A.K.A the “Lake of a Thousand Colours”- a nickname that is pretty right on & accurate AF (to say the least 😜). This lake has become world famous because of it’s seasonal change in colour from a deep indigo blue in the winter to a magically bright cyan in the summer. Kalamalka is actually one of a few, and very unique, water bodies called marl lakes; which are lakes that change colour with changes in temperature. PFFT HOW RAD IS THAT?!?!
So, a quickie break down on how marl lakes change colour- Marl lakes all have one thing in common, rockbeds made of limestone. As the temperature of the water rises, the limestone erodes, releasing calcium that reacts with the water; creating crystals. As these crystals are formed and sprinkled throughout the lake, they catch and reflect sunlight like pixi dust creating its magical bright cyan blue in the summer.

BUT honestly, ALL of this is just words until you actually get to see it! && I mean SEE it!

Named after the Okanagan Native Chief, Kalamalka Is a glacial lake located just South from Vernon, on the eastern side of Okanagan Lake. The Lake is about 16 km long, 3 km wide with a max depth of 142 meters (that’s 566 feet!!!) and so much to explore on the water & around it! Boating, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, fishing, swimming, hiking, biking, rock climbing or just straight up beach hangs. Along the western side is the start of the Okanagan Rail Trail, which when complete will connect the communities between Coldstream to Kelowna. There are two provincial parks- Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park and Kekuli Bay Provincial Park along with Kaloya which is the Regional Park Beach on the southern end of the lake. The several beaches that surround the lake are Kal beach, Cosens beach, Jad Bay beach, Juniper Bay beach, Kekuli Bay beach, Kirkland Park beach and Kaloya Regional Park Beach.

i CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF THIS LAKE!!! My absolute favourite thaaang to do is kayak. Now last year’s deal had me rockin an inflatable (which did the trick!), but I am STOKED to be hitting them waters up with a new yak this year!!!

BUT in between all those kayaking times, my next go-to is hitting up Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park. This park has EVERYTHING! With 3 parking lots around the park (park main lot, red gate and Cosens Bay parking lot), beaches, climbing and trails to explore in between, there is soo much to see. && it’s basically in our towns backyard! The trails are all well maintained, kid-friendly and range from fairly easy to moderately difficult- ALL with inclines/declines. Great for mountain bikers, too! 🚵‍♀️ I tend to stick to the Rattlesnake side, which is the point that goes out into the lake. Mainly because it seems easier to drive too (year-round), but also it’s immediate trails can start you toward the lookout trail or to that point itself! SUPER CUTE, GUYS!

here’s the link if you wanted to check out the park trails map:

http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/kalamalka_lk/kalamalka_park.pdf?v=1554222491441

Well, I hope you enjoyed! I’m sure I could go on, but this post is getting a little long 🙃😬🤓 if you had any questions, comments or stories you’d like to share, don’t be shy, come say hi!

To happy lives, my lovies!
-Andii

WATERFALLS!!! Pretty cool thaaangs, right? Well, I’ve always felt amazed when I’m around them. It was actually one of our first things to add to our “need to explore” list when we first moved to the Okanagan. Prior to moving here, I’ve only ever just passed through- so I have never really explored, yet.

So here are the waterfalls that we have found and been to, so far, in and around the Okanangan region.
Side note- these are juuuust the ones that we have personally checked out in the last year. Of course, there are many more close to and around us. BUT this is a thing we enjoy doing! If you have any suggestions or stories to throw down don’t be shy- come say hi!

BEAR CREEK FALLS

THiS just might be my fav so far! Definitely a cute mini day tripper as it is not in the Okanagan, but located in the Shuswap region. just passed Rogers Pass.

With the trailhead parking lot easily located directly off of the Trans-Canada Highway, and a short 15 min hike; how could you resist checking this one out?!? But bundle up because this fall is flowing with GORGEOUS yet freeeeeeezing glacier waters && she is a MiSTY one! The trail itself starts off steep, but is very well maintained and considerably easy otherwise. RECOMMENDED 🙌

MARGARET FALLS

I’ll see what info I can find to keep this updated BUT to my knowledge, due to an unfortunate spring run-off and mudslides a few years ago, Margaret Falls has been closed to the public. There has been some cute talks as of late about it reopening with a newly groomed out trail very soon! Gah! I CAN’T WAiT!!! So this one, again, is a super short and easy access trail. Full parking lot and rest area. Located on a trail off of Shuswap Lake, north from Salmon Arm. As you walk off the roadside trail, it’s like you literally start walking into another hidden world. A world so majestic, still, and sooo so BIG! The features in this forest, wrapped in a canyon will take your breath away. Check it out!

