Coquihalla Canyon

Advisories

April 8, 2020: Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park, including the Othello Tunnels, is currently CLOSED and will reopen in Spring 2021.

Due to the COVID-19 response, BC Parks has fully closed this park including all related services and facilities

BC Parks has closed this park; this includes all associated access, e.g.; trails and parking lots.

This decision has been made to ensure the continued health and safety of BC Parks visitors, employees, park contractors, volunteers and partners, and to support efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

For more information on protective measures for COVID-19, please visit the website for the BC Centre for Disease Control.

About Coquihalla Canyon

Coquihalla Canyon Provincial 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 though it which are now known as the Othello Tunnels.

Coquihalla Canyon Provincial 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 thehistoric 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