Travel is an incredible experience for all people. And for the more than 6.2 million Canadians who live with some form of disability, accessibility is essential to travelling independently and safely.
Here are ideas for planning an accessible trip in Canada and abroad including where to go, accessible accommodations, and helpful guides.
The United States is the most popular international travel destination for Canadians. So, we’ve included a top U.S. city on this list. Las Vegas stands out for having the greatest number of accessible hotel rooms in the U.S., all in a range of price brackets. Guests with physical disabilities often have access to features such as ceiling hoists and fully wheelchair accessible bathrooms. Guests who are hearing or visually impaired also benefit from specific accommodations. And the staff in casinos has been trained to assist customers with disabilities at gaming tables and to place bets if needed.
Over in Europe, London’s transit system is considered one of the most accessible in the world. All city buses and Black Cabs managed by Transport for London are fully wheelchair accessible. Many of London’s underground trains are step free from car to platform and the online journey planner tool can help you plan trips based on your accessibility requirements.
In Asia, Singapore’s transit system is a leader in accessibility. As of the end of 2020, all of the city-state’s buses are wheelchair accessible. And all public trains in Singapore’s mass rapid transit system feature two wheelchair accessible carriages. Braille plates in station elevators and tactile ground paving helps people with visual impairments. People who are deaf and view arrival times and destinations on screen.
Montreal is one of the most accessible cities in Canada. The bus system is accessible and the city’s metro system features wheelchair accessible stations. The Location Legare service also rents out vans that accommodate people who use wheelchairs. Here are some of the city’s top attractions that are wheelchair accessible: Mount Royal, the Notre-Dame Basilica, the Montreal Botanical Gardens, and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts.
Winnipeg’s street infrastructure and transit system are easily accessible. The Canadian Museum for Human Rights, located in Winnipeg, is known for its inclusive design for people who are in a wheelchair, blind or deaf. In Edmonton, arts and cultural destinations such as City Hall, the City Arts Centre, the Muttart Conservatory, and the Walterdale Theatre are highly accessible for travellers in wheelchairs.
The most well-vetted information on accessible accommodations can be found in official visitor’s guides for the city you’re visiting. Visit London has a list of 12 accessible hotels within the city, most of which are close to famed attractions. Paris je t'aime has multiple hotel listings that comply with official national ratings for quality in accessibility.
If you want to take a cruise and have a disability, check out Special Needs at Sea, which can help you with wide ranging needs such as oxygen, power chair and bed rentals. The company also shares extensive information on the accessibility features for ships on major cruise lines. TripAdvisor is a good source of first-person accounts on the accessibility of cruise lines and major hotel chains.
You should know that your national health insurance plan may not fully protect you if you travel outside of your home province. Travel insurance offered by Allianz Global Assistance may help you fill the gaps. Our comprehensive travel insurance plans cover out-of-pocket expenses specified in your policy if you or your travelling companion are hospitalized due to a covered illness or injury.
If you require the assistance of an attendant, Allianz Global Assistance considers their transportation needs during emergencies. If you are returned to Canada for a covered medical emergency, Allianz Global Assistance will cover the cost of a policy-approved attendant to travel with you, under our Emergency Transportation Benefit.
Every year, millions of travellers trust Allianz Global Assistance to keep them safe with straightforward benefits, quick claims, and diligent service. Get a quote today to learn how we can protect you on your travels.
