If you've always wanted to float in the salty, buoyant waters of the Dead Sea, you don't need to leave Canada to get a similar experience — the country is home to its very own version of the famous natural wonder.
In Canada's prairies, nestled in a glacier-scooped valley, you'll find a lake that's said to have healing powers, with waters so buoyant it's pretty much impossible to sink.
Located in the rolling plains of Saskatchewan just outside the town of Watrous, Little Manitou Lake is a unique body of water unlike anything else in the country.
The lake is a saline lake, and is five times more concentrated with salt than the water of the ocean. It's one of the saltiest lakes in the world, coming in alongside spots like Lake Vanda in Antarctica and the Gaet'ale Pond in Ethiopia.
The lake, which is one of only a few of its kind in North America, is similar in quality to the famous Dead Sea in the Middle East. It's no wonder, then, that its nickname is the "Dead Sea of Canada."
Fed by underground springs, the lake's waters are high in sodium, magnesium, and potassium salts, making it many times more buoyant than fresh water.
Since the water has such a high level of salinity, you don't actually even need to swim here — you'll effortlessly float. Swimmers can even read while swimming or float vertically because of how buoyant the lake's waters are.
The waters of the lake are also believed to have healing properties. According to the Watrous-Manitou Heritage Centre, Indigenous peoples thought the lake cured smallpox and rheumatic conditions and cooled fevers. They called it "Manitou," which means "Great Spirit."
Today, the lake is renowned for its ability to soothe and rejuvenate swimmers. Visitors may use the lake's buoyancy to help ease aching joints. The lake's concentration of magnesium is also said to be good for the skin.
The lake is located roughly midway between Regina and Saskatoon. On the shores of the lake, the resort community of Manitou Beach offers hiking, antique and art galleries, golf and more. There are hotels and campsites not far from the water if you want to extend your visit.
Don't miss the Manitou Springs Resort and Mineral Spa, Canada's largest indoor natural mineral spa, which can also be found on the shores of the lake and where you can further enjoy the benefits of the salty, mineral-rich water.
Watrous Manitous Beach Tourism site.
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.
