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- beach 2021
PHOTO CREDIT: BRYAN MIERAU
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WATROUS MANITOU
welcomes you!
Our community is re-opening as the provincial regulations allow. Already you are invited to explore and more is available soon.
• Little Manitou Lake is excellent for sailing, kayak, and canoeing. The lake is 13 KM long. • Explore 5 km of marked walking trails throughout the village. • Discover the community! An antique shop, two art galleries and our favorite ice cream café are already open. • The Manitou Beach Golf Course is offering 18 hole bookings, restaurant, and store. • Manitou Regional Campground is accepting Saskatchewan bookings. • Our beaches are open! Swim in the natural healing waters of Little Manitou Lake.
More is coming!
CHECK ONLINE FOR UPDATES
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Experience the wonders of Little Manitou Lake this summer! CAROL TODD POSTMEDIA CONTENT WORKS The healing waters of Little Manitou Lake are, indeed, a draw for increasing numbers of visitors, while the Watrous-Manitou area offers a wide range of other attractions for residents and visitors alike. The Watrous-Manitou area is located southeast of Saskatoon, in the picturesque parkland region of Saskatchewan. The parkland, the geographical area of the province that separates the prairie grassland to the south from the boreal forests of the North, is covered with trees and dotted with lakes and agricultural land. Long a magnet for First Nations people, its beauty and the healing waters of Little Lake Manitou began drawing European settlers around the turn of the 19th century. The first settlers arrived in about 1903, with the greatest influx between 1904 and 1914. Watrous was named after Frank Watrous Morse, the general manager of the Grand Trunk Pacific. It was incorporated as a town in 1909, with a population of 659. The population of the area has now grown to more than 3,000 residents, including Watrous and the Village of Manitou Beach.
The waters of Little Lake Manitou are among the main attractions for visitors — more than 100,000 each year, except for the decline in 2020 due to COVID. The waters are said to possess a range of healing and therapeutic properties and an entire industry based on it attracts visitors from near and far. All of the attractions of the entire region make it easy to entice visitors, says Vickie Clarke, the community development officer for Watrous. “There’s so much here to work with,” she says. Clarke grew up in the area and recently returned to it from Saskatoon. “So, to come back here and to see the amount of artists that are in this community, the number of businesses that are changing the way they’re doing things, or the people who are taking the imitative, it’s really outstanding.” With the province slated to lift many of its COVID-related restrictions, Clarke says people are going to be looking to get out and about this summer, and the Watrous-Manitou Lake area will be ready. She expects many people will want to stay close to home. “Our biggest draws are Saskatoon, Regina, Edmonton and Calgary, those are our primary markets and we’re seeing a lot of that already,” she says.
The Watrous-Manitou Marketing Group, a Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) was set up to promote the area. It tapped into the Canadian Experiences Fund, which had earmarked $11 million for western Canada tourism initiatives, to make it even more attractive to visit the area by offering several “Experience” packages. “It’s one thing to say that we have the beach and we have Wellington Park and we have all those outside things for people to do. Then, once they get here and they’re here for a little while, then of course they want other things to be able to do, too. So, packages are just another way to do that,” Clarke says. There will be three packages available soon:
Agri-tourism
This one of a kind farm tour will give a behind the scenes tour of modern farming and farm life at one of Saskatchewan’s most beautiful, vibrant and picturesque locations. The day will wrap up with a meal in the field, made with products grown by local farmers and prepared by a local chef and restaurant.
Art in the Park
A Saskatchewan-based artist/ muralist will lead a three-hour draw-
There is so much to experience at Little Manitou Lake this summer – from the unique healing properties of the lake to experience packages created by the Watrous-Manitou Marketing Group. Photos: Bryan Mierau Photographry
ing expedition to explore the Wellington Creek ravine. This all-inclusive workshop will focus on the native plant shapes and textures, ending with individual critiques over fresh-baked pizza and cold refreshments.
