We acknowledge that Portage College’s service region is on the traditional lands of First Nation Peoples, the owners of Treaty 6, 8 and 10, which are also homelands to the Métis people. We honour the history and culture of all people who first lived and gathered in these lands.

About Portage College

At Portage College,

it’s about you.

Hey, we’ve got nothing against bigger colleges and universities.

In fact, we get along fine. But, when you have the choice to get a top-level education at a college where teachers know your name, well… let’s just say, we think Portage is the perfect option. With one-on-one instruction and a widerange of student support, at Portage College, it really is about you. If you’re looking to get ahead, you can start courses with us while you’re still in high school. Whether you’re picturing yourself in trades, human services, arts, environmental, health care, business, or furthering your education, we’ve got you covered. It all starts right here at Portage College!

At Portage:

We welcome you regardless of your education, income, or location

You get lots of one-on-one time with instructors

You can be yourself and express your identity

We recognize that students are unique

We have a welcoming and inclusive college community

"I would 100% recommend the hairstyling program to anyone out there, as there is such a good quality of instructors."

-Hairstyling Certificate student

"I can hardly believe what a great experience it was, and that I have finally finished my diploma! Thank you so much to everyone at Portage"

-Early Learning and Child Care student

100%

100%

of employers surveyed say they would hire another Portage College graduate

92%

92%

of students would recommend their program of study to others

92%

92%

of graduates say that their Portage College education provided them with the skills and knowledge needed for the job

86%

86%

of employed graduates are working in training-related jobs

Our Programs

Programs

and Training

When it comes to your education, it’s about you.

We have many programs to choose from with certificate, diploma and degree options.

For more information about our programs and how to apply, contact a student advisor.

1-866-623-5551
info@portagecollege.ca

Academic Upgrading

Academic Upgrading

Arts

Arts

Business

Business

Community Adult Learning Program

Community Adult Learning Program

Continuing Education

Continuing Education

Environmental Studies

Environmental Studies

Hairstyling and Barbering

Hairstyling and Barbering

Health and Wellness

Health and Wellness

Hospitality

Hospitality

Human Services and Education

Human Services and Education

Open Studies

Open Studies

Opportunities for High School Students

Opportunities for High School Students

Trades and Technology

Trades and Technology

University Programs

University Programs

Financial Service & Scholarships

Financial

Assistance

Indigenous Student Funding

The most common sources of funding are Band, Settlement and Regional Council. These are some of the first places for First Nations, Métis and Inuit students to look. Some funding opportunities can be accessed through government initiatives and non-profit organizations as well.

Alberta Student Aid

Alberta Student Aid offers student loans, grants, scholarships, and awards to help cover your costs while you’re in school. It is recommended that you apply for funding at least two months prior to the start of your program or courses.

Foundational Learning Assistance Program (formerly Alberta Works)

Grant funding is available for Academic Upgrading students for specific courses required for entrance to a career program.

Apprenticeship and Industry Training

Registered Alberta apprentices and occupational trainees may be eligible for financial assistance when attending the technical training portion of their program.

Canada-Alberta Job Grant

Ask your employer to apply for this grant. Students may be eligible to receive up to 100% of the training costs to a maximum of $15,000.

Government of Canada Student Financial Assistance

The Canada Student Loans Program provides financial assistance in the form of loans and grants to post-secondary students who demonstrate financial need.

Veterans’ Education and Training Benefit

This new benefit will provide funding to help support for college, university or technical education to Canadian Armed Forces Regular Force and Reserve Force Veterans with at least six years of military service.

Financial Service & Scholarships

Scholarships,

Awards and Bursaries

We have many scholarships, awards and bursaries available. Our Awards Program not only recognizes your achievements but can also help you with your financial needs. In the 2022-2023 academic year, over $485,000 was awarded to 312 of our students.

"Words cannot describe the gratitude that I have for this financial support which will assist me and my family as I study to become an EMS provider."

-Emergency Services student

600+

600+

scholarships, awards and bursaries distributed in 2022-2023

18+

18+

scholarships, awards and bursaries available per program

337K

337K

in College-funded scholarships, awards and bursaries in 2022-2023

Campus Life

Student

Services

Academic Advising

Our advisors are here to help you make informed choices about programs and courses. They will help select the courses that work for your educational plan. They can also help you with your college application, plan and create your course schedule and guide you through the transfer process.

It’s important to remember that while our advisors are here to help you plan, you are ultimately responsible for its accuracy.

