Oftentimes major events like the Olympics can be the impetus for access improvements. And because the Paralympics closely follow the Olympics, the host city also has to be able to accommodate a large contingent of disabled visitors. That's good news for disabled travelers, as most access upgrades remain intact after the games. And it's even better news for folks planning a trip to Whistler, British Columbia; as this Canadian resort town just got an infusion of access upgrades, in preparation for the 2010 Paralympics.
Village Access Upgrades
Expected to be a beehive of activity during the games, Whistler Village received a huge access makeover over the past five years. Filled with restaurants, hotels, shops and bars, the Village also the site of Celebration Plaza, where the medal ceremonies will be held. Celebration Plaza will be fully accessible, as will the new playground being built around it. Both additions will remain intact after the Olympic torch moves on.
Better accessibility signage and more ramps were added to Whistler Village. An access map, which points out barrier-free pathways, ramps, accessible entrances and accessible restrooms was also developed. The map, which is available at www.whistler.ca, makes getting around the Village a lot easier, and will serve as a great access resource, even in post-Olympic times.
Transportation Improvements
The availability of accessible ground transportation is problematic in many urban areas; and up until the past year Whistler was no exception. But in anticipation of the Paralympic games, a number of access improvements were made.
First off, Whistler greatly beefed up their public bus accessibility this year, with the addition of 21 accessible vehicles to their WAVE fleet (tel. 604-932-4020; www.bctransit.com/regions/whi). These low-floor buses are equipped with a ramp and a kneeling feature, with room to carry two wheelchairs and one scooter on board. The fleet is now approximately 85% accessible during peak hours, and BC Transit hopes to bump that number up to 100% by February 2010.
Resort Cabs (tel. 604-938-1515; www.resortcabs.com) also offers wheelchair-accessible taxi service throughout Whistler. They have three accessible vans, which can accommodate one wheelchair-user and several able-bodied passengers.
If you're flying into Vancouver, wheelchair-accessible transportation to Whistler is available on Pacific Coach Line (tel. 604-662-7575; www.pacificcoach.com). They have lift-equipped buses that can accommodate up to two wheelchairs. It's important to note that 24 hours notice is required for accessible services, and the buses cannot accommodate scooters. Still, it's the quickest and most economical airport transportation.
Accessible Lodging
One of the biggest access improvements in Whistler is in regards to the availability of accessible lodging. Not only have many properties made access upgrades, but thanks to Hugh Tollett, it's now easy to locate accessible lodging through his Whistler for the Disabled database (tel. 888-933-9383; www.whistlerforthedisabled.com). In addition to providing loads of useful access information and resources, Whistler for the Disabled also books accessible tours, transportation and accommodations. And the best part is, Hugh knows what he talking about access-wise, because he's personally inspected all of the listed properties.
Hugh's top accessible lodging pick is Crystal Lodge (tel. 604-932-2221; www.crystal-lodge.com); a reasonably priced property with a great Village location. The Hilton Whistler Resort (tel. 604-932-1982; www.whistlerhilton.com) comes in a close second. "This property also has nice roll-in showers however itÂ?s more expensive than the Crystal Lodge," says Hugh. And if youÂ?d like to stay at a B&B, Hugh recommends the wheelchair-accessible Library Room at Durlacher Hof (tel. 877-932-1924; www.durlacherhof.com).
Truly there are a world of accessible choices in Whistler -- before, during and after the Paralympics. So don't be afraid to venture up there, and explore this year-round resort for yourself.
Candy Harrington is the editor of Emerging Horizons and the author of Barrier Free Travel: A Nuts and Bolts Guide For Wheelers and Slow Walkers. She blogs regularly about accessible travel issues at www.barrierfreetravels.com.
