You needn’t go to the Middle East if you want to experience a salt water lake akin to the Dead Sea—look no further than the heartland of the Canadian prairies in south-central Saskatchewan.
Little Manitou Lake is located in a glacier-carved valley about 125 kilometres southeast of Saskatoon. It is one of the saltiest lakes in Canada, with a salt concentration five times greater than that of the ocean. At about 13-square kilometres in size with an average depth of under four metres, the lake is not very big or deep, but it boasts a sizeable tourist hub as well as some fame.
The real Dead Sea is far saltier than Little Manitou Lake, with salinity more than ten times higher than ocean waters. But the salty lake can make anyone who swims in it instantly buoyant, attracting beach-goers who would love to effortlessly float around in its calm waters. The lake is also said to possess healing qualities due to its iodine content, which can help with thyroid conditions. Locals and visitors alike have claimed that it has healed joint pain, skin problems, arthritis, and more.
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The lake became saline about one thousand years ago, when it was twice as deep as it is now. Little Manitou Lake is part of a hydrologically closed system, which means that no other waterways feed into or flow out of it. In these kinds of systems, evaporation over time naturally leaves the water concentrated with dissolved salts and minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and sodium. Due to its mineral-rich composition, the water is a rusty-bronze colour.
The lake is ideal for swimming, boating, and paddling, although don’t expect to catch any fish, because there are none in the lake due to its high salt content. A bustling tourist hub that attracts thousands of visitors every year, the area has a beach, mineral spa, golf club, campground, and many parks, restaurants, and local attractions. Manitou Beach is considered the heart of the lake and an ideal spot for a beach day.
Saskatchewan is also home to many other salt lakes, including Radisson Lake, Redberry Lake, Basin Lake, and Little Manitou’s larger cousin, Manitou Lake. Many of these salty waterbodies formed under similar circumstances within the province’s unique geography and geological history.
Whether or not you believe in the lake’s curative properties, or would want to swim in extra-salty water, Indigenous peoples from across Canada have been taking their sick to the lake for centuries. Dubbed “Manitou” for a reason, Indigenous groups believe the lake to be a gift from “the Great Spirit” or “Creator” and have enshrined the lake’s legacy in stories and songs. In many Indigenous cultures, Little Manitou Lake is considered sacred.
Thinking of planning a visit and testing the waters for yourself? You can learn more about the community of Manitou Beach and things to do on Little Manitou lake here.
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