Is Canada a good holiday option if you can't walk far or be very active?

[Tollergirl]

Hi - we are in early stages of planning 'big' holiday for next summer - myself, DP and DDs age 12 and 10. We quite fancy going to Canada but I have limitations on physical activity due to chronic health condition and resulting disability. I can walk, but not far and use mobility scooter when needs must. I can't participate in adventurous activities eg kayaking, cycling, hiking etc. We live rurally and I am stuck at home most of the time so like to go somewhere on holiday with a bit of life just for change of scenery and people-watching. Just wondering if any of you lovely people who have been to Canada think it would work or do you think I would be stuck in a hotel room/log cabin reading and staring at the wall while my family are all out having fun?
PS - if you have any other suggestions re destinations that might work please fire away!
Thanks

Canada can be pretty accessible and certainly a lot of the walks around the lakes had wheelchair options from what I remember. you could also look at doing the rocky mountaineer train up through the rockies and perhaps a few more guided coach tour type things. America is pretty good for wheelchair/accessibility and I have to say by far and away the best places are Disney world and Universal. have a wheelchair user in my family who goes here all the time simply because its so accessible and easy.

I'm interested in Canada for next year too and - different issue I am worried my kids are too young and won't be able to do the things you refer to so can understand where you are coming from (whilst appreciating different situation). I am hoping to go and see a specialist travel agent this week to get advice but I believe some of the train journeys can be a good option to see all the scenery with a glass roof etc to see everything as you go by. Also there are a lot of organised tours but if you wanted to go alone as we are thinking you can book things like the gondolas direct so I am sure you could ask how they can help you. Not sure if that helps? I'll update if I find anything useful out.

Thanks so much - it's so hard to get an idea of how accessible places are when you haven't been there. I had thought about the train in the Rockies which I think both me and DP would enjoy but not sure whether my daughters would get bored. Thanks for suggesting US - think that would be big hit with the girls but not sure it's what I'm after - so hard to please everyone at once especially with my extra needs. Really appreciate your advice. Thanls

Hi Toller. I can't vouch for lakes and mountains but the cities are really quite good for wheelchairs and scooters - lots of new buildings and infrastructure (buses etc) so they are up to date with latest accessibility coding. You should be able to get around very easily in Vancouver, for example, including through/around Stanley Park and the seawall area.

Lots of accessible activities in Toronto. We loved it but do not have mobility issues.
wheelchairtraveling.com/accessible-attractions-and-sites-in-toronto-canada-for-wheelchairs-and-seniors/

Yes, we did various places in Canada last year and we were keeping an eye out for this as a potential for PIL as MIL is a bit unsteady on her feet. You'll definitely need a car and there are a lot of beautiful drives. There are accessible paths around a lot of the big lakes and you can do the big things like bear and whale watching from boats which have seats. Vancouver is a very progressive city and was very much accessible, big wide streets etc and the park had a lovely flat path that looped around it with a separate section for cyclists and pedestrians. I say leave it until September though as this is when there is a better chance of seeing wild life, particularly bears.

Second Disney and Universal being wheelchair friendly. We saw loads of people on mobility scooters.

Thanks all - sounds like it could be a possibility unfortunately would have to be school hols but will definitely do some more research now.

Hi, if you hire a car, a huge amount will be accessible to you (make sure you get one with satnav).
When we visited (Banff area) I had a leg injury and I really worried that it would ruin our holiday.
Lots of sightseeing can be done by car - scenic drives like the Icefields Parkway and Columbia Icefield visitor centre, wildlife spotting on designated routes, cable cars, Banff hot springs, boat trip on Lake Minnewanka.

Everything is so spacious and well laid out.
My DCs absolutely loved it, and we’d go back in a heartbeat!

Hi Tollergirl, Did you get the help you were looking for? I'm a personal Travel Counsellor and I do bespoke holidays including accessible travel holidays. If you like any of the great ideas that everyone else has submitted and want to narrow it down, I'm happy to help you plan your itinerary and the logistics. I can help you with advice on airports and flight assistance, ensuring you're guaranteed accessible rooms if you need that type of accomodation and with any help on mobility. Just let me know.

Canada is great, and very accessible, although we've only been to the west coast! The train you're talking about is really expensive, hiring a car better. Hotels are spacious. We did loads of walking when in Vancouver, and although the sea wall walk is flat, the city itself is quite hilly.