Welcome To Saskatchewan’s Dead Sea
Tucked into the Saskatchewan prairies, Manitou Beach is the kind of place you might not expect to find here. Its biggest claim to fame is Little Manitou Lake, a mineral-rich saltwater lake so buoyant you can lie back and float without even trying — earning it the nickname “the Dead Sea of Canada.”
But the lake is only the beginning. Manitou Beach is a quirky little resort village with historic Danceland, local art, summer markets and festivals, a drive-in theatre, and the mineral pools and wellness experiences at Manitou Springs Resort. It works just as well for a summer day trip as it does for a relaxing weekend away.
Living near Saskatoon, I’ve visited Manitou Beach several times — from simply spending the day floating in the mineral water to staying overnight for festivals, exploring the village, and returning for a wellness getaway. And despite its small size, I keep finding more reasons to go back.
Whether you’re planning a day trip from Saskatoon, adding Manitou Beach to a longer Saskatoon itinerary, or making it the destination itself, here are the best things to do in Manitou Beach and what to know before you go.
Manitou Beach Planning at a Glance
Where to Stay:
Manitou Springs Resort & Mineral Spa
What to See:
- Little Manitou Lake
- Manitou Springs Resort & Mineral Spa
- Danceland
- Salty Cinema Drive-In Theatre
Disclosure: This post was created as part of a paid partnership and may include complimentary products, services, or experiences. As always, all opinions and experiences shared are my own.
Best Things to Do in Manitou Beach
Little Manitou Lake may be what puts Manitou Beach on the map, but there’s much more to do once you get here. From floating in the mineral-rich water and soaking in the heated pools to live music, local markets and some wonderfully quirky Saskatchewan attractions, there’s enough to easily fill a day — or an entire weekend.
1. Experience Little Manitou Lake
Little Manitou Lake is at the heart of Manitou Beach and the reason this small Saskatchewan resort village is so unusual. The mineral-rich water contains a high concentration of dissolved salts, creating remarkable buoyancy and earning it the nickname the “Dead Sea of Canada.”
During the warmer summer months, one of the classic Manitou Beach experiences is getting into the lake and seeing just how easily you float. But swimming isn’t the only way to enjoy it. You can spend some time on the beach, walk along the shoreline, or head out onto the lake by kayak, canoe or paddleboard for a completely different view of Manitou Beach.
The lake’s water temperature can be chilly, even when the weather is warm, so if floating is high on your list, the heated mineral pools at Manitou Springs Resort offer another way to experience Manitou’s famous mineral water year-round.
2. Soak in the Mineral Pools at Manitou Springs Resort & Mineral Spa
If, like me, you want to experience Manitou’s famous mineral water without braving the chilly lake, Manitou Springs Resort & Mineral Spa is the answer. The resort brings the mineral-rich water from Little Manitou Lake indoors and heats it to between 93°F and 103°F (34°C–39°C).
And yes, the water really is that buoyant. You can lean back, lift your feet off the bottom and simply float. No treading water. No pool noodle required. The water does all the work.
But people haven’t been coming to Manitou just because floating is fun. Little Manitou Lake has long been known for its mineral-rich water and its reputation for therapeutic and healing properties.
The water contains naturally occurring minerals including magnesium, potassium, sodium and calcium, and soaking in the mineral water is often associated with soothing tired muscles and joints, relaxation and softer-feeling skin.
That reputation is what brought me here in the first place. I was several months into recovering from a frozen shoulder when I first spent time in the mineral pools. My recovery was slow, and after my first visit to Manitou, I noticed enough improvement in my mobility to bring me back for several follow up visits.
To optimize your time in the pool, the resort’s recommended circuit includes— warm pool, hot pool, cold shower, rest and cool pool — and then start all over again.
You don’t have to stay at Manitou Springs Resort to use the pools. Day passes are available; however, pool access is included with an overnight stay. The resort also offers spa treatments and wellness experiences, including pool yoga, making it easy to turn a visit to Manitou Beach into a relaxing wellness getaway.
3. Dance on Danceland’s Famous Horsehair Floor
You don’t expect to find one of Canada’s most unique dance halls in a tiny Saskatchewan resort village, but Danceland has been part of Manitou Beach since 1928.
The real star is the dance floor. Instead of sitting directly on a solid foundation, the floor is supported by coils of horsehair rope, giving it a little extra bounce as you move across it. It’s one of the features that has made Danceland famous well beyond Manitou Beach.
