Top Accessible Attractions to Visit on Vacation in Canada

For the longest time, travel was a game for the able-bodied. Even if mobility-challenged people fought against the barriers that discouraged them from getting on a plane in the first place, the attractions which made certain destinations famous were often unable to accommodate them.

As time wore on, though, social justice advocates made gains in opening up transport, buildings, and tourist attractions around the world to those of all abilities. While there is a long way to go yet, those who once feared they would be confined to the hotel for the duration of their trip are now able to have the same life-changing experiences as their able-bodied counterparts.

Whether you are traveling to Montreal or Winnipeg, Canada has its share of attractions which can be accessed by all, no matter their mobility status. Below, I’ll list a few which caught my attention.

1) North Saskatchewan River Valley – Edmonton, AB

By any measure, Edmonton is one of the most underrated cities in the country. There is more to this place than its gigantic mall (the largest in North America), as it boasts a critically acclaimed dining scene, lively weekend markets, and a slew of festivals which are held in all seasons.

Ask any local, however, and they’ll likely talk up their beloved North Saskatchewan River Valley. A deep ravine which plunges a couple hundred feet from the flat prairie land to the banks of a lazy, winding river, it is a wilderness refuge in the heart of one of North America’s fastest growing cities.

There was only one problem: it wasn’t readily accessible to those with mobility issues. This changed when a funicular opened in Edmonton’s downtown core in December 2017. Now, this gem can be enjoyed by all no matter the season.

Whether you choose to have a BBQ, admire the fall colors, or quietly contemplate life down by the banks of the North Saskatchewan, you can do it, no matter your physical ability.

Edmonton is also famed for its casinos, which can be found throughout the city and are accessible to people of all abilities. While this city will never be mistaken for Vegas, there are eight gaming palaces in the metro area. Play a little roulette or blackjack online before heading out, and you’ll be able to play the tables like a pro when you roll in.

2) Canadian Museum for Human Rights – Winnipeg, MB

Winnipeg is another city which often gets overlooked when it comes to top attractions in Canada. However, the recent opening of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights has begun to change that discussion.

With exhibits which address everything from First Nations rights to the Holocaust, it is a sobering experience that every visitor to Winnipeg should have. This attraction was built on the principle of universal access – from zero barrier entrances to support staff/animals, visitors of all types will be able to experience this attraction without running into serious difficulty.

3) Art Gallery of Ontario – Toronto, ON

Of all the accessible attractions in Toronto, the Art Gallery of Ontario stands out both for the quality of its exhibits and the accommodations granted to those with mobility issues. With stunning wooden ramps for wheelchair users which look like works of art themselves, they are made to feel like honoured guests.

As for the galleries themselves, you’ll be privy to a collection boasting over 90,000 works which date as far back as the 1^st century AD. With a selection of Renaissance, Baroque, African, and Oceanic art complementing an extensive base of Canadian works, culture hounds will be satisfied by what they find here.