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Indoor Recreation
Outdoor Recreation
Other Resources
Indoor Recreation
Indoor recreational opportunities are imperative to keeping our bodies and minds active during the colder months, whether it’s fitness classes at a gym or going to the theater with friends!
Adaptive Sports
Vancouver
This non-profit organization that provides activities for people with wheelchairs at any level – have locations in Penticton, Nanaimo, Surrey, and Vancouver.
Greater Vancouver Electric Wheelchair Sports Society
Vancouver
Power soccer is an exciting sport played by individuals with many different types of disabilities. Anyone who uses a power wheelchair is eligible to play.
Vancouver
This non-profit organization for anyone who wants to participate basketball whether recreationally or competitively – it is also a beacon to recognize physical disabilities.
BC Wheelchair Sports Association
Vancouver
BCWSA administers wheelchair rugby, wheelchair athletics (track and field), and wheelchair tennis. As an athlete progresses, we offer wheelchair loans and programs for beginners, juniors, recreational athletes, and high-performance athletes.
BC Blind Sports and Recreation Association
Vancouver
The BC Blind Sports and Recreation Association is a not for profit association of individuals who are blind, visually impaired, deaf-blind, or are blind and have additional disabilities; and their families and other supporters
Curl BC – Stick Curling and Wheelchair Curling
Vancouver
This organization that dedicated to the development and promotion of curling in BC – they offer accessible equipment for stick curling and for wheelchair. They also have locations in Langley, Marpole, and Vancouver.
Vancouver
A charity organization that is dedicated to provide physical activities for individuals with physical disabilities throughout British Columbia
Canada
This not for profit organization consists of sport and physical literacy experts with the long-term vision necessary to be catalysts for lasting change within the sport and physical activity ecosystem and beyond.
British Columbia, Toronto
This organization uses specialized strategies and equipment to support climbers who may experience physical barriers in the climbing world.
DSA Royal International Taekwon-do
Burnaby
One of Mr. Andaya’s advocacies include the inclusion of the Special Needs Division on all ITF tournaments. As with any student, the curriculum is adapted to the particular needs of each child, much so with someone with physical disabilities. The focus is on what the student can do, and not particularly what he/she cannot.
Abbotsford
A recreation centre that has low intensity/low-impact activities for people with disabilities from swimming, yoga, chair yoga, etc.
Surrey
Similar to its counterparts, the Surrey centre have a lot of services and activities options for people with disabilities.
Adaptive Programs for Adults with Disabilities Kootenay
Kootenay
This organization provides various accessible activities for adults with disabilities at Kootenay.
BC Alliance for Healthy Living Society
British Columbia
The BC Alliance for Healthy Living Society (BCAHL) is a group of organizations that came together with a mission to improve the health of British Columbians through a focus on policy.
British Columbia
EveryBodyMoves Hub has resources to make physical activity more inclusive and accessible.
Surrey, BC
Find out about Surrey’s focus on accessibility, from adapted programs to building access. Offers Wheelchair basketball and partners with: BC Wheelchair Sports, Community Living British Columbia, SportAbility,BC Wheelchair Basketball, Surrey Association for Community Living, Canucks Autism Network
Canada
As part of our commitment to helping kids of all abilities access sport and play, we are working with municipalities across the country to build inclusive play spaces. To date we have built 24 Jumpstart Inclusive Playgrounds and supported the development of an additional 19 inclusive play spaces across the county.
Fitness
Vancouver
Virtual one on one adaptive fitness coaching for people with all disabilities and abilities. Access to dozens of adaptive home exercises and gym routines
Vancouver
Highly experienced adaptive fitness coaches offering tailored 1 on 1 based or group fitness classes via in person or online using Zoom.
Online
The spinal cord injury research centre of the UBC Faculty of Medicine and VCH Research Institute has a Physical Activity Research Centre (PARC) that offers remote personal training.
Active Living Alliance for Canadians with a Disability
Canada
A society where every person in Canada, regardless of background or ability, has the opportunity to be active and healthy across their lifespan.
Kimberley’s Athlete Training Centre
Kimberley
Kimberley’s Athlete Training Centre is a spacious, modern facility designed for both able-bodied and disabled athlete training, as well as hosting a variety of sporting events.
