Canada has a colour-changing lake with bright turquoise water that belongs in the Bahamas
Get a taste of the tropics, right here in the True North. 🇨🇦
A person stands at the shore of a blue lake. Right: A turquoise lake in Canada.
Want all the vibes of a tropical escape without the major price tag? You don't have to go far to see turquoise waters like those found in the Caribbean — in fact, you don't even have to leave the country.
Canada is home to a stunning lake with brilliant blue water that'll have you thinking you're in the Bahamas or Mexico this summer.
Located at the northern tip of Lake Winnipeg in Manitoba, Little Limestone Lake is a dreamy destination with incredibly blue water that looks downright tropical.
The lake is Canada's largest marl lake, and is the largest and most dramatically colour-changing marl lake in the world, according to the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society.
Marl is a calcium carbonate-rich deposit found in the limestone bedrock of the lake that causes its colour changes. When it's warm, it forms calcite, creating crystals that are suspended in the water and give it a milky hue. When temperatures fall, it dissolves, and the water becomes clear.
This means that, depending on the heat of the day, the colour of the lake can change from a basic blue to a milky turquoise due to increasing levels of calcite from the lake’s limestone bottom. The lake's colour can range from dull blue-grey to brilliant aquamarine, all over the course of a day.
The lake can be found in Little Limestone Lake Provincial Park, about five hours north of Winnipeg and under an hour away from Grand Rapids, Manitoba.
The park is free to visit and is located within the Mosakahiken Cree Nation Resource Management Area and Moose Lake Registered Trapline Section, controlled by Mosakahiken Cree Nation. The Cree Nation and other Indigenous people still use the park area for hunting, trapping and fishing.
According to a provincial spokesperson, the park lies upon a unique karst landscape, with unique caves, sinkholes, disappearing streams, underground springs and lakes.
There's also plenty of wildlife in the park, including moose, bears, wolves, lynx, beavers and many songbirds.
When visiting, keep in mind that there are no developed trails, facilities or services here, so you'll have to bring what you need with you. Camping is not permitted within the park; however, for permission to camp on the adjacent Mosakahiken Cree Nation land, you can contact the band office.
The best time to visit the lake is late June to early August, which is likely when you'll experience the best colour changes and pleasant weather.
You can bring a kayak or canoe and paddle your way across the stunning lake, or take a refreshing dip.
About 40 minutes away from Little Limestone Lake is the town of Grand Rapids, where you can find restaurants, camping and lodging.
Enjoy!
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.