Accessibility
Explore Waterloo Region is committed to showcasing accessible travel options for visitors to Waterloo Region, so that all visitors can enjoy the incredible experiences offered here.
It is recommended that you contact individual businesses prior to your arrival to see if they can meet your specific accessibility requirements.
Explore using the AccessNow App
AccessNow is a go-to resource for accessibility information.
Explore Waterloo Region has partnered with AccessNow to increase inclusion confidence for visitors by helping them discover accessible things to do and places to visit.
Visitors can search, discover and rate local restaurants, hotels, shops and attractions on the app.
AccessNow is a free app available on Google Play and the Apple App Store. Download it now and get ready to Explore Waterloo Region!
Exploring Waterloo Region:
A Wheelchair Accessible Day Trip from the GTA
Read how blogger and disability advocate Tori Hunter spent two days exploring Kitchener, Waterloo, and Cambridge.
Getting to Waterloo Region
By Air
The Region of Waterloo international Airport (YKF) is committed to providing a safe, inclusive and enjoyable airport experience for all.
YKF provides a wide variety of accessible services and facilities designed to enable more choice and greater independence as you travel through the airport. YKF has achieved ‘RHF Accessibility Certified Gold’ – the highest certification level under the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification (RHFAC) program. Accessibility Gold Certification signifies the airport’s commitment to accessibility and its exceptional standards in achieving meaningful accessibility for people of all ages and abilities. Details on accessibility options are available on the YKF website.
By Rail
VIA Rail aims to ensure the greatest ease and comfort of travel and offers special assistance services. Details on accessibility options available at the Kitchener station are available on the VIA website.
GOTransit offers daily train service to and from its Kitchener station and is committed to making its services as easy to use as possible for everyone.
To help make trip planning easier you can use AccessNow to find detailed information and photos for all GO stations. Accessibility information for the Kitchener GO station is available here.
By Bus
GoTransit offers daily bus service with several stops in Waterloo Region (view GoTransit’s website to see the schedule). To help make trip planning easier you can use AccessNow to find detailed information and photos for all GO stations.
Getting around Waterloo Region
Grand River Transit (GRT) buses: All of GRT’s conventional buses are accessible, low-floor buses. Operators can lower the front of the bus to a kneeling position to help passengers using mobility devices such as canes, walkers, wheelchairs or small scooters to board on a gentle incline. GRT buses are also equipped with interior and exterior audio announcements, priority seating areas and wheelchair securement areas with stabilizer belts. GRT also operates MobilityPLUS service within the urban areas of Waterloo Region. It provides specialized transit service to customers who have a disability that impacts their ability to travel on GRT buses or ION trains.
More information about accessibility on GRT is available on their accessibility webpage.
ION Light Rail Transit: ION light rail travels between Waterloo and Kitchener, with 19 stations along the route. ION trains are fully accessible and equipped with features including priority seating areas, audio and visual stop announcements and level boarding for passengers using mobility devices, strollers or bicycles. Emergency intercoms and call boxes are also available on trains and at stations.
More information about riding ION light rail is available on their riding the train webpage.
Neuron Mobility: Neuron Mobility has added upright tricycles and handcycle tricycles to the shared e-bike/e-scooter program in Waterloo Region. The adaptive vehicles, now available for booking on Neuron’s website, are designed to meet a range of needs for individuals living with disabilities.
For more information about the adaptive vehicle program, visit rideneuron.com/adaptive.
Accessibility Options
Businesses with Accessibility Options in Waterloo Region
Link below to find attractions and accommodations offering accessibility options in Waterloo Region.
City of Waterloo Sensory Backpacks
Sensory backpacks are available free of charge for use at select city locations. They are specifically designed for individuals with sensory processing disabilities, sensory sensitivities or other needs.
These backpacks include:
• PEC (Picture Exchange Communication) Cards for communication
• Noise-canceling headphones to minimize noise in loud environments
• Sunglasses to reduce light sensitivity
• Fidget toys for relaxation and concentration
• Timer to assist with transitions and structure
• Fidget Band for discreet sensory regulation
• Drawing Pad for creative expression
• Inclusion Info Page with contact details for further support
• Sanitizing Wipes to keep items clean
Sensory Backpacks are available at the following locations:
• City of Waterloo Museum
• Rim Park Manulife Sportsplex
• Albert McCormick Arena
• Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex
• Waterloo City Centre
• Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex – Community Pavilion