Portage la Prairie is one of the most interesting cities I have ever been to.  According to Environment Canada they have the longest days during the summer months than any other city in Canada.  Its only about a 25 minute drive to Lake Manitoba which is not nearly as large as Lake Winnipeg but is far more populated with more attractions.  There are several towns around the lake (I would say more than 20) with Gas Stations, restaurants, and all kinds of other things.  Portage la Prairie is also home to McCain Foods and Simplot potato processing plants which support most of the towns economy along with providing McDonalds, Wendy’s, and various other restaurant chains. 

Population: 13,304 (City), 20,494 (Metro)
Elevation: 860ft (262m)
Time Zone: Central Time Zone

Clocking in a just over 13,000 people it’s actually the fifth largest city in Manitoba.  Coming from America this is one of the weirder things about Canada that I have a hard time understanding.  What’s even more insane is that what’s holding them back from the third largest city in terms of population is just 2,000 people.  In the United States this town would be considered more of a cross roads type of town on an interstate like IH-10 or something comparable.  They are on the main highway that crosses the width of Canada (Highway 1) and you aren’t that far from Winnipeg.  They also have many attractions worth visiting if you get a chance after leaving Winnipeg on your way to Saskatchewan:

Attractions

  • Worlds Largest Coke Can
  • Heritage Square
  • Cinema Centre
  • Portage la Prairie Regional Library
  • William Glesby Centre
  • The PCU Centre – Performing Arts Centre
  • Fort La Reine Museum
  • Manitoba Softball Hall of Fame and Museum
  • Portage la Prairie City Hall
  • St. Mary’s la Prairie Anglican Church

Where to Say

  • Super 8 Portage la Prairie
  • Canad Inns Portage la Prairie
  • Hi-way Motel
  • Yellow Quill Motel
  • Days Inn Portage la Prairie

Where to Eat

  • Dick’s Cafe
  • Tornado
  • Horfrost
  • Bill’s Sticky Fingers
  • Jimmy’s Submarine & Dairy
  • Boston Pizza
  • Garden State Grill
  • Chicken Chef
  • AALTOS Garden Cafe
  • Great Wall Chinese Restaurant
  • Manitobah Dining Room
  • Lita’s Station