Othello Tunnels

Othello Tunnels Path in Hope, BC is short, easy, and way more dramatic than the stats suggest. This old Kettle Valley Railway grade follows the Coquihalla River through steep canyon walls and a series of hand-carved tunnels, so you get big scenery for very little effort. The route is officially marked as closed in places, but people are still walking the open sections, so go in knowing access is limited and conditions can change fast.

The walk itself is wide, flat, and smooth, more like a park path than a backcountry trail. You move in and out of dark tunnels into bright canyon views, with the river far below and sheer rock on both sides. On fall days, the colours pop along the Othello Tunnels Path, and in season you can sometimes spot sockeye salmon in the water below, which makes this tiny 1.6 km out-and-back feel pretty unique for such a quick stop.

Right now, expect partial openings only: recent reports say the trail is open from the parking lot through about the third or fourth tunnel, with construction and closures beyond that. It’s very busy on weekends and parking can be a headache, though turnover is fast thanks to the short 26-minute average walk. The path is dry and easy for all ages, but stay well back from the river, as there have been serious incidents, and keep in mind this isn’t currently worth a long dedicated drive from Vancouver until Coquihalla Canyon Park is fully repaired and the full Othello Tunnels route reopens; it shines best as a quick, scenic leg-stretch if you’re already passing through Hope.