Vancouver
Online virtual classes offered such as adaptive fitness, adaptive yoga, meditation for everyone, inclusive dance classes
Online
This is a directory of recreational events offered by SCI-BC.
UBC BodyWorks Fitness Centre: Changing Aging Program
Vancouver
One of UBC’s outreach program with the school of Kinesiology that offers a variety of movement-related activities.
Simon Fraser University Fitness & Pool
Burnaby
SFU’s fitness centre offer many accessible fitness programs as well as pay parking for any who wishes to visit.
Dance
Vancouver
This organization offers accessible and inclusive dance classes for adults of all abilities, genders and backgrounds.
Yoga
Vancouver
This health organization that is dedicated to use movement to stimulate happiness – they have locations throughout the Lower Mainland.
Abbotsford
Abbotsford’s premium yoga studio that has a variety of classes available for everyone in any abilities.
Sunshine Coast
Yogability offers Adapted Chair Yoga classes.
Online
Trinity Yoga offers 15-hour Accessible/Adaptive Yoga Training empower individuals to find their own ways to heal, using the body as a resource.
Movies
Vancouver
This award-winning program/partnership that helps people with permanent disability to feel included both in entertainment and culturally.
Canada
Cineplex Entertainment is firmly committed to improving access and opportunities for all our guests including those with disabilities by removing barriers that may prevent, inhibit or restrict their movie-going experience at their theatres.
Canada
A new national nonprofit, DSO works with the Canadian screen industry to eliminate accessibility barriers and foster meaningful disability representation throughout the sector.
Toronto/Canada
ReelAbilities Film Festival is the largest film festival dedicated to showcasing works about Deaf and disability cultures in North America. Its Canadian chapter is based out of Toronto. Alongside their yearly film festival and awards, ReelAbilities also provides film workshops and a mentorship program.
Theatre
Vancouver
Realwheels Theatre creates and produces performances that deepen understanding of the disability experience. We tell stories in which disability itself is not the focus of conflict, but rather forms the landscape upon which universal issues are debated onstage.
Vancouver
Theatre Terrific provides opportunities to transform lives through the power of theatre. Vision a world where the artistic voice of disabled artists is seen, heard, challenged and respected.
Vancouver, Richmond, Surrey, Victoria
VocalEye’s Live Audio Description Program is the first of its kind in Canada. Originally a program of Kickstart Disability Arts and Culture, their professionally trained describers provide the visual details of live theatre performance to blind and low vision audiences in Vancouver, Richmond, Surrey and Victoria, BC.
Granville Island
This organization runs customized theatre programs for children and youth with disabilities. DYT encourages creativity and self discovery through fun theatre exploration and offers a safe place to develop and share your artistic voice.
Vancouver
Situated on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and Sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh) nations, the Arts Club Theatre Company is the largest theatre company in Western Canada.
Calgary
A community-based Deaf, Disability, and Mad theatre company based in Calgary Alberta. Their mission is to tell the stories of Deaf, Disability, and Mad culture, cultivate a sense of belonging, and deepen cultural accessibility for all.
Vancouver
A Vancouver institution for art and culture for over 80 years, Theatre Under the Stars entertains family through musical theatre outside and under the stars in Vancouver’s Stanley Park. Accessibility is of high importance to them as they provide described and relaxed performances throughout their season.
Art
Kickstart Disability Arts and Culture
Vancouver
This organization gives artists with disabilities a voice. This can mean everything from facilitating a disability art group, to bringing an international film to Vancouver, to presenting art exhibitions and concerts.
Burnaby
Artists Helping Artists is an art studio collective where individuals of all abilities and skill levels are encouraged to come together to make art of all kinds! They provide artists with studio space, affordable materials and the opportunity to pursue their aspirations concerning artistic expression.
Music
Vancouver Adaptive Music Society
Vancouver
Learn to make music or sing, compose, record, produce and build performance skills with VAMS!
Vancouver
The Vancouver Folk Music Festival is a Canadian cultural institution. It is a unique community-based celebration internationally renowned for presenting the finest traditional and contemporary folk and roots music from around the world. Now in its 42nd year, the Festival continues to be one of the city’s most beloved, enjoyed, and respected events.
Vancouver
ET Music Therapy shows the power of music by using it to build connection with people with diverse needs. They provide adapted music lessons, individual and group music sessions, workshops, and training.
