Fertile soil, sunny skies, and the winding Assiniboine River define this small city 70 kms west of Winnipeg. Historically, the river was a valuable transportation route, first for Indigenous Peoples and then for European fur traders.

Fort La Reine was established on site in 1738 by La Vérendrye, which still operates as a heritage village and community event hub. An oxbow lake forms an island in the middle of the city, which today is Island Park, a popular gathering place for local families and visitors in all seasons.

PART 1 - Dive Into History

Fort La Reine Museum (open seasonally May to October) is a 5-acre heritage village that preserves the area’s early Indigenous and European relations during the fur trade, as well as pioneer life during the railway and agriculture boom. Fort La Reine also hosts year-round events such as a corn maze in fall and horse-drawn sleigh rides and Yuletide market in winter.

For more Portage La Prairie’s history, embark on a self-guided tour of the downtown heritage buildings or follow the heritage interpretive plaques along the walking paths in Island Park.

PART 2 - Visit an Island

Take time to breathe in Island Park and Crescent Beach, the city’s outdoor recreation hotspot. This island at the heart of Portage La Prairie is a distinctive geographical feature, formed by a cut-off oxbow of the Assiniboine River. In fall, witness the changing of the leaves along the 5.2 kms of paved, illuminated walking paths; in winter enjoy well-groomed cross country skiing trails and a naturally frozen ice skating path on Crescent Lake.

Detour! Snow much fun

Two hidden gems for winter outdoor activities are found in the Assiniboine River Valley, a short 50 kms drive southwest of Portage La Prairie. Kids of all ages will love swooshing down the hill, spinning in delight at Valley View Tubing Hill. The groomed run includes a tow rope system and tube rentals.

Bittersweet Cross Country Ski Club features 21 kms of classic trails and 12 kms of skate trails through a hilly, wooded area.