Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
taxi drivers
10-15% of metered fare
Tourist Information
Oregon, Washington and British Columbia have state and provincial tourist bureaus that
offer glossy guides, maps and plenty of other pertinent travel information. Individual cities,
towns and regions also maintain visitor centers, which are often run by the local chamber
of commerce.
Washington State Tourism ( www.experiencewa.com )
Oregon Tourism Commission ( www.traveloregon.com )
Destination British Columbia ( www.hellobc.com )
Travelers with Disabilities
If you have a physical disability, travel within the Pacific Northwest won't be too difficult.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires all public buildings in the US - includ-
ing most hotels, restaurants, theaters and museums - to be wheelchair accessible. Most
sidewalks in the Pacific Northwest are wide and smooth and many intersections have
curb cuts and sometimes audible crossing signals.
Lift-equipped buses are the norm in Washington, Oregon and British Columbia, and
many taxi companies have wheelchair-accessible cabs. Some municipal bus networks
provide door-to-door service for people with disabilities. Most car-rental franchises are
able to provide hand- controlled models at no extra charge - but reserve well ahead. All
major airlines, Greyhound buses and Amtrak trains allow service animals to accompany
passengers (bring documentation for them). Airlines will also provide assistance for con-
necting, boarding and disembarking if requested with your reservation. Disabled travelers
using Washington State Ferries should check www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/commuterup-
dates/ada for information on reduced fares and how to board.
Many state and national parks in the Northwest maintain a nature trail or two for use by
travelers in wheelchairs. For a list of accessible trails in Washington state, see
www.parks.wa.gov/ada%2Drec ; for Oregon check www.traillink.com/stateactivity/or-
wheelchair-accessible-trails.aspx . Meanwhile, British Columbia has a good general web-
site at www.hellobc.com/british-columbia/about-bc/accessibility.aspx .
The America the Beautiful Access Pass (previously known as the Golden Access Pass-
port; these are still honored) is available free to blind or permanently disabled US travel-
ers with documentation. It gives free lifetime access to US national parks and wildlife
refuges and 50% off campground use. For more information see www.nps.gov/findapark/
passes.htm .
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