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Activities Available at this Park
Facilities Available at this Park

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Park Contact

Sea to Sky Park Services Ltd.
604 986-9371
info@seatoskyparks.com
seatoskyparks.com

Fire Restrictions in Effect for this Park
Smoking is prohibited
During a campfire ban, smoking is restricted in all public areas of a park or protected area. Please read this Information Bulletin.

Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park

About This Park

Othello Tunnels at Coquihalla Canyon Provincial ParkPhotoGallery

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 and Juliet to name stations of the Coquihalla subdivision.

Please note: Services are available from April 1 to October 31. The Othello Tunnels (located within the park) are closed during the winter months due to unstable conditions, falling rocks and ice. Please contact the Park Operator for more information.

Established Date: May 15, 1986
Park Size: 159 hectares

Know Before You Go

Stay Safe

  • There is no swimming in this park. The beach area is very rocky and not recommended for use because the river is always unsafe to play and swim in or near.

Location

  • Location Map
    • This park is located off Highway #5, north of Hope.

    Maps and Brochures

    Nature and Culture

    Management Planning

    • Management Planning Information
    • Approved Management Plan [PDF]

      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

    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

    Fishing

    Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence. Check the British Columbia Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis for water specific regulations.
    Hiking

    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.

    • [an error occurred while processing this directive] (scroll to the Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park entry)
    Pets on Leash

    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

    Accessibility

    Accessibility

    There are four 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.
    Picnic Areas

    Picnic Areas

    There are a few picnic tables available next to the parking lot. Services are available from April 1 to October 31. The Othello Tunnels (located within the park) are closed during the winter months due to unstable conditions, falling rocks and ice.
    Pit or Flush Toilets

    Pit or Flush Toilets

    Pit toilets only located near the parking lot and trailhead.