I’m told that Kalamalka Lake was once voted by National Geographic  Magazine to be one of the top 10 most beautiful lakes on earth. I believe  it. If you ever drive by there on a sunny summer afternoon, you’ll see  why it is called Kalamalka, which translates to “lake of many colors,”  in the local native language. I’m not sure what causes it, but I’m guessing that there’s an abundance of minerals in the lake which must come  from the glaciers in the Monashee Mountains to the east. The colors are  all difference shades of blue depending on the angle of the sun and  the depth of the water. The colors are much more pronounced in the  summer.

Fortunately, the lake is relatively undeveloped because it is lined  by steep cliffs on the east side, and a railroad track on the west side. Vernon lies to the north end of the lake, which makes it quite busy  there, and the South end of the lake is at Oyama, which is a small  agricultural community on the isthmus between ‘Kal’ Lake and Woods Lake.  There’s a small channel that actually connects the two lakes beneath the road and railroad tracks at Oyama. Situated on that channel is a campground called Tween Lakes Campground. Great spot to enjoy both lakes, especially Kalamalka, in the summer and shoulder seasons. Book early if you want to be on the water!

Related Links:
Thompson Okanagan
Vernon Hotels
Vernon Resorts and Lodges