Accessibility in Calgary

Accessibility In and Around Calgary
Accessibility In and Around Calgary

Accessibility in Calgary

Between this majestic backdrop of the Rockies, great restaurants, great hotels and lots of activities Calgary is a wonderful choice for your vacation.
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If you are heading to Calgary and you have limited mobility, here’s what you need to know to get the most out of your visit.

Accessibility at major attractions

Calgary is a vibrant and busy city. It has many wonderful attractions.

Calgary Stampede

The Calgary Stampede has many resources throughout the grounds to ensure everyone enjoys themselves and has the amenities needed for all ability levels.

All parking lots associated with the Calgary Stampede (the ones closest to the perimeter of the event grounds) offer accessible parking options. The fee for these parking lots varies, but expect to pay around $25.

The CTrain is a simple, affordable, and accessible way to get to the grounds. The best stop to use for accessibility is the Erlton Station. It is at the south end of the grounds. It is a longer distance from the entrance but is flat and does not require pushing up or down a steep ramp system.

The Calgary Stampede offers care aid complimentary entrance. This is by request when you approach the ticket sales at all entrances. Complimentary Care Aid rates are available for entrance to the grounds as well as the standing room only Chuckwagon and Evening Show tickets.

For complete information on accessibility at the Calgary Stampede, check out Everything You Need To Know About the Calgary Stampede.

Calgary Tower

The Calgary Tower is one of the most well-known local attractions. It also happens to be one of the better options in the city for meeting accessibility needs.
The best option for accessible parking near the Calgary Tower is in the Palliser Parkade (there is a fee for this option). The Palliser Parkade is adjacent to the Tower and is covered. You can access the parkade from either 10th Avenue SW or 9th Avenue SW. They have an elevator that takes you to the ground level where you will find the entrance and elevators to both the Calgary Tower Observation level and the Sky360 Restaurant. A tip for getting the most of your Calgary Tower experience is to reserve a table in the restaurant, enjoy the majestic 360 views of the city in the revolving restaurant, and you will receive complimentary access to the observation deck. Both the observation deck level and the restaurant levels have elevator access.
 

Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo

Calgary has a world class zoo. Much of the grounds have been Universally Designed to allow everyone to enjoy the exhibits. The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo has two parking lots. You will find accessible parking in the North Lot, just off of Memorial Drive NE.
The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo offers companion entrance rates. If you have an Access 2 Entertainment card, companions of persons with disabilities get complimentary access. Service dogs are welcomed. The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo encourages guests to pre-register their service dog before their visit. Some restrictions apply. More information on accessibility at the Zoo is available on their website.

Heritage Park and Gasoline Alley Museum

This beautiful, and accessible space is a walk down memory lane through the early years of the automobile industry. The modern and universally designed building is easy for every ability level to enjoy. Gasoline Alley is the only exhibit at that is open year-round. Accessible parking can be found outside of the main entrance for a fee.
Heritage Park Historical Village is primarily outdoors and has some exhibits and buildings that are accessible and other that are not. There is an interactive map that shows the parts of the park that can be accessed with limited mobility.

TELUS Spark Science Centre

TELUS Spark Science Centre’s Theatres, Atrium, Classrooms, and Galleries are all accessible to people of all abilities. TELUS Spark Science Centre has its own parking lot and has many accessible parking stalls near the entrance of the facility.

Care Aids are offered complimentary entrance. TELUS Spark Science Centre asks that all care aids/companions of guests with disabilities register at the main admission desk.

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Restaurants and neighbourhood exploration

Calgary has a few great entertainment districts where you will find multiple options in one localized area. The great thing about heading to these areas of the city is you can grab dinner, head for drinks, and find live, local music. The areas closer to downtown are some of Calgary’s older areas and occasionally have Heritage buildings that aren’t developed to today’s building codes. Always call ahead to ensure your destination is accessible.

Calgary has many amazing restaurants and pubs. It doesn’t matter what area of the city you end up in, you will find wonderful and accessible choices. Calgary has kept up with all of the hip niche spots specializing in everything from poke, to poutine, to Brazilian BBQ to champagne and everything in-between.

