Roberts Lake Project
Canada’s First “Universally Designed” Wilderness Lodge and Campground
Vancouver Island 2013 Travel Planner
Your adventure begins here... Accessible Parks and Trails More than 40 “Wheel Friendly” places to visit
Featured Contributors
BC Mobility Opportunity Socity The TrailRider - Now That’s Accessible Canadian Society forSocial Development Tommorow’s Programs. Today. Neil Squire Foundation Catch Phrase
Vancouver Island Full Service Gas Station Map
President’s Message
“I would like to to personally thank all the businesses, organizations and individuals who participated in this year’s Travel Guide. Without your support this publication would not have been possible.
Special thanks to:
All the Advertisers, Campbell River Community Foundation, Cambell River Head Injury Society, Canadian Society for Social Development, BC Mobility Opportunities Society, Neil Squire Society and Community Future’s British Columbia for both their contributions and continued support of the Accessible Wilderness Society and its mandate.” Sincerely, Dan Bauer - President Accessible Wildernss Society
Entrepreneurs with disabilities, tell us your story Start and grow your business with EDP loans and our support TF 1-888-303-2232 www.cf-edp.ca
Accessible Wilderness Society’s 2013 Vancouver Island Travel Planner Designed by: Dan Bauer Published by: The Accessible Wilderness Society Advertising Sales: Regan Myers 250.927.5115 Photo Credits: Cowichan Tourism, Tourism Tofino, Parksville Toursim, Judy Bauer, Lee Boyco, Sooke Region Museum, Campbell River Whale Watching, Regional District of Nanaimo Cover Photo: Erin Wallis Photography www.erinwallis.com Special Thanks to Judy Bauer for much of the copy found within the pages of this Planner.
Roberts Lake Project Canada’s First “Universally Designed” Wilderness Lodge and Campground
Thanks as well to Veronica Hasler, Judy Bauer and Regan Myers for their help with proofing and editing. For advertising rates and distribution information: Telephone - 250.923.9612 Website - www.awsociety.org/2013 Email - advertise@awsociety.org Feel free to share this publication with “Every Body” you feel may benefit from the information provided. Please do not reproduce in whole or in part this publication without the expressed written permission of the Accessible Wilderness Society. Email: info@awsociety.org
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Parks and Trails
Capital Region 6 Oceanside and Central 10 North Island 20 Pacific Rim 24
Resources
Full Service Gas Station Map
Canadian Society for Social Development Virtual Learning in a Real World
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ATTENTION The Accessible Wilderness Society has made every attempt to ensure that this travel planner is both current and accurate as it pertains to accessibility. We do however recognize the fact that every person is unique and thus so are their needs. We strongly recommend calling locations and advertisers prior to your arrival to ensure that all your individual needs will be met so that you can truly enjoy a relatively barrier free vacation experience here on Vancouver Island.
Neil Squire Society Using technology, knowledge and passion to empower Canadians with physical disabilities.
BC Mobility Opportunity Society Making the world accessible, no matter how remote.
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Big City Lights, Panoramic Harbour Vistas, Majestic Mountains and Ancient Rain Forests
D
azzling beaches, unspoiled lush rain forests and spectacular natural beauty awaits each traveler to Canada’s Paradise on the Pacific, Vancouver Island. Vancouver Island offers visitors a wide variety of activities and adventures from quiet dinners by the ocean to snow skiing on Mt. Washington or scuba diving in the morning off of Gabriola Island and whale watching in Tofino later that evening. Vancouver Island has it all, we hope that you will enjoy your stay and hope you’ll return to continue your Island adventure. ancouver Island is an area of the world rich with cultural diversity, intriguing history, vibrant arts and year-round activities for the entire family to enjoy.
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Imagine seeing giant Orca out enjoying the open waters, bears catching salmon, or take a float plane tour along the rugged coastline. The opportunities are as vast as the Island itself. Adventure awaits for those who have an appreciation of nature and all of its wonderous beauty.
ARE YOU ACCESSIBLE?
ASSESSMENT CONSULTING KEYNOTES
?
Did you know?
