Access Victoria * Accessible Accommodation in Victoria, BC, Canada

Attractions

Greater Victoria tourist attraction information including wheelchair accessibility details

Victoria has many wonderful and world famous attractions. The staff at Access Victoria personally conducted the research of the attractions. Two members visited each attraction, one as a care giver and one person in a wheelchair, to give it its accessibility rating. Therefore, all information is unbiased and reliable.

If you have any questions regarding our rating system or if you would like to be added to our attractions list, please contact us at access@accessvictoria.com.

If you would like further information on any attractions listed, please contact them directly at the e-mail or phone number provided.


Home
Photos
Rates
Contact Us
Location & Map
How to get to Victoria
Currency & Taxes
Weather
Attractions
Transportation
Tours
Links
Beacon Hill

Legend:
Fully = Able to stay in wheelchair and see the entire attraction
Partially = Must be lifted out of chair or attraction is only partly viewable.


Attractions · Heritage Sites · Theatres · Recreation Centres · Shopping Centres · Parks/Walkways · Whale Watching

Bastion SquareBastion Square

Partially Accessible.
The Government Street entrance is accessible by walkway; the Wharf Street entrance is accessible by a ramp.

Situated between Government and Wharf Street in downtown Victoria. Victoria's historic town square built in the 1860's (some say to be haunted) now transformed into a scenic square with shops, cafis, local artists and musicians. There is also a beautiful view of the Harbor at the bottom of the square on Wharf Street.


Butchart GardensButchart Gardens

Fully Accessible.
Areas with stairs have been accommodated with accessible paths nearby.

A world famous 50-acre garden with spectacular views. Tour the park along a cement path.Because this park was originally a quarry there are lots of hills. Plan to spend an entire day here; there is a lot to see and a lot of distance to cover. Located approx. 45 minutes from Downtown Victoria on the Saanich Peninsula (5 minutes from Butterfly Gardens.)

For admission prices and more details visit http://www.butchartgardens.com


Butterfly Gardens

Fully Accessible.

An indoor tropical rainforest with hundreds of free flying butterflies from around the world. Tour the garden along a cement path (no hills) inside the 12,000 square foot building. Located approx. 40 minutes from Downtown Victoria on the Saanich Peninsula (5 minutes from Butchart Gardens.)

For admission prices and more details visit http://www.butterflygardens.com


China TownChina Town

Partially Accessible.
Sidewalks and alleyways are cemented but store entrances and aisles are very small and cluttered.

Canada's oldest China Town, stroll under the Gates of Harmonious Interest as you enter China Town and pass through famous Fan Tan Alley!


Craigdarroch Castle

Not Accessible.


Crystal GardensCrystal Garden Conservation Centre

Fully Accessible.
Entry doors are small and awkward but once inside everything is ramped and there are elevators. Person in wheelchair and caregiver enter for free!

The Centre is an indoor tropical jungle home to over 65 species of endangered birds and mammals. There are free flying birds and butterflies with zoo-like cages for monkey's and other mammals. Filled with tropical plants and flowers and a Japanese Koi filled pond. A beautiful place to explore.

For more information visit http://www.bcpcc.com/crystal


Empress HotelEmpress Hotel

Fully Accessible.
Accessible entrances are the Hotel lobby through the Main Hotel Entrance (on the left hand side of Hotel front) or by the Conference center in the rear of the hotel.

Victoria's premier hotel and one of Canada's oldest. Located in the middle of Victoria's Inner Harbour adjacent to the Conference Centre. Famous for it's British Traditional Afternoon Tea served daily. Reservations are required and there is a dress code. For $39.00 you will be served tea with freshly made pastries, scones, preserves, and cream in the main lobby.


