Spotted Lake, Canada

The Okanagan Valley lake, northwest of Osoyoos, British Columbia, resembles any other body of water in the winter and spring. However, hundreds of enormous salty pools are left behind in the summer as the majority of the water begins to evaporate, creating a polka-dotted landscape of yellow, green, and blue spots. The appropriately named Spotted Lake is referred to by the CBC as "the most magical place in Canada."

A significant amount of minerals, such as calcium, sodium sulfates, and magnesium sulfates, have accumulated in the water, creating vibrant pools. From nearby hills, minerals and a variety of salts have run off. The concentration of minerals in each pool determines the different colors.

The indigenous people of the Okanagan Nation have revered Spotted Lake for centuries, according to the British Columbia Visitor Centre. They believed that each of the various circles possessed unique healing and medicinal properties. The lake was originally known as Kliluk by the Okanagan Valley's First Nations.

Minerals from the lake were used to make ammunition during World War I. Laborers mined up to one ton of salt from the lake each day to extract the minerals. According to the British Columbia Visitor Centre, the lake "displayed an even greater variety of colors and an even greater artistic beauty" prior to this mineral mining.

Visitors who want to see the lake from a distance cannot get too close. A fence has been erected to protect the area, along with a sign stating that it is culturally and environmentally sensitive. However, there are numerous vantage points along the highway from which to view the lake's famous polka dots.

Location: Eastern Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, Canada