Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Vancouver is one of the most popular vacation destinations in Canada. Set between the mountains and the ocean, Vancouver’s natural beauty enables a spectacular range of activities for visitors. The city also boasts great shopping, first class dining and is home to world class entertainment. And, in 2010 Vancouver will host the world for the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Fortunately for travelers with special needs and slow walkers, Vancouver is renowned for being one of the world’s most accessible cities.
Vancouver has more than 200 diverse parks, the most famous being Stanley Park. One of the largest urban parks in the world, Stanley Park has many popular attractions including the Vancouver Aquarium, Miniature Railroad Train and 18-hole Pitch and Putt course. From March to October, visitors may take an accessible horse-drawn carriage ride through the park. A 15 minute drive from here over the Lions Gate Bridge will bring you to the magnificent Capilano Canyon and 450 ft suspension bridge which boasts an incredible collection of native totem poles.
Another of Vancouver’s most popular attractions is Grouse Mountain. Over one million visitors each year ski, snowboard, ice skate and participate in a wide array of mountain-top activities. The famous Grouse Mountain Skyride, with its accessible gondola, offers breathtaking views of Vancouver. There is also a restaurant, The Observatory, at the top, as well as attractions like Grouse Mountain’s Theatre in the Sky and the Refuge for Endangered Wildlife.
For some of the world’s best shopping and dining, visitors should visit the West End, the single most densely populated area in North America. Streets such as Robson Street are filled with nothing but the best in shopping, cafes and restaurants. Prominent stores include Gucci, Chanel, Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton, Cartier and many others. Every downtown street corner is cut down with a wheelchair ramp and most crossings have audible signals. Visitors will also find that most restaurants have wheelchair-accessible washrooms. Another popular destination is Gastown, home of the historical Steam Clock and unique shops featuring native arts and wares.
For the 2010 Olympic Games, all venues have been reviewed for accessibility including consideration for persons who are visually impaired, blind, who have hearing impairments, mobility and/or agility impairments.
- Accessible seating options, with adjacent companion seating (accessible seating must be requested through the ticketing process)
- Accessible washroom facilities and amenities
- Assistive hearing devices available for loan at the information booth (limited availability)
- Accessible shuttle service within outdoor venues where travel over longer distances is required
Most of the major cruise lines including Carnival, Celebrity, Holland America, Princess, Regent, Royal Caribbean and Silversea have cruises departing Vancouver. Whether your client is visiting Vancouver for a cruise or for the Olympic Games, Special Needs Group has mobility and oxygen equipment available. To secure your rental, please contact Special Needs Group.