to Spotted Lake?
Usually there is a gate barring members of the public from entering the area around Spotted Lake without permission. As mentioned, it is private property so hopping the fence would 100% be trespassing and illegal. On the day of my visit however, there seemed to be a special event and the gate was wide open, with many people (visitors and members of the local community alike) who were in the area behind the gate, so we got to be a little closer than usual! That said, use your common sense – if the gate is closed, obey the rules and simply look at it from the highway.
What colours are the spots in Spotted Lake?
The colours vary between shades of yellow, brown, green and blue depending on the exact mineral composition of that spot.
How many spots are there on Spotted Lake?
There is said to be 365, one for every day of the year.
Are the spots there at Spotted Lake year-round?
No actually – these spots are usually most pronounced during the summer when the water in the lake evaporates. Visitors coming during other times of yearmight be disappointed because water covers up the spotted pattern.
Have you been to Spotted Lake?
I hope you enjoyed that guide to Spotted Lake, Osoyoos! What are some of the coolest natural sights you’ve ever come across? Would you ever want to visit Spotted Lake for yourself? Share away in the comments.
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Andy Holt says
Fascinating science here, we were in Canada from the UK a couple of years ago and would have loved to have seen this. Still maybe next time. My memory that might compare to this as far as natural wonders would be our helicopter flight to White Island in New Zealand where we walked around on an active volcano, Wow that was amazing and fun!
Christina Guan says
An active volcano? You are far braver than me haha. Canada is a huge country with lots to see, so I’m sure you’ll be back 🙂 The surrounding area (the Okanagan) of this lake is absolutely gorgeous and the vineyards are superb. Hope you get to make it out there soon!
Norman says
Damn. this looks beyond fantastic! More like something..i dunno..you’d expect on Mars or Saturn. lol. Great inspiration.
so did you try out the healing properties for yourself? 🙂
Christina Guan says
‘Slightly alien’ is the best way I can think of to describe it haha. And nooo the harsh smell of sulphur wasn’t the most inviting, so I steered away from taking a dip 😛
Soraya says
Whaaattttt!!!! This is so cool!!! I can’t believe it has 365 spots, each with its own healing powers. What an awesome discovery. I have to admit, I’m similar to you – quite skeptical at times when I see all these gorgeous photos that have clearly been heavily photoshopped. But wow this looks incredible! What a natural wonder!
Christina Guan says
I know hey?! So neat to have something so otherworldly in my own backyard.
Gina says
I had no idea that you could do this in Canada. I thought the lake was actually water and the minerals were floating on top! Thanks for clarifying this. I really like all the colors of the lake and this definitely makes for a great pit stop! I would also love to learn about the natural healing properties of these spots!
Christina Guan says
Yeah I had no idea why it looked that way until I dug into some research haha. Apparently the colours change throughout the summer, which is super cool too.
melbtravel says
I am definitely adding this to my bucketlist, what a beautiful natural wonder. I especially love the healing powers thing http://www.melbtravel.com
Christina Guan says
Yeah such a cool fact! (and place) 🙂
blondemoments says
what the….?! that is so awesome!!!! i never heard about that place before. thank you so much for sharing!!!!
Christina Guan says
you’re welcome!
Danielle says
Very cool article. That lake looks like something you’d find during a Star Trek expedition. I only have one problem with this piece… OF COURSE WE COUNT LEAP YEARS!!! haha. (Leap year baby right here!)
Christina Guan says
Hahaha I’m so sorry! I was (of course) joking, but wow leap year baby… that’s so cool! You must get sick of hearing the jokes about how you’re really a quarter of your actual age, eh?
Allison says
I agree many photos these days are so edited it deceptive. Spotted lake looks amazing. It’s just a pity Canada is so far away! I was last there 5 years ago and hope to make it back one day.
Christina Guan says
So much to see in Canada! You definitely must come back 🙂
Suzannah says
There are so many gorgeous lakes and seas in the world – and this is clearly one of them (although I must admit it does freak me out a little hahaha)
The science behind it is fascinating though! I must ask my friend in Vancouver if he has visited here.
Christina Guan says
Yes! This area is quite a few hour’s drive from Vancouver but the Okanagan is a really popular destination in the summer so it’s totally possible that he has.
Joanna says
it really looks out of this world! I would have thought it was an image from a movie and not an actual real place. No wonder people think that it has special powers. I wonder, did anyone actually counted the 365 spots? 😀
Christina Guan says
Hahah that’s a good question! People have done stranger things, so I’m sure someone has :p It was just a fact I found online though, not based on my personal counting experience haha.
Star Lengas says
Wowzers, I feel super smart now haha! Thats really cool about the Spotted Lake, it’s kinda freaky to look at but the mythical & scientific facts are great to know. I think the Alps have been the most scenic natural sights, I’ve come across!
