Known as B.C.’s “lake of a thousand colours,” Kalamalka Lake (a.k.a. “Kal Lake”) is a must-visit this spring or summer. While the glacial lake is breathtaking to behold year-round, its tropical green hue during the warmer months makes it one of the most beautiful lakes in Canada, and it’s all thanks to its rare composition as a marl lake.
An “incredibly rare” marl lake
According to the lake’s official website, marl lakes have large amounts of calcium carbonate deposits, which change the colour of the water as water temperatures rise. As glaciers continue to recede, they leave behind these limestone deposits, which give “incredibly rare” lakes like Kalamalka their mesmerizing colours.
According to The Weather Network, this is why Kalamalka Lake never appears to have the same colour.
As the water temperature drops again later in the year, the calcium carbonate dissolves, leaving behind green spots in the winter.
Ranging from “sparkling cyans to deep, turquoise greens,” the famed lake stretches 16 km long and 142 metres deep, according to Tourism Vernon. It’s a great alternative to Okanagan Lake if you want to explore a less touristy area of B.C.’s wine country, and it doesn’t hurt that it’s situated in such a picturesque provincial park.
How warm is the lake for swimming?
Don’t let its status as a glacial lake intimidate you. During the summer months, the average temperature of the water reaches up to 27°C!
If you end up planning a mid or late-summer escape, you’ll have no problem getting into the water for a bucket-list swim.
Plus, 10 pristine beaches surround the lake for the ultimate summer lounging.
Kal Beach and Cosens Bay Beach are two popular beaches that are easily accessible with public washrooms, multiple boat launches, and plenty of surrounding greenery.
A popular urban legend says that National Geographic once named Kalamalka Lake as one of the top 10 most beautiful lakes in the world. While we couldn’t find the said article online, we’re choosing to believe it!
After all, the provincial park attracts hikers, boaters, and outdoor enthusiasts from all over. It wouldn’t surprise us one bit if B.C.’s ever-changing lake wowed visitors on a global scale.
As the days get longer and sunnier, now is the perfect time to start planning some local trips, before peak tourist season hits.
How to get there: Drive four hours and 50 minutes from Vancouver to Kalamalka Lake via Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 E and BC-5 N.
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