The Township of Rideau Lakes received provincial support to celebrate the upcoming anniversary of the Rideau Canal, beginning with “A Rideau Canal Nautical Heritage Festival 1826–2026” in Portland on July 18–19, 2026. The festival will feature antique boats, boat-building demonstrations, guided tours, exhibits, and talks by authors and storytellers.

Further to M.P.P. Steve Clark’s announcement on April 28, the Experience Ontario Program selected Rideau Lakes’ proposal to celebrate 200 years since the beginning of construction of the Rideau Canal in 1826 with a new summer festival through the Capacity Building Stream.

Council members are excited about the upcoming 200^th anniversary of the Rideau Canal in 2032, and plan to mark each of the next 7 years with events along the waterway; a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This year, on Saturday, July 18 and Sunday, July 19, celebrations will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the waterfront village of Portland, Ontario, overlooking the Rideau.

Kicking off with opening ceremonies at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 18, people are invited to explore the community and learn about the deep history of boat building in Rideau Lakes. Activities are planned at the municipal harbour, Hanna Park, the beach, and the Portland Community Hall all on Water Street in Portland, Ontario.

The Province of Ontario is investing $10,000 into the event to make this community-led festival a true celebration of waterfront life, and the nautical history of communities along the Rideau Canal. With over 75 partners, the driving force behind the theme is the Rideau Lakes Nautical Heritage Group; a subsidiary of the Portland on the Rideau Historical Society (PHRS) – steady volunteers with unlimited enthusiasm, connections in the boating community and over 50 years of dedication to local heritage.

“We welcome people to discover our rich history and our beautiful waterfront at the height of the season and come back to explore our historic villages year-round.” says Mayor Arie Hoogenboom. Rideau Lakes is home to 37 lakes and six lock stations along the Canal: Chaffeys Lock, Davis Lock, Jones Falls, Narrows Lock, Newboro Lock and Poonamalie Lock.

Designed to bring attention to the natural beauty, historic significance and flourishing business community, this new festival invites people to visit Rideau Lakes as part of a greater effort to support economic growth and advance the social benefits that tourism brings. People are encouraged to have lunch at the restaurants, explore the market, the marinas, watercraft rentals and support local businesses in the village. Mark your calendar and come by boat, by bike or by car to Portland on July 18 & 19, 2026. rideaulakes.ca/festival2026