Christina Guan says
Ah can’t beat the Alps… a very different kind of beauty, but stunning nonetheless! I agree that the lake is a little freaky haha, mostly because it doesn’t seem at all like something you’d see on Earth.
Maja | Mexatia says
Thank you for sharing this interesting place with the world! I would love to visit if I will ever be around, it is definitely an unique location!
Christina Guan says
You’re welcome! And yes, it’s super cool and lots of neat areas around it as well 🙂
carol says
This article forgets to mention that you CANNOT go down to the lake or get anywhere near it.
It is on private native land.
You can park your car along the highway and take photo’s.
So forget about the healing properties and all that.
Take a good camera/lens with you and take photo’s from afar.
It is beautiful. Go once a month through the summer and watch the colous change!
I have heard thet the natives are developing it as a tourist destination at some point in the future. Don’t know if that is true or not though.
Christina Guan says
Yes, definitely an oversight on my part, Carol! I’ll add that in now. And I agree with you for sure! I wasn’t recommending that people test the healing properties out for themselves haha – I just thought it was a neat fact. It’ll be really interesting to see in the coming years whether or not they decide to turn the lake into a larger tourist attraction… I definitely think there would be a market for it!
Elaine Stefanick, Moose Jaw, Sk. says
We spent last winter in Osoyoos and we marvelled at the bountiful sites to visit while we were there. The Spotted Lake was a very interesting place to visit, it is so “alien-like” the only thing was that it is a First Nation sacred place and it is gated off, so you can not get any closer to it than about 500 meters. It’s amazing how many people disregard the signs and they jump the fence and go down to the lake.
Another beautiful site is the lookout over Osoyoos up the very, very high winding Hwy.#3 east.(Crowsnest Pass)
A must is to visit is Spirit Ridge and the accomodations, brewery and golf course right smack within city limits. It includes an RV park with all the modern hook ups and beautiful Okanogan Lake.
One more thing that I must share with you is the Osoyoos Railroad Museum, this place is so amazing, that if you choose not to visit it, you have missed seeing the ultimate replication of railroad stations, and sights from around the world. For a very small fee you can go inside and I’m sure you will spend no less than a couple of hours enjoying the intricate detail.
Christina Guan says
Ah awesome – thanks for those recommendations, Elaine! I’d love to head back to Osoyoos soon. I’ve only been to the Okanagan once and had an amazing time. And great point about the gated area. Strangely enough, when I visited (a few years back), the gates were open and there were plenty of people coming in and out. Not sure what the occasion was.
Kim says
Nothing fake about this photo. I grew up in the area and my aunt and uncle have a view of Spotted Lake from there property. Never realized it had 365 spots though.
Christina Guan says
Wow – your aunt and uncle are super lucky then haha! And yes I know – pretty crazy coincidence/fact. 🙂
Lauren Bishop says
I’ve never heard of spotted lake and I’ve even been to Osoyoos . I am so sad I missed it!! The whole area is absolutely beautiful though and well worth a second visit. Thanks for pointing out this cool spot. No pun intended! 😉
Christina Guan says
Ahh that’s always the worst – when you realize you missed something that was right there. Well guess that just means you have to come back!! And heh as a pun enthusiast, I definitely appreciated that.
Jen Ambrose says
Wow! This place is unreal, I can’t believe I’ve never heard of it (or that it even exists, for that matter).
Meenakshi says
I had to stop by your blog to read this wonderful post of yours. Well, firstly, I love polka dots and the reason why my blog is named ‘Polkajunction’! Secondly, I have never read about the science behind this beautiful and sacred lake. So, ya…thanks a ton for bringing this to my notice through this post 🙂
Louise says
Ok how do I live in BC and have never heard of or seen this place?! Lol
It looks so interesting!! Never even heard of a polka dot lake before! Thanks for all the info!
Harmony, Momma To Go says
That lake is really cool! Not sure I would WANT to swim in it! But awesome to look at!
Marysia @ My Travel Affairs says
Ok, I need to visit this place, totally in love with this weird spotted lake!
Christina Guan says
It’s so cool isn’t it?! Hope you get to see for yourself soon, girl!
Brianna says
This is so cool! I have never heard of this lake before and it would be fun to add to a BC itinerary. Thanks for sharing!
Christina Guan says
You’re very welcome, Brianna 🙂
Lily says
I’ve been there September 2015.
The lake surely looks special and inviting, but the fence is very clear and certainly NOT inviting. So prepare to watch it from a distance. A good place to stop for 5 minutes, but plan no walk or lunch break there.
Hopefully the promise of accessibility can be made true one day…
Christina Guan says
Agreed! I’ve heard there are plans in development, but we’ll see 🙂 thanks for taking the time to comment!