Kalamalka Lake
Lake Glacial-fed lake in BC, famed for turquoise water
Okanagan-area lake near Vernon noted for vivid turquoise water, beaches and watersports; popular with kayakers, swimmers and picnickers.
Kalamalka Lake is a lake in the North Okanagan region of British Columbia, Canada, immediately north of the city of Vernon. It is noted for its striking turquoise to aquamarine colours in warm months, caused by suspended marl and mineral particles in the water.
The lake is used extensively for recreation including swimming, boating, paddleboarding and lakeside day use. Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park at the northern end of the lake provides viewpoints, trails and day-use facilities.
The lake occupies a glacially influenced valley within the Okanagan and is part of the regional chain of lakes that define the North Okanagan landscape. Access is by road from Vernon and neighbouring communities, and the lake’s colour is most intense in summer when water conditions favour marl formation.
- Distinctive water colour: Renowned for intense turquoise to aquamarine water colour in warm months caused by suspended calcium carbonate (marl) particles.
- Recreation and location: Located immediately north of the city of Vernon in the North Okanagan, the lake is popular for swimming, boating and stand-up paddleboarding during summer.
What to See #
- Provincial park: Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park at the northern end provides trail access, viewpoints and day-use facilities overlooking the lake.
How to Get to Kalamalka Lake #
Located near Vernon in British Columbia’s Okanagan region; reachable by Highway 97 and local roads. Vernon is the nearest city with regional transit links; driving is the most convenient option.
Tips for Visiting Kalamalka Lake #
- Visit the Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park viewpoints for the famous turquoise water-late morning and early afternoon light shows the lake off best.
- If photographing the lake's colour, use a polarizing filter to cut glare and deepen the water's blue-green tones.
- In summer, public beaches can fill quickly; arrive midweek to avoid crowds.
Best Time to Visit Kalamalka Lake #
Late spring through early autumn for water activities and to see the lake's unique colours.
Weather & Climate near Kalamalka Lake #
Kalamalka Lake's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -6°C to 27°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 0°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm).
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February
February is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -4°C. The driest month with just 24 mm.
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March
March is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -1°C. Light rainfall.
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April
April is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm).
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June
June is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm).
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July
July is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (35 mm).
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August
August is the warmest month with highs of 27°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm).
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September
September is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm).
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October
October is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C. The wettest month with 45 mm of rain.
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December
December is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm).
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