THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Take the Hippocampe amphibious wheelchair from UBC’s campus to beach and forest trails—four-hour rentals to week-long trips give people who use wheelchairs real access to Vancouver’s shoreline. Learn what to expect, where to go, and how to prepare.
Take the Hippocampe amphibious wheelchair from UBC’s campus to beach and forest trails—four-hour rentals to week-long trips give people who use wheelchairs real access to Vancouver’s shoreline. Learn what to expect, where to go, and how to prepare.
Book with RAD Recreation Adapted Society
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by RAD Recreation Adapted Society · Vancouver, British Columbia
Perched on the west edge of the University of British Columbia campus at 6000 Student Union Blvd, Vancouver, Hippocampe @ UBC makes barrier-free outdoor exploration possible for people who use wheelchairs. The Hippocampe is an amphibious, all-terrain wheelchair and accessory system that transforms beaches, forest trails, and calm ocean waters into accessible playgrounds for adaptive hikers, kayakers, and swimmers. Whether you want a short beach roll, a paddle along quiet shorelines, or a multi-day rental for a coastal escape, this rental opens routes many standard chairs simply can't reach. This service plugs straight into the local outdoor network: Pacific Spirit Regional Park's inland trails, UBC’s bluff overlooks, and nearby Spanish Banks and Jericho Beach tidal flats. The coastline here features sandy spits, low basalt bluffs, and mixed evergreen stands of Douglas-fir and western red cedar—habitat for great blue herons, harbor seals, and wintering bald eagles. The combination of firm beach shelves and gentle wave conditions on protected days makes the site especially well suited to the Hippocampe’s flotation accessories and wide, low-pressure wheels. Practical, adaptive gear and knowledgeable staff are what set this operation apart. Rentals range from four-hour sessions to week-long adventures, starting at $25, and accessories let you switch from land tires to flotation pontoons and install kayak cradles. Staff help with fitting, transfers, and route planning so participants can aim for a flat boardwalk in the park or roll directly onto the sand at a low-tide access point. This offering is also rooted in place: UBC’s Vancouver campus sits on the unceded territory of the Musqueam people, and the coastal landscape has supported local communities for millennia. Using adaptive equipment responsibly matters here—staying on designated access points and avoiding sensitive dune vegetation reduces erosion and protects intertidal life. Who this is for: families, adaptive athletes, therapists, and outdoor-first visitors seeking an accessible way to experience West Coast shoreline, forest trails, and gentle paddling. Book a demo to learn handling, bring a companion for transfers, and plan around tides if you hope to reach expansive tidal flats. For address and pick-up, find the rental at 6000 Student Union Blvd, Vancouver, BC V6T, Canada. With careful planning, the Hippocampe at UBC transforms typical Vancouver beach days into durable, inclusive outdoor memories. The rental's flexibility means you can tailor wheel configuration, flotation, and seating to individual needs, and staff will demonstrate how to secure the chair for shallow-water paddling or stabilized beach transfers. Expect a short orientation, bring sun protection and layered clothing for shifting coastal weather, and consider public transit or limited campus parking when planning your day. Whether you roll to watch seals or take a week rental to explore nearby inlets, plan, prepare, and enjoy every moment.
Yes. Bookings are recommended to secure the right chair, accessories, and staff time; rentals start at four hours and extend to week-long periods.
Yes. The system is designed for beach and shallow-water use with appropriate flotation accessories and staff guidance for launches and recoveries.
Some users with experience can operate independently, but an assistant is recommended for transfers, launches, and uneven terrain.
Pick-up and return are at the UBC rental location listed at 6000 Student Union Blvd, Vancouver, BC V6T, Canada; staff will provide orientation.
Age and ability guidelines vary; the listing notes participants 15+ with parent/guardian—confirm specific requirements when booking.
Campus parking is limited; public transit and drop-off are good alternatives. Allow extra time for loading and orientation.
RAD Recreation Adapted Society is a Victoria, British Columbia–based organization that provides adaptive recreation equipment and accessible outdoor mobility solutions. The society offers a wide range of adaptive devices including mountain trikes, electric-assist eTrikes, seated handcycles, beach wheelchairs, foldable Access Trax pathways, VanRaam city/walking bikes, Alinker walking-bikes, sit sledges for cross-country snow, WaveSki water-adaptive skis, Roll-A-Ramp portable ramps, and a selection of handcycles such as Top End Force and Varna II models. Many items are offered for short-term rental or use, with options described for half-day, full-day, and weekend rental periods for select handcycles and sledges. Access Trax is noted as a foldable, portable pathway inspired by adaptive surfers and crafted by occupational therapists, enabling travel over sand, grass, gravel, and snow. Electric-assist eTrikes provide multiple power settings and one-arm steering; Mountain Trikes deliver smooth handling and one-arm operation for rough terrain. Roll-A-Ramp supplies lightweight aluminum ramps rated for substantial loads, and beach wheelchairs like the Hippocampe support mobility on sand and shorelines. Descriptions emphasize mobility, inclusion, and outdoor access by naming specific adaptive gear and features. RAD Recreation Adapted Society maintains clear equipment offerings and device specifications to help users identify appropriate adaptive solutions. For visitors seeking adaptive cycling, beach access, snow sledge experiences, or portable accessibility equipment in Victoria, RAD Recreation Adapted Society lists available devices and features to support informed choices. Contact details and specific rental policies are available from RAD Recreation Adapted Society to confirm availability, dimensions, weight limits, and booking options prior to online reservation.
Book with RAD Recreation Adapted Society