» Special Needs Travelers
Select from one of the following to learn more about Vancouver options for special needs travelers:
Vancouver International Airport As one of the most barrier-free airports in the world, the Vancouver International Airport (YVR) exceeds the national and provincial Building Code standards for people with hearing, visual or mobility impairments. The airport's terminal features include:
 See also BC Paraplegic Association's Online Resource Directory at www.bcpara.org.
In 1990, Vancouver became the first city in Canada to provide scheduled bus service to people with disabilities. More than 50% of all Lower Mainland buses are accessible, with plans to have all routes covered by 2007. All rapid transit SkyTrain stations, except Granville Street, are also accessible. Taxis Airport Bus Service BC Ferries Coachlines Pacific Coach Lines offers accessible service between Vancouver and Victoria. Please call 604.662.7575. Rocky Mountain Railtours
Most attractions in Vancouver are accessible. Several recreation opportunities are outlined below. Free wheelchair-accessible trolley ride around Stanley Park - 604.801.5515. The horse-drawn tours of Stanley Park are wheelchair accessible. The Grouse Mountain Skyride offers accessibility on the gondola with 24-hours notice, ask for the sales department at 604.984.0661. "The BC Sport and Fitness Council for the Disabled" offers competitive and recreational opportunities for disabled skiing, horseback riding, sailing, sledgehockey, ice picking and track & field. For more information, call 604.737.3039. The Mobility Opportunities Society also offers disabled sailing and other recreational opportunities - 604.688.6464. With the BC Parks Disabled Access Pass, people can camp free in provincial parks. Call 250.356.8794.
Under the recently implemented Access Canada program, hotels in British Columbia are graded with one of four rating levels that address the needs of people with minor to severe disabilities. Call ahead to ensure your requirements can be met.
Here are just a few of the local associations and institutes that are happy to provide additional information and support to Vancouver visitors with special needs. BC Paraplegic Association Western Institute for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing CNIB (Canadian National Institute for the blind)
SPARC BC: provincial parking permits issued for the disabled. http://www.sparc.bc.ca/home/2 "We're Accessible Quarterly" newsletter for disabled and elderly travelers. For more information, contact 604.576.5075 or email kbartel@radiant.net. Coalition of People with Disabilities: 604.875.0188 or fax 604.875.9227 or TDD 604.875.8835. Office for Disability Issues: 250.387.3813 or fax 250.387.3114 or TDD 250.387.3555. Whistler for the Disabled: Providing a Guide to Access in Whistler for people with Disabilities. Find everything you need right here tailored to your disability from Accommodation Listings, Travel Information, Medical Assistance and Mobility Equipment Rentals, a Restaurant and Night Life Guide, Adaptive Sports Programs, Year Round Tour Adventure & Recreation Options and programs that are accessible to the disabled. Whistler for the Disabled is 100 % focused on the needs of the disabled and nothing else. We hope to make your journey to Whistler a more enjoyable one with less frustrations along the way. We invite you to visit us at www.whistlerforthedisabled.com. |
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Vancouver enjoys a reputation as being one of the most accessible cities in the world among travelers with special needs. Whether using wheelchairs, white canes, seeing eye dogs or hearing aids, Vancouver leads the way in making the area a more livable place for people with disabilities through its progressive transportation systems, innovative housing and recreational opportunities.
