The Portland branch of the Rideau Lakes Public library offers public washrooms and free wifi. Outdoors, enjoy beautiful Hanna Park, a children’s playground at Kin Park, swimming at Portland Community Beach or venture to the Cataraqui Trail offering 104 kms for cycling or nature walks just east of the village. The Emmanuel Heritage Centre (formerly Emmanuel Anglican Church 1861) built of fine local sandstone at the crest of Portland Hill, stands as the landmark of the village.
Pick up your Picnic
- Dixie Chips (seasonal) https://www.facebook.com/Dixie-Chips-107059697623674/
- Portside Pub & Eatery https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555627846251
- Portland Family Restaurant and Pizza https://directory.leedsgrenville.com/Home/View/portland-family-restaurant-and-pizza
- Recess Café https://recesscafe.ca/
- The Galley Restaurant (seasonal) https://www.lenscove.com/the-galley/
Shop
- Claire Jacobs Fine Art https://www.clairejfineart.com/
- Portland Pharmasave https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100035513876542
- Forfar Dairy Cheese store and Sunflower Bake Shop (nearby in Forfar) https://forfar.com/
- Luna Moth Blooms and Bounty (nearby seasonal roadside stand at 4775 Briton Houghton Bay Road) https://lunamothbloomsandbounty.myshopify.com/
Outdoor Activity
- Cataraqui Trail https://cataraquitrail.ca/trail-info/
- Self-guided Heritage Walking Tour of Portland https://www.rideaulakes.ca/experience/things-to-do/trails-routes/tours/heritage-walking-tour-of-portland
- Portland Beach https://www.rideaulakes.ca/experience/things-to-do/beaches-parks
- Kin Park (nearby) https://www.rideaulakes.ca/experience/things-to-do/beaches-parks
Points of Interest
- Emmanuel Heritage Centre (1861) owned and operated by The Portland on the Rideau Historical Society – 2767 Hwy 15 - Concert venue & historic place https://www.historicplaces.ca/en/rep-reg/place-lieu.aspx?id=8411
- Ontario Heritage Trust Plaque: Sir Charles Edmund Kingsmill - A provincial plaque located at the Emmanuel Anglican Church Cemetery about 1 km. west of Portland along Hwy 15 commemorates the talent and service of this famous Canadian. Kingsmill advanced through the ranks of the Imperial Navy in the late 1800s. Prime Minister Laurier invited Kingsmill to return to his native land to establish the Royal Canadian Navy in 1910. He guided our fledgling fleet through World War I and became its Admiral in 1917. Viscount Kingsmill established the foundation for Canada’s fleet that by the end of WW II was one of the finest in the world.
- Rideau Valley Landscaping Supply (RVLS Inc.) – Iron work and Stone Sculpture https://directory-athens.leedsgrenville.com/Home/View/rideau-valley-landscaping-and-supplies
- Marion’s Honey (nearby in Forfar) – 1577 County Road 42 - Open on occasion or by appointment (613-359-1151) https://discoverdirectory.leedsgrenville.com/Home/View/marions-honey
Picnic Areas
- Hanna Park https://www.rideaulakes.ca/experience/things-to-do/beaches-parks
- Portland Bay Conservation Area https://www.rvca.ca/conservation-areas/no-fee-required/portland-bay-ca
- Kin Park (nearby) https://www.rideaulakes.ca/experience/things-to-do/beaches-parks
- Mill Pond Conservation Area (nearby) https://ontarioconservationareas.ca/component/mtree/conservation-authorities/rideau-valley/mill-pond-conservation-area?Itemid=
Stay
- Big Rideau Lake Boat Rentals https://bigrideaulakeboatrentals.com/
- Cedar Cove Cottages at Box Arrow Farm https://www.boxarrowfarm.ca/accommodations
- Len’s Cove Cottages https://www.lenscove.com/cottage-rentals/
- Merlot Sunset B & B https://www.booking.com/hotel/ca/merlot-sunset-the-best-bed-and-breakfast-in-rideau-lakes.html
- Harlem Stonegate B & B (nearby) https://www.harlemstonegate.com/
- Rideau Lakes Country Condo http://www.rideaucondo.com/
- Cottage listed on airbnb.ca https://www.airbnb.ca/s/Portland--Ontario/homes
Annual Events
- Skate the Lake – speed skating on The Oval in January https://www.portlandoutdoors.com/
- Home of Skate the Lake Challenge
- Rideau Lakes Studio Tour (July 1-2)
Did you Know?
Portland’s Gallagher Bank Building, erected in 1903 is a classic example of bank architecture of that era.
Find out more at rideaulakes.ca/Portland