Watercraft Experience Package
Participants will enjoy two nights’ accommodation, with information sessions and a stand-up paddleboard or kayak guided tour of Little Manitou Lake to see the many kinds of wildlife,
including water fowl, birds of prey, deer and red foxes. The event will include a gourmet picnic lunch on the beach. Information on the packages will be available soon online at watrousmanitou.com. In, on, or around the wonderful waters of Little Manitou Lake and throughout the attractions of Watrous, the Watrous-Manitou area has something for everyone to experience and enjoy. “People really should come and experience this,” says Clarke.
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Mark your calendars!
Visitors will definitely want to make note of these special events in Watrous and Manitou Beach JENNIFER JACOBY-SMITH POSTMEDIA CONTENT WORKS The communities of Watrous and Manitou Beach offer a ton of activities on any given weekend, but this summer the communities are coming together for several special events that visitors will want to circle on their calendars. From dedicating art installations to experiencing live music from local musicians to sharing a passion for all things auto related, there’s always something happening in Watrous and Manitou Beach.
Happy Canada Day!
Canada Day is a special day to celebrate in Manitou Beach. This year the Canada Day celebrations will still be curtailed due to COVID restrictions, but the day does include a special unveiling and dedication ceremony of the Manitou Reflections art installation. And, of course, what Canada Day would be complete without fireworks? Manitou Reflections was to be dedicated in 2020, but due to COVID the plans had to be scrapped. Located in the Uhmann Family Centennial Park, the metallic artwork overlooks the water of Little Manitou Lake. The curved stainless steel artwork features cutouts inspired by the water and surrounding landscape. The ceremony starts at 7 p.m. Other entertainment will follow with fireworks capping off what promises to be a fun evening.
Manitou Beach or Busk
For the first time ever, Watrous and Manitou Beach are hosting a busking festival. Manitou Beach or Busk takes place July 9, 10, and 11. The festival is a collaboration between the Manitou Beach Recreation Board, the Watrous Manitou Marketing Group, and the Little Manitou Art Gallery. This unique three-day event will feature musicians and performers from across the province at seven different outdoor loca-
tions in the two communities in a comeand-go style. It’s a great opportunity to experience the talents of local performers in the great Saskatchewan outdoors. There is no cost or admission fee. Friday, July 9, busking performances go from 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 10, things start at 11 a.m. and go until 10 p.m. Sunday, July 11, kicks off with a pancake breakfast fundraiser for the Manitou Beach Recreation Board at 8 a.m. Busking continues from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. To stay up to date on the latest visit the Facebook page (Manitou Beach or Busk) or to become a participant, visit their website at mbbusk.business.site.
Come Join The Spirit!
The 2021 Annual Studio Trail features artists and artisans from Guernsey, Meacham, Watrous and Manitou Beach. This year’s Studio Trail takes place Saturday, July 10 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, July 11, from noon to 6 p.m. This Studio Trail is comprised of local ar tists and ar tisans who have come together to present their works to you. As with all things Saskatchewan, there are distances to travel and is part of the allure of exploring these studios. Trail participants have chosen to showcase their talents either at their work studio or have banded together in a central location. Check which participants offer demonstrations, restrooms and wheelchair accessibility. Jump on the trail anywhere you wish, follow the map to find the next artisan or artist. Take a day or both days to explore the area around Manitou Beach/ Watrous and the area of Meacham to discover what talent lies around the bend. For more information visit SpiritofManitou.ca.
Watrous & Manitou Beach Annual Fun Run Auto Show ‘N’ Shine
Meanwhile, the 30th annual Fun Run Auto Show ‘N’ Shine is the “biggest small town car show” according to Allan Madland
chairman of the organizing committee. This year, the car show takes place July 24. Last year the socially distanced car parade attracted 90 units, but this year the committee is anticipating numbers closer to pre COVID levels which where over 250 cars. Madland says most car exhibits start lining up on Main Street in Watrous early Saturday morning with activities are well under way by 10 a.m. At 3 p.m. the entrants form a parade and drive to Manitou Beach. The event usually attracts around 1,000 people. While, there is no cost to visitors, there is a small entry fee for those showing off their cars or motorcycles. As of press time, the car show is still finalizing details on entertainment and food vendors, but it promises to be a fun day for young and old.