Office hours: Monday to Friday from 8:15 to 4:30 pm

Toll free: 1-866-623-5551

Campus Security

Our security team is available to help you when you need. We use video surveillance to keep you safe. Our security staff are certified in first aid and CPR and are trained to deal with safety and emergency situations.

We take emergency preparedness seriously. That’s why we practice both shelter in place and evacuation procedures throughout the academic year.

Portage Alert, Our Official Safety App

Easily access emergency plans and support resources, stay up to date on campus emergencies and explore some of the awesome features the app has to offer.

Download Portage Alert

Counselling and wellness

Access counselling services for free, 8:15 A.M. to 4:30 P.M., Monday to Friday.

Help is available for personal counselling as well as mental health support, gender-based violence and sexual violence support and prevention.

Library Services

The library supports and enhances the learning process by providing access to information resources and technical and research assistance in a friendly and inviting learning environment.

There are currently three library branches: Our main branch is located in Lac La Biche but we also have branches in Cold Lake and St. Paul.

All our library branches deliver services and resources to students and staff, including:
· Computer workstations
· Physical and electronic resources
· Interlibrary loans
· Study space
· Research and citation assistance

Rec & Student Life

We provide recreation and leisure opportunities that promote your physical, social, and emotional well-being. We offer a range of fun and engaging campus programs and events along with community-based activities. These activities are either free or offered at a reduced rate. Each of our campuses has unique programs, facilities, and access to Rec & Student Life activities.

Cold Lake

As a student, you have access to the Cold Lake Energy Centre’s multi-use facility. A four-month membership allows free access to the Cenovus Energy Wellness Centre, walking/running track, drop-in activities at the field houses and arena, group fitness classes, and use of athletic equipment (balls, nets, racquets, etc.).

 

Lac La Biche

Our weight room, cardio centre, racquetball court, and gymnasium are free to use. Here, you can participate in sports such as basketball, floor hockey, futsal, badminton, volleyball, racquetball, squash, and more!

Portage Pool

Conveniently located on campus, Portage Pool includes a wading pool, 25 meter five-lane pool, steam room, hot tub, changing rooms, and a Pal Lift and Easy Ladder for anyone with accessibility needs. By presenting your student ID, you gain free access to all public, family, and lane swim.

 

St. Paul

A visit to the Aquatic Centre can help you stay active and feel great! With a punch pass, you get access to the weight and cardio room, and public, adult, and lane swim.

 

Virtual Activities

We offer a variety of virtual activities. Rec & Student Life will accommodate satellite campuses and online learners if they would like to participate on Cold Lake, Lac La Biche, or St. Paul campuses.

Student Learning Services

Student Learning Services (SLS) is committed to providing an inclusive learning environment. Our department offers accommodation and services to remove barriers from your learning environment. We can provide one-on-one strategy sessions, exam accommodations, assistive technology, alternate format material, and/or contracted services. If you require specialized learning support, please contact SLS as soon as possible. This will help ensure support is in place when you begin your program.

Contact us for more information
or to schedule an appointment.

Email: sls@portagecollege.ca

Lac La Biche Campus

Geraldine Hagen: 780-623-5758
Kerrianne Tynan: 780-623-5569

Cold Lake Campus

Sarah Williams: 780-639-7108
Chelsea Eckel: 780-639-7140

St. Paul Campus

Amy Charter: 780-614-6337

Campus Life

Voyageurs

Athletics

Our Voyageur athletes have competed in the Alberta Colleges Athletics Conference (ACAC) since 1991. We’re looking for student athletes who fit our culture and community and who strive for academic success while learning to become productive members of society. Through volunteerism, our athletes develop strong leadership and community engagement skills that benefit them well into the future.

We’re interested in student athletes who want to succeed, learn, grow, and compete in golf, curling, soccer/futsal, or men’s hockey.

If you’re interested in joining the team, complete the recruitment form on our website: Voyageurs Athletics

Our Facilities

Our training and competition facilities are some of the finest in the league. The Bold Center in Lac La Biche is home to the Voyageurs hockey, curling, soccer, and futsal teams. The indoor facility features a twin ice arena with seating capacity of over 1,000 fans for hockey games, a four-sheet curling rink, two field houses, and a running track. The Bold Center’s outdoor facility features a natural grass soccer training field, a 400 m track with an artificial turf soccer field.

The Voyageurs’ home golf course is the Lac La Biche Golf and Country Club, one of the most scenic golf courses in Alberta. The par 72 course plays up to 6,481 yards from the blue tees, with a slope of 126 and a rating of 71.4. For training, our golf team also has access to the Cold Lake Golf & Winter Club which plays up to 6,618 yards from the blue tees with a slope of 131 and a rating of 71.8.