KAY FALLS

This lil cutie is probably the most random roadside surprise ever! Just minutes north of Malwaka, Galway between Sicamous and Revelstoke. Along the Number 1 HWY going East you’ll cross a bridge called the Eagle River bridge. Once you cross this bridge, pull over on the right, where you should find the trailhead.

CASCADE FALLS

This one- is big! Maaaybe not as hardcore as flowing river falls or dramatic like Niagra. But, take a good look at this picture, here.

Did ya do it? LOOK AT THE SiZE OF iT ALL! Those are mad washed down and fallen full-sized trees! This guy is maybe an easy ten minute trail off of Mable Lake in the Northern Okanagan region, just East from Vernon. Another one that takes you into a world of its own, this trail takes you right into the cracks of its surrounding mountain.

FINTRY FALLS

This is probably considered our local most “tourist-y” waterfall site. Easy access... as long as you can handle a few flights of stairs! (🙃 legit) Right along the northern-west side of Okanagan Lake is Fintry Provincial Park and Protected Area in its own town, Fintry. The park has a small parking lot with a maintained outhouse. Now, the entire park itself it’s super well maintained with year-round access, but the initial turn off to get into town is an immediate downward, slopey road. So, as long as you have wheels that are cool and capable- you are golden! Now back to that stair thing, The direct trail brings you to a staircase consisting around 400 stairs with several view points heading up towards the main top waterfall viewing.

BX FALLS

This one is our towns local waterfall. Located by Vernon off of Silverstar rd which, of course, means it’s near the foot of our local ski mountain- Silverstar! Newly renovated parking lot area and trails. Short 5-10 minute walk. The majority of this trail is simple and easy. There are a few points where the trail has some steep steps, but the entire stroll is well maintained and just lovely.

Year-round access with proper seasonal footwear. It’s probably fairly mucky right now with all of the snow currently mad melting- but that never stops us. If you get a chance to check this one out in the Spring when it reaches its peak flows- check it out. It’s a pretty rad one to have in our neck of ze woods!

CHRISTIE FALLS

Last but, by all means, certainly not the least! Within an hours drive from downtown Kelowna- Christie Falls is a local Okanangan gem! A year-round fav for hikers & climbers alike. Christie Falls is pretty spectacular in the warm seasons- but did you know climbers like to ice climb this one when it freezes in the winter?!?! PFFT show RAD is that!! Getting here by vehicle is probably the most difficult as it is up the mountain from Bear Creek Provincial Park with limited driving instructions on logging roads. Once you have found the parking lot, you’ll find the trail to be fairly well used, but it is a constant decline toward the falls. From this point you have the option to follow a steep trek down (ropes are in place in this area) to reach the bottom of the falls. OR you can remain following the top trail which leads to the top of the falls.

christie falls is currently still in recovery mode from a fire a few years ago that has left its burn mark. Sad history, but there’s something beautiful about regrow that I find worth appreciating, as well.

ANDII TURNS 30 THIS YEAR!!! (Pffft RiGHT 🤪) I always said I’d hit this up by this year if I haven’t crossed it off ze list yet- SO here it is! What better way to hit off my dirty 30 than getting MUDDY AF!

I’m no tri-athlete... shiiieeeet, I may not even totally quality as athletic anymore, but my plan is to kick some butt && to have a blast!

Want to join me??? I am going to the one in WHiSTLER on SATURDAY, JUNE 15th!!! CLASSIC MUDER!!! Get in touch to get muddy with it!

Here is Andii’s referral link:

https://endurancecui.active.com/new/events/54631853/select-race?rc=X-20T16D2K&rf=c47938847ca64d4fbc73839ebb5f43ce&_p=055564729163178006

If you want to connect for this event- once you are signed up CONTACT me for details :)

OUR 2019 SEASON iS FiNALLY KiCKING OFF && iT ALL STARTS WiTH MOUNTAINS!!! KEYAI 🎶⛰💜🤸🏽‍♀️



Seismic Spring Mountain Festival
Silverstar Mountain, Vernon, BC. March 22-31

https://www.seismicfest.ca/

World Ski + Snowboard Festival
Whistler, BC. April 10-14

https://www.wssf.com/

Fernival
Fernie Alpine Resort, BC. April 13-14

https://skifernie.com/blog/events/fernival-2/

Snowbombing Canada
Sun Peaks, Kamloops, BC. April 5-7