Manitoba is becoming a leader in accessible tourism, offering wheelchair-friendly trails, attractions, and accommodations across the province. From inclusive nature experiences to fully accessible cultural sites like the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, there’s something for everyone. With the right planning and resources, wheelchair users can enjoy unforgettable adventures in Manitoba.
Enjoy the best of what an Accessible Manitoba has to offer!
Accessible Tourism: Planning a Wheelchair-Friendly Trip in Manitoba
Travel should be an experience that everyone can enjoy—and Manitoba is making exciting progress in accessible tourism. Whether you’re a wheelchair user, traveling with mobility needs, or simply looking to plan an inclusive and welcoming trip, this guide will help you explore the best of what Manitoba has to offer.
Why Manitoba?
From the wide-open prairie skies to boreal forests and bustling cities, Manitoba offers diverse experiences for every traveler. It’s also home to a growing number of wheelchair-accessible attractions, accommodations, and trails. Organizations and individuals across the province are working to break down physical and social barriers, making Manitoba a more inclusive destination.
1. Know Before You Go: Research Accessible Options
Planning ahead is key. Some resources to help you research include:
- AccessNow App – A valuable tool for checking accessibility ratings for trails, businesses, and public spaces across Manitoba.
- Wheelchair Adventures Manitoba Inc. – Our platform offers checklists, personal stories, trail reviews, and curated guides to accessible places and activities.
- Tourism Manitoba – Their inclusive travel section is growing, with useful information about accessible events and destinations.
2. Wheelchair-Accessible Attractions to Visit
Here are a few top spots across Manitoba that are wheelchair-friendly:
- The Canadian Museum for Human Rights (Winnipeg): Fully accessible with elevators, wide open spaces, accessible restrooms, and exhibits designed with inclusion in mind.
- Assiniboine Park Zoo & The Journey to Churchill Exhibit: Offers smooth paths, accessible washrooms, and rental wheelchairs.
- FortWhyte Alive: Features accessible trails, nature exhibits, and adaptive programs for people of all abilities.
- The Forks Market: With ramps, accessible washrooms, and space to move, it’s a vibrant downtown gathering place for food and culture.
3. Stay the Night: Accessible Accommodations
Many hotels and lodges in Manitoba now offer accessible rooms with roll-in showers, grab bars, lower beds, and barrier-free entrances. When booking, call ahead to ask about specific features. A few accessible stays to consider:
- Inn at the Forks (Winnipeg)
- Lakeview Hotels across Manitoba
- Accessible cabins in Riding Mountain National Park
4. Explore Nature Without Barriers
The outdoors should be for everyone. Manitoba is home to several accessible trails and parks. Some highlights include:
- Brokenhead Wetland Interpretive Trail – A fully accessible boardwalk through culturally and ecologically significant wetlands.
- Spirit Sands Trail (Spruce Woods Provincial Park) – Offers a portion of the trail that is accessible with assistance.
- Whiteshell Provincial Park – Ongoing trail assessments are improving access for all visitors, and more updates are coming through initiatives like ours at Wheelchair Adventures Manitoba.
5. Tips for a Smooth Trip
- Call ahead to confirm accessibility—even if it’s listed online. Things change.
- Bring your own equipment when possible, or rent from local suppliers if needed.
- Use checklists like our [Informal Accessibility Assessment Checklist] to evaluate spaces.
- Build in rest time to account for terrain and travel fatigue.
- Connect with local disability organizations for the latest tips or support.
Final Thoughts
Traveling with a wheelchair in Manitoba is not just possible—it’s empowering. With the right planning and support, you can access some of the most beautiful, cultural, and inspiring parts of the province.
At Wheelchair Adventures Manitoba Inc., we’re committed to sharing stories, resources, and advocacy tools that open doors—literally and figuratively. Keep exploring, keep sharing, and help build a more inclusive tourism community.