Accessible cities handle more of the details and are proactive about eliminating barriers, allowing people with disabilities to enjoy limitation-free vacations.
Travelling with disabilities takes extra care, whether planning for wheelchair access or attractions adapted to different mobility, sensory, or cognitive needs. The most accessible cities in Canada are making travel more inclusive through accessible transit, barrier-free public spaces, and experiences designed for a wide range of needs.
What makes a city accessible?
Accessibility has a broad definition, and various barriers can impede travellers who have disabilities, whether visible or otherwise. After consulting with Canadians, the Government of Canada passed the Accessible Canada Act (ACA) in 2019, with the purpose of making Canada barrier-free by 2040.
According to the ACA, barriers refer to anything including "physical, architectural, technological or attitudinal, anything that is based on information or communications or anything that is the result of a policy or a practice—that hinders the full and equal participation in society of persons with an impairment, including a physical, mental, intellectual, cognitive, learning, communication or sensory impairment or a functional limitation.”
For the inclusive tourist destinations and the most wheelchair-accessible cities in Canada, accessibility and accommodations may take different forms, such as:
Pedestrian infrastructure with tactile paving, warning tiles, and audible pedestrian signals.
Transportation with accessible stations, ramps for independent boarding, and visual and audio announcements.
Digital accessibility, such as scheduling, map, and booking apps that adhere to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
Inclusive recreation and attractions beyond the minimum compliance of ACA standards.
Top accessible cities in Canada
Montreal
The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
With a wheelchair-friendly public transportation system and programs designed for people who need accommodations, Montreal is one of the most accessible cities in Canada. The city is filled with attractions and food from all over the world, and it has a public metro system with 30 wheelchair-accessible stations and an accessible city bus system. Some services also rent wheelchair-accommodating vans for travellers who want to explore more of Quebec.
Many of Montreal’s most popular attractions are also accessible, including:
Mount Royal
Notre-Dame Basilica
Montreal Botanical Gardens
Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
Pointe-à-Callière Museum
"For easy access to Montreal’s bustling downtown and its beautiful historic district, the ultramodern Hotel Monville is a great lodging choice. Robot room service and sweeping panoramic views go with an abundance of accessible rooms to make for a comfy stay with plenty of attractions within rolling distance." - Sylvia Longmire, "An Accessible 48 Hours in Montreal" via newmobility.com
Winnipeg
Canadian Museum for Human Rights
Winnipeg is an emerging must-visit destination and one of the most wheelchair-accessible vacation destinations in Canada. Awarded the Accessible Cities Award by the Rick Hansen Foundation, Winnipeg has established progressive policies and made many accessibility improvements to the city’s infrastructure.
The Canadian Museum for Human Rights is one of the most notable examples of Winnipeg's efforts toward inclusivity and accessibility. Regardless of ability, this museum strives to eliminate barriers and ensure that everyone can fully appreciate their visit. It offers inclusive genders, accessible drop-off entrances, mobility aids, elevators, and ramps. Admission is free for care providers.
Here are a few other ways that Winnipeg makes the city more accessible for locals and travellers:
Aira program: Technology and human assistance to help people who are visually impaired navigate their surroundings at Winnipeg Richardson Airport.
Manitoba Children's Museum: Adapted museum experiences for children through the Explore-Abilities Access Program, which provides wheelchairs, sunglasses, designated quiet zones, and more.
Winnipeg Art Gallery-Quamajuq: Offers wheelchairs and universal washrooms as well as book-ahead tours that can be adapted to be inclusive for all guests.
Consider booking a wheelchair-accessible limousine for the ultimate, luxurious way to cruise around Winnipeg.
Edmonton
Edmonton, AB
Edmonton also received the Accessibility Cities Award from the Rick Hansen Foundation, thanks to its proactive accommodation measures and Accessible Advisory Committee.
“The City of Edmonton has made accessibility a priority in all areas. Three of the City’s six 10-year strategic goals specifically address improving accessibility for its citizens and outline ways in which Edmonton is striving to become an inclusive, accessible and affordable community.” - Rick Hansen Foundation
The city’s public transportation system features low-floor buses, priority seating, and light rail vehicles with level boarding. Sidewalks in central areas are well-maintained, with curb cuts and audible pedestrian signals supporting navigation for travellers using mobility aids or with visual impairments. Many hotels, attractions, and public buildings follow accessibility standards, offering features such as step-free entrances, elevators, and adapted restrooms.
Major attractions in Edmonton also prioritize inclusivity:
West Edmonton Mall: One of the largest malls in North America, offering accessible parking, wheelchair rentals, wide corridors, and barrier-free entry to shops, dining, and indoor attractions.
Royal Alberta Museum: A modern museum with step-free access, elevators, and exhibits that accommodate all guests.
Art Gallery of Alberta: Features accessible entrances, elevators to all floors, and inclusive gallery layouts that allow for comfortable navigation and viewing.
North Saskatchewan River Valley: An extensive urban park network with paved, multi-use trails suitable for wheelchairs, mobility aids, and strollers. Maps indicate moderate and difficult grades that may be challenging for users with impaired mobility.
Accessibility resources in Canada
Kéroul
Kéroul is a Quebec-based organization focused on providing up-to-date information for people with restricted physical ability within the realms of tourism and culture. Anyone heading to Quebec can check out the site and feel better informed regarding tour operators, transportation, personal assistance, and other travel needs.
The Companion Leisure Card
The Companion Leisure Card (CAL) originated in Quebec. This accessibility incentive is open to residents of the province and gives a person with a physical disability or mental health condition free access to tourist, cultural, and recreational sites with a companion who is at least five years old.
Laws for accessibility
In accordance with the One Person, One Fare requirement in the Accessible Transportation for Persons with Disabilities Regulations in the Canada Transportation Act, all carriers (including airlines and trains) are required to provide additional and adjacent seating for support persons free of charge on all domestic travel.
Explore Canada's most accessible destinations
Accessible travel depends on proactive accommodations that make it easier to enjoy a destination without limitations. Start planning your trip to Canada's most inclusive and accessible cities.
Frequently asked questions: Accessible cities
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