Fort Rodd Hill & Fisgard LighthouseFort Rodd Hill & Fisgard Lighthouse

Partially Accessible.
Park has gravel/cement pathways with steep inclines and declines. Only washroom by entrance in parking lot is accessible, once inside the park washrooms are not accessible. Out of the 25 points of interest only a few are accessible by wheelchair. All others are viewed by flights of stairs. The Fisgard Lighthouse is reached by gravel/cement pathway but the house itself is totally inaccessible.

The park houses three coastal gun batteries preserved from a century ago. Fort Rodd Hill is located 15 minutes from downtown Victoria in Colwood.

For more information and admission rates visit http://parkscan.harbour.com/frh



Heritage Sites

Helmcken House, Emily Carr House and Point Ellice House are part of BC's Heritage historic sites. These homes were built in the 1800's and are complete with original artifacts.


Helmcken House

Partially Accessible.
There is a ramped entryway at the rear of the house. Most of the exhibits are on the main floor. The second floor has an attic and the washroom but they are inaccessible. There is an accessible washroom inside the Royal BC Museum located next door.

For more information visit http://www.tbc.gov.bc.ca/culture/schoolnet/helmcken


Point Ellice House

Fully Accessible.
There is a ramped entryway at the rear of the house. This house is one floor so all exhibits are viewable. There is a washroom large enough to accommodate a wheelchair.

The Point Ellice House also offers an afternoon High Tea.


Emily Carr House

Partially Accessible.
There is a ramped entryway at the rear of the house. The majority of the exhibits are on the main floor. The second floor has a bedroom and bathroom but they are inaccessible.

For more information on locations, hours and admissions visit http://www.heritage.gov.bc.ca/emily/emily.htm


Maritime MuseumMaritime Museum

Fully Accessible.
All floors are accessible by elevators.

The Maritime Museum of British Columbia is housed in the historic 1889 Provincial Law Courts building situated in Bastion Square. The colourful story of British Columbia's marine history is told in the various theme galleries from Early Exploration to Captain Cook, Canadian Pacific Steamships and the Royal Navy.

For more information and admission rates visit http://www.mmbc.bc.ca


Market SquareMarket Square

Partially Accessible.
The Lower Courtyard of Market Square is wheelchair accessible via the Back Gate off Pandora Street. Use this entrance to enjoy all of the events and festivals they hold throughout the year. The second level of the square is accessible via the Main Gates at Johnson Street. Some of the stores in Market Square are accessible. Because it is part of Victoria's Old Town most of the doorways are quite narrow.

For more information and a calendar of events visit http://www.marketsquare.bc.ca


Miniature WorldMiniature World

Facility is accessible but washrooms are not
A museum of miniature model scenes varying from war battles to fairytales to the circus; some with special lighting effects and animation. A must see attraction in Victoria. Located in The Empress Hotel off Humboldt Street. Admission prices: $2.00 for Person in Wheelchair, $9.00 Adult, $7.00 Age 12-17 and $6.00 for Children.

For more information visit http://www.miniatureworld.com


Ogden Point BreakwaterOgden Point Breakwater

Accessible if able to get out of chair, collapse it and walk through entryway.
Cement walkway that ventures out onto the Victoria Coast Line to a lighthouse, approximately one kilometer in length. Beautiful area for a stroll or you can just sit in the local café and enjoy the view. Located at 199 Dallas Rd.


Royal BC MuseumRoyal B.C. Museum

Partially Accessible.
Museum entrance and floors are accessible but a few exhibits are not.

Located in Victoria's Inner Harbour across from The Empress on Bellville Street.
For more information and admission rates visit http://rbcm1.rbcm.gov.bc.ca


Ross Bay CemeteryRoss Bay Cemetery

Fully Accessible.
Accessing the grounds is easy along cemented pathways.

Victoria's famous 27.5-acre cemetery, home to many famous Canadians and Americans. There are organized tours offered every Sunday with stories about the interments and landmarks or you can tour the cemetery on your own. Located 5 minutes from downtown in Fairfield.

