Top 10 barrier-free experiences at BC Parks
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We’re highlighting our top 10 barrier-free experiences in provincial parks across the province to celebrate National AccessAbility week. Everyone belongs in nature, and we’ve been working hard to improve accessibility in frontcountry parks and remove barriers to participation.
We recognize that accessibility means different things to everyone. Several of the park experiences outlined below include a link to a park accessibility webpage where you can find additional information about signage, access routes, and more to help plan your trip.
Read on for our top 10 barrier-free experiences and start planning your summer adventures!
1. Helmcken Falls viewing platform in Wells Gray Park near Clearwater.
2. Accessible beach access, day-use area and birdwatching platform in Tyhee Lake Park near Smithers.
3. Accessible playground, day-use area and beach access in Jimsmith Lake Park near Cranbrook.
5. South Coaster adaptive-friendly mountain bike trail in Alice Lake Park in Squamish.
7. Old Growth Loop Trail in MacMillan Park near Port Alberni.
8. Spirea Nature Trail in Golden Ears Park in Maple Ridge.
9. Fossil Bed Trail and day-use area in Driftwood Canyon Park near Smithers.
10. Universal access Blowhole Viewpoint Trail in Naikoon near Masset.
1. Helmcken Falls viewing platform in Wells Gray Park
Description: Check out the view of Helmcken Falls from the new accessible viewing platform that was recently constructed in Wells Gray Park! A 200 m flat, packed gravel trail leads from the parking lot to the viewing platform. An accessible picnic area is available near the Helmcken Falls Trail.
Additional accessible facilities:
- Accessible pit toilets are available near the trailhead. The parking lot is paved, but there are no lines to designate accessible parking stalls. Accessible parking will be added in the next phase of the project.
2. Accessible beach access, day-use area and birdwatching platform in Tyhee Lake Park
Description:
- Feeling like having a picnic at the beach? An accessible picnic site is available in the day-use area which is connected to the main parking lot via accessible pathways. The beach was recently upgraded to improve accessibility. A 250 m accessible path leads from the parking lot to the beach, and an accessible beach mat (i.e. Mobi-mat) is available in the summer months for folks wishing to head out on the water.
- An accessible bird watching platform with seating is available at the edge of the marsh on Tyhee Lake from the boat launch parking lot.
Additional accessible facilities
- Four accessible parking spaces with access aisle at the day-use area parking lot (paved surface). An accessible washroom building and accessible pit toilets are available throughout the park.
- Four accessible parking spaces with access aisle at the day-use area parking lot (paved surface). An accessible washroom building and accessible pit toilets are available throughout the park.
Visit the Tyhee Lake Park accessibility page for more information.
3. Accessible playground, day-use area and beach access in Jimsmith Lake Park
Description:
- Feeling like a lake-side picnic? An accessible picnic area is available in the lower day-use area next to the lake. The beach was recently recontoured to improve accessibility, and an accessible beach mat (i.e. Mobi-mat) is available next to the boat launch in the summer months to provide access to the water.
- Recent park upgrades also include an accessible fishing dock and accessible playground. The fishing dock has a paved access path and a metal transition plate onto the dock. The playground is located in the upper day-use area which is connected to the main day-use parking lot.
Additional accessible facilities:
- Three accessible parking spaces: one in the boat launch parking lot and two in the main day-use parking lot (paved surface) and accessible pit toilets.
4. Universal access Ancient Forest Trail and accessible picnic area in Ancient Forest/Chun T’oh Whudujut Park
Description:
- The first 450 m of the Ancient Forest Trail is a universal access boardwalk which will take you through the most northern temperate rainforest in the world! An accessible picnic shelter is available near the parking lot which is equipped with two accessible picnic tables.
Additional accessible facilities:
- One accessible parking space (gravel surface) and accessible pit toilets.
Visit the Ancient Forest/ Chun T’oh Whudujut Park accessibility page for more information.
