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Attention
Visitors - Important Notice!
- As of May 14, 2008:
- The park and Othello tunnels will open again as of May 15, 2008.
Park
Info:
In the early 1900s, the Canadian Pacific Railway decided
a route was necessary to link the Kootenay Region with the
BC coast by rail. The railway 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
known now
as the Othello Tunnels. There are spectacular viewing
opportunities available on the trail, through the tunnels
and on the bridges. This park highlights the Kettle Valley
Railway grade that passes through the canyon and 5 tunnels
which were built in 1914. It contains a 135 hectare land
base. It is a popular tourist attraction for the town of
Hope and
provides viewing, walking, fishing and picnicking opportunities.
The hiking trail links to the historic Hope-Nicola Cattle
Trail. The engineer Andrew McCullough
was an avid reader of Shakespearean literature, and used
characters
such as Lear, Jessica, Portia, Iago, Romeo & Juliet to
name stations of the Coquihalla subdivision.
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Park
Size: 159
hectares
Special
Notes:
- A
flashlight is recommended as lighting is dim while walking
through the tunnels.
- In
recent years, the tunnels have become a favourite location
for movie producers. Bicycles must be dismounted while
passing through the tunnels.
Management
Planning:
Management
Planning Information
Location:
Off
Highway # 5, north of Hope
Map/Brochure:
Any maps listed are for
information only - they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be
used for navigation.
Nature
& Culture:
History
Conservation
Wildlife
Visitor
Safety:
Visitor
Safety Information (park
safety, hazards, wildlife safety information, health risks)
Reservations:For
parks that accept reservations,
all vehicle accessible campsites (with the exception of
group sites) must be reserved through Discover
Camping.
No camping
at this park.
Explore
Parks: Fees, park listings, what
you should know before you go and other useful links.
Contact
Information:
Sea to Sky Park Services Ltd
Email address: info@seatoskyparks.com
Phone: (604) 986-9371
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No
vehicle accessible camping facilities at this park.
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No
wilderness, backcountry or walk-in camping.
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No
group campsites.
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There
are a few picnic tables available. Services are
available from April 1 to October 31. The
park is closed during the winter months (November to
March, yearly) due to unstable conditions, falling
rocks and ice.
Day-use
Area Vehicle Parking Fee:
$1.00 per vehicle / hour to a maximum of $3.00 per vehicle per/day. For information about yearly parking passes, or further information
about parking fees, click
here.
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There are 3 wheelchair accessible pit toilets within
the park. The Tunnel Trail is also wheelchair accessible
with a flat gravel surface and is approximately 3.5km
return.
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Bring
your own drinking water as potable water is not available
in the park.
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Pit
toilets only located near the parking lot and trailhead. |
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No
showers.
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No
sani-station/dump facilities.
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No
firewood available.
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There are no electrical hook-ups in this park. |
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There
are no regularly scheduled interpretive programs at
this park.
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A
trail through the Othello Tunnels is an easy 3.5
km round trip.
This Trail is part of the Trans Canada Trail and
features a flat gravel surface.
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This
park does not have a playground.
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No swimming. The beach area is very rocky and not
recommended for use because the river is always UNSAFE
to play and swim in or near.
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There
are no opportunities for canoeing or kayaking in this
park.
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This
park does not have a boat launch.
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No
fishing.
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Bicycles
must keep to roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory
in British Columbia. Cyclists please dismount and walk
through tunnels.
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No
horseback riding.
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Pets
are allowed on the hiking trail only and must kept on a leash at all times.
You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement.Backcountry
areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to
wildlife issues and the potential for problems with
bears. |
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No
wildlife viewing opportunities.
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There are no winter recreation opportunities in this park.
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No
SCUBA diving or snorkelling opportunities. |
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No
windsurfing opportunities. |
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No
waterskiing opportunities. |
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No
hunting in the park. |
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No
climbing or rock climbing opportunities. |
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No
spelunking or caving opportunities. |
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No
cabins, yurts or lodges for public use. |
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