For more information visit http://www.oldcem.bc.ca


Royal London Wax MuseumRoyal London Wax Museum

Fully Accessible.

A museum of over 300 life size wax sculptures from historic eras to fantasy scenes. All figures wear authentic costumes and look amazingly real. Located downtown across from the Parliament Buildings on Bellville Street.

For more information and rates visit http://www.waxworld.com


Undersea Gardens

Not Accessible.


Inner HarbourVictoria Inner Harbour

Fully Accessible.
Accessed at either end of walkway by the Royal London Wax Museum (by ramp) or the Tourism Victoria Building (by restaurant elevator). Also has access to marina where you can view local and visiting sailboats. Also access area for Victoria Harbour Ferries.

Crescent cemented walkway around Victoria Inner Harbour in Downtown Victoria. Busy popular area for tourists to walk and see local artists, musicians and performers.


Victoria Bug Zoo

Fully Accessible.
The zoo is on the ground floor with ramped areas.

Explore the miniature zoo full of live bugs and other multi-legged creatures. There are species from around the world and some exhibits are hands-on!

For more information and admission rates visit http://www.bugzoo.bc.ca



Theatres


Imax Theatre

Fully Accessible.

National Geographic Theatre with a 6 story high, 70 foot wide screen. Located in the Royal BC Museum.

For current show times and admission prices visit http://www.imaxvictoria.com


Royal Theatre and McPherson Playhouse

Fully Accessible.
Ground level entryways with 6 wheel chair reserved seats in the Royal and 4 seats in the McPherson.

There are constant performances from Victoria's Symphony to world famous performers and musicians. Located in downtown Victoria.

For more information and current box office schedule visit http://rmts.bc.ca/index.html


Silver City Famous PlayersSilver City Famous Players

Fully Accessible.
Cement ramped entryway. Inside every theatre is a row reserved for persons in wheelchairs with companion seats.

Located 6 minutes away from Access Victoria in the Tillicum Shopping Centre.

For current show times and rates visit http://www.famousplayers.com



Recreation Centres


Juan de Fuca Parks & RecreationJuan de Fuca Parks & Recreation

Fully Accessible.
Washrooms and Showers are completely accessible including private shower rooms with top of the line equipment. Swimming area is accessible complete with self-operating lift to enter pool and ramped entrance to wheel down. There is also an accessible fitness/weight room.

Newest center in Victoria. Located 10 minutes from Access Victoria in Colwood.

For more information, schedules, admissions, etc. visit http://www.jdfrecreation.com



Saanich Commonwealth Place

Fully Accessible.
Washrooms, Showers and Pool are completely accessible. Swimming pool can be accessed by lift or by wheeling chair down ramped entrance. There is also an accessible fitness/weight room.

Built for the 1994 Commonwealth Games held in Victoria BC. Located 10 minutes from Access Victoria in Royal Oak. Olympic size swimming pool and diving boards.

For more information, schedules and admission rates visit http://www.saanich.ca/resident/recreation/scp.html



Shopping Centres


Eaton's CentreEaton's Centre

Fully Accessible.
Mall customer service (located at the Fort and Broad Street Entrance) has wheelchairs available for free while shopping.

Four story indoor mall (with elevators) with major clothing and other retail chains featuring "Eatons Department Store".

Located downtown Victoria at 1150 Douglas Street, 15 minutes from Access Victoria.


Mayfair Shopping CentreMayfair Shopping Centre

Fully Accessible.
Mall customer service (located in the Food Fair) has wheelchairs/scooters available for free while shopping.

Indoor Mall with major clothing and other retail chains featuring "The Bay Department Store" and "Toys R Us."

Located at 3147 Douglas Street, 10 minutes from Access Victoria and 5 minutes from downtown Victoria.


Tillicum Shopping Centre

Fully Accessible.
Mall customer Service (located in the Lotto Center on the main floor) has wheelchairs available for free while shopping.

