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Watrous Manitou
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By Perry Mack
Legend has it that during a migration of the First Nations Cree, young braves who had fallen ill and were left behind for dead, camped on the shores of a lake. Overcome by fever and thirst, they swam and drank from the cool waters only to find themselves completely revived after a few days. After rejoining the tribe, medicine men named it Lake Manitou in reference to the Great Spirit, as a result of their miraculous recovery. The reputation of the Lake of Healing Waters brought more First Nations peoples, followed by early settlers and now… RVers.
Watrous and Manitou Beach are two great communities that create one fantastic travel destination. Located in the heart of Saskatchewan, approximately one-hour southeast of Saskatoon is Saskatchewan's best-kept secret, Little Manitou Lake – one of the few natural Salt Water lakes in North America. The mineral content of the lake allows all who enter it to float effortlessly.
Manitou Beach Regional Campground is one of Saskatchewan’s most popular campgrounds. RVers can choose from over 230 sites from rustic to full service. Each site includes a picnic table and pole barbeque and there are two camp kitchens with a 50-person capacity, available free to registered campers. There is a day-use area as well as clean modern showers and bathrooms. Firewood is available for purchase and family pets are welcome. Oh, and all these amenities are included for under $30 per night for a full hook-up site.
There is a rich, cultural vein running through the two communities. Painters, sculptors, photographers and mixed-medium artists call Watrous and Manitou Beach home. The Gallery on Third, located half a block east off Main Street in Watrous hosts not only traveling art shows but also the works of local artists.
The beautiful Manitou Beach Golf Club offers beginning and seasoned duffers a challenge. Bordered by mature trees, the nine-hole course is a beautiful walk of 3,048 yards, par 36 with a 119 slope rating for men and a 114 slope rating for women. Golf/Camp and Spa packages are available.
For guests wanting the added amenities of an indoor pool, on-site restaurant, café and gift boutique, Manitou Springs Hotel & Spa is the perfect choice. Along with its newly renovated Spa Pool, friendly staff and historic mural of the Legend of Little Manitou Lake, there is an opportunity for guests to pamper themselves with a variety of spa services – a massage following a soak in the pool, is the perfect way to end a day.
Just down the road is the historical plaque for the 80 plus year old famous dance hall – Danceland. If the walls of this structure could talk, they would tell the musical history of not only a province but also a country. From the big band era through the decades of country acts including one of Canada’s most successful country acts Prairie Oyster, Danceland has hosted a who’s who list of music greats. Throughout the summer, there is always something on tap, from dance lessons to dine and dances, this family friendly venue offers something for everyone.
From the shores of the lake, a legend has echoed through the ages, resonating with everyone who visits. How effective can it be? Find out first hand with a vacation experience to Watrous and Manitou Beach. As the locals say, ‘Come for a visit and stay for a lifetime’.