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The information here is an AI summary of the advice people in our Discord have shared. Their experiences may not always reflect the accurate process. None of this should be considered financial, immigration, or real estate advice.

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How accessible is Nanaimo for visitors with disabilities?

Tod’s wife Jocelyn uses a wheelchair full-time and sits on Nanaimo's accessibility committee. She provided the following overview of Nanaimo sights:

• The City of Nanaimo provides mobi-mats (A wheelchair Accessible Beach pathway) at several of the most popular swimming beaches, including Departure Bay Park, Colliery Dam, Loudon Park (Long Lake), & Neck Point park. https://www.nanaimo.ca/NewsReleases/NR230623CityInstallsBeachAccessibilityMatsInParksAroundNanaimo/Attachments/location-of-mobi-mats.pdf
• **Maffeo Sutton Park waterfront walkway:** Fully paved, flat, and excellent. Runs south to the Gabriola Island ferry and north to Newcastle Marina — about a slow 30 minute walk end to end. Multiple accessible washrooms, benches and parking spaces available along the route.
• **Morrell Nature Sanctuary:** Two wide packed trails suitable for handcycles and wheelchairs with power assist devices. A winding accessible trail meant for wheelchair users with assistance is near the entrance and takes you on a charming winding path through tall forest. Accessible parking and washrooms are available.
• Westwood Lake Park: This is a must park in Nanaimo and was recently renovated to include more accessible parking and accessible washrooms. The Swimming features a paved, gentle pathway With a sturdy railing To hang onto for those less steady on their feet to get into the lake for swimming. Beach wheelchairs may be available on request.
• **Newcastle Island / Saysutshun:** Very flat trails, Most are packed dirt with some gravel paved. Take the water taxi from downtown - The water taxi is not considered wheelchair accessible, but if you can transfer your wheelchair, they can usually accommodate. Camping is possible with advance booking through BC Parks website (Sites are walk-in only, you must pack in your gear and supplies On the ferry. There is no vehicle access.)
• **Nanaimo Canoe and Kayak Club (NCKC):** Check out there Saturday and Thursday Drop in Kayak sessions. Two accessible kayaks are available at Long Lake for people with disabilities. Long Lake Is a great sheltered and scenic paddle. Self transfer is not required, but you must be able to lift your own weight vertically to get into the cockpit of the Kayak, or bring a helper.
• Forest Walks: Beban Park Has an excellent path through tall trees and forest called the Kinsmen ParticiPark with packed dirt trails On a relatively modest slope that might work for some manual wheelchair users, or those looking for an easy forest walk. Westwood Lake has a 4Km trail that is partly paved and partly packed dirt & gravel that is flat except for a small section at the southeast end. Confident wheelchair users or those with assistance can begin by heading Northwest On the trail and turning back as the trail turns southeast Before the slope gets steep. For Confident walkers this is a peaceful and beautiful 90% loop around the lake. A small section at the southeast end of the lake has a steep incline with a log barrier.
• See more details on accessibility features of Nanaimo Parks here: https://www.nanaimo.ca/docs/recreation-parks/parks-trails/parkstrailsbrochure_2023.pdf
• **Gabriola Island:** Good for a day trip — loop road by car or accessible vehicle, rocky ocean beaches for picnicking, and the ferry is accessible.

All BC communities accept accessible parking permits from around North America as valid for parking in accessible parking spaces. In the City of Nanaimo, curbside street parking and City owned parking such as the Nanaimo convention centre/Port Place, Maffeo Sutton Park, or Sebastian St., Parkade do not require payment for accessible parking spaces (If a valid accessible parking permit is displayed). This does not apply in private pay-parking lots.

What about accessibility on BC Ferries?

If you're travelling with a vehicle and need elevator access on the ship, tell the tollbooth attendant at the terminal before they process your reservation — they will give you a card for your dashboard and ensure you're positioned close to the elevator. If you arrive late and boarding has already started, you may be able to request to wait for the next ferry instead of boarding without elevator access.

• More information about accessibility on BC Ferries

Can I rent a mobility scooter or disability equipment?

Yes. In Nanaimo: National Seating and Mobility, Motion, or The Mobility Store all offer options. For all kinds of mobility aides - Including folding scooters, wheelchairs, walkers, and power wheelchairs you can load into a vehicle, these are the places to call.

Are there accessible gardens and nature areas for less mobile visitors?

• Butchart Gardens (Brentwood Bay, ~90 min south near Victoria): Well-designed for wheelchair and scooter users. Scooter rentals available on site. Has a restaurant.