Accessible visits
Planning an Accessible Visit to an Unfamiliar Place
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Visiting somewhere new can be harder when you use a mobility aid, have sensory needs, or are travelling with someone who needs support. Accessibility information is often incomplete or out of date.
This guide helps you ask the right questions, check what you can in advance, and prepare for the unexpected, so you can arrive with more confidence.
Questions to ask before you go
Checklist
- Is there a step-free entrance, and where is it?
- Is accessible parking or a drop-off area available nearby?
- Are there elevators, and are they currently working?
- Where are the accessible washrooms?
- Are there seating areas or places to rest?
- Can a support person or service animal accompany me? Is a program such as the Access 2 Card accepted?
- Are quiet spaces, hearing support or large-print materials available?
Checking information you find online
Start with the place's official website and look for an accessibility page. Maps and photos can help you picture the entrance and the route from parking or transit.
Information can change, so if something is essential for you, call or email to confirm it close to your visit date. Ask for the name of the person you spoke with.
Getting there
- Check whether the transit routes you plan to use are accessible.
- Look for paratransit or accessible taxi services if you need them, and book early.
- Note the distance from parking or the transit stop to the accessible entrance.
- Allow extra time for detours, construction or weather.
Have a backup plan
- Save the phone number of the place you are visiting.
- Know an alternative entrance or route if possible.
- Bring any equipment, chargers or medication you might need.
- Plan where you can rest if the visit takes longer than expected.
Frequently asked questions
- What if a place has no accessibility information online?
- Contact the place directly and ask specific questions, such as the location of the step-free entrance or the width of doorways. Specific questions usually get more useful answers.
- Does TisVisitor guarantee that a place is accessible?
- No. TisVisitor shares publicly available information and clearly marks what has not been confirmed. Always confirm essential accessibility needs with the place you are visiting.
Sources and further reading
- Canadian Human Rights Commission: About the Accessible Canada Act
- Canadian Transportation Agency: planning ahead and making arrangements
- Easter Seals Canada: Access 2 Card Program
General guidance only. Always confirm details with the place you are visiting.