And Danceland isn’t just something to stop and take a photo of. Go to a dance. We did exactly that during one of our weekends in Manitou Beach, and actually getting out onto that famous horsehair floor is a completely different experience from simply coming to see the building.
Danceland also offers dinner before its dances, so you can make an entire evening of it. Check the Danceland event schedule to see what’s happening during your visit and confirm the dinner and dance times.
4. Browse the Homegrown Handmade Market
If you’re visiting Manitou Beach on a summer Saturday, stop by the Homegrown Handmade Market. The outdoor market brings together Saskatchewan makers, artists, bakers and producers, with the selection changing depending on which vendors are there that week.
We really enjoyed wandering through the market, but some of the best parts weren’t necessarily what was for sale. We spent time visiting with some of the vendors and hearing the stories behind what they make. It made the market feel like more than just a place to shop and gave us a chance to connect with some of the people behind the local businesses.
The market runs seasonally, typically on Saturdays from late spring into September. Check the current market dates and hours before your visit.
5. Explore Little Manitou Art Gallery
The Little Manitou Art Gallery is much more than a traditional gallery. Spread across five open-door pavilions, you’ll find jewellery, pottery, paintings and a huge variety of other artwork created by Saskatchewan artisans. Pop-up displays throughout the summer mean there’s often something new to see.
But I think the setting is part of what makes this place worth visiting. The pavilions are surrounded by a perennial garden, with tables where you can sit and enjoy the surroundings. The gallery is licensed and offers coffee and tea as well as beer and wine, so there’s no need to rush through, look at the art and leave.
There’s also live music on Saturday evenings throughout the summer, along with special events and other creative activities. Check the Little Manitou Art Gallery listing to see what’s happening during your visit.
6. See a Movie at the Drive-In
There are only four drive-in theatres left in Saskatchewan, and one of them is right here in Manitou Beach. Salty Cinema Drive-In Theatre is a classic summer night out, with movies playing on the big outdoor screen after the sun goes down.
The drive-in has a concession on site, so you can grab popcorn and snacks once you’re there. Then tune your radio to the movie’s audio, settle into your vehicle and enjoy a bit of old-school summer nostalgia.
Salty Cinema operates seasonally, with movies and showtimes changing throughout the summer. Check the Salty Cinema Drive-In schedule before your visit to see what’s playing.
7. Play a Round of Mini Golf
Manitou Beach even manages to put a local spin on mini golf. The 18-hole Manitou Mini Golf course features miniature replicas of historic buildings from Manitou Beach and nearby Watrous, so you’re getting a little local history along with the game.
It’s an easy activity to fit between time at the lake, market or other attractions, and a good option for families or anyone looking for something casual to do for an hour.
The course operates seasonally, so check current hours before heading over.
8. Play a Round of Golf at Manitou Beach Golf Club
If you’d rather play a full round, Manitou Beach Golf Club is a nine-hole, par-36 course located just up the hill from Manitou Beach. The tree-lined course stretches 3,048 yards, with bunkers and water hazards adding some challenge along the way.
There’s also a driving range and practice putting green, and club, pull-cart and power-cart rentals are available if you didn’t bring your own gear.
After your round, stop at the clubhouse for something to eat or grab a seat on the outdoor patio. Tee times can be booked through the Manitou Beach Golf Club.
9. Walk the Trails and Explore the Parks
If you want to stretch your legs between activities, Manitou Beach has several easy walking trails and green spaces to explore. Wellington Park is one of the main recreation areas in the village, with walking paths and views toward Little Manitou Lake.
For something a little different, follow the Poetry Post Trail, a self-guided route that combines a walk through Manitou Beach with poetry displayed along the way.
You’ll also find walking and biking routes around the village and along the lake. These aren’t big hiking trails, but they’re an easy way to slow down, explore Manitou Beach on foot and see more than you would simply driving between attractions.
10. Book a Spa or Wellness Experience
The mineral water may be Manitou Beach’s best-known wellness experience, but it isn’t the only way to slow down while you’re here. Manitou Springs Resort & Mineral Spa has an on-site spa that offers massages, facials and body treatments, along with other wellness experiences.
During our hosted stay, we tried several of the wellness options, including a hot stone massage, a private yoga session, pool yoga, and personalized frequency sessions. The hot stone massage was pure relaxation, while the private yoga session was a surprisingly easy introduction for two people who had never tried yoga before.
