Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park
- The Othello Tunnels are now open for the season. Please use caution when travelling through the tunnels. Due to uneven, gravel ground surface and poor visibility, flashlights are strongly recommended for anyone walking or cycling through the Tunnels. The tunnels are open dawn to dusk daily.
About This Park
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.
Park Size: 159 hectares
Location and Maps
Please note: Any maps listed are for information only - they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation. Off Highway #5, north of Hope.Maps and Brochures
Any maps listed are for information only - they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation.- Park Map [PDF 75KB]
- Park Brochure [PDF 63KB]
Management Planning
Management Planning Information- The approved management plan for Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park [PDF 400.41KB] is available in PDF format.
DISCLAIMER:
This is NOT the original management planning product. This document has been scanned from the original format of the plan. It may contain some formatting changes, however the content is consistent with the original.
Activities Available at this Park
Cycling
Bicycles must keep to roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia. Cyclists please dismount and walk through tunnels. Flashlights are strongly recommended for anyone cycling through the Tunnels.
Fishing
Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence. Check the British Columbia Freshwater Fishing Synopsis for water specific regulations.
Hiking
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.
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.
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.
Pets on Leash
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.
Facilities Available at this Park
Picnic Areas
There are a few picnic tables available next to the parking lot. Services are available from April 1 to November 1. The park is closed during the winter months (November to March, yearly) due to unstable conditions, falling rocks and ice.
Pit or Flush Toilets
Pit toilets only located near the parking lot and trailhead.
Wheelchair Access
There are 4 wheelchair accessible toilets near the parking lot. The tunnels trail is also accessible with a flat gravel surface. This gravel becomes uneven through the tunnels, so use caution and a flashlight.
