Written by Destination Vancouver, Copyright © 2023 The Metro Vancouver Convention and Visitors Bureau
With an estimated one in eight people worldwide living with a disability, travellers with disabilities now make up one of the fastest growing tourism markets. It’s estimated that by 2020, a full 25 percent of travellers will have some form of disability with higher needs. Their biggest challenge? Finding accessible travel destinations that offer a complete and immersive visitor experience, whatever their interests and disabilities might be.
Consistently listed among the top 10 most livable cities in the world, Vancouver also enjoys a reputation as one of the world’s most accessible places to visit. Thanks to its progressive transportation systems, innovative housing, and recreational opportunities, people of all ages with visual, hearing, mobility impairments and other special needs can fully enjoy business and leisure time in Vancouver.
Getting Around Vancouver
Transportation
TransLink (Public Transit)
TransLink is one of the world’s leading providers of a broad range of accessible travel options for its passengers. Buses, community minibuses, SkyTrain, SeaBus and West Coast Express are all fully accessible. For passengers with special needs who have challenges using regular transit, the HandyDART service provides door-to-door travel. Note that HandyDART services must be booked in advance.
Timetables for the regular transit system are available online and the TransLink Lost Property Office at Stadium – Chinatown Station. Route maps are also online and are displayed at transit exchanges and stations. The Translink.ca website also includes an accessibility section with more information about boarding buses, trains, and the SeaBus; station elevators and assistance; and entrance options for those unable to tap a payment card at a station fare gate.
Customers are welcome to contact TransLink’s Customer Information Centre for up-to-date schedule information by calling 604.953.3333. An automated voice recognition system operates 24 hours per day, and information specialists are on duty between 5:30 am and 12:30 am Monday through Friday, and 6:30 am to 11:30 pm on weekends. Real-time transit information is also available on TransLink’s website.
Taxis
Vancouver’s major taxi companies offer vehicles that can accommodate passengers with disabilities, including wheel-chair-accessible vans. Advance booking is preferred. For accessible taxi services, call Vancouver Taxi at 604.871.1111, Black Top & Checker Cabs at 604.731.1111 or MacLures Cabs at 604.831.1111.
Car Rentals
Most car rental companies in the Greater Vancouver area offer accessible vehicles for drivers with mobility challenges. These might include vehicles with hand controls, steering wheel spinner knobs, swivel seats, panoramic mirrors, and boards for transferring wheelchairs in and out of the van. It is advisable to make enquiries and book well in advance of your trip. Check out what Avis has to offer, or check with your rental car company for further information.
Limousines
KJ Limousine provides transportation services to travellers with mobility challenges in their luxurious MV-1 vehicle. Along with YVR airport transfers, they also offer private tours, and Whistler and cruise ship transfers. The wheelchair-accessible vehicle is designed specifically to accommodate wheelchairs and scooters, with passengers entering the MV-1 from the side via a motorized ramp. The vehicle can seat one wheelchair or scooter comfortably, plus three additional passengers. To book, call 604.377.1618 or email info@kjlimousine.com.
Mini Buses
Vanwest Charters have fully-equipped, certified wheelchair-accessible minibuses available for hire. Each vehicle can hold between 2 and 4 wheelchairs, and 10 to 16 additional passengers.
Mobility Aids
If you’re not bringing your own mobility aid with you, wheelchairs, scooters and walkers can be rented through locally through businesses such as Wellwise by Shoppers Drug Mart, Scooter City, Motion, Self-Care Home Health Products, HME Mobility & Accessibility and LifeCare Medical.
Parking for People with Disabilities
Designated parking spaces for people with disabilities are clearly indicated, either with a sign that displays the universal symbol of accessibility, or a painted symbol on the parking lot space. Click here for a map of accessible parking spaces in the Vancouver area.
If you have a legally-issued handicapped parking permit at home, you can use it while you’re travelling in B.C. There is a reciprocal program between B.C. and issuing authorities in other provinces of Canada, the U.S., and E.U. countries. If your pass is from another area, you can still use it here, but you need to make sure that you carry a copy of your official documentation to verify ownership of a parking permit, especially if your permit looks different to the B.C. parking permit. Learn more on the SPARC website.
An alternative is applying for a temporary parking permit. A registered charity and community accessibility advocate, SPARC BC issues temporary parking permits for visitors with disabilities. You’ll need to fill out a form and submit copies of your official documentation from home. More information and the application form are available on the organization’s website.