Almost every ocean side community here on Vancouver Island has a seaside walkway. Most every one of these walkways are nicely paved and in some cases they can stretch for many kilometers. Be sure to visit these community walkways as you travel across the Island and let us know which one you found to be the best. We know our favorite...Do you?
join the
CANADIANDISABILITYASSOCIATION.COM
for a more INCLUSIVE CANADA
SOLUTIONS@ACCESSFORALL.CA
2 5 0 . 9 2 7 . 5 11 5
t he AWS RE SORT Page 5
Capital Region Including Victoria - Sidney Sooke - Port Renfrew Chemainus - Duncan Cowichan Valley
V S S C
ictoria is located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island and is the capital of British Columbia. This picturesque city is famous for its remarkable beauty and warm temperate climate. There is no shortage here of parks and trails designed for “Every-Body” to enjoy.
ooke, “Wild by Nature” tugs at your hearstrings but you may still feel a bit of trepidation when considering entering the wilderness. Several parks in the region allow a gentle introduction to the outdoors that we are sure you’ll find to be most enjoyable. idney is the first stop for many when they arrive on this southern gateway to Vancouver Island. The Ferry Terminal and the Victoria International Airport are just minutes away. For many the adventure begins here. owichan Valley includes a number of communities including Duncan and Chemainus. The First Nations people named the area “Quw’utsun” meaning the “land warmed by the sun”.
• Wheelchair accessible • Spacious rooms • FREE breakfast buffet with ‘Web Special’
Visit www.harbourtowers.com to book our ‘Web Special’ and breakfast is included.
345 Quebec St., Victoria, BC 250.385.2405
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Francis King RegionalPark A 20 minute drive from Victoria, you will find the ancient forest of the Francis/King Regional Park. Start with the Nature House where staff and naturalists can direct you to trails to suit each one’s ability. The Elsie King Trail is fully accessible, with a cedar boardwalk, interpretive signs, and a shelter, making it perfect for a family outing. Towering Douglas Firs over 500 years old and breath-taking spring meadows await your arrival.
Galloping Goose and Lochside Regional Trails The Galloping Goose and Lochside Trails cover more than 80 kilometers, connecting downtown with Sooke and the Saanich Peninsula. No matter where you begin, or which trail you choose, this will give you the best of all that the West Coast has to offer.
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Sidney Waterfront Discovery Trail
Coles Bay Regional Park
Island View Beach Regional Park
If you are in Victoria or just arriving by ferry, head into Sidney and enjoy the breathtaking views of the ocean as you stroll along the Discovery Trail. There is much to learn about Sidney’s history, so be sure to visit the Information Center to learn more! This walkway deserves to be explored as it truly showcases the beauty of Island life.
The park is located in the North Saanich area on the west side of the peninsula, offering warm water for swimming in the summer, with accessible tables, toilets, sandy beaches and all the beauty of Vancouver Island has to offer! Definitely a must see for the entire family! Be sure to visit the local Information Center as they can provide you with detailed maps of all the trails listed in this guide.
This park is a must see as it offers a panoramic view of the land and seascape, a long sandy beach for exploring, picnicking and swimming. You can access this park by car, 30 minutes from downtown Victoria, or take the Loch Trail. If you are into tenting or have your RV, check out the campground while there. The vistas are phenomenal!
Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park
Matheson Lake RegionalPark
Devonian RegionalPark
Just a short drive from Sidney south to Elk/Beaver Lake. Park at Beaver Beach and go into the Nature House where volunteer naturalists can answer your questions and point you in the right direction for the trails. Enjoy a sandy, shallow beach, excellent for putting in your kayak and paddling in the quiet serenity of Beaver Lake. Group picnicking that is accessible, makes this an enjoyable afternoon for the entire family.
From downtown Victoria, a 30 minute drive will take you to this quiet oasis set amongst a thick rainforest which includes a fresh water lake at the base of Mount Matheson. Hikers taking the Galloping Goose Trail, travel through a forest of Douglas fir and maple trees. In autumn, the maple trees explode into a profusion of color, the leaves turning shades of gold and orange, blanketing the trails.
A quite refuge can be found just 40 minutes from Victoria, at the Devonian regional Park. Enjoy a picnic among towering Douglas fir and broad-leaf maple forests, while listening to the variety of birds and other woodland inhabitants. Accessible toilets and an information area are there for your convenience.
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Witty’s Lagoon Regional Park
Ed MacGregor Park
On your way to Sooke, approximately 40 minutes west of Victoria, you’ll find that a birders’ paradise awaits. Head to the Main Entrance and the Staff at the Nature House can guide you in the direction of the prime locations for viewing over 160 different species anytime of the year.
