In the beautiful Okanagan Valley, the ultimate destination in British Columbia for wine tasting and fruit picking, there’s also a unique natural wonder worth visiting. The Spotted Lake is a spectacular phenomenon and a sacred site for the local Indigenous peoples.
Here’s everything you need to know about this must-see attraction.
What is Spotted Lake and why it’s worth visiting
Some places on Earth seem like they’re from outer space. That’s the case of the Spotted Lake in British Columbia, Canada.
Especially during the hottest months of the year, this lake is covered in large, colorful spots. These are actually hundreds of separate smaller pools within the lake.
It’s an amazing but very strange sight. At first glance, it does not even look like a lake!
So, what causes this phenomenon? Mineral-rich deposits such as magnesium sulfate, calcium, and sodium sulfate are underneath the water of Spotted Lake. When the temperatures rise in the summertime, the water evaporates, and the surface level drops.
When that happens, you can see these mineral deposits better, forming big dots on the lake. They come in pretty colors like yellow, blue, and green, hence the color.
The round shapes vary in size and shade depending on the minerals present in each one. That means the Spotted Lake will look a little bit different every time you visit!
The Spotted Lake gets its water mostly from melted snow flowing down the nearby hills since it has no rivers or creeks. The water has a high concentration of salts, so it’s not ideal for fish to thrive.
Despite that, the area surrounding the lake is rich in biodiversity. The Okanagan Valley is well-known for its wild animals, such as bears, cougars, and moose.
Why Spotted Lake is a sacred place
This destination is sacred to the Syilx/Okanagan First Nations, who are indigenous to the region. They call it “kɬlil̕xʷ” in their language. It translates more or less to “chief” or “leader” in English.
Throughout history, the Syilx/Okanagan First Nations have performed numerous ceremonies and rituals at Spotted Lake. Still today, they believe that it’s a place of spiritual importance and healing made by the Creator.
When settlers arrived years ago, the Syilx people lost their land around the lake. In 2001, the Okanagan Nation Alliance was able to acquire the land again with help from the Federal Government.
Nowadays, Spotted Lake is a protected cultural and ecological site surrounded by fences. Please respect its sacredness and don’t try to enter illegally. You cannot swim there under any circumstances.
Best way to view Spotted Lake
The best spot to view the lake is from a lookout point along Highway 3.
If you want to see the lake up close, you can book a tour with a local Syilx guide from Sẁiẁs Spirit Tours or Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre or ask permission from the Okanagan Nation Alliance. They plan to create a path and information kiosk in the future.
How to get to Spotted Lake
Spotted Lake is located near the town of Osoyoos, approximately 8.8 kilometers west (toward Highway 3) in British Columbia, Canada.
If you want to do a day trip, it works from Kelowna. But if you were hoping to do it from Vancouver or Victoria, think again! You’ll have to stay overnight, as it’s a very long drive:
- From Vancouver: 4 or 5-hours (390 km)
- From Victoria: 7 or 8-hours (460 km)
- From Kelowna: 1.5 or 2-hours (120 km)
So, if you go on a roadtrip in 2024 to the Okanagan Valley for some wine tasting, you can easily add this stop to your itinerary.
The Spotted Lake address to enter into Google Maps is Okanagan-Similkameen A, BC, V0H 1V5.
Some bus companies operate routes from Vancouver to Osoyoos, but the journey is longer (around 6 to 7 hours). Tickets are $132 one-way.
Best time of the year to visit Spotted Lake
To make sure you see the spots, visit in summertime! If you come during the winter or spring, Spotted Lake might look like any other lake in British Columbia.
To avoid disappointment, make sure to visit after summer has fully arrived. Summer in the Okanagan Valley usually starts in late June and ends in early September. The warmest months are July and August.
Places to stay near Spotted Lake
Here are a few accommodation examples.
Osoyoos
This town is the closest to Spotted Lake.
Here are some examples of accommodation in Osoyoos, British Columbia.
