Vancouver2
Vancouver.. continued....

I enjoyed the cosmopolitan feeling and flavor with over 60 cultural groups being represented in Vancouver.

Within a day, of Vancouver you can travel by bike,boat, ferry, helicopter, float plane, monorail or train to dozens of places: a laid-back Gulf Island, North America's premier ski resort, BC's sunniest peninsula,near-desert cowboy country, Canada's rhododendron capital, an abbey retreat or a First Nations sweat lodge.,


Here are some of the neat things that happen in Vancouver that certainly are not run of the mill activities. Vancouver hosts the four-night-long Benson and Hedges' Symphony of Fire international fireworks competition, an international Children's Festival, du Maurier International Jazz Festival, LaQuena Latin America Fiesta. World Championship Sand Sculpture Competition and let’s not forget the Great Garbage Can Art Competition.

Vancouver is probably the most accessible city in North America from public transportation to cut- downs to Taxi cabs.. Attitude is wonderful..

Below are some Disabled services which you might find useful:

A booklet entitled Accessibility Awareness Vancouver Guide lists information on wheelchair accessible attractions, banks,churches, parks, restaurants, stores and theatres.

For further information contact:
British Columbia Coalition of People with Disabilities
204-456 West Broadway (604) 875.0188

Services for the hearing impaired:
The Western Institute for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing
2125 West 7th Avenue
, (604) 736.7391 (voice)
(604) 736.2527 (T.D.D.)
24-hour Message Relay Centre: 1.800.855.0511


There are so many activities in Vancouver , so I just highlighted a few.

The Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Center is situated in Stanley Park and what a setting!! I have been to many aquariums across North America and I have a real fondness for the Vancouver Aquarium.It is not bright and brassy but rather light and warm.It has great access and wonderful attitude of staff. Good disabled parking..
The Aquarium has served aquatic conservation and education for more than 40 years.

Although the Aquarium is open 365 days a year,check hours and rates before you plan a visit. Aqua Facts
Do fish sleep? Do killer whales pass gas?Aquarium Naturalists give answers to some of the most frequently asked questions as well as some of the most unexpected ones! You’ll just have to go to get the answers.


The Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre is found just five minutes west of downtown Vancouver in world-famous Stanley Park.


Accommodation in Vancouver ;There are so many hotels in downtown Vancouver and because of the very busy city from travellers and conventions they do seem somewhat pricey. So for a hotel that is just better priced and still downtown try the Howard Johnson Vancouver
1176 Granville Street,

Tel: (604) 688-8701 Toll Free 1.800.446.4656.
Vancouver's Newly Renovated Boutique Hotel in the Heart of the Downtown Entertainment District

Howard Johnson offers offer something for everyone! Business traveler or vacationer.The attitude is great rooms comfortable and will likely upgrade to suite if you ask and are disabled.

There is no better place to stay than the Hilton Vancouver Airport. This new additional to the Hilton family offers 237 suites with their handicapped rooms excellently done.The Hilton Vancouver Airport is only 5 km form the airport with accessible shuttle available.The attitude of staff was what would be expected at Hilton hotels, excellent....

While Vancouver’s Public Transportation is truly accessible. I must admit I am a “Van” .And there is only one Rental company I recommend, and that is Hertz. I have had tried others with some very sad experiences


Hertz Offers a Full Range of Services for the Physically Challenged

Hertz’s wants to make the rental experience as easy and convenient as possible, Hand Controls/Spinner Knobs

Hand-controlled cars are available at most major airport and downtown rental locations in Canada at no additional cost.

Reservation System:

To ensure that your specific needs are met, the Hertz reservation system can identify five different special needs:left-hand controls; right-hand controls; steering wheel spinner knob; a visually-impaired customer; a customer or member of the traveling party with a disability. These codes automatically alert the renting location to arrange for any special services that may be required.

Telephone Service for the Hearing Impaired

For hearing-impaired and speech-impaired customers, the
Hertz Worldwide Reservation Centre can be contacted using
the Telephone Device for the Deaf (TDD) 24 hours a day. Just
call toll free: 1-800-654-2280 in Canada and the U.S.

Drivers for the Visually or Physically Challenged

Drivers for the visually or physically challenged, who hold a valid and acceptable driver's license and qualify under the locations age restrictions, may be permitted to drive a Hertz car rented by the challenged person. Certain restrictions may apply. Check at time of reservation for details.

As a worldwide leader since they first started renting cars in 1918, Hertz takes pride in their accomplishments and in the quality of service they provide. And they should, their attitude is excellent.

Hertz is the world's largest car rental company. In total, Hertz operates from 6,100 locations in the United States and more than 140 countries around the world.

Why Vancouver?
Vancouver... Vancouver.. the people, the places, the positive attitude toward the disabled makes this a wonderful city to explore. A great destination for a wonderful vacation.