Campus Life

Students’ Association

of Portage College

Supporting student development through awareness, leadership, advocacy, and organization.

Our students’ association is a non-profit organization that acts on behalf of you, the student. Our mission is to foster student achievement and growth through engaging community, leadership, experiences, advocacy, and resilience. We achieve this through developing and maintaining student representation on decision-making boards and committees of Portage College. The Students’ Association of Portage College (SAPC) organizes social activities, participates in community awareness events, and supports clubs.

Our student council is elected annually by our students and is responsible for the affairs of the SAPC, much like a board of directors. It’s the vision of your students’ association to promote and create inclusive communities that empower students to achieve their full potential and make meaningful contributions globally.

Campus Life

Campus

Locations

We offer programming at multiple campus locations across northeast Alberta, Canada. Learn in an environment where small class sizes give you one-on-one attention that larger institutions can’t offer.

Boyle

Our Boyle campus offers amazing hands-on training for our Heavy Equipment Operator program. Onsite facilities include a classroom, a training yard and equipment including graders, dozers, and excavators.

Cold Lake

Our Cold Lake campus is the second largest campus, and it is conveniently housed in the Cold Lake Energy Centre. Situated in the Lakeland district, Cold Lake is home to a variety of activities, such as boating, fishing, swimming, waterskiing, wakeboarding, hiking, snowmobiling and skiing/ snowboarding at the Kinosoo Ridge Ski Resort. There’s plenty to do and explore in a vibrant downtown atmosphere.

EATS

BOOSTER JUICE
Open 8:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M.
A selection of grilled fresh breakfast and lunch options such as paninis, quesadillas and wraps as well as many other specialties are available on site.

GAME DAY GRILL
Open Monday to Friday, 11:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. (Open during Cold Lake High School schedule) Offers a selection of breakfast sandwiches, burgers, fries, poutines and more.

PARKING AND PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

Free parking on campus is available to all students. The Cold Lake transit system gives every student the option to travel all over the city.

Frog Lake Cree Nation

We offer an excellent local learning opportunity for Frog Lake Cree Nation community members. Our Academic Upgrading programs help you acquire high school credit courses and prepare you for further learning at the college or university level.

Frog Lake is a community committed to achieving results. We provide unique one-on-one support in a comfortable, friendly learning environment to work towards the same goals.

Lac La Biche

From the shores of Lac La Biche lake to the acres of boreal forest that surround the community, Lac La Biche has a multitude of outdoor adventures, such as ice fishing, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, camping, snowmobiling, or simply relaxing at the beach. Explore what the county has to offer, no matter what season.

EATS

VOYAGEUR GRILL
This is where you can re-stock and re-fuel.

This is where you can re-stock and re-fuel.
The Voyageur Grill serves a selection of breakfast sandwiches and lunch specials. Our Grab & Go meals will save you time while satisfying that home-cooked comfort.

PARKING AND PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

Free parking is available to all students.

Lac La Biche County’s Community Access Bus Service helps those with limited or no transportation access get around the community. It provides improved access to health care, shopping, educational services, and recreational activities. You can get free bus passes at the Student Services desk.

STUDENT ACCOMMODATION

WHY LIVE ON CAMPUS?
• Easy: Living on campus gives you easy access to classes, activities, and a connection to your college community.
• Convenient: You’re just minutes from your classes, recreation, and support services.
• Fun: It’s the easiest way to make new friends— and new memories.
• Safe: Campus security staff are available to assist students should the need arise.
• Supportive: All residence hall complexes have quiet areas where students can study or relax.
• Inclusive: Rates include electricity, cable TV, internet, and free parking.
• Opportunity: When you live on campus, you’ll be exposed to new experiences.
• Helpful: Residence halls and townhouses are staffed by full-time, caring professionals. Maintenance requests are handled in a timely manner, and there’s always someone on call for emergencies.

Residence Hall, attached to the main campus building, features two-person rooms. Each room includes two beds and two desks, a kitchenette with a two-burner stove top and fridge, table and chairs, and a full bathroom. Common areas in Residence Hall include microwaves and laundry.

Townhouses are also available and are a short walk to the main building. The fully furnished units are shared by four students, each with their own bedroom. Each townhouse is equipped with a washer and dryer. Students with families can be accommodated.