Tourism/Attractions
Vancouver
Science World aims to create a universal accessible experience by including accessible parking, automated doors, aides’ and caregivers’ discount, accessible washrooms, etc.
Vancouver
Vancouver Aquarium makes an effort to have everyone enjoy their visit. More information can be found on their webpage.
Skw̲xw̲ú7mesh and Lílw̓at Cultural Centre
Whistler
The Skw̲xw̲ú7mesh and Lílw̓at Cultural Centre is wheelchair accessible and has wheelchairs onsite available for guests to use.
Whistler
The Centre for Salish Seas strives to be accessible to all. A wheelchair is available free of charge on a first come-first served basis.
Okanagan
Access Tourism provides virtual advisors for people with disabilities who are traveling to the Okanagan Valley, B.C, Canada.
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
Kelowna
In partnership with Spinal Cord Injury BC, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association is committed to becoming a world-renowned accessible destination and the goal is to promote “Access & Inclusion” in all aspects of community and tourism experiences, products and services in the Thompson Okanagan region.
Peer Groups
Online
This is a directory of recreational events offered by SCI-BC.
South Fraser Active Living Group
South Fraser
Accessible Activities. Contact sfactiveliving@gmail.com.
Rehab
Vancouver
A registered Canadian charity dedicated to people with physical disabilities.
Outdoor Recreation
From skiing the North Shore mountains to camping and scuba diving in Surrey, there is no shortage of opportunities for outdoor recreation in British Columbia.
Accessible Trails/Parks
Canada
This research project isdedicated to making Canada’s Parks more accessible.
British Columbia
This link provides accessibility information based on the park area.
Canada
Guide to accessible outdoor spaces and virtual tours!
British Columbia
This is a list of accessible trail, camping and activities nation-wide.
Vancouver Island
A guide to user friendly trails located on Vancouver Island.
Burnaby
Easy-to-reach trail in the heart of Burnaby that is essentially a trail around a a lake rich of birdlife
Delta
Accessible natural reserve consisting of a lot of boardwalks
Burnaby
Public park in the heart of Burnaby just minutes away from the shopping venues in Burnaby
Vancouver
2-kilometres trail on Cypress passing small lakes and meadows
New Westminster
Close to New Westminster Quay, very accessible to many restaurants in the region
North Vancouver
Three kilometers of accessible trails with viewing platforms to see the birds
Vancouver
Accessible regional park with accessible restrooms and trails
Vancouver
Seawells and other surrounding areas are accessible
Inland Lake Trail, near Powell Lake
Sunshine Coast
13 kilometre trail surrounding the lake – it is a fully wheelchair accessible trail
Squamish
Accessible trail close to the Grandola – current status unknown as it was building in 2017
Squamish
Some of those trails may be accessible but there are accessible camping grounds and toilets available
Whistler
40 kilometres of paved trails with various access points
Grassland Loop Accessible Trail
Kamloops
Trail that reopened in 2017 after acquiring funding to make it a barrier-free accessible park
Kamloops
Lakeside trail that features a fishing wharf and interpretative trail – suitable for children and people with disabilities alike
Tofino
800-m loop trail that is both wheelchair accessible and is pretty much on a flat surface – there are wheelchair rental service nearby
Ancient Forest/CHUN T’OH WHUDUJUT PROVINCIAL PARK
Prince George
Boardwalk in a rainforest off Prince George that leads to waterfall
Rocky Mountains
Midway trail between the cities Kimberly and Cranbrook – it is a accessible 26km paved trail that features a decommissioned rail
Pacific Rim National Park (Pacific Rim National Park Reserve)
Vancouver Island
Features the Shorepine Trails that are accessible to many visitors – they also have all-terrain wheelchairs available to rent
Victoria
Part of the trails within Victoria that are accessible – and there are also equipment you can rent
Hope
A 3.5 kilometer trail located at Coquihalla Canyon Regional Park has reopened with a flat, accessible trail road available for all
Cowichan Valley
A multi-accessible trail that features the famed Kinsol Trestle – you may also see horses there
Maple Ridge
A waterfall trail that leads to Alouette Lake and some of the most striking waterfalls in the region – it is accessible but the only downside is that it’s in a tunnel so it can get a little dark
Outdoor Activities
CRIS Adaptive (Community Recreational Initiatives Society)
Kelowna
This non-profit recreational organization based in Okanagan that services to people with physical and mental disabilities.
