Manitou Beach, Watrous & Area

Manitou Beach, Watrous & Area Saskatchewan, Canada

Manitou Springs Resort Watrous, Sask. Welcome to Saskatchewan Saskatchewan Travel Government of Saskatchewan City of Saskatoon City of Regina Sask Sympatico Watrous Internet

Healing Waters The Waters of Little Manitou Lake are legendary. Early Plains Indians brought their sick to the "Lake of Good Spirit". Homesteaders carried home barrels of the mineral water. And today, thousands of visitors from around the world have made this Canada's premier spa resort. Fed by underground springs, the shallow saline lake lies in a deep glacial-carved valley. With a mineral content high in sodium, magnesium and potassium, the lake water has been compared to that of the great spas of Europe. While claims of cures are many, the best reason for a swim here is that it's a lot of fun. The lake has a specific density greater than that of the Dead Sea, so it's impossible to sink. The sensation of floating effortlessly while lying on your back, or even sitting and reading the morning paper, is unlike anything you've ever experienced. Choose a refreshing dip in the lake along the sandy beach, or head indoors to the heated pools at the Manitou Springs Mineral Spa. The largest indoor pool in Canada, the spa features jacuzzi jets, shallow area for children, full-time massage therapists, and is wheelchair accessible.

Into the Swing of Things Many consider the Manitou Beach Golf Club reason enough for a visit. The picturesque and challenging par 36, 9-hole grass green course boasts a new licensed club house, along with a pro shop with club and cart rentals. Nearby you'll also find a driving range and mini-golf.

Year Round Enjoyment The fun doesn't end with summer. The Mineral Spa is open year round, and in winter, cross country ski trails wind through the hills overlooking the lake. Here, the trail passes the distinctive stone buildings of Camp Easter Seal, a resort for people with Special needs. In Watrous and Manitou Beach you'll find a wide choice in accomodation, from top quality hotels and motels, to bed and breakfast, and spacious campsites with hookups at Manitou District Regional Park.

A Touch of Medieval England This centuries-old stained glass church window was removed and buried for safekeeping during the 1640's Civil War between King Charles I of England and Oliver Cromwell. Created with over 2000 pieces of colored glass, the window was brought to Watrous early this century, where it now graces the west wall of All Saints' Anglican Church.

In Touch with Nature The Big Rock Walking Trail, between Watrous and Young, takes you through untamed prairie grasses rich in wildflowers, wildberries and birdlife, and to tipi rings left from encampments of Plains Indians. The central feature is the Big Rock, a lone glacial erratic standing 12 feet (3.6m) high and 26 feet (8m) long, a remnant from the last ice age. Last Mountain Lake has something for everyone. Etters Beach has a campground, fine sandy beach, and golf course. Go boating, canoeing, or sailing, and don't forget your fishing rod. The northern tip of the lake is home to the Last Mountain Lake National Wildlife Area, North America's oldest bird sanctuary and one of the most important on the prairies. Since 1887, it has provided a refuge for more than 270 species of birds. While you will see birds such as pelicans , cormorants and ducks throughout the summer, the best times for viewing are during spring and fall migration when as many as 75,000 sandhill cranes or 400,000 geese could be there at once. You might even be lucky enough to spot a rare whooping crane. Stop at the kiosk to see the displays and pick up a map of the driving tour, guides to the walking trails through the grasslands and wetlands, and a bird checklist indicating species seen in the sanctuary and when they are normally found. You can also borrow a taped auto-tour that takes you through the 9 miles (14km) drive and outlines how the area is managed. And for a bird's eye view of the area, climb the tower overlooking a large wetland.

For information on spa times, room and convention rates, attractions and special vacation packages throughout the year, call Manitou Springs Resort today! We welcome tours, seniors, family celebrations and special requests.

Toll free: 1-800-667-7672

Manitou Springs Resort: (306) 946-2233

Manitou Springs Resort Fax: (306) 946-2554

Manitou Beach Tourism: (306) 946-2831

Watrous Tourism: (306) 946-3369

Manitou Springs Resort

Box 610, Watrous, Sask., Canada S0K 4T0