Vancouver's crown jewel does not sparkle as brightly for the mobility challenged

In Lord Stanley's time people with disabilities were thought of as shut ins, and in a quiet way the park that bears his name still reflects that attitude. Stanley Park is Vancouver's biggest tourist attraction. So why does such a fantastically accessible city have in its main attraction so many barriers for PWDs and many seniors.

 I get that it is a fairly natural setting, but even many of the sculpted areas found mainly in the east side of the park do not have barrier free access. For example at the rose garden there is no curb cut access or safe way to cross the high traffic density area.

On more than one occasion  I have had run ins with bikers, rollerbladers and cars. Even dining at the Fish House requires a lift in the back way if you can't make the stairs. It's easy to find - just look for the kitchen dumpster.

I could not have taken this photo without the aid of a standing wheelchair because the wall of the viewing platform above the inaccessible Eco house at Lost Lagoon is to high for regular chair users to access.

You may be getting the feeling I don't like this park but that is not so. Even with the need for an overhaul it is becoming more accessible and offers many places to commune with nature. Even the Fish House in spite of its inaccessible "grand" entrance is good food and value. The menu focuses on local and sustainable food and wine.

Thankfully things are changing. Accessible bus service on the #19 Stanley Park will get you into the heart of the east side of the park. There are also several bus routes to English Bay where you will find the entrance to west side of the park. city transit is fully accessible

Other attractions such as the aquarium, water park, and pool at Second Beach are accessible. Once you are in the park, getting around can be difficult due to road crossings, bike path cross overs, and other obstacles. The Stanley Park shuttle bus is not accessible and the horse trolley calls itself  "partially accessible".  I suspect that consists of the old heave ho. Ho no, not for me. But do check out the park.  This link will help you plan your tripvancouver.ca/parks/parks/stanley/index.htm

As parks across Canada celebrate their 100 year anniversary old Stanley is already 113 years old.  I think Vancouver should buy itself a birthday present as it celebrates its 125 year anniversary and give Stanley a bit of a makeover. What say you?