Manitou Beach Chainsaw Carving Festival
A truly unique event returns to Manitou Beach this year. A brilliant prairie sky is the perfect setting for the bi-annual Manitou Beach Chainsaw Carving Festival. The festival takes place August 12 to 15 at the Manitou Beach Sports Grounds. As Saskatchewan’s only chainsaw carving festival, it offers visitors a chance to see these artisans creating stunning high-powered works of art. This festival attracts world class chainsaw carvers. Carvings created on site will be for auction daily and the larger pieces that take three days to create will be sold on Sunday. The weekend will include children’s activities, food and craft vendors, beer gardens and live entertainment. (All subject to applicable Saskatchewan public health orders.) For more information visit mbcarving.ca. Note: Businesses and events are subject to Saskatchewan Government public health orders and event details could change.
Events Calendar
July 1
Canada Day | 7 p.m. Uhmann Park, Manitou Beach
July 9-11
Manitou Beach or Busk - Busking Festival Various locations | mbbusk.business.site Spirit of Manitou Studio Trail Various locations | spiritofmanitou.ca
July 24
Watrous & Manitou Beach Annual Fun Run Auto Show ‘N’ Shine Location | www.facebook.com/watrousfunrun
August 12-15
Manitou Beach Chainsaw Carving Festival Location | mbcarving.ca
Create an amazing day trip experience just for you and your family! Family weekend day trip itinerary
• Morning - Hike in Wellington Park, 117 Eveson Avenue, Manitou Beach. Manitou Mini Golf, 203 Hwy 365, Manitou Beach. • Lunch - Water’s Edge Restaurant at the Manitou Spring Mineral Spa, 302 MacLachlan Avenue, Manitou Beach. • Afternoon - Visit the beach and play in the heaing water, Little Manitou Lake. Ice Cream at MiniMart, 205 MacLachlan Avenue, Manitou Beach. • Evening - The Drive In at Manitou Beach, Hwy 365, Manitou Beach.
Couples weekend day trip itinerary
• Morning - Hike in Wellington Park, 117 Evenson Avenue, Manitou Beach. Couples Massage at Manitou Springs Mineral Spa, 302 MacLachlan Avenue, Manitou Beach. • Lunch - ODA restaurant, 305 MacLachlan Avenue, Manitou Beach. • Afternoon - Visit the local art galleries, various locations, Manitou Beach. Refreshment at Mike’s Beach Bar, 303 MacLachlan Avenue, Manitou Beach. • Evening - The Drive In at Manitou Beach, Hwy 365, Manitou Beach.
