Tips for Enjoying Parks, Festivals & Travel with a Disability

Summer in Alberta is full of adventure—but for individuals with disabilities, planning ahead can make the season safer, more inclusive, and more enjoyable. Here are some key tips for navigating parks, events, and travel:

Accessible Parks & Outdoor Fun
Use Alberta Parks’ Accessibility Resources: Many provincial parks now list accessibility features online, including wheelchair-accessible trails, adapted washrooms, and beach mats.
Plan ahead for terrain: Bring mobility aids like all-terrain wheelchairs or scooters for uneven paths.

Accessible Picnic Sites: Sites like Rundle Park or Gold Bar Park in Edmonton offer accessible tables and washroom access—call ahead to confirm.

Festivals & Public Events
Contact event organizers in advance to ask about wheelchair seating, ASL interpretation, sensory-friendly zones, or mobility parking.

Scout accessible drop-off points and bring an accessibility checklist.

Hydration & Shade: Bring your own shaded cover (umbrella/hat), stay hydrated, and consider cooling accessories like neck fans or cooling towels.

Accessible Travel Tips
Pre-board & Book Assistance Early: Whether it’s for air travel or bus trips, request accessibility services ahead of time (airport wheelchairs, pre-boarding, etc.).

Know Your Rights: Review the Accessible Transportation for Persons with Disabilities Regulations on the Canadian Transportation Agency website.

Pack Essentials: Always travel with medications, documentation of disability accommodations, and a list of emergency contacts.

Bonus: Summer Safety Essentials
Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and a medical ID bracelet if applicable

Consider a portable cooling vest or misting fan

Don’t forget to pack noise-cancelling headphones or fidget tools for sensory comfort in busy spaces