British Columbia Mobility Opportunity Society
Vancouver
This organization that help provide outdoor recreational activity to be accessible for people with disabilities, from hiking, paddling, and more.
Victoria, North Vancouver
This organization that supports people living with disability barrier to enjoy activities (from indoor recreation to outdoors) all year around – locations vary from activity but most are accessible as they are close to public transit
Vernon
This organization promotes inclusive access to outdoor recreation for people of all abilities by providing adaptive equipment, opportunities, education and resources.
Power FOR ALL ADVENTURE THERAPY
Surrey, Langley
Power for All is a not-for-profit adventure therapy society operating in Fort Langley and South Surrey. It offers adaptive stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, snowshoeing, scuba diving and zumba.
Cowichan
This organization provides quality indoor/outdoor sports and therapeutic recreation programs that positively impact the lives of people with physical, cognitive, emotional, or mental health disability.
British Columbia, Toronto
This organization uses specialized strategies and equipment to support climbers who may experience physical barriers in the climbing world.
Summer Camps
Vancouver
A fully inclusive summer camp where everything is accessible for children with medical conditions and disabilities. Their primary vision is to develop and operate an accessible, innovative, and inclusive facility for children and young adults with medical conditions, and provide memorable experiences that empower campers of all abilities to participate, develop life-long skills, create lasting friendships, build independence, and have fun.
Camping
Summerland
This is BC’s only barrier-free wilderness campground.
Cultus Lake
These campgrounds have 25 accessible cabins available for rent.
Sunshine Coast
This accessible campground is available for people near and visiting the Sunshine Coast.
Information
This article from Prime Clean discusses how to Use a CPAP machine while camping.
Gardening
Disabled Independent Gardeners Association
Vancouver
This organization provides opportunities for people with physical disabilities to actively participate in gardening.
Adaptive Snow Sports
Vancouver
This organization that is responsible for development of Adaptive Snow Sports programs throughout BC – for sports mainly like skiing and snowboarding.
Vancouver Adaptive Snow Sports
Vancouver
This organization that is responsible for development of Adaptive Snow Sports programs throughout BC – for sports mainly like skiing and snowboarding.
Whistler
This organization that is committed to introduce recreational activities to people with disabilities in Whistler.
Whistler
The Whistler Adaptive Ski & Snowboard Program offers individualized ski or snowboard instruction to meet the needs of clients with cognitive disabilities. Their lessons are taught by instructors trained to use specialized equipment, techniques, and adaptations specific to the participants disability.
Vancouver
This organization that provides skiing training and events for people of all abilities and ages – accessibility inquiries can be made to the club.
Ocean Sports
Pacific Northwest Scuba Challenge Association
Vancouver
The Pacific Northwest Scuba Challenge Association offers fully accredited scuba courses taught by instructors and assistants experienced in diving with disabilities.
Surrey
Vancouver Ocean sports, formally known as Pogues Sports Canoe Club, is the only club in Vancouver that offers programs for everyone. From recreational to competitive, adaptive to junior, we truly are a club for the community and all its residents. Join us for Outrigger, Dragon Boating, Kayaking and fun.
Sailing
Adaptive Sailing Association of BC
Vancouver
This organization provides opportunities for people with physical disabilities to experience recreational and competitive sailing in fully accessible sailboats.
Horseback Riding
North Okanagan Therapeutic Riding Association
Vernon
This organization provides therapeutic recreational horseback riding lessons and equine-assisted activities for individuals with special needs.
Victoria Therapeutic Riding Association
Victoria
This organization provides a therapeutic riding experience to children and adults with diverse abilities throughout the Greater Victoria area. Today, VTRA is a non-profit charitable organization that uses horseback riding as a recognized therapeutic aid and offers a variety of equine-assisted activities to more than 200 children and adults throughout the region.
Pacific Riding for Developing Abilities (PRDA)
Delta
This organization provides both therapeutic and parasport horseback riding and horsemanship to riders of all ages and abilities, as well as volunteer and employment opportunities (as available). PPTRA offers a non-waitlisted program, friendly welcoming atmosphere and has ADA approved mounting ramps as well as a power hoist at our universally accessible facility located in the pristine farmlands of Delta.
