Is this the Caribbean?

It's hard to believe that the hues of the Caribbean can be found above the 60th parallel, but at beautiful Pine lake you definitely can. The pictures really don't do it justice, but depending on the way the sun hits this pristine little lake you would expect to be served up some rum punch while you listen to reggae music.

Apparently the rim of this lake is a shallow ledge which gets covered with algae and the turquoise colour is from the sun reflecting off the bottom.  The difference in colour tone is because there are very deep sink holes in the middle.

Pine lake is in the midst of the Wood Buffalo National Park and hosts a beach day every year.  On a regular day though it is quite secluded and since the parking lot is a bit of a walk you tend to find yourself keeping at least one eye scanning the area for bears.  This is also a destination spot for furry friends.  Fortunately the day we were here the only one we saw was on the far side of the lake.