Vancouver has a reputation for being one of the most accessible cities in the world through a modern regulatory regime, an effective transportation system, innovative housing, and recreational opportunities. For disabled visitors, most attractions and many recreational sites are fully accessible.

• Transport to the City
• Transport Around the City
• Accommodation
• Resources

Transport to the City

Vancouver International Airport: As one of the world's most barrier-free airports, YVR exceeds national standards for people with hearing, visual or mobility impairments. Features include ticket and service counters with amplified handsets; low-mounted flight information monitors; visual paging monitors and public address systems displayed in written form; information kiosks with closed-captioned decoders; tactile guidance maps of the terminal building; accessible public telephones and services for the deaf; and accessible washrooms.

Airport vehicle rental agencies can provide cars with hand-controls, while the Airporter (www.yvrairporter.com) shuttle bus service can arrange transportation to Vancouver's major hotels. Accessible cabs are also available at the airport.

BC Ferries (www.bcferries.com): Wheelchair-users planning to use the ferry can request easy-access parking at terminal buildings. All boat washrooms and deck areas are accessible on major ferry routes - decks are accessible by elevator on larger ships. Passengers are requested to call ahead before they travel to access a range of special services.

Greyhound (www.greyhound.ca): Lift-equipped bus services are offered on Vancouver-bound trips from Kelowna, Calgary and Prince George. Travellers must call at least 48 hours ahead to check available services. Hearing or sight service animals can also travel on Greyhound buses.

Pacific Coach Lines (www.pacificcoach.com): PCL offers accessible bus services between Vancouver and Victoria. Travellers must call 48 hours ahead to check availability.

Transport Around the City

Transit: All SeaBus, SkyTrain, B-Line express bus and West Coast Express commuter trains are fully accessible. Most other Vancouver-area buses have either low floor access or are lift-equipped for wheelchair and scooter access. All SkyTrain stations are fully accessible. TransLink also operates the HandyDART transportation service for passengers with wheelchairs or other disabilities. You must be registered with HandyDART to use this service, primarily aimed at local passengers. The TransLink website (www.translink.bc.ca) has information on accessible services in the region.

Taxis: Several Vancouver cab operators - including Yellow Cab Company (www.yellowcabvancouver.ca) - have wheelchair-accessible vehicles in their fleets. These are available on request.

Accommodation
Under the Access Canada program, B.C. hotels are rated with one of four levels according to how they address the needs of people with minor to severe disabilities. Call ahead for information. Among Vancouver's accessible hotels are:

• Accent Inns Vancouver Airport (www.accentinns.com)
• Hyatt Regency Vancouver (www.hyatt.com)
• Quality Inn, Downtown Vancouver (www.qualityhotelvancouver.com)
• Westin Bayshore (www.westin.com/bayshore)

Resources

• BC Coalition of People with Disabilities (www.bccpd.bc.ca): programs and support for disabled people.
• BC Disability Sports (www.disabilitysport.org): connecting locals and visitors to sports and recreation opportunities around the region.
• BC Mobility Opportunities Society (www.reachdisability.org): providing wilderness exploration programs for people with disabilities.
• British Columbia Paraplegic Association (www.bcpara.org): support and service organization for the physically disabled.
• Canadian National Institute for the Blind (www.cnib.ca): support and services for the visually impaired.
• Western Institute for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (www.widhh.com): services and resources for the hearing impaired.

Story idea: Consider a story on Vancouver for physically disabled visitors, offering a first-hand review of accessibility across the city. Your story could start at the airport, complete with several distinctive features for disabled travellers, then travel into town via the accessible options available. You could then travel around the city's attractions and restaurants and complete your stay at a hotel that prides itself on its disabled access. Make sure you check out the local transit options and consider interviewing a few locals on disability issues.