One of Canada’s largest natural wonders is located near the small town of Osios, in the province of British Columbia: the tribe of Okagan call it Kliluk, but today it is known as Spotted Lake – an attractive spot every summer. There is a lake. Acting happens. The water dries almost completely, leaving hundreds of small pools of different colors.

According to the Okanagan faith, there is a pool for every day of the year, but “new York Times“There are around 400 in total. Their color is also explained by the nature of the lake, as it has no natural flow or outflow, only fed by rain, groundwater and meltwater. The minerals it contains are old-fashioned. The seas have been washed into the lake and create the colors that make Spotted Lake so unique.

Space Exploration in Spotted Lake

There are high concentrations of minerals in the uncultivated pools of spotted lake.
Photo: dpa picture alliance

Okanagan has been using minerals from the quiluk for ceremonies for millennia, such as the mud and salt on its banks that is very high. The lake is so unusual that space researchers became interested in it in early 2012: they hoped to use the probe to find something about drying lakes (if they actually exist) on Mars.

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A doctor at Brown University discovered that the composition of the minerals in Kliluk was similar to the so-called Columbus pit on the Red Planet – apparently that there was indeed a body of water there. However, in the end, the researcher was unable to draw any valid conclusions from his investigation. Nevertheless, the spotted lake surprises science, as there is indeed life here, including an algae that feeds on mineral salts.

A sacrifice for the lake in Canada

Since Kliluk is sacred to Okanagan, you should not just visit it – “according to”CBC“In 2001 indigenous people acquired the lake and 22 hectares of land that surrounds it. The water has now been sealed, and anyone who wants to go near it must seek permission from the indigenous people – and also in the lake. For example, you can make a small offering to Kliluk or walk around it as a token of respect.

According to the New York Times, the best time to watch the event of countless small pools is in late July. Those who are not allowed to go near the holy water can at least see the Kliluk from afar. From Osio you will have to run Highway 3 about ten kilometers west.