Contributed by Monica Alves, Communications Assistant

Since 2004, the Access 2 program has been opening up new adventures and experiences for persons with disabilities across Canada. This program is specially designed to relieve some of the financial burdens that persons served may struggle with when partaking in various activities. Commonly, a support person is required to accompany them, and therefore an extra admission fee must be paid. But Access 2 wanted to change all of that. They partnered with venues located in all Canadian provinces and territories with a goal to eliminate the present economic barrier that hinder many individuals from experiencing what their city has to offer. Now, persons served and support staff can take advantage of a 2 for 1 deal! With contributions from programs like this, accessible tourism in our country is flourishing more than it has ever before.

Having fun and meaningful experiences should be affordable! To receive your Access 2 Card, visit https://access2card.ca/apply-first-time/ and follow the steps indicated. It is $20 for a 3 year membership or $30 for a 5 year membership. Your card should be delivered to you 4-6 weeks after you submitted your application form. Then, simply present your card at the event or attraction you’re attending, and the individual accompanying you will receive free admission. This card is accepted in select venues all across Canada.

Spring is officially here. The weather is warming up, bears are starting to emerge from their dens…and you may be too! If you’re looking for fun and cheap things to do in your area, check out our top picks for must-do spring break activities in Metro Vancouver in partnership with the Access 2 program. To see all participating cultural, recreational and entertainment venues, visit http://access2card.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/BC-Venues.pdf.

Take a peek into a day in the life of a farmer at Maplewood Farm in North Van

With over 200 friendly farm animals and activities that are both entertaining and educational, you’ll want to stay till the cows come home! Be sure to say hello to the fluffy bunnies who are currently busy preparing for a hoppy Easter. Open daily from 10am – 4pm. Admission ranges from $5 – $8.50. Visit www.maplewoodfarm.bc.ca for more info.

See it ALL at the Vancouver Lookout

Ride up, up, and away in a glass elevator that whisks you 553 feet above Vancouver. Can you spot the iconic Stanley Park and the Sun Tower’s mint green roof in the day? Or the round street lamps light up Gastown and the twinkling lights of the Lions Gate Bridge? The observation deck offers a birds eye view with a 360° look out over the city. Open daily from 9am – 9pm. Admission ranges from $9.50 – $18.25. Visit www.vancouverlookout.com for more info.

Enjoy a Cineplex movie night out at a cinema near you

Grab some buttery popcorn at the concession and lean back in the comfy recliner chairs at one of these participating Cineplex theatres. In the mood for a superhero flick? Catch Captain Marvel and Aquaman on the big screen! Experience award winning films like Bohemian Rhapsody, A Star is Born, and Green Book. Later this month, check out these highly anticipated live action classics, Aladdin and Dumbo. Visit www.cineplex.com/Showtimes for show times and ticket prices.

Embark on an aquatic adventure at the Vancouver Aquarium

“Did you know that a sloth only goes to the bathroom once a week? Or that a penguin has fleshy hooks on its tongue? These are just some of the 50,000 creatures at the Vancouver Aquarium, where weird is normal.” Special spring break features include puppet shows, ‘Shark: A 4D Experience’, and ‘Meet a Penguin’. VanAqua will be operating extended hours over spring break until Sunday, March 31, open 9:30am – 6pm. Admission ranges from $21 – $38. Visit www.vanaqua.org for more info.

Take a walk on the wild side across the Capilano Suspension Bridge

This naturally thrilling attraction has impressed millions since 1889. The park offers a cliff walk experience through rainforest vegetation alongside the granite cliff face, an award-winning tree top canopy adventure woven throughout our 250 year old Douglas-firs, and of course, the iconic 450 feet long and 230 feet high bridge over the Capilano. Grab some maple walnut fudge at one of their eateries and explore their story centre! Please note this location is not wheelchair accessible. Open daily from 9am – 6pm. Admission ranges from $14.95 – $46.95. Visit www.capbridge.com for more info.

Grab a pal and van Gogh to the Vancouver Art Gallery

Connect with exciting new works in a variety of media at the Vancouver Art Gallery. Experience ‘Displacement’ – a collection of sculptural forms which will take you on a roller coaster ride of feelings from “empathy and understanding, to the unexpected and disruptive.” Imagine everyday communal activities from eating and reading, to traveling and physical exercise in ‘Offsite: Polit-Sheer-Form Office’. Each intriguing piece of art comes to life with a different story and allows you to get inside the captivating minds of the artists who made them. Check out all of their current exhibitions here. Open daily from Admission ranges from $6.50 – $24. Visit www.vanartgallery.bc.ca for more info.

Mosey on through the Greater Vancouver Zoo

Head over to Aldergrove to explore the fascinating creatures and features, many of which have been rescued, donated, and orphaned. Meet slithering reptiles, befriend fabulous felines, and watch birds of prey take flight! Keeper Talks will take you into the lives of the Vancouver Zoo Keepers and their unique relationships with the animals. Discover the sights and sounds of over 140 species. Open daily from 9am – 4pm. Admission ranges from $17.90 – $24.20. Visit www.gvzoo.com for more info.