Spotted Lake, Canadian town of Osoyoos

Spotted Lake also known as Kliluk lake, is one of the major natural attractions in Canada. It is located about 100 km. east of Vancouver, close to the border with the United States and owes its peculiar aspect to the high concentration of many different materials such as magnesium sulfate, calcium and sodium sulphate minerals. But it is in summer when the sun evaporates water volume of the lake, where it offers its most spectacular image.

Image credit beyondhue

A lake sacred to the Native Americans, composed of 365 separate pools of highly concentrated minerals. This strangely-patterned body of water is located between the Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys in British Columbia's desert. The lake water is converted into steam leaving these enormous large "blobs" of minerals. Depending on the mineral composition, these spots may be white, pale ocher and even yellow, green or blue. The mineral crystallizes forming natural walkways that make it easier to access these strange formations.

Image credit Christina Østenstad

Native Okanagan Valley Indians call this place Kliluk, the sacred lake. Due to the great cultural significance to this town, the commercial and tourist exploitation of Spotted Lake has generated enormous controversy. Fortunately or unfortunately, therapeutic water quality is known for thousands of years (the Indians still use their sludge to heal pain and manufacture ointments). According to tradition, in a war between tribes a truce was agreed for warriors from both sides could go to the lake to heal from their wounds. Today the lake is surrounded by a fence to prevent people from accessing the lake. An insufficient measure because everyone jumps. If you visit Spotted Lake and want to enjoy the show respect to native Indians and their beliefs, you can get great views at the foot of the road.