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Park Contact
This park proudly operated by:
Sea to Sky Park Services Ltd.
604 986-9371
info@seatoskyparks.com
seatoskyparks.com
Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park
Attention Visitors – Important Notice!
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Othello Tunnels are closed for the season
Please respect this public safety closure as unstable rock conditions exist within the tunnels at this time.
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Warning – Rock Fall
Due to recent rock falls at the tunnels and landslides on the KVR/Great trail between the community of Hope and Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park, sections of the trail have been closed to public access. Ongoing extreme hazards continue to exist in the area. Please continue to monitor this page for future updates.
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Parking in Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park
Visitors to Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park should anticipate high traffic volume throughout the operating season. Peak visitation periods occur between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm on sunny weekends. During this time parking can be challenging to find. BC Parks asks visitors to ensure that they park in designated stalls. Vehicles parked outside of designated areas may be towed. Thanks for your help to ensure emergency services vehicles can access the park at all times.
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 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
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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 and Maps
Maps and Brochures
Nature and Culture
Management Planning
- Management Planning Information
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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
Fishing
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.
- South Fraser Trail Conditions Report [PDF] (December 11, 2020) (scroll to the Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park entry)


