Portage la Prairie - Manitoba

Located on the Trans Canada Highway and in one of the most productive agricultural areas of the province, Portage la Prairie is also close to the city of Winnipeg (just 45 minutes west), Manitoba's beautiful capital and largest city. This lovely thriving community is home to about 13,000 residents. It is located on the main lines of both the Canadian Pacific and Canadian National railroads.

Visit scenic Island Park - Enveloped by five kilometers of horseshoe shaped Crescent Lake, Portage la Prairie’s Island Park is a jewel at the heart of the City. The Island Park, the city's most famous recreational facility, is home to the 18-hole Portage Golf Club, the Portage Exhibition campground and event venues, tennis courts, disc golf, walking trails, wildlife habitat, exhibition area, picnic area, and more.

The feature outdoor Water park, Splash Island is a popular draw from visitors from far and wide during the summer. The adjacent Stride Place recreation complex features two ice rinks, a fully equipped fitness centre and the indoor Shindleman Aquatic Centre, plus meeting and conference facilities for groups of all sizes. You can find more about each of these island venues at islandontheprairies.ca

Portage la Prairie is graced with a rich history. Visit Fort la Reine Museum and Pioneer Village and relive the free-spirited age of the fur trade. Fort la Reine Museum is great place to learn about prairie settlement history in the heart of Canada and explore all 28 heritage buildings and take part in a truly enriching experience that highlights the history of Western expansion and pioneering, the creation of the Canadian Pacific Railway, Canada’s role in WWI and WWII. You can also find out how Canadian domestic life was shaped throughout the 20th century.

Visit Other Interesting Heritage Buildings:

The striking Portage la Prairie Dominion Post Office is an exceptional example of a pre-1900 federal government building that conveys a strong image of solidity and progress. The structure also is the last extant small urban post office in Western Canada planned under the direction of Thomas Fuller, a quintessential designer who co-planned one of Ottawa's first parliament buildings and, as chief architect in the public works department (1881-97), was instrumental in establishing a distinctive identity for federal buildings. Find info about this building from the Manitoba government...

St. Mary's la Prairie Anglican Church was constructed in 1898. It is the third church built for the Parish of Portage la Prairie, which was founded by Archdeacon William Cockran in 1853. Archdeacon Cockran was an important missionary whose work at the Red River Settlement helped establish the Anglican Church in the West. The present church, designed by noted Winnipeg architect H.S. Griffith, is one of the finest examples of Gothic Revival architecture in Manitoba. Find more info about this building from the Manitoba government...

This is the oldest existing example in Manitoba of a system of boarding schools for Aboriginal children which was created across Canada between 1883‑1960. Financed by the Canadian government, and operated by Canadian churches, the system included 16 schools in Manitoba. As day schools on the reserves improved, residential schools ceased operations, the last Manitoba institution closing in 1988. Built in 1916, the Portage school is a good example of prevailing ideas concerning residential school design. Find more info about this building from the Manitoba government...