Hotels
- Cheapest and well-rated: Best Western Plus Osoyoos Hotel & Suites
- $153 per night
- $77 per night per person with 1 companion
- Rated 8.3/10
- Luxurious: Walnut Beach Resort
- $188 per night
- $94 per night per person with 1 companion
- Rated 8.7/10
Other accommodations
- Cheapest room: Ciliegia Villa
- $250 per night
- $125 per night per person with 1 companion
- Rated 8.9/10
- Well-rated private home: Beach cottage oasis
- $375 per night
- $188 per night per person with 1 companion
- $125 per night per person with 2 companions
- Rated 9.6/10
Penticton
Penticton is larger than Osoyoos, with more to do, but it’s a bit further away (about 1-hour drive). It’s situated on the shores of the beautiful Okanagan Lake.
Here are some examples of accommodation in Penticton, British Columbia.
Free hotels
- Well-rated: Fairfield Inn & Suites Penticton
- 16,800 points per night (84,000 points for 5 nights)
- 8,400 per night per person with 1 companion
- Marriott Bonvoy Amex Card gives you 53,000 points
Hotels
- Cheapest and Well-rated: Traveler’s Motel Penticton
- $99 per night
- $50 per night per person with 1 companion
- Rated 8.0/10
- Luxurious: Penticton Lakeside Resort
- $313 per night
- $157 per night per person with 1 companion
- Rated 7.8/10
Other accommodations
- Cheapest room: Wesbert Winery & Guest Suites
- $330 per night
- $165 per night per person with 1 companion
- No ratings
- Well-rated private home: Sunset Suite at Sendero Canyon
- $425 per night
- $213 per night per person with 1 companion
- $107 per night per person with 3 companions
- Rated 10/10
Kelowna
Kelowna is the largest city in the Okanagan Valley region and the heart of British Columbia’s wine country. It’s a must-visit destination if you are on the West Coast!
Here are some examples of accommodation in Kelowna, British Columbia.
Free hotels
- Well-rated: Fairfield Inn & Suites Kelowna
- 17,200 points per night (86,000 points for 5 nights)
- 8,600 per night per person with a companion
- Marriott Bonvoy Amex Card gives you 53,000 points
Hotels
- Cheapest: Super 8 by Wyndham Kelowna BC
- $119 per night
- $60 per night per person with 1 companion
- Rated 7.6/10
- Well-rated: Best Western Plus Kelowna Hotel & Suites
- $159 per night
- $65 per night per person with 1 companion
- Rated 8.5/10
Hostels
- Cheapest and Well-rated: Kelowna International Hostel
- $40 per night per person
- Rated 8.0/10
Other accommodations
- Cheapest room: The Zen Den
- $108 per night
- $54 per night per person with 1 companion
- Rated 10/10
Well-ratedprivate apartment: Downtown Kelowna-Steps- $391 per night
- $196 per night per person with 1 companion
- No ratings
- Well-rated private home: Modern 2 bedroom
- $459 per night
- $230 per night per person with 1 companion
- $115 per night per person with 3 companions
- Rated 9.4/10
How long should I stay?
Visiting Spotted Lake won’t take too long, as you’ll spend at most a few hours admiring the lake itself.
Your visit should be part of a day trip exploring the Okanagan Valley and Osoyoos area. You can enjoy the region in just 2 or 3 days but to fully experience everything it has to offer, you should stay for at least 1 week.
Things to do near Spotted Lake
Here are 20 things to do in Osoyoos and a bit further away, in the Okanagan Valley, so you can make the most of your time there.
1. Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre
The Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre offers interactive exhibits and guided tours that explore the history and culture of the Okanagan people. It also offers a tour of Spotted Lake!
2. White Lake
White Lake is located about 6 kilometers (approximately 3.7 miles) southeast of Spotted Lake. It’s a popular spot for observing waterfowl and migratory birds.
3. Vaseux Lake Wildlife Centre
The Vaseux Lake Wildlife Centre is located around 15 kilometers (approximately 9.3 miles) south of Spotted Lake. Here you can explore trails and learn about local wildlife and nature.
4. Osoyoos Lake
Since swimming is not permitted in Spotted Lake, you can instead visit Osoyoos Lake, the warmest freshwater lake in Canada! It’s the perfect location for a refreshing swim or boating.
5. Osoyoos Desert Centre
This is a great walk in nature to learn more about the desert ecosystem. You can explore the Osoyoos Desert Centre on your own or during a guided tour.
6. Osoyoos Golf Club
Practice your swing at the beautiful 36-hole Osoyoos Golf Course.
