Accessibility at Assiniboine Park & Zoo
If you have an accessibility request and/or feedback, or would like to request a digital copy of our Accessible Customer Service Policy, please e-mail accessibility@assiniboinepark.ca.
Our grounds and facilities
Visiting Assiniboine Park Zoo
Parking
Accessible parking is available at the Zoo entrance located at 2595 Roblin Boulevard.
Support Persons
When a person who requires a support worker attends the Zoo, that individual pays the full admission rate, however the support person may enter free of charge as they are accompanying someone who could not visit without support. These tickets are only available in person at the Zoo entrance. Assiniboine Park Zoo works in conjunction with the Easter Seals’ Access 2 Entertainment program.
KultureCity Sensory Bags
We have partnered with KultureCity to make the Zoo a certified sensory inclusive attraction. Weighted lap pads and sensory bags – equipped with noise canceling headphones, fidget tools, and visual cue cards – will be available to Zoo visitors who may feel overwhelmed by the environment. Signage located throughout the Zoo helps alert visitors to areas where they may encounter higher noise levels.
Based on availability, sensory bags are free for visitors to borrow during their visit from the visitor services staff at the Zoo entrance.
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program encourages inclusivity, acceptance, and understanding by allowing people to voluntarily share that they have a hidden disability. By wearing the Sunflower, you’re just letting everyone know that you might need extra help, understanding, or more time.
At Assiniboine Park Zoo, guests can ask for a Hidden Disabilities Sunflower product at our Visitor Services desk. As a guest, you do not need to disclose your disability.
Look for staff and volunteers wearing a white sunflower supporter item.
Learn more about the program on their website.
Service Animals
Service animals are welcome in the Zoo, but for the health and safety of animals in our care, they are not permitted within the following areas: Toucan Ridge, McFeetors Heavy Horse Centre, Kinsmen Discovery Centre, Aunt Sally's Farm barn, and the Australian Walkabout. For the health and safety of all the animals, the service animal's vaccination papers must be presented upon arrival at the Zoo.
A service animal is defined as an animal that is individually trained to assist or perform tasks for a person with a disability.
Getting Around
A limited number of wheelchairs are available for use on a first-come, first-served basis. Scooters are available for rent. Please speak to visitor services at the Zoo entrance to inquire about rentals. Review our rental rates.
Washrooms
You will find accessible washrooms located throughout the Zoo. Accessible family washrooms with an adult bench are located at: the Zoo entrance, in Journey to Churchill, Gateway to the Arctic, and Tundra Grill.
Pathways
All formal pathways within Zoo are relatively flat. Primary pathways in the Zoo are made of asphalt or paving stones. Please note there is compact gravel and mulch in some areas including: areas of Aunt Sally’s Farm, McFeetors Heavy Horse Centre, and picnic areas. Our grounds team keeps pathways clear throughout the whole year. How quickly pathways are cleared is dependent on the weather. Benches are available throughout the Zoo.
Guests using a wheelchair or scooter, please be aware that Kinsmen Discovery Centre has sections with narrow corridors that may be difficult to navigate.
Sensory Information
Guests with sensory needs please be aware of the following exhibits:
- Aurora Borealis Theatre, within Gateway to the Arctic, has low lighting and loud sounds.
- The Polar Playground, within Tundra Grill, has low lighting and black lights.
- The seasonal Dinosaurs UnCovered trail has loud sounds.
- Toucan Ridge has a section of low lighting and closed spaces.
- Kinsmen Discovery Centre has sections of low light, narrow pathways, closed spaces.
Tram Access
The seasonal Red River Co-op Zoo Tram is not wheelchair accessible. Guests may transfer from their wheelchair to the vehicle. There is limited storage for folded wheelchairs and strollers on the Zoo Tram. Service animals are allowed on the ZooTram.
Visiting Assiniboine Park
Parking
Accessible parking is available throughout the Park in all major parking lots.
Buildings and Washrooms
Accessible washrooms are located throughout the Park at the following locations: The Pavilion, near the Lyric Theatre, Park Café, Leo Mol Gallery in the Leo Mol Sculpture Garden, and the Nature Playground. Please note that Leo Mol Gallery and Nature Playground washrooms are only open during the summer months once the ground is thawed.
Pathways
Formal pathways within the Park are all relatively flat. Primary pathways in the Park are asphalt or paving stones. Please note there are some compact gravel and mulch paths, predominantly in the gardens. Our grounds team keeps primary pathways clear throughout the whole year. How quickly they are cleared is dependent on the weather. Benches and picnic tables are available throughout the Park.
Trolley Access
Please note, the seasonal DOMO Trolley is not wheelchair accessible. Guests may transfer from their wheelchair to the vehicle. There is limited storage for folded wheelchairs and strollers. Service animals are allowed on the Park Trolley.
Visiting The Leaf
Parking
A drop-off area and accessible parking are located at The Leaf entrance.
Support Persons
When a person who requires a support worker attends The Leaf, that individual pays the full admission rate, however the support person may enter free of charge as they are accompanying someone who could not visit without support. Assiniboine Park Conservancy also works in conjunction with the Easter Seals’ Access 2 Entertainment program. Support workers are not required to purchase a ticket online in advance, but must be prepared to identify themselves at the gate.
Service Animals
Service animals are permitted in The Leaf. A service animal is defined as an animal that is individually trained to assist or perform tasks for a person with a disability.
KultureCity Sensory Bags
Assiniboine Park Conservancy has partnered with KultureCity to make The Leaf a certified sensory inclusive attraction. The KultureCity certification process included online training for our staff on how to support guests with sensory needs and provide assistance in a sensory overload situation. Sensory bags – equipped with noise canceling headphones, fidget tools, and visual cue cards – will be available to The Leaf visitors who may feel overwhelmed by the environment along with weighted lap pads.
Sensory bags are available for visitors to borrow, free of cost, during their visit from the Visitor Services desk at The Leaf. Signage located throughout The Leaf helps alert visitors to areas where they may encounter higher noise levels.
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program encourages inclusivity, acceptance, and understanding by allowing people to voluntarily share that they have a hidden disability. By wearing the Sunflower, you’re just letting everyone know that you might need extra help, understanding, or more time.
At The Leaf, guests can ask for a Hidden Disabilities Sunflower product at our Visitor Services desk. As a guest, you do not need to disclose your disability.
Look for staff and volunteers wearing a white sunflower supporter item.
Learn more about the program on their website.
Buildings and Washrooms
Accessible washrooms are available throughout The Leaf.
Wheelchairs
A limited number of wheelchairs are available for use during your visit to The Leaf. Please note wheelchairs are for indoor use only.
The Outdoor Gardens at The Leaf
Visitors are welcome to park in The Leaf parking lot and follow the direct fully paved pathway to the Gardens at The Leaf.
Primary pathways at the Gardens at The Leaf are paving stones and compact gravel. There are some mulch pathways within the gardens.