Visit the Wizard at the Balancing Rock...
The Savona Balancing Rock is a huge boulder left over from erosion and delicately balancing on a clay hoodoo. Known by local First Nations' as "Coyote Rock" the landmark, which rests on ranch land, is located on the shores of Kamloops Lake.
Legend has it, that the rock came to rest
where it is today as the result of a long standing feud between the Okanagan
and Secwepemc First Nations people over ownership of the land. It's been said that
the Secwepemc and Okanagan First Nations people were involved in a battle for
many years. In an effort to end the dispute, a competition was held where the
strongest man from each side would try and balance a large rock on top of a
standing rock. Try as he might, the Okanagan man could not lift the rock. The
Secwepemc man tried and did lift the rock, balancing it on top of the standing
rock, and as a result, the Secwepemc won the rights to the land.
HOW TO GET THERE...
The Balancing Rock is located just past the lookout where the picture on the back of Canada’s first 100 dollar bill was taken. The lookout is a popular rest stop for tourists offering picnic tables with a breath taking view of Kamloops Lake. Shortly after you pass the lookout you will see a dirt road on your right with a gate. You can park there and walk along the highway back towards the lookout keeping your eye on the valley until you see the Balancing Rock. The rock is located on private land so be sure to get permission if you would like to see the rock close up. |
One of the Hoodoos looks like a Wizard in front of an altar.