Watrous and Manitou Beach

The water awaits you in Watrous and Manitou Beach

Healing waters and sandy beaches - this is the way to RV in Saskatchewan

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child with a bucket on the beach
Bring the family for a day of swimming and sandcastles at Manitou Beach. — Photo courtesy F. Inkster

Watrous and Manitou Beach are close-knit Saskatchewan communities that are accessible from the major thoroughfares of Highway 2 (running north and south) and Highway 16 (running east and west). This is where thousands of RVers come every summer to rest and rejuvenate.

One of the most famous attractions of this area is Little Manitou Lake, also known as the "Dead Sea of Canada" due to its high mineral content, which enables swimmers to float effortlessly. It's the only lake of its kind in North America, and the phenomenon was caused by glacial deposits from more than 12,000 years ago. 

Healing waters

The mineralization not only makes for a relaxing float experience, but also promotes healing in those with muscle and joint pain, skin conditions or other ailments. Even your hair and nails will benefit from spending some time here.

The Manitou Springs Hotel & Mineral Spa uses water from Little Manitou Lake to create a therapeutic indoor spa environment. It's the largest indoor mineral spa in Canada, and it's open year-round. Since the water is heated between 96 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit, you will always be comfortable soaking no matter what the weather is like outside.

For an extra treat, book a massage or other spa treatment at the newly expanded Serenity Massage and Esthetics, shop at the renovated gift store or have a meal with lakeside views at the Water's Edge Restaurant. There is also the poolside Water Crest Café, and a 7,000-square-foot outdoor patio where guests can lounge.

If you'd rather stretch out on the sand and catch some rays between floats, you can do that too...and there's an additional beach area that's just been developed. Head west from the spa along Maclachlan Avenue to find the new beach and restored playground.

More attractions and activities in store

When you're not soaking in the calming waters of Little Manitou Lake, you can see what else is going on around town. There are several activities and attractions available, such as golf, car shows, chainsaw carving competitions, geocaching, arts and culture attractions, hiking, boating and dancing. That's right - Manitou Beach is also home to Danceland - a renowned historic dancehall that's been hopping since 1928. For a truly retro experience, precede your evening of dancing with a visit to the Jubilee Drive-in Theatre.

Photographers will also be enticed by the Last Mountain Lake Bird Sanctuary - the oldest of its kind in North America.

 

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