Saturday, July 9, 2016

Jasper Skytram, Jasper AB

http://www.jasperskytram.com/

Jasper Skytram- Jasper, AB

The skytram was one of our favorites in 2016. The staff were friendly and very helpful.
The bathrooms were accessible and located in the lower and upper buildings. The we're clean and fairly spacious.
The staff were sure to have the wheelchair user enter and exit the cable car safely. They also made sure he had a window to view out of.
There was an accessible bbq vendor and Starbucks at the lower building with a covered deck and a beautiful view. They also had a gift store.
The upper building at the top of the tram also had an accessible gift store but was a bit cramped. The restaurant is on the second floor and is not accessible to wheelchairs or scooters. 10-12 stairs.  There was a small loop for wheelchair users but anyone in a power chair would have a hard time going of the wooded path.
Another highly recommended accessible activity.

Downstream Lounge

The Downstream Lounge is a friendly downstairs pub with food for all tastes. The liquor, beer and wine menus have something for everyone.
There is a lovely section of tables perfect for accessibility. You must take an elevator downstairs and cross through the kitchen but the staff is more than accommodating.  We were escorted both down and up the elevator while they saved a table for us. The bathrooms are plenty big enough to accommodate any sized wheelchair.
We highly recommend this venue for accessibility. Hip place with cool decore!

De'd Dog Pub and Grill Jasper,AB

Unfortunately there is no access for power chairs or scooters to this venue. Staff were unable to accommodate a small ramp for the step outside that would be all it would take to allow wheelchair users in. Quite disappointing

Monday, July 20, 2015

24 Hours of Adrenalin - Canmore,Ab

I know this is not Jasper/Hinton related but it deserves a review . Many residents of both Jasper and Hinton headed down to participate in this huge mountain biking event.


For those that know my family, you know Mike is an avid biker. He decided to challenge himself and be a part of a dynamic 5 person coed team that would relay for 24 hours straight.


In true fashion, my family wanted to be there to cheer him on to the finish. This can be a challenge for Owen and his powerchair in unfamiliar territory. But we are always up for a challenge! 


The event was held at the Canmore Nordic Center. The first potential obstacle was going to be parking. However a simple email to the fabulous staff of the 24 hr solve that issue immediately. Parking was limited to teams only and only 1 vehicle per team was allowed.  They gave Owen a special parking pass and he was able to park right at the event in very close proximity to his dad's team! 


All the buildings were accessible and bathrooms were clean and accommodating.  The access to the main event was easily accessed on both sides of the center. The roads were paved. 


Staff were amazing and even gave Owen a cow bell to cheer on in the crowd. He could easily see and the places he could not they accommodated him by separating fences slightly ..etc. 


He could access the cafeteria,shops etc with ease.
A fantastic and accessible event with an exciting atmosphere. We will be back. Thanks 24hr!
10 out of 10 rating

Monday, July 6, 2015

Jasper Pizza Place - Jasper,AB

Jasper Pizza Place in Jasper,AB is a busy and hopping restaurant with a lot to offer people.

If you have a physical disability you are able to enjoy a seat on the main level. They offer wood fired and regular cooked pizza as well as a full menu with popular Canadian Cuisine from appetizers to dessert.  The establishment is fully licensed and is located across from a large parking lot with accessible parking. There is also regular parking on the street front.

This summer they introduced Front Store patio seating that is also highly accessible. There is an accessible bathroom on the main floor.

Staff were rushed and it was very busy when we were there which made it difficult to hear with the open kitchen, but we still found that welcoming watching the chefs team work and great flow.

9 out of 10 rating due to noise level when busy.

Maligne Lake- Jasper National Park

Maligne Lake has one of the most breath taking views in the Rockies.

They have a restaurant and gift shop, canoe and row boat rentals as well as a boat tour to spirit island. Everywhere you look people are doing something.

For people with physical disabilities this area is great. The restaurant and store are accessible to wheelchairs. There are accessible stalls in gender specific bathrooms. The main building is spacious and you are able to access the deck from inside the restaurant.

The boathouse is accessible however you would need a companion or two to transfer into a canoe or rowboat. The boat tours are wheelchair accessible but they prefer you let them know ahead of your visit if you plan to take the tour to the picturesque Spirit Island.

There is no family bathroom at this facility however there are large, enclosed,outdoor bathroom facilities at the main parking lot. There are 3 parking lots available and accessible parking is available in each lot.

8 out of 10 rating.

Jasper Riding Stables - Jasper Park Lodge- Jasper AB.

Jasper Riding Stables are located at the entrance to the Jasper Park Lodge property.

We chose a wagon ride for 17 people and were with a 17 year old in a wheelchair. We also had some people with limited mobility and a baby. Everyone was able to board the wagon safely. We were able to transport Owen onto the wagon with ease with a few companions to help lift him. There was 2 steps up to the bench seats.

The ride itself was fairly smooth once the ride was going , but as expected with horses there were some jump starts and stops.

The guide was very quiet and we would have enjoyed learning about the area and mountain ranges we were looking at as we traveled half way around Lake Beauvert however the ride was very pleasant.

The staff were amazing and stored the wheelchair safely for us. They also brought it back out to the wagon for an easy transition off the wagon.

The barn itself was also accessible and was easy to go see horses. The staff let the kids see one of the beautiful horses.

Due to no lift we rated 8 out of 10 for accessibility on this adventure.