Inclusive Tourism Thrives in British Columbia, Providing Equal Access for All, Here’s All You Need to Know

British Columbia receives millions of visitors yearly, and tourist service is one of the main components of the Province´s economic growth. One of the most remarkable challenges of this industry is to make sure all visitors, regardless of physical, sensory, or cognitive conditions, feel included and have an opportunity to access all services. Most recently, the Province´s businesses have made amazing improvements in meeting the various needs of the order of components of the triad. Now, those in wheelchairs, or those with challenges on the autisum spectrum, can experience B.C. tourism.

Several decades of improving accessibility in the tourism industry should not hide the fact, according to former Vancouver mayor Sam Sullivan, a quadriplegic himself, that we have a long way to go. Nonetheless, the progress is commendable and, as B.C. demonstrates, we have the means to make tourism an chance for everyone.

Overcoming Barriers: The Strides Towards Accessible Tourism in B.C.

Sullivan recalls how challenging it used to be for people with mobility challenges to visit cities or tourist destinations. Decades ago, he had to plan every trip meticulously, ensuring he had access to wheelchair-friendly taxis and accommodations. “We all have our nightmare stories about the way things used to be,” Sullivan reflects. Thankfully, the situation has drastically improved, especially in major tourism hubs like Vancouver, Victoria, and Whistler, where accessibility has become a top priority. However, obstacles persist, and these businesses are working hard to make tourism an accessible option for everyone.

One tool that has greatly aided this movement is Access Now, an app that provides information on the accessibility of public spaces. It offers users a colour-coded grading system for attractions, hotels, and other places, helping those with physical or sensory challenges better plan their visits. This app has become a go-to resource for travelers who want to ensure that their chosen destinations meet their accessibility needs.

Reel North Adventures: Innovation in Accessible Outdoor Experiences

A standout example of innovation in accessible tourism comes from Prince George-based Reel North Adventures, which recently won the Tourism Industry Association of BC’s 2025 Inclusive and Accessible Tourism Experience Award. Owner Jerry Daoust recognized the gap in accessible outdoor tourism experiences and decided to take action. His company offers guided fishing tours, but in 2022, he noticed that there were no options for individuals with mobility challenges to enjoy these activities.

“There wasn’t a single guide company offering services for people in wheelchairs, and there weren’t even rental boats that could accommodate such needs,” Daoust shared. This gap in the market led him to create a solution: a six-metre-long, flat-bottomed fishing boat, designed specifically for people in wheelchairs. After working with local company CC Industries to develop the boat, Reel North Adventures launched this accessible fishing experience last year. The boat has already proven successful, allowing individuals with mobility challenges to enjoy fishing trips alongside others.

This is just one example of how B.C. businesses are thinking outside the box to create inclusive travel experiences that cater to a wider range of guests.

Vancouver Aquarium: Leading the Way in Inclusivity for Neurodivergent Visitors

Another prime example of inclusivity in tourism is the Vancouver Aquarium. For many years, the aquarium has been dedicated to ensuring its Stanley Park location is accessible to all visitors, from those in wheelchairs to those on the autism spectrum. The aquarium features wheelchair ramps, accessible restrooms, and adaptive amenities such as wide tables for changing clothes.

The aquarium’s commitment to neurodiversity is particularly notable. In response to the needs of visitors on the autism spectrum, the aquarium has introduced sensory comfort kits. These kits, which include noise-canceling headphones, fidget toys, sunglasses, and cue cards, are available for visitors to use during their visit. “These kits are designed to offer comfort and reduce stress for neurodivergent individuals, especially when they become overwhelmed by sensory stimuli,” explained Linda Lavergne, the aquarium’s manager of guest experience and community outreach.

The cue cards are particularly valuable as they enable non-verbal communication. Visitors can use these cards to express needs like wanting to leave, eat, or go outdoors. This small but meaningful addition helps create a more inclusive environment for neurodivergent visitors.

Expanding Career Opportunities for Neurodivergent Individuals

The Vancouver Aquarium’s commitment to inclusivity extends beyond visitor experience. Lavergne shared that the aquarium has worked closely with the Canucks Autism Network and the Pacific Autism Family Network to help neurodivergent individuals gain work experience. Over the past two years, the aquarium has provided paid 120-hour practicums to 14 neurodivergent employees. Five of these individuals are still employed at the aquarium, contributing to its diverse and inclusive workforce.

This commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace helps provide valuable career opportunities and enriches the aquarium’s organizational culture. By hiring neurodivergent individuals and providing the necessary accommodations, the aquarium is making a significant impact on both its employees and the broader community.

Recognizing Inclusive Efforts: Awards and Acknowledgments

In addition to Reel North Adventures and the Vancouver Aquarium, other B.C. businesses are being recognized for their efforts in accessible tourism. For instance, Campbell River Whale Watching and Adventure Tours was nominated for the TIABC award for becoming Canada’s first Rainbow Registered whale-watching company. This designation ensures that the business provides a welcoming space for LGBTQ+ individuals. The company is also part of the Access 2 Card program, which offers free access for caregivers of individuals with physical disabilities.

These recognitions highlight the growing awareness and appreciation for businesses that go the extra mile to make tourism experiences accessible for everyone. By accommodating people with various physical and cognitive needs, B.C. businesses are setting an example for others in the tourism industry to follow.

Legal Developments Push for Greater Accessibility

Legal rulings have also played a crucial role in improving accessibility within the tourism and travel industries. For example, earlier this year, Canada’s Federal Court of Appeal upheld a ruling by the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) that required Air Canada to make accommodations for people with disabilities, particularly those who use wheelchairs. This ruling mandated that Air Canada offer similar flight options for people in wheelchairs and provide aircraft that can accommodate their mobility devices. This legal development serves as a reminder that accessibility in tourism is not just a choice, but a legal requirement that businesses must adhere to.

The Road Ahead: More Work Needed to Achieve Full Accessibility

Even with the improvements made in accessible tourism, there is still much more that needs to be done. Industry leaders such as Sam Sullivan emphasizes that, while there are great developments in B.C., there are still great lengths to go to improve the universality of access in the tourism offered. The thought prioritizing the industry evolution needs to be put in the ability to offer all B.C. tourism to all travelers, those with diverse physical as well as cognitive disabilities.

To summarize, there are noteworthy steps to inclusivity being offered in B.C. tourism with the province’s businesses developing innovative ways to enhance the experience to wider audiences. The companies setting the vision for the future of accessible tourism, such as those offering accessible fishing tours, enhanced sensory of the environment, and diverse range of jobs. The accessible tourism provided by B.C. should be the model for other areas to follow to keep the experience of tourism inclusive and friendly for all.

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