Healing and history at Canada’s saltiest body of water, Little Manitou Lake

Little Manitou Lake, situated near the community of Watrous in Saskatchewan, is often referred to as the "Dead Sea of Canada" due to its exceptionally high salt content. This terminal lake, formed by glaciers exposing the bedrock and minerals that dissolve into the water, is up to five times saltier than the ocean and is believed to possess healing properties.

Indigenous people have long utilized the water's purported therapeutic benefits, with oral traditions indicating its use for treating ailments such as smallpox. Historical accounts suggest that when Indigenous people faced illness, they would leave the afflicted behind and return a month later to find the ill individuals healed.

The lake's healing waters continue to attract visitors, with many attesting to its effectiveness in treating various ailments. In addition to its medicinal reputation, Manitou Beach is also steeped in history, with over 3,000 artifacts discovered along its shore, remnants of Indigenous inhabitants who settled in the area centuries ago.

The region is also home to the Salty Cinema Drive-In Theater, one of only three remaining in the province, offering a unique cinematic experience. Furthermore, the beach is home to a Twister movie combine, adding to the area's allure. Each year, Manitou Beach welcomes approximately 150,000 visitors, drawn by the combination of its natural wonders and cultural significance.