Indoor Mall with major clothing and other retail chains featuring "Zellers Department Store" and "Winners Clothing Outlet."

Located at 3170 Tillicum Road, 5 minutes from Access Victoria.


Town & Country Shopping Centre

Fully Accessible.
Outdoor Strip Mall featuring "Wal-Mart."

Located 7 minutes from Access Victoria and 8 minutes away from downtown at the 3600 block of Douglas Street.



Parks/Walkways



Dallas Road Park/WalkwayDallas Road Park/Walkway

Fully Accessible.
Cemented coastal path that runs from Ogden Point to Oak Bay's Beach Drive.

Very busy area used by local joggers, dog walkers and kite flyers. This is a great area for a stroll or to view windsurfers on the ocean. You can also drive to Clover Point where you can park and view the coast located at the end of the pathway.


Galloping Goose Trail

Partially Accessible.
It is Fully Accessible (paved) from Helmcken Rd and the Trans Canada Highway (3 minutes away from Access Victoria) to Town and Country Shopping Centre (Douglas & Boleskine) where it splits to Swan Lake (Quadra & McKenzie) and to Esquimalt (Alston & Raynor.) The rest of the trail reaches from Swartz Bay (BC Ferries) to Leechtown (past Sooke) but it is unpaved.

This trail is part of the Trans Canada Trail that traverses Canada. The trail is a beautiful transportation alternative.


Gorge Water Walkway

Partially Accessible.
A cemented walkway around the Gorge Waterway

Located along Gorge Road between Admirals Road and Tillicum Road.


Westsong Way Park and WalkwayWestsong Way Park and Walkway

Fully Accessible.

A beautiful cemented walkway along Victoria's Harbour from The Ocean Point Hotel (across Johnson Street Bridge) to the West Bay Marina in Esquimalt.



Whale Watching


Victoria is famous for it's whale watching tours. We phoned 7 local companies to inquire about wheelchair passengers. Here's what each had to say, starting with the most positive. All companies require passenger have use of arms for purposes of bracing oneself. They recommend ability to use legs for assisting in balance but it is not required. All boats don't allow passengers with spinal injuries due to the movement of the ship.


Victoria Marine Adventure Centre

Fully Accessible.
Fiberglass Boat is accessible because of less motion on tour. Marina dock and boat are accessed by ramp. Passengers have the option of remaining in wheelchair on-board vessel or to be seated in boat seats. There are washrooms on-board but they are not accessible.

For more information visit http://www.marine-adventures.com


Orca Spirit

Partially Accessible.
Steel Hulled Boat is accessible because of less motion on tour. Marina dock is accessed by ramp, but you must be lifted into boat. Passengers have the option of remaining in wheelchair on-board or being seated in regular boat seats. There are washrooms on-board but they are not accessible.

For more information visit http://www.orcaspirit.com


Five Star Whale Watching

Partially Accessible.
Steel Hulled Boat. Marina dock is accessed by ramp, but you must be lifted into boat. Wheelchairs are not permitted on vessel therefore you must be able to be seated in regular seats. There are no washrooms on-board.

For more information visit http://www.5starwhales.com


Ocean Explorations

Partially Accessible.
Zodiaq Boat. Marina dock is accessed by ramp, but you must be lifted into boat. Wheelchairs are not permitted on vessel therefore you must be able to be seated in regular seats. Zodiaq tours are very rocky and bumby There are no washrooms on-board.

For more information visit http://www.oceanexplorations.com


Spyhopper Whale Watching

Not Accessible

For more information visit http://www.spyhopper.bc.ca


Prince of Whales

Not Accessible.

for more information visit http://www.princeofwhales.com


Cuda Marine Adventures

Not Accessible

For more information visit http://whalewatchingadventure.com




Home · Photos · Rates · Contact Us · Location & Map · How to get to Victoria
Currency & Taxes · Weather · Attractions · Transportation · Tours · Links