11 Accessible Attractions to Visit in Vancouver
As a city that celebrates diversity and inclusivity, Vancouver offers plenty of attractions to accommodate our unique visitors. Whether you have limited mobility, sensory sensitivities, or simply looking for attractions with thoughtful accessibility features, here’s a look at 11 accessible adventures to make your visit special. Many of our attractions are a part of the Access 2 Program, which provides a discounted or complimentary ticket for people who require an attendant, see the full list to see if the entertainment, cultural or recreational venue you are considering is included!
1. Vancouver Aquarium
Step into a magical underwater world in the heart of Stanley Park. From the tactile displays to the mesmerizing jellyfish tanks, every corner of the Vancouver Aquarium is an opportunity for discovery. Elevators and wheelchair viewing platforms make most galleries accessible, while sensory-friendly hours and trained staff ensure a welcoming visit for those with sensory sensitivities. Mobility aids and sensory kits, including noise-canceling headphones, are also available to borrow. Additionally, the aquarium offers financial discounts for visitors with accessibility needs. For a detailed look at what you can expect from your trip, visit this digital walkthrough!
➡️ Plan your visit: Vancouver Aquarium Accessibility
2. VanDusen Botanical Garden
Immerse yourself in lush nature at VanDusen Botanical Garden. The Visitor Centre, Administration Building, Floral Hall, Shaughnessy Restaurant, and a selection of paved garden paths are wheelchair accessible and guide visitors through lush floral landscapes (a map of the gardens is available to view here). Motorized guided tours are available to guests with mobility challenges during peak season on a first come first serve basis. Tinted glasses and noise-canceling headsets are available for sensory support at all times, and sensory-friendly nights are available during the Holiday Lights event. VanDusen also offers an app to help plan your route, and its education programs are available in-person, online, and in hybrid formats with closed captions.
➡️ Plan your visit: VanDusen Garden Accessibility
3. Bloedel Conservatory
High atop Queen Elizabeth Park and surrounded by sweeping views of Vancouver, this tropical paradise provides a whimsical escape from the city no matter the season. Inside, a leveled circular pathway welcomes wheelchairs, walkers, and scooters, allowing visitors to take in vibrant vegetation and fauna at their own pace. For those with sensory sensitivities, support kits are available for a more comfortable experience amidst the chirping of exotic birds. Accessible washrooms are also located inside the conservatory.
➡️ Plan your visit: Bloedel Conservatory Accessibility
4. Science World
From the iconic sparkle of its dome to the hands-on exhibits, Science World is a must-visit for curious minds of all ages. The museum features ramps, elevators, sensory kits complete with noise-canceling headphones, sensory toys, and strollers or wheelchairs to borrow free of charge. Sensory-friendly mornings and sensory maps provide guidance and information on what to expect. With plenty of thoughtfully designed exhibits and permanent features like the OMNIMAX® theatre, there’s something fun and engaging for everyone at Science World.
➡️ Plan your visit: Science World Accessibility
5. Kitsilano Beach
Soak up some sun and enjoy the buzzing atmosphere of this local favorite with expansive blue-green mountains as the backdrop. Accessible ramps allow for beach access, and Mobi-mats provide a non-slip path to the shoreline. For those who want to take a dip in the ocean, water wheelchairs are available free of charge. The playground, with accessible play structures and rubber flooring, ensures every child can join in on the fun.
➡️ Plan your visit: Kitsilano Beach Accessibility
6. Grouse Mountain
Breathtaking views and fresh mountain air await visitors on top of Grouse Mountain. In the summer months when access is easiest, Grouse is a must-see. With accessible pathways, ramps, and a covered walkway leading from the Peak Skyride station into the top floor of the Chalet, accessing Altitudes Bistro, The Observatory, the Timber Room, and wheelchair-accessible washrooms. Attractions, like the Refuge for Endangered Wildlife, Owl Talks, and the Lumberjack Show, are also accessible paved walkways.
➡️ Plan your visit: Grouse Mountain Accessibility
7. Museum of Anthropology (MOA)
With its dramatic architecture and world-renowned collection of artifacts, the Museum of Anthropology is the perfect place to learn the history of the land. Designed with accessibility in mind, the museum is located on a single floor, with plenty of route options to explore the exhibits. Alternate paths are marked for those who may find inclines challenging. Wheelchairs are available to borrow, and virtual tours allow visitors to take in the exhibits from anywhere. Paid accessible parking spaces are available in front of the museum.
➡️ Plan your visit: MOA Accessibility
8. Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
The tranquil pathways of this Ming Dynasty-style garden wind through lush courtyards and past serene ponds. Accessible via a wooden ramp at the primary entrance, the garden also offers sensory tours upon request and wheelchairs are available to borrow free of charge. While the Jade Water Pond is uncovered and without railings, staff members are available to guide visitors needing assistance.
➡️ Plan your visit: Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden Accessibility
9. Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art
Nestled in the heart of downtown Vancouver, the Bill Reid Gallery showcases the art and shares the stories of Indigenous peoples of the Northwest Coast. All three levels of the gallery are connected by elevators, allowing visitors with limited mobility to access exhibits. Incorporation of Indigenous languages throughout the exhibits invites visitors to connect with the crucial historical and current influence of Indigenous communities on Vancouver’s identity.
➡️ Plan your visit: Bill Reid Gallery Accessibility
10. Stanley Park Seawall
Explore Vancouver’s iconic Stanley Park along its 10-kilometer wheelchair-accessible seawall, a flat paved pathway that loops around Vancouver’s city center. The flat, concrete surface ensures visitors with various accessibility needs smooth access to scenic views. For a unique experience, the horse-drawn tours and miniature train rides are also wheelchair accessible.
➡️ Plan your visit: Stanley Park Seawall
11. Vancouver Art Gallery
As the largest art gallery in Western Canada, the Vancouver Art Gallery offers accessibility features to ensure all visitors can enjoy its world-class exhibits. The entire gallery is accessible via elevators, with street-level access through the Hornby and Robson Street entrances. Wheelchairs are available to borrow, and there are benches in some galleries as well as portable stools on the first floor to enhance guest comfort. For non-visual learners and visually impaired guests, audio-described tours are also available.
➡️ Plan your visit: Vancouver Art Gallery Accessibility
These attractions have either completed an assessment questionnaire using Spinal Cord BC’s criteria, or have included extensive accessibility information on their websites.