Discover Canada’s answer to the Dead Sea, a beach that sings (or squeaks) when you walk on it, and three other incredible locations to take a dip.
1. Little Manitou Lake
Little Manitou Lake.
Canada has its own Dead Sea – well, not quite. But Little Manitou has often been compared to the Dead Sea in the Middle East. This is because it has mineral-rich, highly saline waters. The lake’s three saline content is three times that of the ocean. In other words – yes, you can float in it! Little Manitou has been praised for its therapeutic qualities, with the First Nations people of the region seeing the lake as having healing powers. It is great for muscle pain, arthritis and clearing up skin conditions. The lake is often harvested and bottled up for its minerals and sold across Canada. But it is completely free to soak in those properties yourself by taking a dip!
Where: Lake Manitou is located in Saskatchewan, in central Canada. In the early 20th century, the town of Mantiou Beach embraced its status as a spa town. Today, it is full of quaint shops, cute cafes, and restaurants. There’s also plenty of opportunity for picnicking by the lake and boating.
2. Singing Sands Beach
Here the sands sing!
We might associate the ocean with the mermaid’s song but, here, it is the sand that sings. When you walk on the sand, it produces a high-pitched sound that could be called singing (or squeaking, perhaps less generously, but more accurately). Still, it certainly makes for a more interesting beach experience. Not only is the sand vocal, but it is also white and powdery, so pretty picturesque too. The waters are clear and shallow, making them ideal for children or less confident swimmers. In addition, the beach is surrounded by nature trails and care is taken to preserve the flora and fauna of the area.
Where: Singing Sands Beach is in Basin Head Provincial Park on the eastern coast of Prince Edward Island.
3. Bathtub Island
What’s better than a warm soak in your bathtub? A warm soak in a naturally formed bathtub! Bathtub Island got its name because it is a depression in the rocky shoreline. The depression collects holds fresh, clear water, in a small pool that resembles a pool. As the rocks shelter the bathtub, it is much warmer than the surrounding Lake Superior, which is notably chilly. From the Bathtub, you can take in amazing views of the Lake Superior and the rugged coastline.
Baths feel better when you’re exhausted and truly need one. And rather than a long day of answering to justify this splash in the tub, you’ll have a short but challenging hike to get there.
Where: Bathtub Island is located in the Lake Superior in the Lake Superior Provincial Park, in north-eastern Ontario.
4. Radium Hot Springs
Radium Hot Springs.
The largest hot springs in all of Canada, Radium Hot Springs is naturally heated, with temperatures ranging from 35-47 degrees. Luckily, the Radium Hot Springs are open all year round. They contain minerals, including calcium, and so, a swim will rejuvenate you! While you swim, you’ll get to take in views of dramatic Rocky mountains.
Where: The Radium Hot Springs are in Kootenay National Park in the Colombia Valley. In the Kootenay National Park, you can spy beautiful wildlife, including eagles, bears and elks.
5. Mystery Lake
With a name that naturally intrigues, Mystery Lake is a natural beauty. It is known for the clearness of its waters – which, incidentally, take away from the mystery of what is underwater, as it is clear enough to observe the lives of fishes. The true origin story behind the name is – well, a mystery. Still, it is great for swimming, fishing, or a leisurely paddle in a canoe. It is surrounded by lush forest, making it ideal to hike near, and there is even a campsite.
Where: Mystery Lake can be found in Algonquin Provincial Park, one of the highlights of central Ontario.
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