Head on over to the town of Sooke to enjoy this unique park that boasts fully accessible boardwalk by the sea, an accessible elevated boardwalk through the forest which showcases some of the most stunning views of Vancouver Island.. Enjoy the day, and entertainment during the summer months in Spirit Square. Fun for the entire family! Sooke has been committed to becoming an inclusive community. In 2008 Sooke participated in the “Measuring Up” study to boost its awareness around issues of accessibility and inclusive tourism. As a result, Ed MacGregor Park, a beautiful seaside attraction overlooking the Sooke Harbour has had extensive work done. A gently sloping boardwalk path makes a switchback back and forth through mixed forests that immerses your senses in the rich sights and smells of this wilderness and coastal trail.
“If ever a list were made of the
“Seven
Accessible Wonders of the World” the Ed MacGregor Park would definitely have to be one of them. The engineering of this boardwalk is a marvel and if you didn’t stop by to go for a hike then you’ve missed something special.” Dan Bauer Accessible Wilderness Society
Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary The Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary is along the Lochside Trail just north of Victoria on the Pat Bay Highway and is a must see. Fully accessible floating walkways, boardwalks and a Nature house await you to enjoy. The many bird songs, and natural marshes, along with the Gerry Oaks make an oasis in an urban setting.
Photo’s Courtesy of Lee Boyko and the Sooke Region Museum
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Central Region
PARKS, RECREATION & CULTURE
Including Ladysmith - Nanaimo Parksville - Qualicum Beach Port Alberni
N
anaimo the “Harbour City”, built on a headland projecting into the Strait of Georgia, Nanaimo is surrounded by waterfront on three sides and delivers spectacular views from end to end. This is Canada’s longest and most beautiful shoreline. Well worth the visit and easy to access via two BC Ferry Terminals and the regional airport just 14 kms. south of town. Be sure to explore Nanaimo’s harbor front walkway that will link you to many other accessible parks and trails throughout the city.
P
arksville has much to offer in the way of accessibility. Great lengths have been made over the years to make the city easier to navigate and more enjoyable for people who use wheelchairs, scooters and strollers. The Parksville Community Park has plenty of wheelchair parking, washrooms and scenic walkways to enjoy the ocean view!
Q P L
250.756.5200 • www.nanaimo.ca
ualicum Beach has been awarded top honors in virtually every category they have enetered in the National Communities in Bloom competition. Be sure to visit its paved promenade that skirts the length of its glorious beach. A sunset stroll along this walkway is a tonic for romantics of all ages. ort Alberni is the “Gateway to the Pacific Rim”. Accessibility is the focus at the Harbour Quay a place where you can enjoy the many unique shops, galleries and restaurants while snapping pictures of harbor life. Magnificent views can be had while enjoying the family park by the sea.
adysmith - be sure to stop by Transfer Beach and let the kids stretch their legs at the accessible park and playground or take a ride on the Ladysmith trolley that is also wheelchair accessible. If kayaking is something you’d like to try then we recommend Sealegs Kayaking as the place to begin as they are both equipped and prepared to accommodate each person’s individual needs.
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Nanaimo’s Bowen Park Located within the city, Bowen Park is a must see for the entire family. This 36 hectare park remains largely undeveloped, and has a series of trails along the Millstone River. This park is a great starting point for exploring many of Nanaimo’s trail systems as it is directly linked to other accessible trails including the Harbour walkway.
Neck Point Park This park has a vast trail system of varying lengths and difficulty, provides a wide range of recreational opportunities. Amenities such as parking, four picnicking areas, and special viewpoints and lookouts highlight the spectacular scenery that surrounds the park area. We especially enjoyed all the alternative route throughout the park that are just asking to be explored. Enjoy!
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Westwood Lake Park
Colliery Dam Park
Jack Point / Biggs Park
This 120 hectare park has a beautiful trail that encompasses the lake, and is for the most part, reasonably accessible. Some assistance will be required for portions of the trail, as there are some hills and rough terrain. The trail itself is 6 kilometers, offering a longer and more varied walk from the south end of the beach, showcasing a large fir grove along the lakeshore leading to the base of a large rock bluff.
