Coquihalla Canyon Park / Othello Tunnels

Advisories

June 27, 2025: Partial reopening of the park on June 27

BC Parks is ready to welcome guests back to explore the Othello Tunnels in Coquihalla Canyon Park. Visitors can enter the park from the main parking lot, experience the northern portion of the Kettle Valley Rail trail, three of the historical tunnels and the new north bridge. The remainder of the park will continue to be temporarily closed due to continued construction.

June 27, 2025: Road closure on Othello Road

Access to Tunnels Road will be restricted to Othello Road via Hwy 5 only, during June 18 to July 5.

About Coquihalla Canyon Park

Coquihalla Canyon Park is located 12 kilometers from Hope.

The park features the Othello Tunnels, five tunnels built as part of the Kettle Valley Railway in 1914. The railway, connecting the Kootenay Region with the BC coast, was built over three mountain ranges. In the Coquihalla Gorge, the river cut a 300-foot-deep channel of solid granite. A straight line of tunnels were built through it which are now known as the Othello Tunnels.

Coquihalla Canyon Park is a great stop for a picnic or a short hike. There are picnic tables near the parking lot and along the trail, beside the river. There are spectacular viewing opportunities available on the trail, through the tunnels, and on the bridges. The contrast between tunnels and bridges with the roaring Coquihalla River below is a must-see! The hiking trail links to the historic Hope-Nicola Cattle Trail.

For more information about the history and culture of Coquihalla Canyon Park please visit the BC Parks website.

Flashlights are strongly recommended for anyone walking or cycling through the Tunnels. Some are long and dark, and the gravel surface underfoot may be uneven due to erosion caused by dripping water