Accessible travel

Ontario has made it a priority to improve the daily lives of people with disabilities. The province is also committed to enhancing travel and tourism experiences to be more inclusive and accessible for visitors with special needs and accessibility requirements.

The Government of Ontario has regulated accessibility standards for sectors, including information and communications, employment, transportation, public space design and customer service through the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). The goal is to identify, remove and prevent barriers for people with disabilities in key areas of their daily living.

These regulations will help travellers with accessibility requirements plan and select attractions, accommodations and destinations that best fit their needs.

Accessible travel planning

Find travel inspiration for accessible and barrier-free experiences throughout the province.

Inclusive and accessible family experiences in Ontario

Ontario offers a variety of tourism experiences and activities tailored for families and kids with special needs and diverse physical and cognitive abilities.

Accessible adventures in Ontario’s Southwest

Browse multi-day getaways that provide plenty of options for a fun-filled road trip to Windsor, Essex, Pelee Island and London.

Fun for everyone in Kawarthas Northumberland

Learn about accessible attractions for visitors with disabilities in and around Peterborough.

Wilderness for all in South Algonquin

Tourism businesses in the township of South Algonquin are ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to experience the great Canadian wilderness just north of Toronto.

Plan an accessible wilderness getaway in Northeastern Ontario

Discover accessible trails, accommodations and sights to enjoy in Northeastern Ontario.

Accessible travel with VIA Rail

From planning and booking to train stations and onboard, learn about the inclusive travel facilities and services offered by VIA Rail.

Accessibility features at Toronto Pearson International Airport

Ontario’s busiest airport has developed essential programs and services to support travellers with diverse needs and abilities.

Plan your visit with even more accessibility tips and information for Ontario’s major cities, including:

Niagara Falls
Ottawa
Thunder Bay
Toronto
Kingston
London

Accessibility standards

Several accessible service standards exist in Ontario to help support and protect travellers.

Customer service

As a person with a disability, organizations must provide you with the necessary customer service so you can access their goods, services or facilities. Staff must be trained in providing accessible customer service.

You may have your support person with you at all times. You can also give feedback through accessible surveys or comment forms.

Learn more about the accessible customer service standard.

Public transportation

When you travel on public transit, announcements should be made for every destination point or stop. Specialized transit services should be available during the same hours and on the same days as other public transit.

When travelling by taxi, the vehicle’s registration and the driver’s identification must be available in an accessible format. Riders must also be charged the same rate as someone without a disability.

Whether travelling by public transit or taxi, your guide dog/service animal must be allowed to ride with you.

Read more about the accessible transit standard.

Buildings and outdoor public spaces

Ontario’s 2024 Building Code outlines the accessibility rules for newly constructed buildings and accommodations. They include requirements for:

• barrier-free access paths for travel
• fire safety devices
• public washrooms
• access to pools and saunas
• seating in public spaces

These requirements work alongside the Design of Public Spaces Standards, which establish a baseline level of accessibility for:

• recreational trails and beach access routes
• new or redeveloped outdoor public eating areas
• playgrounds and outdoor play spaces
• service counters
• waiting areas with fixed seating
• outdoor spaces, such as sidewalks and parking lots

Be advised that buildings and accommodations built before the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) legislation was introduced may not meet accessibility standards.

Guide dogs and service animals

If you have a guide dog or other service animal, it is permitted to accompany you when you receive services in restaurants, grocery stores and on public transit.

An animal is considered a service animal if one of the two conditions applies:

• it wears a harness, vest or other visual indicator
• the person with a disability provides documentation from a regulated health professional

Read more about guide dogs and service animals in Ontario.

Ontario’s accessible service standards ensure travellers can safely access and enjoy the products and experiences available in the province.