You can always find a fly fisherman or two throwing out a line at this park. The feast for the eyes never ends, as a main paved pathway meanders through majestic trees of endless variety. Some parts of the trails can be steep, so assistance may be required at intervals along the trail. Both lakes can be accessed, but some of the trail systems are rather rugged, and take some negotiating to get through.
An accessible trail will take you along 2 kilometers of breath-taking vistas of the Nanaimo Estuary, Nanaimo City, Protection Island, Gabriola Island and Northumberland Channel. A number of benches line the trail giving people the opportunity for a rest along the way. The trail is almost entirely accessible, ending with stairs and a viewing platform.
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Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park One of the Province’s most popular family destinations. The main trail running through the park is accessible; other areas are good as well although some assistance may be required. The campground area is also very accessible with all three of the shower and washroom facilities being fully wheelchair accessible. Be sure to check out the Rathtrevor Beach Nature House for a journey through the history of the park.
Lighthouse Country Regional Trail Lioness Blvd, off Lions Way in Qualicum Bay
2.5 km of accessible trail toilets at each end picnic table & benches boardwalks & bridges accessible parking lot make them your woods 250-248-3252 1-888-828-2069
www.rdn.bc.ca
Photo’s Courtesy of the Regional District of Nanaimo
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Spider Lake Provincial Park
Englishman River Falls Provincial Park
Top Bridge Suspension Bridge
Follow the main highway north of Qualicum Beach approximately 16 kms. and you will find one of our favorite lakes. The trail down to the lake itself might require some assistance. he lake shore itself provides smooth and level access into the lake, a favorite of the locals and a great place to set your kayak in the water.
Located 13 kms southwest of Parksville on Errington road off Highway 4 towards Port Alberni. The upper falls are accessible as they can be viewed from the bridge the crosses the Englishman River. Washrooms and the day use area are accessible. Bring a camera for fantastic photos of the falls themselves and the second growth forest full of Douglas fir, Cedar and Big Leaf maples.
Just minutes out of Parksville taking the south over-pass. From the city of Nanaimo drive north towards Parksville. Take the first over-pass into Parksville. Do not go into Parksville, instead turn left. Turn right at Chatell Rd. and follow it to the Parking area. Take the short path to the suspension bridge and enjoy one of the prettiest views on the Island.
Cathedral Grove
MacMillan Provincial Park Just 20 minutes west of Parksville and Qualicum Beach on the way to Port Alberni, this park is a must see for anyone visiting the Island. This is the easiest way to see old growth forests. As far as access goes, the highway runs right between the grove with parking on either side of the road. Trees over 800 years old stretching 75 meters into the air make for wonderful photo opportunities. One of our most favorite places!
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VANCOUVER ISLAND
* Full Service Gas Stations * Drive-Through Banking
Peninsula Co-op and SaveOn Gas Milstream Co-op
2320 Milstream Road
Wale Road Co-op 321 Wale Road - Colwood Wilkinson Road Co-op 4140 Wilkinson Road. Pat Bay Co-op 6429 Patricia Bay Highway Royal Oak Co-op 4472 West Saanich Road Gorge Road Co-op 628 Gorge Road Langford Co-op 894 Goldstream Road Keating Co-op 2132 Keating Road
Brentwood Co-op 6739 Saanich Road Millbay Co-op 805 Delourne Road - Mill Bay Sidney Co-op 2526 Beach Avenue Deep Cove Co-op 10930 West Saanich Road Duncan Coop 1007 Canada Avenue Save On Gas 4801 Trans Canada Hwy Cowichan Gas Center 281 Trans Canada Hwy
Mid-Isle Co-op
Save-On Gas Parksville 222 Island Hwy East
Other Co-ops
Port Alberni Co-op 4885 Beaver Creek Tofino Co-op 797 Campbell Rd. Comox Co-op 699 Aspen Road
Port Alberni Co-op 4006 Johnston Road Ucluelet Co-op 2076 Peninsula Rd Nor-Isle Co-op 950 Ironwood Street
Mohawk / Husky Stations Northridge Store - Nanaimo #10 - 5800 Turner Road
Petro-Canada
Victoria 1600 Fairfield Rd. Victoria 3095 Shellbourne St. Malahat - Petro-Can 231 TransCanada Hwy.