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Arts in full bloom this summer ANDREW LIVINGSTONE POSTMEDIA CONTENT WORKS Manitou Beach and Watrous are acclaimed for their accomplished artists, and Sarah McKen, owner/operator of the Little Manitou Art Gallery, appreciates the opportunity to promote all aspects of the area’s arts scene. She offers her gallery as a hub for visitors seeking to explore Manitou Beach both for its art scene and its other amenities. “I would suggest they come to Little Manitou Art Gallery, because I have tourist information and network with the community, so I can tell them what is happening, and what is available and other choices to help them plan their day,” she says. “I’m sort of in the centre of the community so that everything would be accessible from here.” McKen can direct visitors to other local galleries, such as G-G’s Gallery & Gifts or the Gallery on 3rd, or they can peruse the work of numerous artists at Little Manitou itself. It comprises five smaller buildings and a garden, and each of them showcases visual art in media ranging from blown glass to welded steel, carved stone, pottery, jewellery and clothing. “We are open every day from 9 in the morning till 10 at night in the summertime,” she says. Like many of the galleries in the Manitou area, Little Manitou was well-positioned to weather Saskatchewan’s lockdowns in 2020, and McKen is optimistic that 2021 will be even better. “Ironically, we happened to be set up very well for COVID because [the gallery] is primarily out-
doors,” says McKen. “The little buildings have the doors open, so nobody’s touching door knobs, and the buildings themselves are actually small enough that instinctively people only want to go in with one family bubble.” Recently, McKen was even able to improve her operations, opening an additional seating and display area in the gallery’s terraced gardens and upgrading her food and beverage capabilities. Those refreshments are particularly convenient given that the gallery is also a venue for the musical arts, featuring weekly, live performances every Saturday evening beginning in July and running until the September long weekend. “There’s a little, wooden stage in the corner of our property and people sit at picnic tables and patio tables,” says McKen. “The music is on stage every Saturday at 3 p.m. for a sound check and a couple songs, and then 7 p.m. that evening has
A visit to Manitou Beach Watrous isn’t complete without experiencing the robust arts community, starting at the Little Manitou Art Gallery. Photo: Michael Gaudet
two full sets.” There are many places for musicians to perform in Manitou however, as the town will demonstrate from July 9 to 11 during its ‘Manitou Beach or Busk’ event. “That is the first annual busking festival in Manitou Beach,” says McKen. “The buskers are assigned to different locations and different time slots. There are six different corners in Manitou and one in Watrous, and musicians that want to come out to play should check us out on Facebook.” On the same weekend, the community will also honor the visual arts with a much older tradition: the Watrous-Manitou Studio Trail. The two-day, self-guided tour will run from July 10 to 11 as visitors travel between various artistic sites in the area. “All the artists have their studio, a showroom,
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or their gallery open, and people come in and see their work,” says McKen. “There’s 19 different artists … in Manitou Beach, some in Watrous, one over in Guernsey, one in Viscount, all the way up to Meacham.” Having celebrated the musical and visual arts, the community will spotlight local literature on Aug. 1 with WOW Manitou. The title, “stands for the ‘Wonder Of Words’, and it is a literary Festival where poets and storytellers get up on stage and share a little bit of their written work,” says McKen. On Sept. 5, Manitou will give the summer a sendoff with the Manitou Music Fest. “This will be the fourth year running Manitou Music Fest,” says McKen, whose gallery will again serve as a venue. “I have ten different musicians, and music starts at noon and goes till midnight.”
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Come on down – the water’s fine! CAROL TODD POSTMEDIA CONTENT WORKS Located about 116 kms southeast of Saskatoon, near the town of Watrous, the mineral-rich Little Manitou Lake is a delight for bathers. “Little Manitou Lake is a very unusual lake,” says long time resident and former mayor of the Resort Village of Manitou Lake, Eric Upshall. ”The mineral content is such that you jump in and you float.” The area is a draw itself, but it’s the water of Little Manitou Lake that’s the big attraction. “The reason we are all here is because of the lake,” says Upshall, who has had a presence there since 1978 and has been a permanent resident for nearly 20 years. Formed by receding glaciers during the most recent ice age, the long, narrow lake is fed by underground springs. With no way out for the water, minerals like sodium, magnesium and potassium salts build up. The salt content of the water gives it a density comparable to that of the Dead Sea and five times that of the oceans, allowing bathers to float easily. First Nations legend tells of the discovery of the healing power of the lake in the distant past. It is said that a group of young men, ill from European disease, recovered after spending several days at the lake and soaking in its restorative waters. Medicine men named the lake Manitou in honour of their deity, the Great Spirit. This and other stories of the ”Lake of Healing Waters” spread throughout the Plains and, eventually, around the world. The spirit persists, says Upshall. “It’s a special place. It’s peaceful. There’s a lot of tranquility here and yet lots of activities. It’s kind of a strange combination. The short answer is that I feel good here,” he says. In addition to floating on the lake, there are numerous other activities for residents and visitors to enjoy – everything from kayaking, sailing, canoeing and paddleboarding, all with that special Little Manitou feel. “It’s a different type of experience than if you’ve paddleboarded on a
regular lake,” says Vickie Clarke, the community development officer for Watrous. “When you come here, the water is more buoyant; it’s a different feel. It’s really quite neat.” Upshall is also a paddleboard enthusiast. “There’s a lot of kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding on the lake. I love getting on my paddleboard and going for a trip up and down the lake, meeting other people and just going exploring,” he says. Clarke says the other benefit is that the high salt content means there are not
very many motorized craft on the lake. “It’s really nice for people to be able to go out because you’re not fighting the boat waves,” she says, adding that water craft rentals are available. Whether in or on the water, Upshall says Little Manitou lake is addictive, in a good way. “A lot of people come to Manitou Beach for the first time and are hooked on it, and some of them have even bought places before they left. That’s kind of a common theme,” says Upshall.
