Person sitting in a wheelchair on the grass with their back turned to us

Park Board improves visitor experience in destination parks through digital accessibility mapping

June 3 2026 –

The Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation is pleased to launch a pilot program aimed at enhancing accessibility of Vancouver’s parks and trails, improving overall visitor experience for everyone, including people with disabilities and diverse access needs.

Visitors to Stanley Park, Queen Elizabeth Park, John Hendry Park, and New Brighton Park can now access high-quality, interactive accessibility maps to support trip planning and real-time navigation.

The Park Board is working with AccessNow, a digital platform that allows users to search and rate the accessibility of places, to conduct specialized accessibility audits using advanced technology and auditors with lived disability experience. With support from Destination Vancouver, VanDusen Botanical Garden and Bloedel Conservatory are also rated as accessible attractions on the platform, providing visitors with detailed accessibility information to help plan their visit.

This approach has generated reliable, detailed information on trail conditions, terrain, and amenities. The data has been integrated into a global digital mapping platform, providing meaningful accessibility information in time for the peak summer season.

“Making our parks accessible for everyone is a priority for us,” said Tom Digby, Chair of the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation. “By improving access to clear and reliable information, we continue to support more inclusive, welcoming, and easy-to-explore outdoor experiences for all.”

The AccessNow app can be found by searching the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for mobile devices, and it can also be accessed directly online through their web platform at accessnow.com .