If you’re planning more than a quick day trip to Manitou Beach, adding a treatment or wellness experience is an easy way to build some self-care into your visit.
📌 Pro Tip: Spa and wellness offerings can book up quickly, so check what’s available and book ahead if there’s a particular experience you want.
11. Time Your Visit for a Festival or Special Event
For such a small community, Manitou Beach has a surprisingly busy summer event calendar. If your dates are flexible, it’s worth checking what’s happening before you plan your visit.
We happened to be there during the Manitou Beach Busking Festival, with performers set up at different locations around the village. It gave us another reason to wander around Manitou Beach, stopping to listen to performers along the way.
Other events throughout the summer have included Manitou Music Fest, Canada Day celebrations, the Spirit of Manitou Studio Trail and the Manitou Literary Festival, along with dances and special events at Danceland.
The schedule changes from year to year, so check the current Manitou Beach events calendar before your trip. You may find there’s a lot more happening during your weekend than you expected.
Where to Stay in Manitou Beach
If you want more than a day trip, staying overnight gives you time to enjoy Manitou Beach at a slower pace. We’ve stayed at Manitou Springs Resort & Mineral Spa, right in the village and across from Little Manitou Lake multiple times.
Manitou Springs Resort & Mineral Spa
The biggest advantage of staying at Manitou Springs Resort is having so much in one place. Your stay includes access to the mineral pool, and you can easily add spa treatments, wellness experiences and meals without having to drive anywhere. You’re also within walking distance of the beach, Danceland and other Manitou Beach attractions.
We stayed in a king room with a balcony overlooking Little Manitou Lake, with a sitting area, mini fridge and robes for the mineral pool. Room options vary, and some also have private Jacuzzi tubs.
One perk that’s particularly useful when planning your visit is that hotel guests can continue using the mineral pool after checkout. That means you don’t necessarily have to choose between checking out and fitting in one last swim before heading home.
📌 Pro Tip: You can read my full Manitou Springs Resort & Mineral Spa review for a closer look at the rooms, mineral pool, spa, wellness experiences and what it’s actually like to stay there.
If you’re coming specifically for the mineral pool and wellness experiences, staying at the resort makes it easy to build those into the entire getaway rather than squeezing everything into a single day.
Other Manitou Beach Accommodations
Manitou Beach also has a selection of inns, cabins and vacation rentals if you’re looking for a different style of stay. For campers, Manitou & District Regional Park has serviced campsites close to the village, making it easy to enjoy the lake and other Manitou Beach attractions while camping nearby.
Where to Eat in Manitou Beach
Manitou Beach has several dining options, but my favourites have been at Manitou Springs Resort.
Water’s Edge Restaurant & Lounge overlooks Little Manitou Lake and has a surprisingly extensive menu, ranging from burgers, salads and pasta to steak, salmon, ribs and other full dinner entrées. They also serve breakfast and lunch, making it convenient whether you’re staying overnight or spending the day at Manitou Beach.
For something more casual, Watercrest Café is another great option inside the resort. We found the prices very reasonable, with a selection of casual meals and lighter options when you don’t want a full sit-down restaurant meal. They also offer desserts, making it an easy place to stop for a quick bite or something sweet while you’re at the resort.
Best Time to Visit Manitou Beach
Summer is the best time to experience everything Manitou Beach has to offer. The beach, seasonal attractions, markets and events make it easy to fill a day or weekend.
By mid-September, most of Manitou Beach’s seasonal attractions have closed. Manitou Springs Resort & Mineral Spa remains open year-round, so fall and winter visits are much more about the mineral pools, spa and wellness experiences than exploring the village.
Final Thoughts: Is Manitou Beach Worth Visiting?
I live less than two hours from Manitou Beach, and somehow it took me years to realize just how much there is to do here.
I originally knew Manitou Beach for one thing: the incredibly salty lake where you can float without even trying. But after coming back several times, I’ve discovered that the lake is really just the beginning.
There’s something wonderfully unexpected about this little Saskatchewan resort village. You can float in mineral water in the morning, wander through an art gallery, dance at Danceland, watch a movie under the stars at the drive-in, and finish the weekend with a massage or a soak in the mineral pool.
And I think that’s what keeps surprising me about Manitou Beach. It doesn’t feel like a place you visit once, check off the list and move on. We’ve already found new reasons to come back—and I’m pretty sure we aren’t finished yet.