Getting Around Vancouver’s Streets
Making Vancouver’s streets accessible for all residents and visitors is a priority for the City of Vancouver. More than 95% of downtown sidewalk curbs have ramps, and outside of the downtown core, you’ll find that the vast majority of major streets and high foot-traffic areas (such as around schools, shopping precincts, entertainment districts, community centres and by bus stops) will also have curb ramps.
The City of Vancouver has also implemented Accessible Street Design standards, aimed at making our streets accessible to all. These cover everything from making sure that sidewalks are wide enough for a person in a wheelchair, to the duration of traffic crossing signals, to making sure that street furniture is provided along pedestrian routes to allow those with less mobility a place to rest.
Getting To And From Vancouver
Vancouver International Airport
As one of the world’s most accessible airports, Vancouver International Airport (YVR) has worked to ensure all passengers with disabilities have a positive experience travelling to and from Vancouver.
- Outside the terminals, ramps and special curbside parking are available at both the Arrivals and Departures areas. Relief areas for those travelling with assistance animals are also provided on the Arrivals level outside the International terminal as well as in the U.S. Departures area.
- Throughout the airport, facilities include fully-accessible restrooms; phone booths and TTY phones; plain language signage; low-mounted flight information monitors; visual paging monitors and public address systems; check-in counters adapted for wheelchairs and those with impaired hearing; airport gates equipped with dedicated wheelchair lifts for loading into the aircraft; lounge and restaurant seating with both arms and no arms; and contrasting, textured flooring to guide visually impaired travellers.
- YVR also have a helpful resources section on their website with an accessibility brochure, instructional video produced in partnership with Spinal Cord Injury BC, and tools for individuals and families living with autism to help them prepare for travelling through the airport.
Individual airlines have trained staff who can assist in escorting passengers through security checkpoints and to the gates. It is recommended that travellers with disabilities state their particular needs when booking, and again at the ticket counter. Additionally, YVR Airport Customer Care personnel can be reached at 604.207.7077.
Public Transportation
SkyTrain
The Canada Line of the SkyTrain connects YVR to Richmond and downtown Vancouver quickly and easily. The line is fully accessible by elevator from both the Arrivals and Departures level.
Taxis
Wheelchair-accessible taxis and vans are integrated into the pool of vehicles that services YVR. No reservations are required, and curbside staff are available to provide assistance.
Car Rentals
Most airport rental car companies can provide accessible vehicles, but a minimum 48 hours advance booking is required. Check out what Avis has to offer, or check with your rental car company for further information.
Limousines
KJ Limousine provides transportation services to travellers with mobility challenges in their luxurious MV-1 vehicle. Along with YVR airport transfers, they also offer private tours, and Whistler and cruise ship transfers. The wheelchair-accessible vehicle is designed specifically to accommodate wheelchairs and scooters, with passengers entering the MV-1 from the side via a motorized ramp. The vehicle can seat one wheelchair or scooter comfortably, plus three additional passengers. To book, call 604.377.1618 or email info@kjlimousine.com.
Mini Buses
Vanwest Charters have fully-equipped, certified wheelchair-accessible minibuses available for hire. Each vehicle can hold between 2 and 4 wheelchairs, and 1- to 16 additional passengers.
Courtesy Shuttles
Hotel courtesy shuttle buses provide transportation service from the airport to some hotels in Richmond. Many hotel shuttles can accommodate wheelchairs and mobility aids, but it’s advisable to contact hotels directly to confirm availability and book a pick-up.
Arriving by Train
VIA Rail
VIA Rail staff are trained to escort travellers with disabilities to the platform, assist in boarding and disembarking from the train, and help with loading and unloading baggage. Priority boarding is available five minutes before regular boarding commences. All VIA trains are fully accessible to passengers in wheelchairs. More information of accessible travel, including guidelines on width and weight restrictions for wheelchairs and scooters can be found on their website.
In certain circumstances, VIA Rail offers free travel to one companion accompanying a person with disabilities. Any additional persons needed to assist those with disabilities to board and disembark will be offered the best available fare. Guide dogs and service animals travel free. Passengers are asked to book travel and specify their unique needs 48 hours or more in advance, by calling 1.888.VIA.RAIL (842.7245) or TTY 1.800.268.9503, or by visiting their local VIA ticket counter.
