Mapgirl Adventures

There’s something special about discovering a place that feels completely different from anywhere else on the Prairies. Nestled among the rolling farmland of central Saskatchewan, Manitou Beach is home to one of Canada’s most unique natural attractions—a mineral-rich lake so buoyant that it’s often compared to the Dead Sea. Looking for a relaxing getaway, Keith and I parked our motorhome for a few days and settled into the laid-back rhythm of this charming lakeside community.

It didn’t take long for us to understand why people have been coming to Manitou Beach for generations. Life in this lakeside community seems to move at a slower pace, with spectacular sunsets, friendly faces, and a lake that practically begs you to stop, breathe, and enjoy the moment.

The main attraction was undoubtedly Little Manitou Lake. Thanks to its incredibly high mineral and salt content, the water naturally keeps you afloat. You simply lean back, stretch out, and effortlessly drift across the surface. The first time we experienced it, it felt almost surreal. No matter how hard you try, sinking just isn’t really an option! The water supports you completely, the minerals leave your skin feeling silky smooth, and there is something wonderfully peaceful about floating together beneath Saskatchewan’s endless blue sky. After a hot, sunny day, we cooled off with an ice cream sundae—a simple pleasure that somehow tasted even better after a day at the lake.

Keeping with the theme of relaxation, we also spent some time at the famous Manitou Springs Mineral Spa, which has welcomed visitors seeking wellness for more than a century. The warm mineral pools offered another chance to soak in the lake’s naturally mineral-rich waters, and the peaceful atmosphere made it easy to forget about everything else for a while. Between floating in the lake and relaxing in the indoor pools, we left feeling thoroughly refreshed and recharged.

Of course, there was more to Manitou Beach than simply soaking and floating. The community has a wonderful small-town charm, with trails winding through town and leading to viewpoints overlooking the lake. Local shops, cafés, and friendly faces add to the welcoming atmosphere. One afternoon, we wandered along the lakeshore, passing the historic Danceland with its famous horsehair floor, before eventually making our way to Mike’s Beach Bar for their traditional Wednesday wing night. The place was packed, and local musicians were playing outside on the back deck. With no room left outside, we settled into the cool, dark interior, which proved the perfect place to escape the afternoon heat and enjoy some tasty food and a few drinks.

Then there was the Twister Combine, one of the quirkiest surprises of our visit. An actual prop from the 1996 movie Twister, the weathered red combine sits proudly near the Salty Cinema Drive-In. Now a favourite roadside attraction, it draws movie fans and curious travellers alike. Naturally, we couldn’t resist stopping to see one of those wonderfully unexpected discoveries that make road trips so much fun. In Saskatchewan, you just never know what you’re going to find around the next corner!

Our few days at Manitou Beach turned out to be exactly what we were looking for: a chance to slow down, relax, and enjoy somewhere a little different. Between floating effortlessly in Little Manitou Lake, soaking in the mineral spa, wandering around the community, enjoying local food and drink, and discovering a piece of Hollywood history, we found plenty to keep us entertained without ever feeling rushed.