Explore the historic Othello Tunnels in BC’s Fraser Canyon. Coquihalla Canyon Park and the Othello Tunnels are scheduled to be open for Spring 2026. The tunnels near Hope closed in November 2021 due to extensive damage to more than 30 sections throughout the park caused by the atmospheric river rainstorm.
When will the Othello Tunnels open?
Othello Tunnels Open Seasonally
The popular Othello Tunnels closed for the season on October 31. During the winter closure, additional work is underway to restore full access to this outstanding attraction ahead of the spring 2026 opening.
BC Parks Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park welcomed guests back on June 27 to explore the historic Othello Tunnels before closing for the winter season.
BC Parks will initiate its final phase of remediation work, which is targeted for completion before reopening in Spring 2026.
The entire Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park, including the popular Othello Tunnels hike, closed in November 2021 due to slides, flooding and ongoing extreme hazards. The park remained closed as assessments and restoration efforts continued to ensure visitor safety. While out exploring the area of Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park, many outdoor enthusiasts are turning their attention to other regional attractions, such as Abbotsford. or some of the other B.C. Provincial Parks near Vancouver.
Kettle Valley Rail Trail (KVR)
Starting in Spring 2026, sections of the Kettle Valley Rail Trail (KVR) between Princeton and the Coquihalla Highway will be decommissioned. The hefty $60 million repair cost for the 67 km stretch is prohibitive. There will be an alternative bypass route so people can continue to experience other areas of the Trans-Canada Trail. The project is expected to take up to three years to complete.
Othello Tunnels History
This unique BC experience is an engineering marvel is named after the works of Shakespeare.
Located within the Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park, these stunning tunnels pass through solid granite along the Coquihalla Gorge. They once provided a rail connection between the B.C. coast and the interior Kootenay Region.
Built in 1914, the Othello Tunnels, train enthusiasts will be intrigued by the rich railway history of both the Canadian Pacific Railway and Kettle Valley Railway.
Kettle Valley Railway
Building the railway was extremely difficult. The route had to be carved through solid granite and treacherous canyon terrain as it rose from near sea level just outside Hope to the Coquihalla Summit, 3,646 feet.
The Kettle Valley Railway operated a passenger and freight service on the line. Harsh winters kept the route closed more often than open. Snow, rock and mudslides wreaked havoc with the line.
The railway’s Coquihalla line officially closed in 1961, after the route was damaged by heavy rains in November 1959. Sections of the railway were washed out and never repaired.
Fast Facts about Othello Tunnels
- The Kettle Valley Railway was built between 1913 and 1916 with sponsorship from the CPR.
- Building the railway cost five times as much per mile as the average for that period.
- The route crossed three major mountain ranges.
- There were 43 bridges and 13 tunnels along the route.
- Engineer Andrew McCulloch named some of the train stations after William Shakespeare’s characters: Othello, Romeo, Juliet, Portia, Jessica, Lear, and the villain Iago.
Othello Tunnels Flood – Photos – Before and After the BC Storm
Othello Tunnels closed after BC Storm
Devastation hit the popular Othello Tunnels hike and the roads to the tunnels were destroyed.
Here are the 2021 storm images from Instagram and YouTube.
Othello Tunnels Before the BC Storm Photos
Conquering the great Coquihalla Canyon: Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Explore Othello Tunnels, a unique BC Experience. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Explore Othello Tunnels, a unique BC Experience. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
The impressive Coquihalla River runs along the Othello Tunnels route. Do not climb down to the river as shown in the photo, or swim here. This is very dangerous. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
The impressive Coquihalla River runs along the Othello Tunnels route. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
The impressive Coquihalla River runs along the Othello Tunnels route. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Explore Othello Tunnels, a unique BC Experience. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Explore Othello Tunnels, a unique BC Experience. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
The steep granite walls of the Coquihalla Canyon: Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
The impressive Coquihalla River runs along the Othello Tunnels route. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Explore Othello Tunnels, a unique BC Experience. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Explore Othello Tunnels, a unique BC Experience. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Explore Othello Tunnels, a unique BC Experience. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Explore Othello Tunnels with a flashlight. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Do not swim in the Coquihalla River at the Othello Tunnels. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr@
Autumn colours along the Orthello Tunnels trail. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Best route to the Othello Tunnels. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvk-Carr©
Best place to see fall colors. Visit Othello Tunnels. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
It is not safe to climb on the rocks at the Othello Tunnels. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Plan a future trip to the Othello Tunnels near Hope
When planning a visit to this spectacular attraction, ensure you pack a flashlight and wear sturdy shoes. The tunnels are dark, and the gravel path is marked with bumps and holes from past travellers, and overhead condensation drips.
Othello tunnels are closed in the winter, when harsh weather makes exploring them unsafe. Services are open from April 1 to October 31. It’s best to visit on weekdays, early mornings, or summer evenings, as prime times can be busy.
It is a perfect place to slow down, pack a picnic, take in the river’s impressive expanse, and cherish the sounds of local birdlife.
The Coquihalla River can be dangerous. Do not swim, tube or wade in this area.
Othello Tunnels Hike
The Othello Tunnel route is about 3.5 km from the parking lot to the end of the trail and back. It takes you through five tunnels. It is an easy walk and is very accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
How to get to Othello Tunnels near Hope
The Othello Tunnels, near Hope, are located in Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park.
It is a two-hour drive from Vancouver, travelling along the Trans Canada Highway to Hope.
Take exit 170 off the highway, then watch for Kawkawa Lake Rd and finally turn on to Othello Road. Download a map of the park area.
Looking for more incredible adventures for local travel in BC? Be sure to check out these articles to help start planning your trip:
– Discover 15 of the best waterfalls in BC
– Road Trip – Top things to do driving from Victoria to Pacific Rim National Park
– Discover some of the best prehistoric rock carvings found in BC
– Explore the Sea-to-Sky Highway, one of the most scenic drives in North America
– BC Travel Guide: 21-day road trip Part 1 – Vancouver, Jasper, Banff and Okanagan wine country
– Top 10 things to see and do in Victoria, BC – a city guide
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About the Author:
Wendy Nordvik-Carr is a highly regarded travel writer who produces quality, well-researched articles with stunning photography and video.
She seeks out authentic experiences showcasing the people, culture and history that make each destination unique. Her focus is on solo, couple and multigenerational travel through cruising, air and road trip adventures.
Wendy is the editor & writer for LifesIncredibleJourney.com, an award-winning travel site that encourages exploration of destinations near & far.
She is a TMAC Director, Chair, National Governance Committee and Chair of TMAC's BC & Yukon Chapter, as well as a member of SATW, IFWTWA and NATJA.
Going there October 12 what can I expect to be open as in Trails, How many tunnels?
Always double check before you head into the park but it should be open until at least October 31. This is when most of the services shut down in the park. The Othello Tunnels are completely closed during the winter season. For more information Email: info@seatoskyparks.com or Phone: 1-604-986-9371
We have a 35 foot motorhome. Are we able to park and maneuver in the parking area??
This should be okay. I have noticed larger motorhomes parked at the end at the top entrance of the parking lot. You can also Email: info@seatoskyparks.com or call Park Services for the park to verify. Phone: 1-604-986-9371