Categories: Travel

This BC park has an abandoned railway that goes through scenic granite tunnels

Photo via BC Parks

Whether it’s late summer or the peak of autumn colours, the beautiful Othello Tunnels at Coquihalla Canyon Park are now open once more, which means a visit to the iconic British Columbia park is definitely in order.

Full of history and sights to behold, the provincial park consists of an abandoned railway, scenic canyon, and numerous trails that are extra dreamy come fall.

The railway

Constructed in the early 1900s, the route was intended to connect the Kootenay region to the BC coast via the Canadian Pacific Railway.

The route was built over three mountain ranges, with a 300-foot deep channel of solid granite cut by the adjacent Coquihalla River.

The Othello Tunnels are a series of tunnels built through the solid granite, offering visitors breathtaking views and access to the Trans Canada Trail and historic Hope-Nicola Cattle Trail.

The park protects the Kettle Valley Railway, which passes through the canyon and five tunnels.

Due to numerous washouts, the railway was officially abandoned in July of 1961, according to BC Parks.

Today, the Kettle Valley Steam Railway celebrates the heritage of its predecessor, taking passengers through 16 kilometres of beautiful vistas on a preserved section of the historic railway.

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Safety & park info

The Coquihalla River has a rocky beach for visitors to check out, though it is considered unsafe for swimming.

Note that services are available at the park between April 1st and October 31st, with the Othello Tunnels closed during the winter months.

So you’ve still got a couple of months to enjoy this breathtaking BC destination before it closes for the season. Don’t walk, run to Othello Tunnels – especially as the views transform for fall!

Happy exploring.