The Portland branch of the Rideau Lakes Public library offers public washrooms and free wifi. Outdoors, enjoy beautiful Hanna Memorial Park, a children’s playground at Portland Community 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/
- Portland Family Restaurant and Pizza https://directory.leedsgrenville.com/Home/View/portland-family-restaurant-and-pizza
- Recess Café https://recesscafe.ca/
- Station Café https://www.facebook.com/stationcafeportland/
- The Galley Restaurant (seasonal) https://www.lenscove.com/the-galley/
Shop
- Claire Jacobs Fine Art https://www.clairejfineart.com/
- Portland Pharmasave
- Station Café https://www.facebook.com/stationcafeportland/
- Aunt Molly's Antqiues (Neary in Crosby) https://www.facebook.com/AuntMollysAntiques
- Forfar 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
- Heritage Walking Tour of Portlandhttps://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
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
- 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
- Heritage 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.
Picnic Areas
- Hanna Park https://www.rideaulakes.ca/experience/things-to-do/beaches-parks
- 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=
- Portland Bay Conservation Area https://www.rvca.ca/conservation-areas/no-fee-required/portland-bay-ca
Stay
- Big Rideau Lake Boat Rentals https://bigrideaulakeboatrentals.com/
- Cedar Cove Cottages at Box Arrow Farm https://www.boxarrowfarm.ca/accommodations
- Merlot Sunset B & B https://www.booking.com/hotel/ca/merlot-sunset-the-best-bed-and-breakfast-in-rideau-lakes.html
- Cottage listed on Airbnb https://www.airbnb.ca/s/Portland--Ontario/homes
- Harlem Stonegate B & B (nearby) https://www.harlemstonegate.com/
- Len’s Cove Cottages https://www.lenscove.com/cottage-rentals/
- Rideau Lakes Country Condo http://www.rideaucondo.com/
Annual Events
- Skate the Lake – speed skating on The Oval in January https://www.portlandoutdoors.com/
- Home of Skate the Lake Challenge
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