Shell Canada
Oak Bay Shell - Victoria 1945 Oak Bay Ave. Headquarters - Courtenay 157 Island Highway
Esso Canada
Bowser Esso 6970 Island Highway West Log Cabin Esso Parksville 961 East Island Highway Ocean Grove Store 3690 South Island Hwy.
FasGas
Tseshaht Market FasGas 7581 Pacific Rim Highway
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Comox Husky 648 Anderson Road
Victoria 2231 Sooke Road Qualicum Beach 665 Memorial Avenue
Qualicum Beach 2712 West Island Hwy.
McBrides Chemainus 9616 South Chemainus Hwy. Jubilee Esso Victoria 1669 Fort Street Port Hardy Esso 8945 Granville Street
Super Save
Qualicum Beach 3377 West Island Hwy.
Vancouver Island Visitor Information Centers Campbell River Chemainus Comox Valley Cumberland Duncan Gabriola Island Gold River Ladysmith Lake Cowichan Mill Bay Nanaimo Parksville
250.830.0411 250.246.3944 250.334.3234 250.336.8313 250.746.4636 250.247.9332 250.283.2418 250.245.2112 250.749.3244 250.743.3566 250.756.0106 250.248.3613
Port Alberni Port Hardy Port McNeill Qualicum Beach Salt Spring Island Sayward Sidney Sointula Sooke Tofino Ucluelet Victoria
250.724.6535 250.949.7622 250.956.3131 250.752.9532 250.537.5252 250.282.0018 250.656.0525 250.973.2001 250.642.6351 250.725.3414 250.726.4600 250.953.2033
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Royal Bank
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Duncan 250-746-2400 395 Trunk Road Victoria 356-4756 777Royal Oak Drive Victoria 391-1000 2945 Jacklin Road
Nanaimo 6365 Hammond Bay Road Courtenay 1045 Ryan Road
TD Bank
Campbell River 1400 Island Hwy Victoria CIBC 860-2945 Jacklin Rd Nanaimo Nanaimo Suite 1 5777 Turner Road A Business Owned ByHighway Your Community 6570 Island Courtenay Victoria 789 Ryan Road 2945 Jacklin Road
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Canadian Society for Social Development
Canadian Society for Social Development - CSSD A Pan-Canadian Charitable Organization Serving People with Disabilities Since 2005 Tomorrow’s programs. Today. With services available online across Canada, CSSD provides both web technology and entrepreneurial training to Canadians from coast to coast. Our programs include the unique Business Abilities and IBDE Web Essentials and Web Advanced programs, which are accredited and offered in cooperation with Selkirk College of Castlegar, B.C. IBDE Web Essentials and Web Advanced offers unique interdisciplinary six-month (introductory) and four-month (advanced) Certificates in Web Technologies and Design online Web Essentials and Web Advanced across Canada. Certificate students follow a full-time study stream. With a focus on each learner’s experience, our online computer and vocational training experience is equal to none. We are the ‘program of choice and opportunity’ reaching out to and connecting with students of all ages and backgrounds. Business Abilities offers Canadians who self-identify as living with a disability the chance to prepare for self-employment from the comfort and convenience of home, on their own schedule. Business Abilities Self-employment is becoming an increasingly viable option for people living with disabilities or chronic health issues, particularly with the growth of technology and the internet. With online business resources from easy-to-follow modules to interactive virtual classroom sessions, and your own personal business coach, you will have the tools and support you need to explore your business idea and create a business plan. Our mandate is to provide employment and skills training to persons facing challenges to employment: youth, stay-at-home parents, older workers, Aboriginal Peoples, persons living with a disability, and individuals living in rural areas; and to conduct research for the development of programs in the areas of entrepreneurship, leadership, and distance learning. If you or someone you know could benefit from our programs, please contact us. Our passion is helping others progress in their careers. At CSSD we believe, together anything is possible. Contact us:
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www.cssd-web.org 1-888-927-7473 info@ibde.ca
It’s about versatility – the TrailRider can take people with disabilities along a vast selection of trails and through parks, to picnic sites and other outdoor wilderness areas. It is a lightweight, but robust, off-road vehicle, designed to make outdoor wilderness activities possible for people with disabilities. With its access-all-areas, one-wheel design, and ‘sherpas’ front and back, the TrailRider is able to pass along narrow trails, over obstacles and negotiate steep ground. The TrailRider is ergonomically designed to maximize comfort and safety and features a highly reliable disc brake system for increased safety. It makes minimal environmental impact. Invented in 1995, and redesigned in 2005, the TrailRider has proved itself over thousands of hikes across the globe. It’s been to the floor of the Grand Canyon, the summit of Kilmanjaro, Everest Base Camp, a list of New Zealand mountaintops and along Canada’s notorious West Coast Trail. However, the typical TrailRider hike is closer to home. Hundreds of people use the TrailRider every year to visit parks and vacation spots, for fishing trips and school outings, summer camps and family picnics. In short, it allows people with disabilities to explore scenery that is inaccessible by wheelchair. TrailRiders are available for rental and purchase from British Columbia Mobility Opportunities Society, and are used by Vancouver Island programs – For more information online at:
