Photo of Manitou Springs Resort & Mineral Spa, in Manitou Lake, Saskatchewan

MANITOU LAKE, SASKATCHEWAN

Manitou Springs Resort & Mineral Spa

Overview: This resort is located on the shallow, saltwater Little Manitou Lake, known as the Dead Sea of Canada, formed by receding glaciers and fed by underground springs. The complex comprises a 102-room hotel, conference centre, large heated indoor mineral pool and a range of spa services. Historically, the lake was a place of healing for the Indigenous Peoples of the region. You can’t really swim-swim, because the water is so salty — five times as salty as the ocean — but floating is a shrieking good time. It’s like you’re weightless.

Extracurricular: The resort village of Manitou Beach itself is a peaceful place, equipped with walking trails, golfing, sailing, boating, paddling and more.

Bonus: Therapeutic minerals in the water include magnesium, carbonate, potassium, mineral salts, sodium, calcium, iron, silica and sulphur.