Take On Toronto: An Accessible City Break

If you are disabled, holidays can be a tough thing to get right, but for anyone looking for an accessible city break, Toronto is definitely worth considering. The perfect combination of cosmopolitan class, cultural highlights and excellent shopping,this Canadian gem is an international city with a friendly community feel that envelops you wherever you go. For anyone who is disabled, holidays in Toronto can be a real pleasure, as so many attractions welcome wheelchair users and provide accessible facilities. Here are four of them.

Wheelchair-Friendly Attractions

Toronto Islands

While this city is pretty laidback compared to many others, you might still fancy escaping to experience something a little different. It is only a short ferry ride to the charming Toronto Islands, but when you arrive, you’ll feel like you are in a completely different place. The Centre Island Beach is wheelchair-friendly, and you can enjoy a day here just relaxing, people watching and picnicking. What’s more, the bike paths are ideal for wheelchairs, and you can even explore the maze and gardens. 

Royal Ontario Museum

It is hard to imagine the six million objects housed in this world of exhibits. Time just disappears as you make your way through the forty galleries, each one of which is as informative as it is visually fascinating. The museum creators placed a special emphasis on accessibility, and you can even hire a wheelchair at the museum if you don’t have your own.

The CN Tower

An eye-catching building, the CN tower rises up as the tallest in the city. 113 floors above the ground, there is a glass floor that, as you move over it, gives the impression that you are floating through the air. Treat yourself to a meal here too, choosing from three excellent restaurants that are easily accessible to handicapped visitors.

Toronto Zoo

This world-famous zoo has a hugely active role in preserving wildlife and is a wonderful place to head to when you are visiting Toronto. Right from the off, people with limited mobility are catered for. Wider parking spaces are provided in the car park, wheelchairs can be picked up at the entrance (with a refundable deposit) and all parts of the zoo prioritise accessibility. Ramps have been incorporated into the pathways and the toilets are all geared towards people who have special requirements. The waterside theatre even has special places for people who are disabled. Holidays in Toronto would not be complete without a ride on the Zoomobile, which is also wheelchair-friendly!

Where To Stay

Courtyard Toronto Downtown

An imposing hotel, this spot boasts a whole host of facilities, most of which are very accessible to anyone with a disability. The hotel’s restaurants and pools welcome wheelchair users, and rooms are available with lower lighting and roll-in showers. Guide dogs are allowed to stay here and for anyone with a hearing issue, strobe lights and kits are provided on request.

Eaton Chelsea

A classy hotel located in the heart of the city, the Eaton Chelsea is a large comfortable hotel with nineteen deluxe, fully accessible rooms and 18 partially accessible rooms. The former have a queen-size bed, a Delta Sanctuary Bed, a roll-in shower, grab bars and strobe lights – and, should they be required, other facilities that may be useful for anyone with a disability.

The partially accessible rooms have a 34” opening at the entry door, bars around the bath and toilet, and a showerhead that can be used while seated in the bath. These rooms have balcony access, too.

If you want to take on Toronto but are disabled, holidays in this city are entirely possible. Rest assured that you will be well taken care of! 

Author Plate

Philip Scott is the owner and founder of Can be Done, a fully licensed UK tour operator specialising in disabled holidays across the world for individuals and groups who are travelling with a handicap. With over 31 years’ experience organising long and short breaks for disabled travellers, Philip has built a reputation for helping his clients select hotels and accommodation that offer high standards of accessibility to ensure that those with special needs can experience truly relaxing and carefree holidays.