Pros & cons
PROS
- Lakeside patio overlooking the Canoe Lake docks
- Hearty breakfasts and burgers that hit the spot
- Take-out available when you’re rushing to paddle
CONS
- Service can be slow at peak times
- Some prices feel high to some diners
Overview
Portage Grill sits right at Canoe Lake, so you’re eating with a front‑row view of paddlers launching and sliding back in after a trip. Inside is clean and modern; outside, the expanded patio is the move on a blue‑sky day. The vibe is relaxed and family‑friendly.
Food & Drink
Expect crowd‑pleasers: solid breakfasts (think pancakes, eggs with rye, home fries), burgers and salads, with a few curveballs like buffalo cauliflower. Coffee refills are noted and appreciated. Most folks call the prices reasonable, though a few feel certain items are overpriced.
Service & What to Expect
Service reviews are mixed: plenty of fast, friendly meals, and a handful of reports of 40‑ish‑minute waits. If you’re on a tight schedule before or after a paddle, lean on the take‑out window. Long‑time regulars mention the menu changed under newer ownership—some miss the old camp‑style staples, but the space feels fresher.
Best Time to Visit
Hit it off‑peak: late morning after the breakfast rush or the shoulder between lunch and dinner. Fall‑colour weekends can be slammed across the Highway 60 corridor, and waits grow with the crowds. The restaurant operates roughly late April to mid‑October, so plan accordingly.
Logistics
There’s a parking lot at the Canoe Lake access. If you’re stopping anywhere in the park, you’ll need a valid day‑use permit. Dine in for the patio views, or grab take‑out if you’re racing daylight to the next portage.
Who Will Love It
Paddlers and road‑trippers who want an easy, lakefront meal without leaving the action at Canoe Lake. Come for the view and the convenience; stay if you’ve got time to linger.
Where it is
45.5352, -78.7081Tips for Portage Grill
- 01Aim for late morning or mid‑afternoon to dodge the longest waits.
- 02Short on time before a paddle? Order take‑out instead of dining in.
- 03Patio tables go first on sunny days—send one person to scout a spot.
- 04Have a day‑use permit if you’re stopping anywhere in the park.
- 05In peak fall weekends, arrive early; the Canoe Lake lot fills fast.
Amenities
Near Portage Grill
All places →All trails →
0 mi awayCanoe Lake The Portage StoreDockside rentals and a lakeside grill at Canoe Lake’s hubStore · Restaurant
0.1 mi awayTom Thomson Cairn, Canoe LakeQuiet canoe-to memorial with views over Canoe LakeParking · Restroom
0.1 mi awayCanoe Lake Access Point Permit OfficeGateway for permits and launching into classic canoe routesRestroom · Parking
0.3 mi awaySmoke Lake Access Point (#6)Classic Highway 60 canoe launch with big parking and easy accessTrailhead · Parking
0.5 mi awayHardwood Lookout TrailShort, rooty loop to a Smoke Lake vista with real payoff.Easy · 0.6 mi · 45 min
0.8 mi awayMizzy Lake TrailWildlife loop of ponds and bogs with mostly gentle, rooty footingModerate · 6.7 mi · 4.5 hr
3 mi awayPeck Lake TrailShort lakeshore loop with constant views and slick, rooty footing.Easy · 1.2 mi · 1 hr
4.2 mi awayWhiskey Rapids TrailShort riverside loop with rapids views and a punchy finish climb.Moderate · 1.3 mi · 1 hr
