Across the Lake Swim Kalamalka Lake

The approach to Coldstream by road reveals the Kalamalka Lake basin, a deep trench carved into the Okanagan landscape. As you arrive at the transition zone at Kal Beach, the intensity of the water’s color becomes the dominant feature. This phenomenon is caused by the deposition of calcium carbonate, which forms marl crystals during the spring and summer warming cycles. These crystals act as a prism, scattering sunlight to produce the vivid, shifting turquoise and emerald hues that define your field of vision throughout the swim.

Race day logistics

Each of the three distances—1.5km, 4.5km, and 10km—follows a point-to-point path toward the finish at Kal Beach. Swimmers participate in a bus transfer from the finish venue to their respective starting beaches at Sovereign Park, Juniper Bay, or Jade Bay. This logistical arrangement is necessary to facilitate the linear nature of the course while centralizing the start-line check-in process. Participants are required to use a provided swim buddy, an inflatable safety float that acts as both a visual marker for boat traffic and a personal buoyancy aid. Given the potential for wind-driven chop across the lake’s surface, the swim buddy ensures you remain visible to the safety patrol and support craft that monitor the corridor.

What you'll see

Beyond the water’s chemistry, the shoreline offers a glimpse into the region’s preserved natural grasslands. While navigating the middle sections of the 4.5km and 10km routes, you may observe local wildlife along the banks, including marmots, deer, and occasionally coyotes or foxes that frequent the forest fringes of the surrounding provincial parks. The race atmosphere is supported by a local clinic held annually at Kal Beach, where participants refine navigation techniques and practice sighting in the lake’s specific light conditions. The event remains a core fixture of the regional calendar, attracting swimmers who seek to traverse the length of this unique geological formation. You will find all essential details and final logistics in the arrival and stay section to prepare for your morning heat.