Virtual tour of the Ancient Forest Trail
5. South Coaster adaptive-friendly mountain bike trail in Alice Lake Park
Description: Head out for a mountain bike ride on the new 1.1 km (one way) South Coaster Adaptive Trail in Alice Lake Park. The trail is rated as a green circle (Kootenay Adaptive standards) and is perfect for beginners! The trail can be used for both ascent and descent and is multi-use, so bikers should be prepared for the odd hiker.
If you’re up for a longer adventure, the South Coaster trail links to other adaptive mountain bike trails outside of the park including Miki’s Magic and Cardrona, creating access to a 9 km adaptive mountain biking loop.
Additional accessible facilities:
- Two accessible parking spaces at the Stump Lake parking area (paved surface). An accessible washroom building is located in the north day-use area.
Visit the Alice Lake Park accessibility page for more information.
6. ASL virtual guided walk, accessible beach access and oceanside trail in Rathtrevor Beach Park
Description: Our friends at The BC Parks Foundation released a virtual self-guided nature walk tour of Rathtrevor Park which is offered in ASL. Follow along on the barrier-free oceanside trail that runs along the beach in either direction from the P1 parking lot. The trail surface is hard-packed gravel with low to moderate grades.
Wanting to head out on the beach? An accessible beach mat (i.e. Mobi-mat) is installed at the beach area near the P1 parking lot in the summer months to support access to the sand dune and intertidal area.
Additional accessible facilities:
- Several accessible parking spaces with access aisles (paved surface) in the P1 parking lot. Accessible pit toilets are available throughout the park.
Visit the Rathtrevor Beach Park accessibility page for more information.
7. Old Growth Loop Trail in MacMillan Park
Description: The 850 m Old Growth Loop Trail in MacMillan Park takes you through a grove of giant old-growth Douglas-fir and western red cedar trees. The trail is a mix of wooden boardwalk and hard-packed gravel. A few short sections exceed 8% grade (the grade of a standard accessible ramp).
Additional accessible facilities:
- One accessible parking stall is available on the north side of the highway (paved surface). Accessible pit toilets are available on each side of the highway.
Visit the MacMillan Park accessibility page for more information.
8. Spirea Nature Trail in Golden Ears Park
Description: The 650 m Spirea Nature Loop Trail takes you through a coastal forest. Frequent rest areas are provided on the trail. The trail surface is a mix of fine crushed gravel and boardwalk, and the trail grade does not exceed 7% (a standard accessible ramp grade is 8%).
Additional accessible facilities:
- Two accessible parking spaces (paved surface) are available at the Spirea parking lot. An accessible pit toilet is available near the trailhead.
9. Fossil Bed Trail and day-use area in Driftwood Canyon Park
Description: Driftwood Canyon is recognized as one of the world’s most significant fossil beds. The 300 m Fossil Bed Trail leads visitors to a view of a fossil bed outcrop, featuring an accessible viewing platform that overlooks Driftwood Creek along the way. Interpretive signage is provided along the trail including a Witsuwit’en language audio sign. The trail surface is firmly packed gravel, and grades do not exceed 8% (the grade of a standard accessible ramp).
An accessible picnic table is available in the day-use area beside Driftwood Creek. The day-use area is connected to the parking lot via a packed gravel pathway with minimal slope.
Additional accessible facilities:
- One accessible parking space (gravel surface) and accessible pit toilet (see park accessibility page for note).
Visit the Driftwood Canyon Park accessibility page for more information.
10. Universal access Blowhole Viewpoint Trail in Naikoon.
Description: Take a stroll on the 1 km (one way) universally accessible boardwalk to the blowhole viewpoint. There are interpretive signs along the trail with local information and Haida stories and language. The trail surface is compact soil and boardwalk, and rest areas are provided approximately every 100 m.
Additional accessible facilities:
- One accessible parking space (gravel surface) and an accessible pit toilet is available near the trailhead.
Visit the Naikoon accessibility page for more information.
Virtual tour of Taaw Tldáaw (Tow Hill) in Naikoon Park provided by Spinal Cord Injury BC.
