World · 1 September 2026

Floating island with trees spotted drifting in Canada's Williston Lake

A large floating 'island' with trees was seen moving around Williston Lake in Canada, puzzling experts and locals. BC Hydro, a power company, confirmed its existence using satellite data on July 21st, 2026, about 100 kilometres west of the W.A.C. Bennett Dam. The phenomenon might be linked to the reservoir filling completely this year, for the first time in 14 years.

By BriefTea Editorial · 1 September 2026 at 9:12

Reported by ScienceAlert · How we write briefs

Get the app

Understand this story

What are floating islands? What is Williston Lake? Why is the lake filling up?

More briefs

WorldMorocco gets its first woman-led government WorldMeasles has killed 1,147 people in Bangladesh, mostly children under five WorldItalian flights cancelled after air traffic capacity falls by half WorldAnthropic quietly pitches its own AI safety bill to lawmakers WorldKatie Zacharia leaves White House press secretary job after just five days WorldJamaica's slavery reparations case gets a London court date in March 2027 More world stories → Browse all stories →