• Difficulty Easy
  • Time 1 hour
  • Round-Trip 3.5km
  • Elevation Gain minimal
  • Season May - October
  • Camping Yes
  • From Vancouver 2 hours, 15 minutes
  • Public Transit No
  • Dog Friendly On-Leash

Trail Notice

Last Updated: March 6, 2024 - Othello Tunnels sustained signficant damage from rain storms and flooding and is closed. No update on when it may open again but it will likely not open in 2024.

The Othello Tunnels are a series of old train tunnels and bridges that cut through the solid granite walls and pass over the wild Coquihalla River. The tunnels are located just east of the town of Hope, BC, in the Coquihalla Provincial Park and the trail is a short, flat 3.5km return route.

In the early 1900's, the Canadian Pacific Railway decided to connect the southern coast of British Columbia with the Kootenays and it was determined the best option was a route through the Coquihalla Gorge. Today, the route no longer has railway tracks and has been restored as part of the Kettle Valley Railway Trail, a popular cycling route that follows the old train routes over trestles and through tunnels and is noted for it's gradual change in elevation.

The Coast Mountain Range proved quite a challenge to build a railway through and walking over the bridges in the Othello Tunnels area, it becomes quite evident how difficult it must have been. The sheer rock cliffs, the violently rushing water below, and the remoteness makes it seem incredible that any infrastructure could be built in such an environment, let alone over 100-years ago with limited engineering equipment.

From the parking lot, follow the signs along the wide trail near the Coquihalla River. The former railroad bed is flat and an easy walk for families of all ages. Not far along, the first tunnel can be seen ahead as you follow the trail into the dark tunnel. The trail briefly exits the tunnel before entering tunnel #2.

After existing tunnel #2, the route crosses a bridge where the Coquihalla River rages through the rocky canyon below. Continue walking through tunnel #3 to another bridge with views of the canyon. After walking through tunnel #4, the Othello Tunnels route abruptly ends, although the trail keeps going all the way to the town of Hope. At the end of the tunnels is the turnaround point where visitors walk back through the same tunnels, returning to the parking lot.

One other piece of history, due to the canyon's rugged look, the park has made several appearances in popular films over the years. The most notable was Rambo First Blood where the cliff above Tunnel #2 was used in the spectacular cliff jump scene. Other movies that filmed scenes around Othello Tunnels include Fire With Fire, The Adventures of Yellow Dog, and Shoot To Kill.





How to get to Othello Tunnels

Estimated Driving Time from Vancouver
2 hours, 15 minutes

The easiest route to drive to the Othello Tunnels is to take Exit #183 Othello Road from the Coquihalla Highway. The turnoff is located about 6km east of the junction to the Crowsnest Highway (Highway #3) along Coquihalla Highway (Highway #5).

Once you have turned off the highway, the road passes underneath the highway and continues along Othello Road westbound, back towards Hope. Follow this road for about 3km and watch for signs to Coquihalla Provincial Park that point to the left onto Tunnel Road. Drive into the park and park in the designated parking lot.

View a map of Driving directions to Othello Tunnels.

Traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Nłeʔkepmx Tmíxʷ (Nlaka'pamux) and S’ólh Téméxw (Stó:lō).
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Additional Info

Camping at Othello Tunnels

View more details about camping at Othello Tunnels

Dogs at Othello Tunnels

Dogs are allowed on the hiking trail at Othello Tunnels but must be kept on a leash at all times. Please make sure to pick up after your dog.

Toilets at Othello Tunnels

Pit toilets are located at the parking lot area for Othello Tunnels. No toilets are located along the trail.

Dogs, Toilets and Camping

Although we try to keep information as current as possible, www.vancouvertrails.com makes no warranty or representation as to the availability, quality, fitness for purpose, conditions or accuracy of the information provided with respect to this trail or trails. The information provided herein is further subject to our Terms of Use.