Legend of Ogopogo

A trip to Kelowna would not be complete without taking the time to search for the legendary Ogopogo that reputedly resides in Okanagan Lake.

Stories date back thousands of years where the sylix (Okanagan) people spoke of nx̌aʔx̌ʔitkʷ [N’ha-a-itk], the spirit of the lake. Stories of nx̌aʔx̌ʔitkʷ changed over the years as European settlers transformed the stories they heard into a creature, which later became known as Ogopogo, and the purported sightings over the years continue to strengthen the legend. To “see” Ogopogo for yourself, be sure to visit the statue on Bernard Avenue near Kelowna’s City Park.

How Ogopogo has been described

Descriptions vary, but certain characteristics have been repeated through the decades: Ogopogo is green with a snakelike body about 25 meters long. Some say its head looks like a horse, while others say that it’s reptilian or goat-like. Many even claim to have photographed Ogopogo. The pictures have always been inconclusive.

Spotlight on Kelowna