www.bcmos.org or call us @ 604.688.6464 x132
Rent a TrailRider throughout BC at these Locations: Armstrong Campbell River Duncan Invermere Kamloops Kelowna Kelowna North Vancouver North Vancouver Powell River Vancouver Vancouver Vernon Victoria Victoria Whistler
Kindale Development Association 250-546-3005 City of Campbell River, Dept. Parks, Recreation 250-286-1161 DisAbility Resource Centre 250-746-3662 Recreation Invermere 250-342-9414 People in Motion Kamloops 250-376-7878 Community Recreational Initiatives Society (CRIS) 250-979-3941 People in Motion Kelowna 250-861-3302 North Shore Disability Resource Centre 604-985-5371 Interfit – the Integrated Fitness Society 778-340-3091 Powell River Mobility Opportunities Society 604-483-9867 Sunny Hill Health Center for Children 604-453-8300 BCMOS 604-688-6464 x132 Vernon Disability Resource Centre 250-545-9292 Recreation Integration Victoria 250-477-6046 Alpine Club of Canada, Vancouver Island 250-480-5580 Whistler Adaptive Sports 604-905-4493
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North Island Including Courtenay - Comox Campbell River Port Hardy - Port Alice Port McNeill - Sayward
C C C P P P
ampbell River has whales, bears, salmon, eagles - what would you like to see? And how do you want to see it - from a kayak, covered cruiser, zodiac, hiking or cycling? Nestled between the wild mountains of Strathcona Park and the Strait of Georgia, Discovery Passage and the Discovery Islands, Campbell River has much to offer. ourtenay a modern city, Courtenay is the hub of the Comox Valley, this seaside community has much to delight the senses. Courtenay features plenty of green spaces and walking trails that link forests, neighborhoods and the ocean. omox is a bustling town with a marina and boardwalk trails along the ocean side. Unique shops, galleries and restaurants of the downtown harbor give Comox a romantic ambience for the young at heart to enjoy.
ort Hardy is known as the “Greater Outdoors” and that is exactly what you will experience when you make the trip to this northern community. Port Hardy is a major league outdoor adventure destination as all the natural ingredients are here for you to experience. We are sure you’ll agree that the extra journey was well worth the time. ort Alice is a pleasure to stroll around, not just to admire the town but also to drink in the beautiful landscape of the Island’s northwest region. This picturesque little town is the access point to Quatsino Sound, an absolutely gorgeous inlet that is perfect for kayaking and scuba diving enthusiasts. ort McNeill is quaint community with a bustling harbor, watch the float planes come and go, stroll around town and soak in the relaxed pace of this extremely hospitable community. Each summer the Orcas return to Johnston Strait to feed and rub their bellies on the pebbled beaches.
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Simms Creek
Strathcona Provincial Park Centennial Trail
Larger than Vancouver’s Stanley Park, it is forested with a variety of large trees that were planted as an experimental forest, and is beautifully cared for by Greenways Land Trust. The trail designated “wheelchair accessible” is one of the best trails we have accessed. The trail was built with the consultation of a wheelchair user, so it is hard packed, wide and barrier free. Awesome job!
The Strathcona Provincial Park Wilderness Centre and Paradise Meadows, barrier-free Centennial Trail loop were completed in the fall of 2010 to mark the beginning of BC Parks 2011 Centennial year. It is fitting that Strathcona Park, the birth place of our provincial park system is one of the first easily accessible sub-alpine areas in the Provincial Parks system. The project took approximately 14 years of volunteer dedication through the planning, design, fund raising, and 5 year construction period, ultimately solving a 100 year old problem in making “Paradise” accessible for “Every-Body”
Beaver Lodge Forest Lands
Seniors, Hikers, Walkers, Wheelchair users, Families with strollers, etc. People who already know the park and those who may never have been to the park before and would like to sample it in a friendly and safe atmosphere are all welcome to come.
