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.

Select from one of the following to learn more about Vancouver options for special needs travelers:

• Vancouver International Airport
• City Transportation
• Recreation
• Accommodation
• Associations & Institutes
• Additional Resources

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:

• ticket and service counters with amplified hand-sets
• low-mounted flight information monitors designed for easier viewing with high-contrast typeface
• visual paging monitors and public address systems displayed in written form
• information kiosks equipped with closed-captioned decoders
• tactile guidance maps of the terminal building
• accessible public telephones and services for the deaf (contact the operations department at 604.207.7070)
• accessible washrooms; facilities for service dogs are to be built in the near future
• Airport Transportation
• Airport rental car agencies can provide cars with hand-controls. Although there are no companies at the airport who rent ramped vans, the Canadian Paraplegic Association rents vans for use around the city.

City Transportation

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
For accessible taxi services, call Vancouver Taxi at 604.255.5111 or 604.871.1111. For renting lift-equipped vans, call the Canadian Paraplegic Association at 604.324.3611.

BC Ferries
For BC Ferries, wheelchair-users should request parking near the elevator at the time of ticket purchase. All washrooms and deck areas are accessible. The ferry route up the Inside Passage to Prince Rupert also has accessible state rooms. For more information, please call 604.669.1211.

Coachlines
Greyhound Bus Lines has lift-equipped service from Vancouver to Kelowna, Calgary and Prince George, with stops in major centres along these routes. Book 24 hours in advance by calling 800.661.8747.

Pacific Coach Lines offers accessible service between Vancouver and Victoria. Please call 604.662.7575.

Rocky Mountain Railtours
Rocky Mountain Railtours offers a two-day trip from Vancouver to Jasper or Banff with an overnight stay in an accessible hotel in Kamloops. Please call 604.606.7245 for more information.

Recreation

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.

Accommodation

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.

See our Accommodation section for details and contact information for Greater Vancouver hotels.

Associations & Institutes

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.

Canadian Paraplegic Association
780 SW Marine Drive
Vancouver, BC
V6P 5Y7
Tel: 604.324.3611
Fax: 604.326.1229
Website: www.canparaplegic.org
Gov't sponsored Website: www.accesstotravel.gc.ca

Airport Bus Service
For accessible airport service by bus, call the Airporter at 604.273.8436 or 800.668.3141. The Airporter provides accessible transportation to Vancouver's major hotels for $10 CDN per person. Accessible cabs are available at the "Arrivals Terminal" through a taxi queue or upon request. For accessible bus service to the airport, call 604.521.0400 for schedule information.

Canadian National Institute for the Blind: 604.431.2121.

Western Institute for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
2125 West 7th Avenue
Vancouver, BC
V6X 1X9
24-hour message relay centre, 800.855.0511.
TDD 604.736.2527 or 604.736.7391.

Additional Resources

"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.

To obtain a copy of "Accessible Vancouver" - 100 pages in length - $15.00 CND, please contact the Canadian Paraplegic Association, 604.324.3611 or fax 604.326.1229.