[3] Most of the water in the lake evaporates over the summer, revealing colourful mineral deposits.

[3] Magnesium sulfate, which crystallizes in the summer, is a major contributor to spot colour.

In the summer, remaining minerals in the lake harden to form natural “walkways” around and between the spots.

Originally named in the Nsyilxcən language of the Syilx First Nation of the Okanagan Valley as Kłlil’xᵂ, Spotted Lake was for centuries and still remains revered as a sacred site thought to provide therapeutic waters.

The First Nations responded with an effort to buy the lake, then in October 2001, struck a deal by purchasing 22 hectares of land for a total of $720,000, and contributed about 20% of the cost.