The mist of Alaska’s Pacific waters kisses your cheeks as you meander through towering icebergs. Alpine wind rushes through your hair atop a snow-capped Rocky Mountain summit. These moments are breathtaking. They’re meant to be lived by all, and shared by many.
With experiences across Pursuit, magical memories are brought a little bit more within reach. The enormity of these places is remarkable, but getting there can also be a little intimidating.
We understand, and want you to take home the best possible experience. This means that every step of the journey is anticipated, every need of every guest is taken care of to ensure smooth sailing. You can expect ease of accessibility and a seamless experience with these Pursuit adventures.
For those limited mobility, as well as families with children and elderly guests, the Banff Gondola is a well-rounded accessible experience you won’t want to miss.
Upon arriving, accessible parking is located within 30 metres of the entrance, and ramp access into the building brings you straight to the bottom gondola-loading station. The gondola cabins come off the track, which allows as much time as needed to load and unload with the help of our friendly staff. There is also a ramp to help people using wheelchairs get into the gondola cabins. The cabins can accommodate most standard-sized manual and motorized wheelchairs, walking frames and assistance devices.
After enjoying the 8-minute panoramic ride up, unload with ease as staff aid guests with their departure. At the top, you’ll reach the newly-renovated Upper Terminal building. All four levels are accessible for wheelchairs by elevator, including the ‘Above Banff’ movie theatre on the interpretive floor.
Helpful info: Though facilities are wheelchair accessible, the summit boardwalk spanning the ridge is not, as it consists of 368 shallow stairs each way. The top floor outside viewing deck is accessible, and offers some of the best views in Banff.
Both of the unforgettable experiences at the Columbia Icefields are available to enjoy for guests requiring wheelchair access—the Columbia Icefield Adventure and Columbia Icefield Skywalk.
Two all-terrain Ice Explorers are equipped with wheelchair lifts to bring guests out onto the glacier. Accessible vans are available to first transport guests to the Ice Explorer, and then on to the Columbia Icefield Skywalk afterwards. At the Columbia Icefield Skywalk, the entire 800-metre flat circumference is designed as a fully-accessible attraction for wheelchairs, strollers and walkers. Inside the Columbia Icefields Centre, all three floors are also fully accessible—from the lower level Parks Canada Glacier Gallery to the top floor Altitude Restaurant. Seventy-two hours’ notice of arrival is needed, ensuring ample time and to accommodate the schedules of guests with accessibility needs, and to align the schedules of lift-equipped Ice Explorers.
Helpful info: Ice Explorer lifts cannot accommodate electric wheelchairs due to weight restrictions; you are welcome to bring your own manual wheelchair. Please inquire with the Central Reservations Team for details to plan accordingly. Due to uneven and slippery terrain, unloading on the glacier itself is not advisable.
The multi-sensory experience of FlyOver Canada is a great way to appreciate the vast wonders and natural beauties of this grand country all from one location. The experience can be adapted to various accessibility needs. All areas of the experience are wheelchair accessible, including the pre-show and boarding gate.
FlyOver Canada features an amusement ride employing chairlift-style seats that lift guests up in the air. For guests who can transfer to seats by themselves or with companion assistance, boarding the Ultimate Flying Ride is an option. Guest who are unable to transfer from their wheelchairs can still enjoy the experience by viewing the media of the main show from their own wheelchairs, which remain stationary on the flight deck. Due to safety reasons, we ask that companions enjoy the main show in a specially designated area, or on a seat next to the wheelchair viewing area.
Helpful info: If a paying guest requests assistance from a companion, their ticket is provided free of charge. For those travelling to site in a wheelchair, it’s recommended to contact FlyOver Canada for the best route to the location.
When the newest 83- to 95-foot vessels for Kenai Fjords wildlife and glacier tours were designed, guest accessibility was a top priority. While traditional thresholds from ramp to boat were around eight inches on older vessels, the new ones are much shorter, and have a wedge available to aid in boarding the boat. The lower level on these vessels is also now wheelchair accessible around the entire circumference of the boat deck.
Inside, specific seats are set aside to accommodate passengers in wheelchairs, located next to a window and offering great views without obstruction of people outside on the deck. Separate accessible bathrooms are also available on the boat.
Helpful Info: With enough notice, it may be possible to arrange an ASL interpreter for the commentary of the tour. Alternatively, we are happy to offer a discounted trip for those bringing their own interpreter. Printed copies of the trip narration are also available. The more information we have about your needs, the better. Several accommodations can be made for different needs with enough time’s notice.
Discovering the stunning glacial waters of Banff National Park’s largest lake is possible for those requiring wheelchair access. From the accessible parking stalls, even pathways will take you a short distance to the access ramps leading down to the dock. From here, staff will assist you in boarding the ‘Minnewanka II’ cruise boat, which is designed to accommodate wheelchairs.
Helpful Info: Boats are accessible to most standard wheelchairs, please inquire to be sure of possible accommodations. It is recommended to contact the boathouse prior to arrival to ensure availability of accessible boats.
This mountain lodge gem nestled in small town Whitefish is the perfect base for your adventures in Montana. The charming lodge stretches across this expansive, beautiful property, home to several amenities that are easily reached for those requiring wheelchair access—from their comfortable rooms and the hotel pool to the complimentary shuttle that will take you to our delightful downtown Whitefish for shopping and dining.
Helpful info: For overnight visits, be sure to call in advance of arrival and request an accessible room.
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