Accessible Travel: Getaway to Winnipeg

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Photo Credit: Tourism Winnipeg/Zyron Paul Felix

Winnipeg, Manitoba is a thriving city with plenty of delightful places to explore and travelling with mobility challenges doesn’t need to limit your opportunities to have a great time. If you are thinking of a visit, here is a sample itinerary to enjoy your stay:

 

Arrival:

If you are flying you will have your needs met at the Winnipeg International Airport. Recently renovated with the principals of Universal Design in mind, the airport received the Winnipeg Accessibility Award in 2012. A manual wheelchair, assistance from the gate area, and escort passes are available. Just make sure you let your airline know 48 hours in advance of your departure. The airport is accessible by wheelchair with large clearly marked elevators, pedestrian ramps, and power assisted or motion sensored doors. All washrooms are accessible and separate family washrooms for those with an attendant are available.

Morning:

Start your day at the Canadian Human Rights Museum. This inspiring museum will take you on an immersive, interactive journey through significant moments in our history while focusing on tools for making change towards equality in the years to come. The museum is committed to full access. It is suitable for all ages and includes exhibits and activities for children.

  • Wheelchair accessible parking available next to the main entrance on Israel Asper Way.
  • All entrances are free of stairs and accessible by wheelchair.
  • Free admission is available to a companion.
  • All exhibits can be accessed via ramps and elevators. Those in wheelchairs will not be excluded from seeing any part of the museum.
  • A washroom equipped with an adult-sized change table and motorized transfer lift is available on level 1 near the coat check area.

After you finish your visit to at the Museum, take a stroll around the Forks. With mostly wheelchair accessible paths and sidewalks, this historical site is a lovely area to enjoy the outdoors. If the distance from the Museum to The Forks is too far (the equivalent of a couple blocks, and fully paved) handicapped stalls are available near the facilities. The site also features great shopping and boutiques.

Lunch:

Stay at The Forks for a meal. The site has numerous options ranging from a few more formal style restaurant options to a food court area featuring local eateries to suit any palate.

Afternoon:

Before leaving The Forks, take a boat tour. Splash Dash Water Bus Services provides 30-minute tours on the river. Leaving the harbor every 15 minutes until sunset you will be privy to historical commentary about some major Winnipeg attractions. The dock is wheelchair accessible.
Next, make your way to the Assiniboine Park Zoo. About a 15-20 minute drive (Getting around: Accessible Transportation Companies)from The Forks, the zoo is a destination favourite for families, tourists, and all animal lovers. Guided an unguided tours are available, or explore on your own. One of the zoo’s main attractions is the award-winning Journey to Churchill exhibit. Journey to Churchill is also a Canadian Signature Experience.

  • Handicap parking available near the main entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Free Admission for a support companion
  • Wheelchairs and scooters available for rent

After exploring the zoo, enjoy the rest of Assiniboine Park. Discover the Leo Mol Sculpture Garden and the English Garden on widely paved paths.

 

Dinner:

For an amazing view of the city enjoy dinner at the Prairie 360 Restaurant and Lounge. This revolving restaurant is located downtown (28-83 Garry St.) just behind the Historic Hotel Fort Garry. Here you can enjoy your meal with a 360-degree view 30 floors high. Dinner entrees are on average about $30-$35 and a children’s menu is also available.

Evening:

Check out a show at the Centennial Concert Hall. Home to the Manitoba Opera, The Royal Winnipeg Ballet and the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra this is a place where you can be sure to experience the arts at their best. The concert hall has wheelchair-accessible parking and seat locations.

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