Elk Falls Provincial Campground This public use trail is located inside the campground and has a beautiful trail system that follows the Quinsam River. It is almost entirely flat with one slight incline partway through. Its main trail is wide and easy to negotiate for wheelchair use, and is also “dog friendly”. There are at least one or two spots along this trail where the avid fisherman can cast his line into the water.
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Seal Bay Regional Park
Quatse River Loop Trail
Located on the waterfront midway between Courtenay and Campbell River, off of Highway 19a this park this park has camping and accessible washrooms and showers. Second growth forest and wonderful ocean views highlight this very popular park. Make sure you make reservations for over night camping stays.
Going north on Highway 19A in Courtenay, turn east onto Ryan Road. A map located at the parking area will direct you to other park entrances and access points. The majority of trails that are reasonably accessible are on the “bay” side, with one 2km loop designated as wheelchair access. This Regional Park boasts 714 hectares of “remote” wilderness.
A 10-minute stroll from Fisherman’s Wharf along the Harbour Front Walkway takes one to the mouth of the Quatse River. Here, the Quatse River Trail, a 45-minute forested route follows the river, passes by the Quatse Salmon Hatchery, and loops back to Hardy Bay. We have yet to visit this particular trail for ourselves but are looking forward to it in the summer of 2013.
Storey’s Beach Port Hardy
Carrot Park Port Hardy
San Josef Bay
Fine, white sandy beaches located 10 kilometres from Port Hardy makes this a popular destination for sand castle building, swimming, kayaking and bird watching. Beach area has a playground for the children, covered picnic area, and fire pits. On the way to Port Hardy on highway 19, turn right on Byng Road then left on Beaver Harbour Road. You’re almost there.
The coastline walkway of Port Hardy called the Sea Wall starts at Carrot Park and ends at Tsulquate Park at “ Mile 0”. From the benches of Carrot Park one can view float planes landing, fishing boats returning from a big catch and the activities of the Coast Guard at the pier with the looming mountains in the background.
Miracle Beach Provincial Park
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Cape Scott Provincial Park Less adventurous hikers can leave the backpack at home and still get a taste of Cape Scott’s unique terrain and spectacular Pacific Ocean vistas along this recently re-surfaced trail, which ends at the sandy shore of San Josef Bay in the southeastern corner of the park. Camping is allowed at San Josef Bay.
Empowering Canadians with Physical Disabilities Learn how to use a computer Develop your abilities and skills Explore career opportunities Receive assistance to secure employment Access funding for training and supports Discover effective assistive technology solutions Register Today: 604.473.9363 info@neilsquire.ca www.neilsquire.ca
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West Coast Pacific Rim Including Tofino Ucluelet and Gold River
T
ofino is historically a fishing village, the town is surrounded by old-growth forests and bounded by the open Pacific Ocean. A trip to Vancouver is simply not complete without visiting Tofino and the Island’s west coast...never ending adventure.
U
cluelet is “Life on the Edge” welcomes you! Situated on a peninsula on the west coast of Vancouver Island and nestled in old growth rainforest Ucluelet offers visitors a wilderness experience of a lifetime.
G
old River is a scenic 90 km. drive west from Campbell River, if you like fishing then you have to go to Gold River for some of the best salmon and halibut fishing in the area.
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UNBRIDLED ELEGANCE.
Wild Pacific Trail
Radar Hill
A Breathtaking coastal trail, plan to venture up the trail to a point that is not accessible then drive your way up to the lighthouse end and work you way back from the other direction. One of our trail blazers states “As a power chair user I could not complete the entire trail, that didn’t stop me from enjoying the portions I could, I absolutely loved it”.
Lower: Drive to the level boardwalk that is short stroll to lookout. Continue past the first parking lot at the top of the road to the second parking area. Upper Lookout: Trail starts at first parking lot and goes up paved gentle slope to the second lookout, then continues with a boardwalk up and across for the eastern view.
