Categories: Travel

These historic B.C. tunnels run through a riverside canyon with breathtaking views

Photo via @yourbcparks / Instagram

Coquihalla Canyon Park might be partially closed for restoration work, but three out of five of the famed Othello Tunnels are still explorable this summer and fall.

Rich in local history and natural splendour, the provincial park consists of a long-abandoned railway, a granite canyon, and scenic trails that meander through it.

As of Monday, July 28, 2025, the park is completely closed following a presumed drowning that took place over the weekend.

A historic railway

Constructed in the early 1900s, the original Canadian Pacific Railway route was built over three mountain ranges to connect the Kootenays to the B.C. coast.

According to BC Parks, the river in the Coquihalla Gorge cut a 300-foot-deep channel of solid granite, which the Othello Tunnels now run through.

The result is a fascinating series of tunnels that offer breathtaking views of the canyon and river below, as well as access to the Trans Canada Trail.

The park protects the historic 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. Once repairs are completed, the railway will once again take passengers on a journey through 16 km of beautiful vistas.

Northern portion of the park now open

As of June 27, 2025, the northern portion of the park (including some of the Othello Tunnels) has reopened to the public.

“Since the restoration work is complex, the park is being repaired in phases,” explains BC Parks in an Instagram post. “In the most recent phase, some of the work completed includes the installation of a new bridge, the addition of 10 new parking stalls, stabilization of rocks in the canyon, and more.”

The trail through the Othello Tunnels is considered easy, at 3.5 km round-trip.

The remainder of the park is still closed until spring 2026, though the historic Hope-Nicola Valley Trail can still be accessed via the north trailhead at the main parking lot.

Don’t forget your flashlights if you’re exploring the tunnels!