For a lot of choices in one centralized area the city is broken down into a few great entertainment districts.

17th Avenue SW boasts restaurants, bars, pubs, a casino, and a comedy club. It has something for everyone. The street is lined with both old favorites and new additions - The Ship & Anchor, National on 17th, and Trolley5 Brewpub are choices when looking for some fun in an accessible space.
Mission (4th Street SW, between 17th Avenue SW and 25th Avenue SW) is another great entertainment district. Offering everything from fine dining to pubs to karaoke. One of Calgary’s best Italian restaurants - Mercato can be found in this neighborhood. Another unique option is a great Crepe restaurant called Suzette Bistro. Other great options in the area that are accessible are Ducky’s Karaoke Pub and the Joyce on 4th.
Stephen Avenue is a great choice when looking for accessibility. Nestled right in the heart of the downtown core, Stephen Avenue is an outdoor pedestrian walkway. It is closed to vehicle traffic daily between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., making the entire street and sidewalks very spacious. This part of the city has some of the most beautiful buildings and history Calgary has to offer. From grabbing a coffee and strolling to having a beautiful lunch, or enjoying the many buskers to stopping into the CORE shopping centre you will enjoy your time on Stephen Avenue

 

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Shopping

CF Chinook Centre is a world class shopping destination. It has added many beautiful stores and is Calgary’s largest mall. It offers free heated underground parking, a very user-friendly elevator system, and a simple floor plan that makes navigating it with varying degrees of mobility easy. Visit customer service to rent wheelchairs and gather all of the information you will need to have the best visit.
The CORE Shopping Centre is just steps off of Stephen Avenue in the heart of downtown. Some highlights of this great shopping destination are Simons and Holt Renfrew. The CORE Shopping Centre offers free Accessible Parking on weekends and after 3:00 p.m. on weekdays in both the Holt Renfrew and CORE Parkades. The CORE Shopping Centre also has a great elevator system that will ensure you can visit every area including the Devonian Gardens.
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Transportation

Both the C-Train and all Calgary Transit buses are wheelchair accessible. When riding the C-Train, look for the door with the accessibility symbol to know what doors on the train allow for access. Once inside the train, a marked area will be near the door for persons with mobility challenges. Low Floor buses service all of Calgary Transits 155 routes throughout the city. If you need further assistance you can contact Calgary Transit Access at 403-537-7777.

Accessible taxis are available through all taxi companies. Make your mobility and transportation needs known when booking your taxi to ensure the right option arrives.

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Accommodation

There are many great hotel choices in Calgary. When planning your visit, it is best to look for accommodation that is close to the activities and areas of the city you wish to see. Both the Hyatt Regency and Calgary Marriott Downtown are just steps away from Stephen Avenue, the CORE Shopping Centre, and the Calgary Tower. 

When looking for accessibility, most hotels’ websites offer specific types of accessible room options (roll-in shower vs tub with shower seat etc.) when booking online. Ensure your room has the amenities you require by calling ahead if the website is not clear as some hotels have limited facilities or may not have an elevator.

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Day trips outside of Calgary

Banff

Banff is a great trip to get outside of the city and see the mountains. Wandering around Banff Avenue, you’ll find shopping and many great restaurants. Most of the buildings in this area have been modified to be accessible for all ability levels. Banff also has a beautiful Gondola experience that takes you to the summit of Sulphur Mountain. Each Gondola vehicle can accommodate one wheelchair and one passenger. At the top, there are two restaurants and an observation deck, which are all accessible for all ability levels.

Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology

The Royal Tyrrell Museum features some of the most significant fossils that have been discovered in Alberta. All indoor exhibits and activities are accessible for every ability level. Wheelchairs can be rented through guest services for $3. Service dogs are permitted inside the building.
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Calgary is a vibrant and wonderful place to visit! Enjoy your visit.

Author: Dayle Sheehan

 

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