Othello Tunnels
Othello Tunnels
4.5
This location was reported permanently closed
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience Othello Tunnels and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
39 within 3 miles
Attractions
21 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
887 reviews
Excellent
578
Very good
263
Average
37
Poor
6
Terrible
3
j0ecr
Burnaby, Canada56 contributions
Sep 2020
The parking lot is closed off but the trails are open. The first tunnel via the short trail is gated due to rock fall hazard but the tunnels are accessible via the longer trail to the NW. Nice hike though, especially during the autumn
Written October 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christina C
Coquitlam, Canada6,336 contributions
Oct 2021
On a nice sunny day in October, my son took us to the Othello Tunnels.The parking lot was half full and there were three school buses already there. We bumped into these groups of Junior high school kids in the tunnels trail and they were well behaved.
These old train tunnels and bridges were built in1914. I saw one concrete pole had a date of 1934. These tunnels were built through the solid granite rocks and pass over the Coquihalla River with bridges. That was sure a challenging project. When you go visit you will understand.
Now the railway tracks are no more. It left some uneven flat gravel path to walk and the first tunnel is long and dark, so flashlights are recommended. The whole walking distance you only need 30 minutes at most. But if you want to capture the spectacular breath taking views of each section and corners, be prepared for at least 90 minutes.
Recently because of the heavy rainfall and flood, parts of the tunnels have been damaged by mudslides. I hope it can be fixed and cleared up for 2022 summer for people to enjoy this mother nature's and man-made wonder.
Happy Travelling!
These old train tunnels and bridges were built in1914. I saw one concrete pole had a date of 1934. These tunnels were built through the solid granite rocks and pass over the Coquihalla River with bridges. That was sure a challenging project. When you go visit you will understand.
Now the railway tracks are no more. It left some uneven flat gravel path to walk and the first tunnel is long and dark, so flashlights are recommended. The whole walking distance you only need 30 minutes at most. But if you want to capture the spectacular breath taking views of each section and corners, be prepared for at least 90 minutes.
Recently because of the heavy rainfall and flood, parts of the tunnels have been damaged by mudslides. I hope it can be fixed and cleared up for 2022 summer for people to enjoy this mother nature's and man-made wonder.
Happy Travelling!
Written December 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bibihsu
Vancouver, Canada15 contributions
Jul 2021
Took the family and drove for almost 2 hours. The destination is easy to find on GPS. The tunnels are 10 minutes away from the parking lot and it takes about 20 minutes to walk to the end of the tunnel series. The scenery is amazing and easy for strollers. The trip is very worthwhile and is one of the most beautiful places I visit in BC.
Written August 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
amanda5805
Duncan, Canada7,379 contributions
Jul 2021
This was one of our stops on our road trip. My spouse had been here once as a kid and I have never been here. what a fun but very busy stop. We were there for about an hour but really took our time and enjoyed it. Great spot to take some pictures or just go for a really nice light walk that has some BC history. There are some lovely waterfalls and views over the river. Some of the tunnels are a little dark. I wish I had a flashlight. The one on our phones didn't help much to see where we were walking on uneven gravel.
There are some picnic tables, and some shady areas to park but port-a-potties were very gross. Not sure why people cant clean up after themselves.
These 5 tunnels were constructed in 1914 through cliffs for railway access. The KVR line was in service until a major washout occurred in 1959; it was abandoned in 1961. The tunnels became part of Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park's trail system in 1986.
They have done a great job keeping this visitor friendly for almost any age. I think there must be a trail that hooks up with it. Lots of people riding their bikes. I do like that they build the bridges above the tracks so you can see pieces of it.
There are some picnic tables, and some shady areas to park but port-a-potties were very gross. Not sure why people cant clean up after themselves.
These 5 tunnels were constructed in 1914 through cliffs for railway access. The KVR line was in service until a major washout occurred in 1959; it was abandoned in 1961. The tunnels became part of Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park's trail system in 1986.
They have done a great job keeping this visitor friendly for almost any age. I think there must be a trail that hooks up with it. Lots of people riding their bikes. I do like that they build the bridges above the tracks so you can see pieces of it.
Written February 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Terri P
Agassiz13 contributions
May 2018 • Friends
We decided to do the loop from the tunnels to the parking lot. Walking to the tunnels was easy, past the tunnels the trail splits where you can head back to the parking lot (~5.5 km) or go into Hope (~10 km). We thought the parking lot trail didn't seem that long, and it wouldn't have been, but it was much harder than expected due to the elevation change (basically up, then back down the mountain). The hike offered beautiful views but the trail was narrow and not as well groomed as the trail out to the tunnels. If you're in decent shape it won't be too difficult, but is definitely not for people who are not in good shape or parents with strollers.
Written May 25, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KayleighE9
Kamloops, Canada94 contributions
May 2017 • Couples
This is a beautiful place to visit. Stunning views. Very easy flat hike, suitable for all ages. The old tunnels are great, perfect to learn a bit about the area and how the train track was built. The views of the river from the bridges are just spectacular!
