This free, public, multi-day celebration marking the 200th anniversary of the beginning of construction of the Rideau Canal in 1826 is a signature cultural tourism event designed to attract new and returning visitors to Eastern Ontario during the 2026 season. The national significance and UNESCO World Heritage designation of the Rideau Canal offers the perfect setting for this uniquely immersive experience that blends heritage interpretation, live demonstrations, water-based activities and community storytelling that highlight the Canal’s role in shaping Canada’s early development.A Rideau Canal Nautical Heritage Festival 1826-2026.
The communities along the Rideau Canal are celebrating 200 years since the beginning of its construction from 1826 to 1832. Rideau Lakes is collaborating with Portland on the Rideau Historical Society's Nautical Heritage Group and others to mark the upcoming anniversary, starting with a festival this summer. “A Rideau Canal Nautical Heritage Festival 1826-2026” will take place in the waterfront village of Portland on Saturday, July 18 and Sunday July 19, 2026. Volunteers are gearing up to host a goal of 5,000 visitors over two days. At the municipal harbour, adjacent park, beach and community hall, there will be activities from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. including antique boat displays on water and on land, boat building demonstrations, guided Voyageur Canoe tours on Big Rideau Lake, an information showcase, plus interpretive talks by authors and storytellers. Also, on Saturday mornings from 9:00 a.m. until noon, the Three Sisters Market will be happening at beautiful Hanna Park. Mark your calendars for Saturday, July 18th and Sunday, July 19 from 10 am to 3 pm at Portland Harbour (15B Water Street, Portland ON).
- Opening Ceremonies with M.P. P. Steve Clark & Former Canadian Ambassador to the United Nations, the Honourable Bob Rae on Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Portland Harbour (15B Water Street, Portland ON)
- Flag Pole Dedication Ceremony at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday at Hanna Park (27 Water Street )
- Flotilla to Grindstone Island, Kingsmill’s Summer Residence, on Sunday at 2 p.m. from the Portland Harbour (15B Water Street, Portland ON)
- Over 50 Heritage Boats on Display on water and on land
- Dowsett Punt Building Demonstrations
- Guided Voyageur Canoe Tours on the Rideau by Reservation
- Information Showcases and Exhibit by Heritage House Museum
- Interpretive Talks by Authors and Storytellers
- Celebrate Sir Charles Edmund Kingsmill 1855-1935, Founder and First Admiral of the Canadian Navy
- Saturday morning from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. the Three Sisters Market at Hanna Park
A Rideau Canal Nautical Heritage Festival 1826-2026
Event Schedule 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Saturday, July 18, 2026
All day – Heritage, Antique and Classic Boat Display featuring Dowsett Boats at the Municipal Park, 14 Water Street
All Day - Information Showcases and Exhibit at the Municipal Park, 14 Water Street
All Day - SUP Paddleboards, Kayaks, Canoes, Pedalboats and Jet skis available at Rideau Classics Rental - 29 Water Street
9:00 a.m. until 12:00 pm – Three Sisters Market at Hanna Park, 27 Water Street
10:00 a.m. – Opening Ceremonies with M.P.P. Steve Clark and Former Canadian Ambassador to the United Nations, Honourable Bob Rae on Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Portland Harbour (15B Water Street, Portland ON)
11:00 a.m. – Dowsett Punt Building Demonstration by Iain McAleese and Paul Groenewoud at the Municipal Park, 14 Water Street
12:00 p.m.
- View Interpretive Displays at the Municipal Park, 14 Water Street
- Lunch at local restaurants
- Portland Family Restaurant at 38 Colborne St, Portland, ON
- Portside Pub and Eatery at 2786 ON-15, Portland ON
- The Galley Restaurant on Big Rideau Lake 11 Water St, Portland, ON
- Recess Cafe at 2761 ON-15, Portland, ON
1:00 p.m.
- Talket Group by Tett descendant John Gray on Steamers, Barges and Ship Building
- Film Screening of the Rideau Canal Documentary, "Two Wars Three Watersheds a Slew of Surveys and a Canal" by filmmaker Allison Margot Smith at the Portland Community Hall
- Book Signing with Karen Wands, author of "Canadian Boat Building" (to be confirmed)
- Also – Themed activities for children during Talket sessions in partbership with the Rideau Lakes Public Library
2:00 p.m.
- Voyageur Canoe Experience - 30 minute guided tours on Rideau Lake
- Heritage Walking Tours (self guided walking tours available)
Sunday, July 19, 2026
All day – Antique Small Boat Display featuring small vessels, fishing boats and canoes at the Municipal Park, 14 Water Street
All Day - Information Showcases and Exhibits at the Municipal Park, 14 Water Street
All Day - SUP Paddleboards, Kayaks, Canoes, Pedalboats and Jet skis available at Rideau Classics Rental - 29 Water Street
10:00 a.m. – Voyageur Canoe Experience - 30 minute guided tours on Rideau Lake
11:00 a.m. – Dowsett Punt Building Demonstration by Iain McAleese and Paul Groenewoud at the Municipal Park, 14 Water Street
12:00 p.m. – View Interpretive Displays, Exhibits on the Rideau Canal by Heritage House Museum and visit Local Restaurants
1:00 p.m.
- Flag Pole Dedication Ceremony at Hanna Park in honour of Sir Charles Edmund Kingsmill 1855-1935, Founder and First Admiral of the Canadian Navy
- Documentary Screening "Vacations in 19th- and 20th-Century Portland and the Rideau Lakes" by filmmaker Allison Margot Smith
- Book Signing, "Canadian Boat Building" with author Karen Wands (to be confirmed)
- Also – Themed activities for children during Talket sessions
2:00 p.m. – Closing Ceremony Flotilla to circle Grindstone Island in honour of Admiral Kingsmill, led by Commodore Brian Preston
Make a Day of It
- Portland Family Restaurant at 38 Colborne St, Portland, ON
- Portside Pub and Eatery at 2786 ON-15, Portland ON
- The Galley Restaurant on Big Rideau Lake 11 Water St, Portland, ON
- Recess Cafe at 2761 ON-15, Portland, ON
Picnic Areas
- Hanna Park, 27 Water Street
- Municipal Park & Playground, 14 Water Street
