If you’ve ever tried to float in a normal swimming pool, you know the drill. You hold your breath, go stiff as a board, and eventually, your legs start to sink like lead. Not here. At Manitou Springs Resort Saskatchewan, the water basically rejects your attempts to go under.
It’s weird. Honestly, it's kinda eerie the first time you feel it.
People call Little Manitou Lake the "Dead Sea of Canada," but that’s actually a bit of a misnomer. The salinity is roughly half of the actual Dead Sea in Jordan, sitting at about 180 grams per litre. Still, that’s five times saltier than the Atlantic Ocean. You don't just swim in it; you hover on top of it.
The Water Isn't Just Salty
Most folks think salt is the only thing going on in that pool. It’s not. The water is a chemical cocktail of magnesium, potassium, calcium, and sulfate. Back in the day—we’re talking 19th-century history here—the Assiniboine people were the first to recognize it. Legend has it they brought tribe members suffering from smallpox to the shores, and the "Great Spirit" (Manitou) provided healing through the water.
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Fast forward to 2026, and the resort has bottled that experience—literally and figuratively. The indoor therapeutic pool is the main draw. It’s heated between 93°F and 103°F (34°C to 39°C).
But here is what most people get wrong: they think it’s just a fancy hotel pool.
It isn't. It’s a pressurized system that brings the lake water inside, filters it, and keeps those minerals active. If you have eczema, psoriasis, or just joints that ache when the prairie wind blows too hard, this place is basically a liquid heating pad.
Why Manitou Springs Resort Saskatchewan Stays Crowded
The resort itself is a bit of a time capsule. I’ll be honest—if you’re looking for a glass-and-chrome ultra-modern skyscraper, you’re in the wrong province. It has an "older" aesthetic. Some call it dated; others call it charming. Think 105 rooms, worn-in carpets in the halls, but views of the lake that make you forget about the decor.
The real "expert" move? Don't just go for a day soak.
Stay the night. When you're a registered guest, you get unlimited access to the mineral pools. If you're just dropping in, you're paying by the session, and trust me, you’ll want to go back in after dinner at the Water’s Edge Restaurant.
The "Danceland" Connection
You can't talk about the resort without mentioning Danceland. It’s a 12-minute walk away. It’s a world-famous dance hall with a floor built on horsehair.
Yes, horsehair.
It creates a "spring" that makes it feel like you’re dancing on a cloud. It was built in 1928, and it’s one of the few places left where you can experience that specific type of architecture. Most people hit the mineral spa in the afternoon to loosen up their muscles and then head to Danceland at night to tire them out again. It's the standard Manitou Beach cycle.
Real Talk on the Spa Treatments
The Serenity Massage and Esthetics wing is where things get serious. They do this thing called the Manitou Salt Glow.
Basically, they take the actual salts harvested from the lake and scrub you down until you feel like a newborn. Then there's the mud. They use "Manitou Mud" (which is surprisingly rich in silica and iron) for facials. Does it work? Well, science says the high magnesium content is great for skin barrier repair. My skin usually just feels like it’s been through a car wash, but in a good way.
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Survival Tips for the Mineral Pool
If you’ve never soaked in water this mineral-heavy, you’re in for a surprise. Here is the reality of the experience:
- The Sting: If you have a tiny papercut or you just shaved your legs, you are going to know about it. The salt finds every opening. It’s a sharp, localized burn that lasts about five minutes.
- The Dehydration: You’re soaking in salt. It sucks the moisture right out of your internal systems. If you don't drink a liter of water after your soak, you’ll wake up the next morning with a "salt hangover"—a pounding headache and a mouth that feels like it’s full of cotton.
- The Hair Situation: Don't put your hair in the water. Just don't. The minerals will turn your hair into a bird’s nest that requires a gallon of conditioner to fix. Use the showers. Use them twice.
What's the Catch?
Nothing is perfect. The resort can get loud on weekends because it’s a massive hit for families. The elevator is notoriously slow—one of those "I could have walked up the stairs three times by now" kind of slow.
Also, the smell.
It’s a mineral lake. There is a faint earthy, sulfur-like scent. It’s not "rotten egg" bad, but it’s definitely there. If you’re sensitive to smells, the first ten minutes in the pool area might be a shock to the system. You get used to it, though. Or your nose just gives up. Either way, you stop noticing it once you start floating.
The 2026 Reality
Lately, the resort has been leaning harder into wellness retreats. You’ll see more yoga groups and "digital detox" crowds than you used to. It makes sense. It’s an hour from Saskatoon and two hours from Regina, making it the easiest escape for city people who are burnt out.
The rooms are getting upgrades—new beds, better duvets—but the core of the place remains that weird, wonderful water.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
Book the right room. If you want the full experience, ask for a lake-view suite with a jetted tub. Some of these have fireplaces, which are a godsend if you're visiting in February when Saskatchewan is -30°C.
Timing is everything. The pool is busiest between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM. If you want a quiet float, go at 9:00 AM or right before they close. There is something profoundly peaceful about floating in a silent, steaming pool while the moon is out over the lake.
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Bring a cheap swimsuit. The high salt and mineral content can be hard on delicate fabrics and can sometimes cause slight discoloration. Leave the $200 designer bikini at home and bring the "reliable" one.
Check the Danceland schedule. Don't just show up and hope there's a band. Check their calendar for the "Old Time ALL STARS" or the "Johner Brothers" events.
Hydrate before, during, and after. Most people forget the "during" part. Bring a plastic water bottle (no glass on the pool deck!) and sip it while you soak. Your kidneys will thank you later.