Deep in the depths of Lake Okanagan lurks a mysterious and elusive creature known as the Ogopogo. For centuries, this legendary lake monster has captured the imaginations of locals and tourists alike, inspiring countless stories and legends about its existence.
According to legend, the Ogopogo is a massive serpent-like creature with dark green scales, a long neck, and a head resembling that of a sea serpent. Some believe that the creature is a distant relative of the Loch Ness Monster, while others speculate that it may be a prehistoric creature that has managed to survive in the depths of the lake.
The first recorded sighting of the Ogopogo dates back to the early 19th century, when Indigenous Syilx people told stories of a large water creature living in the lake. Since then, there have been countless reported sightings of the creature, with many people claiming to have seen its long, serpentine body swimming beneath the surface of Okanagan Lake.
Over the years, there have been many attempts to capture or prove the existence of the Ogopogo, but so far, none have been successful. Some have even suggested that the creature may possess supernatural powers, such as the ability to disappear or transform into other creatures, making it even more mysterious and elusive.
Despite the mystery surrounding the Ogopogo, it remains a beloved and enduring part of the folklore and culture of the Okanagan Valley. Whether or not the creature truly exists, its legend continues to inspire wonder, fear, and fascination in all those who hear its story.
Pictures of the Ogopogo
In August 2008, a local photographer Sean Viloria and his girlfriend Jessica Weagers were sitting by the lakeshore of Peachland when she noticed a disturbance in the water. Sean snapped one photograph, but his camera had died and wasn’t able to capture more. Sean never publicized it but described it as having black hump-like ridges.
Eight days later south of the original sighting, Sean pulled his car over to look at Highway 97 widening project, and Jessica spotted another disturbance. He snapped 11 photographs of the unknown object as it was surfacing near a boat. (However, Sean has only shown 3-4 images to the public) One of them shows a tail or neck-like object surfacing the water while the others show the back and head of the creature. Sean estimated the creature being 18–20 ft long estimated from the boat in the background.
Is There a Reward for Catching the Ogopogo?
In 1984 the Okanagan-Similkameen Tourist Association had a reward for catching the Ogopogo; the stipulation was it had to be caught with a fishing rod and turned in alive and unharmed. Later, more rewards would come forth as long as you could provide indisputable proof that the Ogopogo existed.
Where Does the Ogopogo Live?
It is common local knowledge that the Ogopogo lives in subterranean caves near Squally Point and Rattlesnake Island. It is said that the Syilx people would make an offering when they passed through the area.
Eye Witness Descriptions of the Ogopogo Monster
Descriptions of the creature vary, but it is generally depicted as a long serpentine animal with humps or a hump protruding from the water. Some eyewitnesses claim to have seen a head, tail, and flippers or fins. The colour of the creature is often described as dark green or black, with a shiny and scaly appearance.
Is the Ogopogo Real?
With over 100 reported sightings, we like to believe it is. If you have seen it or have evidence please contact us!
Go Find the Ogopogo
The search for the legendary Ogopogo in can take on different forms, each with its own unique advantages. One popular method is to take a boat out onto the lake and search for any signs of the creature up close. From the water’s surface, you can scan for any unusual movements or shapes, increasing the chances of a sighting.
Alternatively, searching for Ogopogo from the shore can be effective, using binoculars or a telescope to scan the lake from a distance. Although this method is more limiting in terms of visibility, it can still be useful if the creature is spotted close to the shoreline.
Finally, searching for Ogopogo from the top of a mountain overlooking the lake offers a wider view of the lake and can provide a unique perspective on any potential sightings. No matter the approach taken, the search for the elusive creature continues to captivate and intrigue people from all over the world, so come and see for yourself!