7. Anarchist Mountain Lookout
The Anarchist Mountain Lookout is a scenic viewpoint just outside of Osoyoos.
8. Penticton Farmer’s Market
At Penticton Farmer’s Market, you’ll find a variety of locally grown vegetables and fruits, lots of vendors selling ready-to-eat snacks like bread and jams, as well as a welcoming atmosphere.
9. Penticton Art Gallery
The Penticton Art Gallery has been around for 67 years. Its mission is to showcase and support the artistic history of the region.
10. Burrowing Owl Estate Winery
If you love outstanding wines and don’t mind paying a little extra, head to Burrowing Owl Estate Winery, an award-winning wine estate in Oliver, BC.
11. ZipZone Peachland
Ziplining is a great activity for thrill seekers who crave an adrenaline rush and breathtaking views of the Okanagan Valley.
12. Mission Hill Family Estate Winery
Located in West Kelowna, Mission Hill Family Estate Winery is another award-winning winery with beautiful architecture (the amphitheater is really nice) and delicious wines.
13. Quails’ Gate Winery
Quail’s Gate is known for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines. Its estate in Kelowna features a nice restaurant perfect for fine dining with a stunning view of the valley.
14. Crown & Thieves
Crown & Thieves is a winery with a 1920s theme. It looks like a castle in ruins from the outside. Inside, you’ll find a fancy tasting room with high ceilings. Don’t miss the basement speakeasy bar.
15. Sunny’s Diner
Sunny’s Modern Diner is a retro breakfast diner in downtown Kelowna. Perhaps the best brunch in town!
16. Knox Mountain Park
Knox Mountain Park is Kelowna’s biggest natural park, with trails, a beach, disc golf, pickleball, tennis, and great views of the Okanagan Lake.
17. Myra Canyon Park
This is an iconic hike in the Okanagan Valley located along Kettle Valley Rail Trail. At Myra Canyon Park, you’ll cross several trestle bridges and the location is also great for biking.
18. Okanagan Wine & Orchard Museum
Okanagan Wine & Orchard Museum is a fantastic place to learn about the history and facts of the fruit and wine industry in the Okanagan Valley!
19. Okanagan FlyBoard Kelowna
Flyboarding is an original water sport to try if you’re an adrenaline junkie. It’s your chance to fly above the water!
20. Kasugai Japanese Garden
You’ll love this peaceful garden. Kasugai is small but beautiful and it’s free to enter!
FAQ — Frequently asked questions about Spotted Lake
Here are a few other commonly requested answers.
Can you swim in Spotted Lake?
Spotted Lake is a sacred location and a protected ecological treasure. It’s never open to the public for bathing. There is also a fence around the lake.
If you want to swim, go to Osoyoos Lake instead (or Okanagan Lake if you stay in Kelowna).
How much does it cost to visit Spotted Lake?
You can see Spotted Lake for free from a viewpoint along Highway 3, but you won’t be able to get up close.
You can also book a tour at the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre for $99 per person (4 people minimum).
Can you go to Spotted Lake without a guide?
Yes, you can see Spotted Lake without a guide from the highway. However, access to the lake is restricted as it’s on private land. If you want to get closer, you’d need to contact Sẁiẁs Spirit Tours or the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre for a guided tour or ask permission from the Okanagan Nation Alliance.
Why is Spotted Lake sacred?
Spotted Lake, known as “kɬlil̕xʷ” by the Okanagan people, is considered a sacred place for its healing properties. Over the ages, the Syilx/Okanagan First Nations have hosted lots of ceremonies and rituals there. Even today, they still believe that it’s a site of spiritual significance designed by the Creator.
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Summary
Spotted Lake is an absolute must-see! It’s a one-of-a-kind natural wonder, and you’ve probably never seen anything like this before. And witnessing its beauty from the viewpoint is completely free!! But remember to visit during the summer and always treat this sacred site with respect. You’re in luck because the Okanagan Valley offers a wide range of activities, from wine tasting to outdoor adventure. Stay in the area for a few days to make the most of it.
What would you like to know about Spotted Lake or what to do in the Okanagan Valley? Tell us in the comments below.
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Featured image: Spotted Lake (photo credit: Destination Osoyoos / destinationosoyoos.com)
