During the winter months, life revolves around the Watrous Centennial Arena which can seat up to 500 spectators with a fully functional kitchen and lounge. Watrous has Minor Hockey teams for all ages, a Learn to Skate program, a Rec Hockey League as well as the Senior Winterhawks who play in the Long Lake Hockey League. Down the road, the Watrous Curling Rink has 4 artificial ice sheets and a fully functional bar & kitchen.
Little Manitou Lake – the only lake like it in North America – with properties similar to that of the Dead Sea in Jordan – is a truly unique experience. With many healing and rejuvenating properties, here is what you need to know:
The following are the results of the study completed by Dr. William Last, Department of Geological Sciences, University of Manitoba, 1997.
Magnesium 9,505.0 milligrams/litre
An essential mineral, Magnesium helps to maintain water balance in the cells and regulates the (PH) necessary for proper functioning of the nerves and muscles. It also helps to regulate the body’s temperature. Magnesium is a natural skin toner, tightener, refresher, allergy fighter and moisture retainer.
Carbonate 180.0 milligrams/litre
Sulphate 39,577.0 milligrams/litre
Helps to maintain the body’s balance, meaning it regulates the distribution of fluid on either side of the cell walls. It works with potassium to preserve the alkalinity of the body’s fluid and aids in keeping the skin healthy. It also maintains health of the nervous system, muscular system, blood and lymph systems. Sodium is a natural cleanser and rehydrater.
Potassium 430.0 milligrams/litre
Preserves the proper alkalinity of body fluids and aids in keeping the skin healthy. Potassium is a mineral salt used for its antibacterial and astringent effect in natural deodorants and antiperspirants.
Mineral Salts
Natural ingredients that stimulate the skin to perform functions such as oil production and hydration. As the skin sags with age, mineral salts help bring blood and oil to the skin’s surface. Mineral salts aid hydration which helps firm the skin by balancing moisture beneath the surface. It keeps mucous membranes moist and increases cell regeneration, giving skin greater elasticity. In addition, mineral salts boost the immune system by penetrating into the skin, strengthening blood vessel walls.
Sodium (Table Salt) 6,138.0 milligrams/litre
Chloride 8,969.0 milligrams/litre
Calcium 480.0 milligrams/litre
Used in the treatment and prevention of sunburn in addition to providing protection against the effects of sun damage such as redness and subsequent peeling. It also protects against sun-caused skin cancers and helps skin to remain healthy. The combination of Vitamin A and calcium are good protection for the skin. Calcium is a natural antiallergen.
Oxide of Iron and Aluminum 4.0 milligrams/litre
Iron is necessary for hemoglobin and myoglobin formation. A deficiency of iron results in paleness of the skin. Aluminum is used in foil, deodorants, and baking powder as an emulsifier, in some processed cheeses and as a bleaching agent to whiten flour. There are no known beneficial effects of
aluminum.
Silica 9.9 milligrams/litre
Plays an important part in the formation of bones, nails, teeth and connective tissue. Some of the highest levels of silica are found in cartilage, tendons, and blood vessels. Silica is a natural skin toner and tightener.
Sulphur
Often called “Nature’s Beauty Mineral” because it keeps the hair smooth and glossy and the complexion clear and youthful. Sulphur is stored in every cell with the highest concentration found in the joints, hair, skin and nails. It is reabsorbed by the skin and hair and stabilizes a too-strong sebaceous gland. It has the ability to alleviate itching and plays a part in tissue respiration. Sulphur is necessary for collagen synthesis and naturally eases aching joints.
Specific Gravity 1.06
The specific gravity of tap water is 1.0. When you add minerals, the minerals dissolve in the water and make it more buoyant. The Unsinkable Experience!
Long before European settlers immigrated to Canada and the western territories -Saskatchewan was designated as part of the Great Plains of western Canada – a variety of Canadian First Nations tribes traveled throughout the land, utilizing the available resources for their survival while still respecting the land from which it came.
The arrival of the European settlers impacted the tribes in a variety of ways. One of the most devastating effects settlers had upon the First Nations people was the introduction of foreign diseases such as small pox. The Cree people who populated the land area known as Saskatchewan were exposed to small pox and suffered devastating losses. Traditional medicines and remedies proved ineffective against this new disease.
According to legend, some young men fell ill during their tribe’s move. Fortunately, the tribe’s choice of campwas in the vicinity of what is now known as Little Manitou Lake. The men were too weak to travel so the tribe built a shelter for them before continuing their journey. It is said the afflicted men were overcome with fever and thirst and crawled their way to the lakeshore where they slaked their thirst and immersed themselves in the cool water. Spent from their efforts, they remained on the beach overnight. In the morning, the men experienced some relief from their symptoms. They attributed the respite to the water and remained on site, consuming and immersing themselves into the liquid medicine. Within days of their arrival at the lake, the young men regained their previous state of healthfulness and continued on their tribe’s journey. Upon reuniting with their tribe, tribe members were astounded by the men’s seemingly miraculous return to health.
So was born the legend of the healing waters of Little Manitou Lake. Medicine men named the lake Manitou in reference to the Great Spirit, which is the First Nations equivalent to the European God. As the legend of the lake with healing powers spread via word of mouth, First Nations tribes were followed by the settlers and then visitors from all parts of the world, traveling to the Lake of the Healing Waters to experience relief from a number of maladies. An entire profession of healing and therapeutic products sprang up from the lake resources, a profession that is still strong and vibrant today in the new millennium.
Come feel the effects of the healing waters first-hand. Experience the Spirit of Manitou for yourself!
There are many things to see and do in the Watrous – Manitou Beach Recreation Area.
A variety of accommodations are available to you in Watrous Manitou. Welcoming you with friendly service, the comforts of home and more, book your place today and relax at the end of a busy day. Find the perfect spot “down at the beach” or “in town”…
A variety of dining experiences await you in Watrous Manitou. You can dine with elegance in several establishments, relax at a few café locations, or grab a bite without missing a bit of fun! Find the perfect spot “down at the beach” or “in town”…
Whatever you’re looking for – gifts, cars, RVs, artwork – there are lots of places to shop in Watrous Manitou. Main Street in Watrous features great locally owned stores such as Inkster’s Mens Wear, Watrous Pharmacy, Nina’s Tea Shop, Little Olive Health Food Store, Watrous Bakery and the 306 Day Spa. Many spend time at Green Acres Greenhouse as well.
When you arrive in the community you are greeted by a multitude of cars, trucks, RVs and farm implements dubbed the “Multi-Million Dollar Mile”. The mile operates in lower-cost rural Saskatchewan and is characterized by low margin/high volume trade which give it highly competitive pricing. With three major vehicle dealerships, an RV dealer, and three farm implement dealers, there is a lot to choose from in Watrous!
Manitou Beach also has a number of Art and Antique outlets and giftshops as well a new Sourdough bakery.