Queen Elizabeth Park wears a crown of accessiblity

If you think making a park that climbs from 200-500 ft and spans across 130 acres accessible would be a challenge you're right. And in truth if you have a mobility impairment not all sections of the park can be easily accessed. However, excellent trail maps and provisions to accommodate PWDs in the park's many attractions make this park a must see.

The view from the fountain plaza makes the city looks like a 1960's sci fi set

Bloedel Floral Conservatory as seen from the quarry garden

Getting to the park has never been easier since the area streets and crosswalks were significantly upgraded in 2009. As usual for me our accessible transit system is the preferred method of travel. Go to www.translink.ca  Because of the park's steep 300 ft grade, a car may be better for those who do not have use of a fairly powerful mobility device such as a scooter or electric wheelchair. There are several roads and paid parking areas for PWDs.

The highest levels of the park are best accessed off of Cambie and 33rd Avenue. There you will find stunning views of the city along with the Bloedel flower conservatory, Seasons in the Park restaurant, fountain plaza, painter's corner, the celebration pavilion and trail access to the quarry gardens.

Centennial Garden

The lower south section of the park is better accessed from Kerrisdale Avenue and 37th Avenue. There you will find the Centennial Garden, pitch and putt golf, tennis courts, basketball courts, and a roller rink.

The park is home to one of Vancouver's two disc golf courses

The centre east side of the park is best accessed off of 33rd Avenue and Ontario Street. There you will find duck ponds, arboretum, and disc golf. I plan to revisit disc golf in a near future blog, as I met a great group of guys who are real ambassadors of the sport.

The lower southeast side, a prime picnic spot, is better approached from 29th Avenue and Cambie Street. All areas of the park have accessible washrooms, places to sit, well marked trail ways and excellent access points with good crosswalks and bus access. To learn more about Vancouver's second most visited park go to  www.vancouver.ca/parks/parks/queenelizabeth/index.htm