Launched in January 2004, the event has expanded to feature competitive 5k, 10k, 25k and 50k races, a Special Olympics and a kids 5k race. The races are held on Saturday, but registration opens on Friday and continues Saturday morning. Mid-afternoon Saturday, don’t miss the 1k relay, where five-member teams are encouraged to don costumes before hitting their stride on the lake’s loop. Spectators can warm up around bonfires, eat chili and Dutch pea soup (aka Snert), sip hot chocolate and enjoy the fireworks as dusk falls over the lake.

An historical community perched on the south shore of beautiful Big Rideau Lake, Portland is one of a handful of picturesque eastern Ontario villages that includes Westport, Newboro, Elgin, Chaffey’s Lock, Athens and Seeley’s Bay. Come for the skating, but stay over to explore one of Ontario’s most picturesque rural communities.

For more information, visit: www.skatethelakeportland.com