KALii KALii MAGiC BABY!

The Okanagans very own lake GEM! 💜💦

KALAMALKA LAKE!!!

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