Hi, I’m Paul on the Go!
I use both my manual wheelchair and my power wheelchair when I’m on the go, and I want to share the places I like going to the best in Victoria, BC, Canada.
What Are The Best Wheelchair-Accessible Places to Visit in Victoria, BC?
This list includes places that are easily wheelchair-accessible and are lots of fun to visit! Let’s get right into it!
1. The Royal BC Museum
I like the museum because it has an old-fashioned town with a train station in it. It really sounds like a train is coming!
Watch out, because you might feel like it could run you over (don’t worry, it can’t hurt you because it isn’t a real train, just lights and sounds)!
The museum has three levels, and it has an elevator that can take you where you need to go. It also has an escalator and stairs.
The natural history exhibit is also great – there is even a Wooley Mammoth!
You can also go see an IMAX movie at the museum. I have a yearly pass for the IMAX and love it! The theater is very wheelchair-accessible.
2. Butterfly Gardens
Butterfly Gardens is a lovely indoor garden where they have tons and tons of butterflies. If you are lucky, one might even land on you!
There are also interesting exhibits on different kinds of insects, as well as having flamingos and lizards. The whole garden is on one level, so no elevator is needed.
I should note that this attraction is out on the peninsula, so if you are staying downtown you will need to take a city bus or taxi/Uber to get there.
3. Fisherman’s Wharf
My favorite thing about Fisherman’s Wharf is the amazing fish and chips at Barb’s!
There is quite a steep ramp to get down to the wharf, but once you are down there everything is accessible easily (except the bathroom – this is not accessible).
When the tide is out, the ramp is very steep, but when the tide is in, it’s much more manageable. So, you might want to check out the timing of the tides before you go.
The wharf has interesting shops to look in (although they are very small, so I don’t usually go inside). There are lots of places to eat and many boats to look at.
There are also houseboats you can look at – just don’t go inside because people actually live in them!
You also might get to see the big Coho ferry boat go past if it is arriving or leaving the Inner Harbour while you are there.
4. The Breakwater
The Breakwater is a long, cement walkway that goes into the ocean.
While you walk, you can look at the huge cruse ships that are in the dock right beside the walkway.
There are railings all along the walkway, so you are very safe – even in high wind.
It’s a lovely walk on a nice sunny day!
5. Miniature World
I like Miniature World because it has a train set that works!
It’s a bit tight inside the attraction, but a wheelchair can still get around. I will note that the doors to get in and out of this attraction do not have buttons to open them, so you will need someone to open those doors for you.
Once you are inside Miniature World, you will be fine, as it’s all on one level.
If you enjoy looking at miniatures of different time periods and locations in the world, you will love going to Miniature World!
6. Saanich Historical Artifacts Society (Heritage Acres)
Heritage Acres is a great place to go if you like looking at old buildings and old things!
They also have a small train that you can ride on when they have a special event going on – check the schedule to learn more.
Almost every building has a ramp, so people who use wheelchairs can go in most of the old-time buildings. They also have an accessible bathroom.
7. Beacon Hill Park
Beacon Hill Park is a huge park that you can walk around. You can feed the ducks and enjoy the flowers and trees.
There is also a bandstand where you can watch live music sometimes in the summer – check their schedule for information on times.
You can also go to the Beacon Hill Petting Zoo. I love to visit the goats, and they love chewing on my wheelchair! If you are lucky, one might even jump into your lap!
Beacon Hill Park also has a playground for kids, and two splash parks.
Very close to the park is the Beacon Drive-In, where you can get the best soft-serve ice-cream in the city!
8. Inner Harbour Downtown
I enjoy walking around the inner harbour, as you can see lots of boats – including the Clipper and the Coho, arriving and leaving the city.
There are lots of people who walk around, and you can stop to check out the stands with cute things to buy.
When I was younger, I used to see the Moffat brothers play music at the harbour!
Honorable Mention: Butchart Gardens
I really love walking around Butchart Gardens, especially at night around Christmastime. They put up lots of lights, they have music playing, and you can find each item from the 12 Days of Christmas around the park!
In the summer, you can see tons of beautiful flowers. They also have fireworks on Saturday nights in the summertime.
With a wheelchair, I can get around most areas of the gardens, except the Japanese Gardens. Some of the ramps are quite steep, so a power chair (or strong pushing arms) might be a good idea.
How Should I Get Around Victoria If I Use a Wheelchair?
I recommend using the city bus system. Every bus is wheelchair-accessible, and you can easily check the times for the buses.
So, What’s the Perfect Day in Victoria?
I would recommend going to the museum, especially if it’s a cold or rainy day.
If it’s a nice sunny day, you could start downtown and walk around the Inner Harbour, then go to Beacon Hill Park and have lunch or dinner and ice cream at the Beacon Drive In.
I hope you have time to do everything you want to while you are here.
Victoria is a beautiful city, and I hope you enjoy it! Please come back again soon!