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WWW.MANITOUMAINLINECHRYSLER.CA
Long-time resident Eric Upshall enjoys the view from his home on Little Manitou Lake. Photo courtesy Eric Upshall.
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WENDY LIVINGSTONE POSTMEDIA CONTENT WORKS When a self-professed movie geek becomes the manager of the local drive-in theatre, the result is a summer with an interesting - and perhaps even quirky - array of movies lighting up the prairie evening skies. “They gave me free rein, so I can run whatever I want,” said Earl Hayhurst, manager of The Drive In at Manitou Beach. “And I’m a hopeless movie geek so I run some unusual stuff.” Formerly known as the Jubilee Drive-In, the outdoor theatre is in its 66th year. Now owned by the Village of Manitou Beach, it is located next door to the Manitou and District Regional Park Campground. This year, Hayhurst plans to offer a mix of new releases and an eclectic selection of older movies. So far this summer, that has included the new Jason Statham movie, Wrath of Man, and some old favourites such as Mamma Mia, the original Fast and Furious, American Pie, Happy Gilmore, John Wayne’s 1963 classic McLintock!, and the 1957 movie Plan 9 from Outer Space, a film that he calls a “horrible, horrible” movie. “It’s one of the worst movies ever made, but it just looks fantastic on that big screen,” he explained. His choices have often proven to be very popular among drive-in enthusiasts. “Last year we had great crowds for Twister, Grease, Dirty Dancing and Back to the Future. Anything with Adam Sandler is always popular,” he said. “And lots of kids’ movies. Everyone wants to have kids’ movies all the time, but I like to have a little variety.” Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles night saw the drive-in paired up with a local restaurant to offer pizza with the movie. “I had the people that were, say, 40 years old, bringing their six-, seven-, eightyear-old kids. The parents were fans of the movie and it was cool to see these little kids come in - some of them were in turtle outfits,” said Hayhurst. “You can’t get that on Netflix.” Some of this year’s weekend showings will be theme-based, such as last
summer’s very popular horror weekend. A ladies’ movie weekend, which featured The Notebook, Dirty Dancing, Grease, Footloose, Mean Girls and Pretty in Pink, was also well-received. During the past year, drive-ins have seen an increase in popularity as they serve as a COVID-safe outing for families whereby they can remain socially distanced from other groups and individuals. The Drive In at Manitou Beach has played an added role in reducing the impact of lockdowns on the community with recordings of local dance recitals and graduations. “They basically do their ceremony socially distanced. Mom and Dad and
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…it was cool to see these little kids come in - some of them were in turtle outfits,” said Hayhurst. “You can’t get that on Netflix.
Grandma and Grandpa can go and watch in the car,” said Hayhurst. The drive-in has also served to recreate the live concert experience that many people are craving with showing of a live Bon Jovi concert. “It’s basically just like going to a concert at the drive-in,” said Hayhurst. “It was very good.” The theatre is open Friday, Saturday, Sunday and some Thursdays from now until Labour Day. Bookings for the rest of this season are now being confirmed, so it’s too soon to say what’s in store for the summer. Whatever Hayhurst has planned, you can be sure it will be at least a few steps from the ordinary.
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