Most municipal facilities in Whistler are accessible by wheelchair and also feature accessibility features for those who have a visual impairment or for individuals hard of hearing.
Below is a list of the RMOW’s most frequently visited buildings and facilites. A comprehensive list of municipal parks and their accessible features is at the bottom of the page.
Public washroom facilities
Locations of accessible public washrooms are listed on the Access Whistler Map. Most hotels have accessible public washroom facilities just off their main lobbies.
Municipal Hall
Accessible features include:
- accessible parking
- access ramps to both levels of Municipal Hall
- automatic door openers
- accessible washrooms
- lowered wheelchair accessible sections of reception counters on both levels of Municipal Hall
- accessible door handles
Whistler Olympic Plaza
Accessible features include:
- Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification
- accessible parking in Day lot 4 and drop off area adjacent to entrance off of Blackcomb Way
- low-grade (less than five per cent) ramps
- raised viewing areas for performances
- 4,000 inclusive playground
- accessible washrooms
- accessible backstage area
- FM induction loop available for people hard of hearing
A legacy of the 2010 Winter Games, Whistler Olympic Plaza is a state-of-the-art outdoor performance facility and community space with a park and playground set against one of Whistler’s most dramatic backdrops.
The legacy of the Paralympics is seen in the network of low-grade (less than five per cent) ramps, and raised viewing areas for performances. The 4,000 square-metre inclusive playground meets the needs of children with disabilities (or children with parents with disabilities) to allow side-by-side play with friends, families, and caregivers. The area also has accessible washrooms that are located in a freestanding building beside the inclusive playground. Learn more about Whistler Olympic Plaza.
Village Stroll
Accessible features include:
- ramp access signs located at each set of stairs leading to the concourse level, which provides a map to the closest ramp leading up to the concourse level
- public art and landmarks used on the Access Whistler map for more intuitive wayfinding
The Village Stroll is a pedestrian promenade that runs through the heart of Whistler Village. The Stroll runs from the Marketplace at the north to the base of Whistler Mountain at the south.
Meadow Park Sports Centre
Accessible features include:
- Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification
- accessible parking
- automatic door openers
- accessible reception desk
- accessible pool lift
- accessible washrooms
- beach access into the children’s pool area
- lift to 2nd floor fitness centre (key available at front desk)
- private accessible change room with shower and power adjustable change table
- Fitness centre has a limited number of adaptable pieces of equipment
- wheelchair accessible viewing area in arena
Meadow Park Sports Centre received Rick Hansen Foundation Certification in 2018. The Sports Centre is a large world-class, award-winning multi-purpose recreational facility. Whether you’re a family, senior, athlete, or you simply want to explore on your own, you’ll find many ways to play and stay active. The Sports Complex includes a fitness centre, squash/basketball courts, swimming pool, indoor and skating rink. Learn more about Meadow Park Sports Centre.
Whistler Public Library
Accessible features include:
- Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification
- elevator access from the underground parking beneath the library and a street level accessibility ramp in close proximity to accessibility parking
- accessible washrooms
- elevator access from the underground parking beneath the library
- accessible washrooms, including a gender-neutral accessible family washroom
- NNELS makes Canada’s vast collection of library books available to Canadians with print disabilities by breaking barriers to reading with access to books in DAISY and MP3 formats. People who have a vision impairment, who are unable to hold a book, and/or who have certain learning disabilities qualify for the NNELS service through public libraries.
- Accessible Reading BC (external link) is a new collection of accessible ebooks from BC publishers available to all BC residents. There are no wait times and can use your favourite reading application.
- book a librarian, one on one time with an information and technology experts.
- TTY phone available at request
In 2018, the Whistler Public Library received Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification, a LEED-style rating system that measures the accessibility of buildings and sites, promoting increased access through the adoption of Universal Design principles. The Whistler Public Library has continued to evolve in accordance with its moniker as “Whistler’s Living Room”. On average the library receives over 250,000 visitors per year serving locals, second homeowners and tourists from around the globe. Learn more about the Whistler Public Library accessible services.
Myrtle Philip Community Centre
Accessible features include:
- one accessible parking space
- flat entrance
- automatic door opener
- universal washroom with an automatic door opener
- interior ramp to gymnasium level
- braille room signage for all community rooms (coming soon).
Learn more about Myrtle Philip Community Centre and facility booking requirements.
Municipal streets and sidewalks
Accessible features include:
- curb letdowns
- tactile strips at intersections with sound queues
- directional scoring on sidewalks at intersections
- automated crosswalk lights (select locations)
- high contract crosswalk markings
- directional signage for ramp access
Valley Trail
Accessible features include:
- full paved, multi-use delineated pathway
*Please note, slopes vary on the Valley Trail
Whistler’s 46-kilometre Valley Trail network is one of the resort community’s signature assets, offering a great alternative to travel by car all year round. Located entirely within municipal boundaries and built and managed by the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW), this wide asphalt paved network links key destinations to the Village and Upper Village, Creekside, other commercial centres, major parks, schools and neighbourhoods. Learn more about the Valley Trail.
Municipal parks and open spaces
Accessible features include:
- accessible parking
- accessible washrooms
- accessible picnic tables
- accessible pathways
- accessible concessions
Most of Whistler’s parks offer accessible seating and restroom facilities. To learn more about the accessible features in each park, click on the list below. To learn more about all of Whistler’s parks, visit whistler.ca/parks.
Maurice Young Arts Centre
Accessible features include:
- elevator
- automatic door openers at main entry and at accessible washrooms
- assistive listening system available for people hard of hearing
- braille and tactile signage
- adjustable height lectern
- visual fire alarms
Home of the Arts Whistler, the Maury Young Arts Centre has a 230-seat theatre, an art gallery with views over Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, a sound-proof boardroom, large multi-purpose room, and sprung-floor studio.
Assistive listening system now available for use at Council meetings
An Assistive Listening System (ALS) is available for use at the Maury Young Arts Centre (MYAC) during Council meetings.
Initially, the receivers can be obtained from the Council Coordinator before the meeting. Eventually, an app will be available for download on smartphones to serve as the receiver.
Feedback on any issues should be shared through the accessibility page’s feedback form. Please note, IT support won’t be available during meetings, but they will respond during business hours to address issues for future use of the ALS.
Learn more about accessible facilities in Whistler.