HOUSING OFFICE HOURS OF OPERATION
8:15 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.
Monday to Friday

CONTACT INFORMATION
780-623-5573
Toll-free: 1-866-623-5551 ext. 5573
housing-staff@portagecollege.ca

BOOKSTORE


The bookstore covers all your needs for stationery, textbooks, apparel, and merchandise. Items can be shipped to you personally or to other campus locations for pick-up.

CONTACT US
780-623-5647
bookstore@portagecollege.ca

 

PORTAGE SALON

Portage Salon offers numerous services at great prices. We have a modern salon equipped with 28 hairstyling stations, three posh leather pedicure chairs, and four manicure stations. We also offer hairstyling services in a private cutting room.

Our salon carries high-end hair care and colouring products and a selection of professional products for retail.

Book your appointment online or call 780-623-5555.
We look forward to seeing you!

 

Museum of Aboriginal Peoples’ Art & Artifacts

The Aboriginal Artifacts collection contains over 2,000 Indigenous artworks and artifacts. You can enjoy a self-guided tour or take a guided group tour with prior arrangements. The exhibits provide an in-depth look at Indigenous art from coast to coast and houses the only permanent collection in the world of the Professional Native Indian Artists Inc.: Daphne Odjig, Alex Janvier, Joseph Sánchez, Norval Morrisseau, Eddy Cobiness, Carl Ray and Jackson Beardy.

Listen to Joseph Sánchez as he introduces the exhibits on show around the museum:

HOURS OF OPERATION
9:00 A.M. to 3:30 P.M.
Monday to Friday

MUSEUM CONTACT INFORMATION
Dr. Donna Feledichuk, Museum Director
780-623-6693 or email:
museum@portagecollege.ca

Saddle Lake Cree Nation

Of the 48 First Nations in Alberta, Saddle Lake has the second largest population. This campus has been operational for many years, bringing education to Indigenous learners.

St. Paul

Along with our standard programming, our St. Paul campus specializes in hospitality and is home to the Portage Market. There’s plenty to do to occupy your time, including shopping centres, a movie theatre, and numerous sports and recreational facilities, such as the swimming pool, bowling alley, and an 18-hole golf course.

STUDENT ACCOMMODATION

WHY LIVE ON CAMPUS?
• Easy: Living on campus gives you easy access to classes, activities, and a connection to your college community.
• Convenient: You’re just minutes from your classes, and support services.
• Fun: It’s the easiest way to make new friends— and new memories.
• Safe: Campus security staff are available to assist students should the need arise.
• Inclusive: Rates include electricity, cable TV, internet, and free parking.
• Opportunity: When you live on campus, you’ll be exposed to new experiences.

Our modern, two-bedroom dorms at the St. Paul campus can house single students or small families and include a full-size kitchen and bathroom. Laundry is available on site.

HOUSING OFFICE HOURS OF OPERATION
8:15 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.
Monday to Friday

CONTACT INFORMATION
780-623-5573
Toll-free: 1-866-623-5551 ext. 5573
housing-staff@portagecollege.ca

EATS

PORTAGE MARKET
This is where you can re-stock and re-fuel. Our Grab & Go delicious meals will save you time while satisfying that home-cooked comfort. All selections are fresh/flash frozen and properly stored for easy and tasty re-heating.

PARKING
Free parking on campus is available to all students.

Whitefish (Goodfish) Lake First Nation #128

Everyone is welcome at this open campus where you can engage in your own learning or develop and work through learning plans with guided support. This holistic and experiential learning environment allows you to build on essential, career and life skills, extending beyond the four walls of the classroom.

Campus Tours

Campus tours are a terrific way to get a sense of what college life is all about. See our facilities, meet instructors, staff, and even some of our current students. Tours can be arranged one-on-one or in groups at any of our three main campus locations in Cold Lake, Lac La Biche, and St. Paul. In Lac La Biche and St. Paul, tours include our on-campus accommodations.

CALL OR EMAIL US TO BOOK A CAMPUS TOUR:
1-866-623-5551
info@portagecollege.ca

Contact

Connect

with Us

Visit our website for more information about program offerings, online courses, transferability, upcoming events, campus life, and anything else you need to know about Portage College.

Still have questions? Call our main line and we’ll connect you with one of our student advisors.
1-866-623-5551
portagecollege.ca

PORTAGE COLLEGE APP

Stay connected with your campus and download the Portage College app.

1. Access all your campus information on the go
2. Keep your classes, assignments and events organized
3. Join the campus discussion and connect with your peers
4. Buy and sell textbooks and other items.
5. Chat with your friends and see their timetables

Download The App