Candle Lake[1] is a reservoir in the central part of the Canadian province of Saskatchewan in the boreal forest, approximately 80 kilometres (50 mi) north-east of Prince Albert.

[3] Scientists speculate that the lights are likely caused from "swamp gas or a phosphorescent glow created by decaying drift wood",[4] rather than having a paranormal origin.

The purple sand comes from garnet that was brought to the region from the Canadian Shield by glaciation during the ice age about 12,000 years ago.

The level in Candle Lake is regulated by a four-bay 3.1 m (10 ft) high concrete dam, constructed in 1978–1979 and operated by the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority.

[12] The construction of the dam prevented the normal spawning movement of fish each spring between the Torch River and Candle Lake.