Nestled on a rocky outcrop overlooking the ocean and flanked by old growth forest and expansive beaches, the Wickaninnish Inn is rustic elegance on nature’s edge.
tel 1.800.333.4604
www.wickinn.com
Long Beach Regional Park This spectacular beach attracts surfers & vacationers from all over the world. Two parking areas service day use of the beach. This awe-inspiring beach is wheelchair accessible. Storm watching in the winter months is a must! Be sure to stop in at the Wikanninish Interpretive center to learn more about the area. The Wikanninish Restaurant is right next door and is a great place to have a bite to eat while you plan your west coast adventure.
Long Beach with its hard packed sand is perfect for the wheeler on the go. Stay in the middle and cruise the entire beach with your family and friends
Wickaninnish Bog Walk This 0.8 km. boardwalk loop is an easy & fascinating self guided nature tour of the unique bog environment. Stunted and twisted shorepine trees, hundreds of years old, grow only meters tall. Pamphlets describe many flowers, plants, and the effects of poorly drained soil conditions in a climate that receives 300cm of rain annually.
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Wildlife and Adventure Await! Did you know‌an estimated 85 Orcas live in the waters around southern Vancouver Island and the southern Gulf Islands, while the northeast coast is home to about 250 Orcas, as well as Minke and Humpback whales? Add to that, 20,000 Pacific Grey whales make their annual migration along Vancouver Island’s west coast! Come and experience the adventure of a lifetime, experience an exhilarating West Coast marine adventure that will thrill your senses and leave you with a deep appreciation for the enchanting creatures that inhabit our local waters. Along with these majestic whale watching tours, a thrilling adventure to add to your list is Bear Watching Tours. Marvel at the sight of the Black Bears turning over rocks and boulders in their search for food. Their food often includes crab and other pelagic beings along the beaches. Other amazing wildlife you might have the thrill of viewing in the wild are Bald Eagles, California Sea Lions, Harbour Seals, Harbour Porpoise and other amazing animals and scenic views on the Bear Watching Tours. So, keep your cameras ready, as you never know when perfect shot may appear! Some tour packages available offer gourmet dining aboard the boat while soaking in all the magnificence of the Pacific Ocean! Experience pampering at its best while listening to local musicians sing to your heart! Romantic private tours more to your liking? Whether you are looking to do a whale or bear watching trip and just have the boat to yourself or wanting to drift in a tranquil bay while watching the sunset as you propose to your loved one, create a culinary memory for that special day for your adventure on Vancouver Island!
1.855.433.2323 1.800.667.9913
tofinorainforestinn.com jamies.com Inquire about special rates! Page 26
Photo’s Courtesy of the Campbell River Whale Watching and Adventure Tours
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Our Goal
...is to build British Columbia’s first “Universally Designed” Wilderness Lodge and Campground facility here on Vancouver Island. No doubt that this facility, when complete, will act as a prototype for similar projects across the Province, the Nation, and in time, the World. The Accessible Wilderness Society believes that “inclusion” should go beyond urban centers and should include one of Canada’s greatest resources...
Great Outdoors
All Coming Soon to Vancouver Island’s Roberts Lake (30 minutes north of Campbell River) River
For more information or to find out how you can help, go to
www.AWSociety.org
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or call
250-923-9612
This Wilderness Lodge will not be for any one particular group of people, that is the genius of the concept of universal design. This concept, simply put, allows access for everyone. So if you are a person with a disability, a senior with physical challenges or an able bodied friend or family member this Lodge will be for you... for You and “Every Body�. Dan Bauer - President and Founder
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Complete Solutions Home Medical Equipment
Complete Products
Complete Service
scooters walkers/rollators wheelchairs lift chairs seating systems bedroom safety aids to daily living
free in-home trials & assessments home delivery & set-up options assistance with funding processes rentals in-house service department
MEDIchair Victoria | 1856 Quadra Street 250.384.8000 Sidney | 7-9764 Fifth Street 250.656.6228
www.medichair.com
canes/crutches stairlifts/porchlifts adjustable beds bathroom safety braces/supports accessible vehicles
Centric Health Home Medical Equipment Nanaimo | 106-2517 Bowen Road 250.756.9875 Duncan | 6-2628 Beverly Street 250.709.9939 Powell River | 4488 Marine Ave 604.485.9310
Motion Specialties Victoria | 3376 Burns Ave 250.383.3711
www.motionspecialties.com