2009 Vancouver Official Travel Planner Guide - (Page 7) Photography: Canadian flag ©istockphoto; A service dog helps a man on the TransLink platform ©Tourism Vancouver; Canadian currency ©istockphoto Travelling with Special Needs Services and Recreation for Disabled Travellers Vancouver enjoys a reputation among travellers with special needs for being one of the most accessible cities in the world. Vancouver International Airport (YVR) exceeds the national and provincial building code standards for people with hearing, visual or mobility impairments and is one of the world’s most barrier-free airports. Accessible Recreation Most attractions in Vancouver are accessible. Several recreation opportunities are outlined below. • The Disabled Sailing Association offers sailing opportunities for those with disabilities. 604.222.3003 • BC Disability Sports in Vancouver organizes the biennial BC Disability Games. For a list of provincial sport organizations: 604.598.7890, disabilitysport.org • The Mobility Opportunities Society offers disabled sailing and recreational opportunities. 604.688.6464, disabilityfoundation.org Currency Notes are in denominations of $100, $50, $20, $10 and $5. Coins are in denominations of $2 (“toonie”), $1 (“loonie”), 25¢, 10¢, 5¢ and 1¢. Currency Exchange Visitors are urged to exchange their funds for Canadian dollars at a bank or foreign exchange outlet where they will receive the prevailing rate of exchange. Accessible Transportation In 1990, Vancouver became the first city in Canada to provide scheduled bus service to people with disabilities. By 2009, all buses will be wheelchair accessible. The rapid transit SkyTrains and most stations are also fully accessible. Visit translink.bc.ca for route planning and other information. • All Vancouver taxi companies provide wheelchair-accessible vans (see the listings on page 59 for contact information). • For BC Ferries, all Mainland/Vancouver Island routes are wheelchair accessible. Short routes (Gulf Islands) may not be, and those people with disabilities may need to stay on the vehicle deck. Wheelchair users should request parking near the elevator at the time of ticket purchase. Wheelchair-accessible washrooms are available. bcferries.com/files/ travelplanning/bcfdisabledstatusbrochure.p df, 604.669.1211 • Greyhound Bus Lines has lift-equipped service from Vancouver to Kelowna, Calgary and Prince George, with stops in major centres along these routes. Book 24 hours in advance. 1.800.661.8747 • Pacific Coach Lines offers accessible service between Vancouver and Victoria. 604.662.7575 • Rocky Mountaineer Vacations offers a two-day trip from Vancouver to Jasper or Banff with an overnight stay in an accessible hotel in Kamloops. 604.606.7245 • Via Rail, of all modes of transportation, is one of the most responsive to passengers’ special needs. 1.888.VIA.RAIL (842.7245) Bank Machines/Credit Cards Most bank machines in Greater Vancouver offer service on the Plus, Cirrus and Interac networks. They also generally accept Visa and credit card withdrawals. If you use your credit card to get cash from an Automatic Banking Machine (ABM), the currency exchange is automatically done for you at the rate your credit card company offers. All major credit cards are accepted throughout Greater Vancouver, including Visa, Vancouver’s Best Way to Pay. Accessible Accommodation Access Canada is a program designed to meet the needs of seniors and people with disabilities using accommodation in British Columbia. Participating establishments will display the Access Canada logo with one of four rating levels that address the needs of people with minor to severe disabilities. Call your hotel to ensure your requirements can be met. Baggage Handling Porter service is available at the Vancouver International Airport. Most properties accommodating group tour business provide baggage-handling services on arrival and departure. Rates and policies vary and should be confirmed with the supplier. Additional Resources The BC Paraplegic Association provides information and resources. 780 SW Marine Dr., Vancouver, BC Canada V6P 5Y7, 604.324.3611, 1.877.324.3611, bcpara.org The Canadian Government’s Access to Travel is a special-needs information source providing information on accessible travel across Canada. accesstotravel.gc.ca Services for people with hearing challenges are available by contacting the Western Institute for Deaf and Hard of Hearing, 2125 W. Seventh Ave., Vancouver, B.C. V6K 1X9, 24-hour Message Relay Centre, 800.855.0511, 604.736.7391 (voice), 604.736.2527 (TDD), widhh.ca Make Sure You’re Fully Insured Individual travellers are advised to obtain their own personal health, luggage or other travel insurance, which can be purchased through travel agencies, local automobile associations and insurance companies. Driving in British Columbia Driver’s licences from the United States and from other countries are valid in British Columbia. Tourists are permitted to drive in British Columbia for up to six months if they hold a valid driver’s licence from another province, state or country, or up to 12 months if they also hold an International Driver’s Permit issued outside of Canada. British Columbia has an excellent highway system, with distances and speed limits clearly posted on highway signs in metric (kms/hour) (1 KM = .62137 mile). The use of safety belts, child safety seats, bicycle helmets and motorcycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia. Travelling with Pets All pets coming to Canada must be accompanied by their owners. Each pet must have a certificate from a licensed American or Canadian veterinarian clearly stating that the pet has been vaccinated against rabies in the previous 36 months. Otherwise, the pet will not be permitted into Canada (1.888.732.6222, inspection.gc.ca). Many Vancouver hotels are pet friendly. Visitor Centres Tourism Vancouver operates two visitor centres offering exclusive discounts on select products. The multilingual staff provides information on Vancouver and British Columbia and can make reservations for accommodation, transportation, activities and more. Downtown Vancouver Plaza Level, 200 Burrard Street Vancouver, B.C., Canada V6C 3L6 Satellite Visitor Centre Vancouver Art Gallery Plaza on Robson Street Hours vary seasonally c a l l 6 0 4 . 6 8 2 . 2 2 2 2 t o d a y f o r m o re i n f o r m a t i o n 7 http://disabilitysport.org http://disabilityfoundation.org http://translink.bc.ca http://bcferries.com/files/travelplanning/bcfdisabledstatusbrochure.pdf http://bcferries.com/files/travelplanning/bcfdisabledstatusbrochure.pdf http://bcpara.org http://bcferries.com/files/travelplanning/bcfdisabledstatusbrochure.pdf http://accesstotravel.gc.ca http://widhh.ca http://inspection.gc.ca
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