Watrous Lake and Mineral Spa

Here are some interesting facts about the mineral spa found at http://watrous-sask.com/history2.htm
THE LEGEND - The Indians discovered the lake and its healing powers long before the 1920s. They claimed it cured smallpox, rheumatic conditions and burning fevers. Dan Kennedy, an Assiniboine on the Montmartre reserve tells of the legend. It goes something like this: "In 1837 there was a small pox epidemic. When the Indians were fleeing from the plains to try to get away from the scourge, they passed the site of Lake Manitou. When two young men in the group were unable to go any farther, a small tent was erected in which they could spend their remaining days. After the rest of the tribe had departed, the young men were so consumed by thirst that they crawled to the shore of the nearby lake, and as well as drinking from Lake Manitou, they immersed themselves in the water. Apparently it cooled their fever, and they spent the majority of the next few days bathing themselves on the beach. Within a few days they were recovered, and were able to take up the trail of their party. It was from this that the Indians have come to regard the waters of Lake Manitou as having great therapeutic value." Medicine men called the lake "Manitou" because it means God to them, believing that it came from the Great Spirit. It became known as the "Lake of the Healing Waters," or "the Lake of the Good Spirit." Warring tribes never carried on their feud when visiting the lake. They laid down their weapons before entering the water. Tribes from as far east as the Great Lakes and as far west as the Rockies came to the lake which became famous for healing among the tribes.

THE WATER - Don't fight it.... relax .... and you really can float on your back and read a newspaper without getting it wet. The water is also very refreshing. The specific gravity of 1.06 (density compared to water) makes you buoyant. The chemical properties of the water are unique. The water is many times more buoyant than fresh water, making it very safe for swimming. The temperature of the water is a factor affecting the salinity. Little Manitou Lake has many of the same natural qualities as the Dead Sea. Visitors take advantage of the buoyancy to do physiotherapeutic exercises that help ease aching joints. It contains more magnesium which is good for the skin and bronchial passages and contains more iodine, which is beneficial for certain glandular functions. The minerals in the water make the colour look metallic bronze. There is no research data to prove its healing qualities, but many medical claims speak of how good it is for: - arthritis - rheumatism - joint problems - skin conditions (eczema and psoriasis). If you have the slightest scratch or cut, one dip into the water makes the sore heal up really fast. Natural oils were extracted from the lake and made into hair tonic and toothpaste. Residents harvested the mineral salts and sold them to drug stores across Saskatchewan. Mud packs were also applied to sore muscles and joints.