Vaseux Lake facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Vaseux Lake
IUCN Category III (Natural Monument)
Looking across Vaseux Lake towards McIntyre Bluff
Location	Okanagan, British Columbia, Canada
Length	3.8 km (2.4 mi)
Width	0.8 km (0.50 mi)
Elevation	357 m (1,171 ft)
Designation	Migratory Bird Sanctuary
Established	1923
Governing body	Canadian Wildlife Service

Vaseux Lake is a shallow freshwater lake in British Columbia, Canada. It is located in the Okanagan Valley, along the Okanagan River. This lake is an important home for many types of wildlife.

What Does the Name Vaseux Mean?

The name "vaseux" comes from the French word for "muddy" or "murky". This name describes the lake's water, which often has a lot of silt in it. It was probably named by French Canadian fur traders a long time ago.

The lake's name has been spelled differently over the years. On old maps from 1866 and 1871, it was called Vasuix Lake. For many years after that, it was known as Vaseaux Lake. In 1945, the Geographic Board of BC officially corrected the name to its current spelling, Vaseux Lake.

Where is Vaseux Lake Located?

Vaseux Lake is found between two towns in British Columbia. The town of Okanagan Falls is to the north. The town of Oliver is to the south.

British Columbia Highway 97 runs along the east side of the lake. There is a very sharp turn on the highway called the Vaseaux Lake Rock Cut. This spot has been known for many accidents.

Lake Features

Both the north and south parts of the lake are shallow. However, in the middle, there is a deeper, oval-shaped area. This is where the lake is at its deepest point.

The largest island on the lake is called Hatfield Island. The water level of Vaseux Lake is controlled by the McIntyre Dam.

To the south of the lake, you'll find McIntyre Bluff. There is also Vaseux Creek and its alluvial fan nearby. However, this creek does not flow into Vaseux Lake.

Why is Vaseux Lake Important for Wildlife?

Vaseux Lake has many different wetlands and shoreline areas. These habitats are perfect for large groups of migratory birds. Birds use this area as a stop along the Pacific Flyway, which is a major route for birds traveling long distances.

Special Birds at Vaseux Lake

Some of the special bird species you might see here include:

• Trumpeter swan
• Great blue heron
• Western screech-owl
• Yellow-breasted chat
• Lewis's woodpecker (This bird is considered "red-listed," meaning it's at risk.)

Because of these important bird populations, the Canadian Wildlife Service named the lake and its shoreline a Migratory Bird Sanctuary in 1923. This means it's a protected area especially for birds.

Protecting the Land Around the Lake

The areas around Vaseux Lake are also very important. These include semi-arid grasslands and forests. They are protected by several national and provincial parks and reserves.

In 1956, the provincial government created Vaseux Lake Provincial Park. This park is at the northeast end of the lake. It offers space for people to enjoy nature while also protecting the lake's shoreline.

Later, in 1979, the Canadian Wildlife Service created the Vaseux-Bighorn National Wildlife Area. This area helps protect the winter feeding grounds for California Bighorn Sheep. In 2001, the provincial government added even more protection by establishing the Vaseux Protected Area.

Images for kids

• 

  Vaseux Lake, 1909