Top things to see and do in Watrous and Manitou Beach
Prairie culture offers something for everybody in a safe and friendly environment
Adding two small towns to your travel itinerary may lead to one great holiday. Watrous and Manitou are both quaint prairie settlements with a variety of unique local businesses to browse through and friendly people who are eager to talk to visitors. In addition, the communities attract travellers to places like Manitou Springs Resort and Mineral Spa, Little Manitou Lake and Danceland.
Little Manitou Lake is roughly 100 kilometres southeast of Saskatoon. It has been a major tourism spot since the 19th century because of its mineral waters, which have long been considered to have healing powers.
1) Manitou Springs Resort and Mineral Spa
The healing waters of Manitou Springs Resort and Mineral Spa attract people from all over the world. The resort offers guests the opportunity to be pampered in its fabulous facilities. Guests are catered to in a European-style setting where they are offered the opportunity to utilize the heated indoor mineral pools. Facilities include a waterside pool café, a pool reserved for the use of children as well as an easily accessible area for people with physical disabilities. There are also registered massage therapists and estheticians on site and a gym, hotel, mini-mall, restaurant and a convention centre attached to the resort. Next door, Sam’s Steakhouse and Lounge provides guests with the opportunity to watch sports on TV. For more information visit this website.
2) The Anglican Church stained glass window
An elaborate stained glass window on display at All Saints Anglican Church in Watrous is reputed to be more than 500 years old. In approximately 1910, the first vicar of the church brought stained glass from the ancient church of St. John the Baptist in England. Locals frequently urge tourists in the town to visit the neo-medieval window because the techniques that were used to dye the pieces of glass are no longer practiced. The dark greens, reds, blues, yellows and purples are prized by locals as both a rare and beautiful gift. For more information or to organize a viewing, contact Ray Hall at 306-946-3542.
3) The Jubilee Drive-In.
Going to the drive-In may have been popular in the 1950s, but there are only three drive-in theatres left in Saskatchewan today. The Jubilee Drive-In prides itself on being unique because it can provide guests with the opportunity to watch an outdoor movie under a prairie night sky. The theatre is a popular hang-out for couples during the summertime. For more information visit the website or phone 306-946-7749.
4) Little Manitou Lake
The Assiniboine people discovered the healing powers of Little Manitou Lake a long time ago. Underground springs and receding glaciers have increased the natural mineral levels of the water, to the point that the lake has a similar salt content to the Dead Sea. Floating in the lake is one of the most entertaining parts of swimming there today. The salt water lake is now a popular destination for travelers on both a national and an international scale. For more information please visit http://www.lakemanitou.org/
5) Danceland
A dance hall was first built in this location in 1919, but in 1928 it became known as Danceland after the floor was renovated with coiled horse-hair. That means dancers can swing and spin for extended periods of time without getting sore feet. The five thousand square foot dance floor is open all year and hosts a number of special events, including weekend dances and dances with a theme. For more information please visit the Danceland website.