Amtrak
Amtrak’s Cascades service from Portland and Seattle is accessible, offering space for up to four mobility-impaired passengers per train, as well as providing braille signage throughout the train, and open captioning on all onboard displays. Travellers must make reservations for accessible services (such as space for a wheeled mobility device, access to a transfer-accessible seat or accommodation, and those with hearing or vision impairment) by either visiting their local Amtrak ticket agent, booking online, or by calling 1.800.USA.RAIL (872.7245) or TTY 1.800.523.6590. Please specify the type of assistance required at time of booking. Amtrak also offers a 15% discount for passengers with mobility issues and their adult travel companions upon meeting certain requirements. Guide dogs and service animals travel for free.
Rocky Mountaineer
Rocky Mountaineer offers two-day and three-day train journeys between the Canadian Rockies and Vancouver, from April through October each year. Rocky Mountaineer train coaches are fully wheelchair-accessible, with the option of transferring to a regular seat and borrowing a narrow chair for use onboard, or using your own chair. Bi-level GoldLeaf Service coaches have elevators for guests to reach the lower dining room. Wheelchair-accessible transfers, sightseeing and accommodations can also be arranged. Guests should inform Rocky Mountaineer of accessibility needs at the time of booking to ensure that they can be accommodated. For complete information on services for travellers with disabilities, contact Rocky Mountaineer at 1.877.460.3200 or visit their website.
BC Ferries
BC Ferries provides a variety of services for persons with disabilities, including special vehicle loading for people who require wheelchair access to an elevator. A limited number of wheelchairs are available to those travelling without a vehicle. Service animals are permitted in BC Ferries’ terminals and onboard ships, and grassed areas are available at most terminals. Persons with disabilities can have a friend or relative assist them to the ship using a BC Ferries visitor pass. Reservations are required. Please call 1.888.BCFERRY (223.3779) at least 24 hours in advance of travel to reserve a wheelchair or arrange assistance.
Exploring Vancouver and Beyond
Vancouver’s Attractions
From cultural institutions to sights that celebrate Vancouver’s natural beauty, and educational stops to stimulate the whole family, the city’s attractions should be at the top of every traveller’s must-see list. Most of the top attractions work hard to make sure that their activities and exhibits are accessible to everyone, and will offer accessible parking and washrooms. However, there are some restrictions, so we recommend visitors contact each place directly to make sure they’ll have a great experience, whatever their personal needs might be. Below is a list of some of Vancouver’s top attractions and information about how accessible they are.
Grouse Mountain
Exploring the mountaintops of Vancouver is an adventure that can be enjoyed by all. The SkyRide gondola is wheelchair friendly, as is the Peak Chalet at the top. There’s a ramp that leads into the top and bottom levels of the chalet (equipped with accessible washrooms), and a paved pathway that takes visitors to the Refuge for Endangered Wildlife, the Birds in Motion demonstration and the lumberjack show. The Eye of the Wind turbine lookout can be accessed by those using some mobility aids with advance notice – there’s a small staircase to reach the elevator. In the winter, access is a little trickier thanks to snow on ramps and paths, but the customer service team are happy to help. Grouse Mountain also partners with Vancouver Adaptive Snow Sports to make their runs accessible to all. Service dogs are welcome on the mountain, but because of the natural environment and wildlife, visitors are asked to check in at Guest Services before heading up to the peak.
Vancouver Aquarium
For visitors excited to learn about what happens in our oceans, Vancouver Aquarium offers a range of accessible amenities to make sure they can welcome everyone. A number of wheelchairs and walkers are available to borrow, and there are priority viewing areas throughout the exhibits and in the 4-D theatre. Other accessible features include assisted hearing headsets in the theatre, open captioning on video displays, earmuffs for those sensitive to noise, an adult change table, and accessible height tables in the café areas. Visitors with disabilities and their attendants can also qualify for discounted admission.
Vancouver Art Gallery
Home to the city’s biggest art collection, Vancouver Art Gallery is a must-see for all culture-buffs. The gallery is fully wheelchair accessible, with street-level access through both entrances, and elevators serving all floors. They also have wheelchairs available to borrow on a first come, first served basis. On the first Saturday of each month, they offer “described tours” of the exhibits for the blind and visually impaired, including having someone meet guests at the close-by Burrard SkyTrain station and guiding them over to the gallery. All visitors with disabilities are able to have a companion accompany them at no extra cost.
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Because of the nature of the attractions at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, there are some restrictions for those who use mobility aids. The bridge itself is not wheelchair-accessible, and neither are the Cliffwalk and the Treetops Adventure attractions. In recognition of this, admission is free for those guests using mobility aids. But the park is still a worthwhile stop to enjoy the beautiful views of the Capilano Canyon, the park’s history tours, story centre, and the Kia’palano First Nations cultural interpretive centre.
Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
One of the first official classical Chinese gardens built outside of China, this Vancouver attraction is a wonderful place for visitors to start their explorations of Chinatown. A wheelchair accessible entrance is available through the gift shop, and all of the walkways and exhibition halls around the garden are accessible to those in wheelchairs. There are some areas that involve a small step and uneven surfaces, and these are not wheelchair friendly. Also note that there is no parking of any kind at the garden, but there is a parkade a block away with accessible parking.
Museum of Anthropology at UBC
Known for its world-class collection of Northwest Coast art, the Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia is one of the best places in the city to learn about indigenous arts and culture. The building is fully accessible to those using mobility aids, and they also have wheelchairs that can be borrowed while exploring the museum. MOA offers free entry to companions assisting visitors with disabilities.
Science World British Columbia
Located in the iconic silver globe building at the end of False Creek, Science World delights the scientifically curious, young and old alike. For visitors living with autism, they offer a storybook and sensory map to plan out a visit in advance. They also lend earmuffs and wheelchairs on a first-come, first-served basis. With the exception of the OMNIMAX theatre, the entire building is wheelchair accessible. In the theatre, wheelchair seating is in the front row, which can make it uncomfortable to look up at the screen for the whole show. Because of this, OMNIMAX tickets are free to wheelchair users. An adult-sized change table is available, and companions assisting visitors with disabilities are given free entry.
Museum of Vancouver
A family-friendly attraction, just over the Burrard Street Bridge in Kitsilano. The wheelchair-friendly building has a drop-off area right by the entrance, and a ramp leading to the front doors. The exhibitions fare on the main floor, while elevators allow access to the upper level planetarium theatre, as well as the lower level auditorium and wheelchair-accessible washrooms.
H.R. MacMillan Space Centre
Another family-friendly attraction located in the same building as the Museum of Vancouver. The Gordon Southam Observatory, located next door to the Space Centre, is also accessible to those using wheelchairs and scooters.
FlyOver Canada
Even if you’re only visiting Vancouver on this trip, FlyOver Canada can give you a true Canadian experience that encompasses the whole country via a 4-D “flight.” The entire experience is accessible for wheelchair and mobility aid users that are able to transfer to the chairlift-style seating on their own or with the help of their travel companion (who will receive free entry). Alternatively, guests can enjoy the multimedia show from their own chair on the stationary platform. They also offer folding chairs and assistance for those not able to stand for long periods. The ride does include flashing lights and therefore might not be accessible for those with epilepsy or photosensitivity.
Shopping
Whether visitors to Vancouver want to spend a day hitting the stores, or just pick up a few souvenirs, they’ll find shopping precincts, malls and department stores all ready to welcome guests with special needs. The city’s major malls, such as Metropolis at Metrotown, Oakridge Centre and Park Royal Shopping Centre, are fully accessible, and will usually have accessible parking at all entrances, numerous wheelchair-accessible washrooms, and wheelchairs available for rental. Or grab designer brands at a friendly price at McArthurGlen Designer Outlet close to Vancouver International Airport, which is also fully accessible.
For visitors that prefer to explore neighbourhoods and shopping streets, such as Yaletown, Gastown and Robson Street, the City of Vancouver’s stringent building codes mean that most stores should have doorways that are flush with the sidewalk or access via a ramp. And the picturesque Granville Island, with its popular public market and artisan studios has plenty of disabled parking spots, ground level or elevator entries to many shops and restaurants, and designated accessible restrooms in the market. You can also take a cute little Aquabus ferry across False Creek to Granville Island – more than half of the fleet is now wheelchair-friendly.
Guided Tours
For those that want to pack a lot of exploring into a short amount of time, guided tours are a hassle-free way of seeing Vancouver’s top attractions and sights.
Gray Line Westcoast Sightseeing does have wheelchair-accessible buses available on request for their range of daily guided tours. The buses have a hydraulic lift that can accommodate folding wheelchairs (not motorized), strollers and walkers. The company offers a range of tours that explore Vancouver, Whistler, Grouse Mountain and Capilano Suspension Bridge, and Victoria. To ensure an accessible bus is available, travellers need to book in advance via email or by calling 604.451.1600. While the company isn’t able to accommodate wheelchairs on its “hop on, hop off” sightseeing service, they instead offer a discounted rate on their Vancouver City tour for visitors using a wheelchair and those travelling with them.
For visitors who want to tour around the city’s largest green space, Stanley Park Horse-Drawn Tours is also wheelchair accessible. The one-hour tour takes guests on a circuit of the park, complete with commentary.