Richmond Therapeutic Equestrian Society
Richmond
This organization provides a quality therapeutic riding program to benefit children and youth with disabilities.
Southlands Therapeutic Riding Program
Lower Mainland
STARS provides therapeutic riding including remedial/educational riding, and sport riding.
Valley Therapeutic Equestrian Association
Langley
Valley Therapeutic Equestrian Association is a non-profit charitable organization that has provided therapeutic horseback riding for children and adults with all forms of disabilities since 1983.
Tourism/Attractions
Kamloops
BC Wildlife Park is proud to welcome all guests. All public pathways are paved, accessible parking is available, and they are members of the Access 2 Program, among other accessibility options.
Vancouver
The Vancouver Folk Music Festival is a Canadian cultural institution. It is a unique community-based celebration internationally renowned for presenting the finest traditional and contemporary folk and roots music from around the world. Now in its 42nd year, the Festival continues to be one of the city’s most beloved, enjoyed, and respected events.
Okanagan
Access Tourism provides virtual advisors for people with disabilities who are traveling to the Okanagan Valley, B.C, Canada.
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
Kelowna
In partnership with Spinal Cord Injury BC, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association is committed to becoming a world-renowned accessible destination and the goal is to promote “Access & Inclusion” in all aspects of community and tourism experiences, products and services in the Thompson Okanagan region.
Other Resources
Here are some more resources to help you enjoy recreational programming.
General Accessibility Information
Online
Discover Accessible Places – pinpointing accessibility worldwide.
Surrey
Information on the accessibility services. Find out more by emailing Inclusion@surrey.ca.
Adaptive Equipment
Online
This organization provides innovative portable, durable pathway solutions.
British Columbia
At RAD, they fundraise and accept donations, which they use purchase assistive devices (sit skis, hikers, water toys, Paragolfer, Access Trax, …) so that you can rent or buy them.
Vancouver
SportAbility Offers Equipment Loan programs for our sports to help reduce barriers to participation.
British Columbia
Tetra volunteers have created thousands of assistive devices and gadgets that have helped with overcoming barriers in physical or environmental spaces.
Vancouver Island
The ACCVI Trailrider program is a group of volunteers that helps folks with disabilities venture out to many different parks within the CRD. Destinations include Gowland Todd, McKenzie Bight, Goldstream, East Sooke Park, Swan Lake, Mt. Doug and Royal Roads.
Strathcona Provincial Park TrailRider Program
Strathcona Provincial Park
The Strathcona TrailRider program is focused on providing access to the Forbidden Plateau area where trails and facilities have been adapted to accommodate a TrailRider.
The Shuswap TrailRider Program
Shuswap Trail
The intention of the TrailRider program is to provide opportunities or physically disabled and less mobile individuals to experience the outdoors.
Training for Staff
Online
This organization offer a class: Breaking Barriers — Fundamentals of Training Clients with Physical Disabilities.
Transportation
Lower Mainland
HandyDART provides “the most responsive, professional and highest quality custom transit services to eligible users residing in the Lower Mainland.”
British Columbia
When handyDART cannot accommodate your travel needs, you can use the Taxi Saver vouchers for one-time trips. The Taxi Saver vouchers are available to permanently registered handyDART riders only. They provide a 50% subsidy towards the cost of taxi rides. You will need to have a handyPASS to use this program.
British Columbia
TransLink Parking permits and much more – “Sparc BC is passionate about working with people on income security, accessibility, and community development; and on the connections between them.”
British Columbia
Driving Miss Daisy offers services that improve the quality of life for seniors and those with disabilities or special needs. They provide much more than just incidental transportation from point A to B. It’s theit commitment to personal, friendly, through the door service that sets them apart and makes their clients smile.
British Columbia
TransLink plans, finances, implements and champions an integrated transportation system the moves people and goods safely and efficiently, supporting Metro Vancouver’s regional growth strategy, air quality objectives and economic development.
Travel
Canadian Assistive Travel Society
Canada
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to travel to the East Coast of Canada or perhaps to Italy? But you can’t because you need an attendant to travel with you and the expenses are just too high. Well, check this organization out, they just might be able to help!
Kelowna
At the Best Western: West Kelowna hotel, they offer a Wheelchair Accessible Junior Suite Queen Room. The room provides wider doorways and lower light switches, as well as a wheel-in shower with built-in bench and telescopic wand.