The town’s name dates back to the days of de la Verendrye‘s days when it was the portage resting area between the Assiniboine River and Lake Manitoba. The town is now in the middle of the richest Manitoba farm land. The city’s Chamber of Commerce offers walking tours of the city’s historic buildings.
Annual events include the Strawberry Festival, Portage Industrial Exhibition (Western Canada’s oldest continuous fair)
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Portage la Prairie Attractions
City Hall
This limestone structure was designed by Thomas Fuller, who designed the Parliament Buildings in Ottawa. It was opened in 1898 and declared a historical site in 1986.
Fort la Reine Museum and Pioneer Village
Junction of hwy 1A and 26
204-857-3259
Depicts life in the 1800s complete with a blacksmith shop, trading post, country church, schoolhouse, and several restored homes. The original fort was built in 1738 by the French explorer Peirre Gaultier de la Verendrye and served as his headquarters for 15 years. The Museum also railway caboose and the 1882 official rail car of William Van Horne, builder of the CPR. Open May to mid-September weekdays 9 am to 6 pm and weekends 10 am to 6 pm. Admission charged.
Manitoba Museum of the Titanic
Portage mall
Only museum developed to R.M.S. Titanic with one of the largest exhibits of Titanic artifacts. Over 150 items from Titanic survivors and victims inlcuding pre-voyage promotional items and a deckchair. Open April 1 to October 31, Tuesday through Sunday, 12 noon – mall closing hours. Admission charged.
Portage Arts Centre & Gallery
160 Saskatchewan Avenue West
204-239-6029
Monthly exhibits, gift gallery, art classes, and art rental program. Open year round 11 am to 5 pm Tuesday to Saturday. Free admission
Rt Hon Arthur Meighen Monument
Monument commemorates the only Manitoban to be Prime Minister of Canada. The lawyer, MLA, and senator went on to be one the country’s youngest prime ministers lived in Portage after he was 22 old.