Written April 30, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KathyMapleRidge_B_C_
Maple Ridge, B.C.44 contributions
Jul 2013 • Couples
We drove to Hope and parked in the Tourist Info parking lot. After getting instructions from the tourist info staff we road our bikes through Hope to Kettle Valley Road. We then biked up the Kettle Valley Railway Trail to the Othello Tunnels in Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park. It was a beautiful ride through the forest with the Coquihalla River down below. The tunnels and surrounding area were amazing. There are 5 tunnels to walk through and, as others have said, bring a flashlight as it is very dark in the tunnel even on a hot summer's day. We rode back to town the same way greatly appreciating the slight downhill slope. We detoured through Thacker Regional Park and were able to avoid traffic for most of the return traffic. The total bike ride was approximately 16 kms. Whether you can incorporate a bike ride into your visit or just drive to the Provincial Park and take the short walk through the tunnels, this is one sight on a visit to the Vancouver area that shouldn't be missed.
Written July 31, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
azlib69
Dallas, TX6 contributions
May 2013 • Family
I am sure this is a fantastic experience but its currently shut down while the BC parks service shores up the tunnel walls. So check before you go to see if they are open. They do not have any signs to the effect until you are there. However the 1 km roundtrip walk to the edge of the closed tunnels along the Coquihalla is stunning so for a short hike its worth it.
Written May 14, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
crazyforcats
Toronto Ontario118 contributions
Othello Tunnels may be one of BC's best kept secrets. Located just outside of the town of Hope, they were once part of a train route, but now the tracks are dismantled and the seven caves have been opened up for the public to hike.
The best part is, they're absolutely free! There is ample parking, picnic tables, and public washrooms at the base of the hike. Although there are signs warning about car burglers, if you go in daylight (don't go in early evening... the tunnels are way too dark), you'll find plenty of other hikers around.
Also, on our return, we found a ticket on our windshield... courtesy of a park security guard who regularly checks to make sure vehicles are locked and valuables out of sight. We got a good "review" on our ticket, and I felt better knowing that the guard was there making the rounds to protect our vehicles while we hiked.
The second best part is... the hike is pretty easy, and all family members can manage it. To get to the caves there is a bit of an uphill climb, but that's all pretty short, and once onto the former railroad tracks everything is level.
The tunnels are huge, spectacular, with a lovely rushing river running right beside it to give some breathtaking scenic shots.
The history of the tunnels is interesting... an architectural marvel in that dynamite had to be set into the mountain rock via long ladders from the top of the mountain, and those lighting the dynamite had only seconds to scamper back up the ladder to the top without being blown up. Yet all the caves form a uniform arch.
The tunnels themselves don't take long to hike... an hour at most. There is hiking beyond the caves, which we didn't take time to do.
To find the park entrance, ask anyone living in the town of Hope or surrounding area. Definitely more should be written online about these interesting & fascinating scenic tunnels.
The tunnels are located less than two hours from Vancouver, close to Hell's Gate, Minter Gardens, and Bridal Veil falls.
The best part is, they're absolutely free! There is ample parking, picnic tables, and public washrooms at the base of the hike. Although there are signs warning about car burglers, if you go in daylight (don't go in early evening... the tunnels are way too dark), you'll find plenty of other hikers around.
Also, on our return, we found a ticket on our windshield... courtesy of a park security guard who regularly checks to make sure vehicles are locked and valuables out of sight. We got a good "review" on our ticket, and I felt better knowing that the guard was there making the rounds to protect our vehicles while we hiked.
The second best part is... the hike is pretty easy, and all family members can manage it. To get to the caves there is a bit of an uphill climb, but that's all pretty short, and once onto the former railroad tracks everything is level.
The tunnels are huge, spectacular, with a lovely rushing river running right beside it to give some breathtaking scenic shots.
The history of the tunnels is interesting... an architectural marvel in that dynamite had to be set into the mountain rock via long ladders from the top of the mountain, and those lighting the dynamite had only seconds to scamper back up the ladder to the top without being blown up. Yet all the caves form a uniform arch.
The tunnels themselves don't take long to hike... an hour at most. There is hiking beyond the caves, which we didn't take time to do.
To find the park entrance, ask anyone living in the town of Hope or surrounding area. Definitely more should be written online about these interesting & fascinating scenic tunnels.
The tunnels are located less than two hours from Vancouver, close to Hell's Gate, Minter Gardens, and Bridal Veil falls.
Written June 20, 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Veronica S
Prince George, Canada49 contributions
Apr 2016 • Family
The tunnels were closed, because of a rockslide. The area is very nice, there were good outhouse facilities. There were lots of people visiting. Very picturesque area.
Written April 5, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yes you can. The tunnels are dark at first but once your eyes adjust you’ll have no problem. Avoid middle line, this is where water pools (my trip) but it’s far from being deep. Water trickling down the walls, adds to the atmosphere.
This easy walk is wheel chair friendly and not to be missed.
Written March 6, 2020
Is it cold in the tunnels or are shorts and tshirt fine? Is it scary for people who are afraid of heights?
Written July 14, 2019
The tunnels aren’t very long so shorts and a tshirt are fine if it’s nice out. Maybe bring a sweater just in case. It felt very safe. You need to cross over a few wide and sturdy bridges with the river flowing under you. Not very scary for heights I don’t think.
Written July 15, 2019
I was wondering if this is where the “devil tree” is located?
Written July 6, 2019
I am not aware of such a thing as the devil tree and we visited the tunnel in February and it was closed
Apparently it is open only for a brief amount of time when there isn’t any ice hanging from the roof
Written July 7, 2019
Is this accessible with a full-sized coach? How about parking space? And is it open this time of year?
Written November 8, 2018
What are the park hours? When does it open and when does it close?
Written June 11, 2018
sorary I don't know YET, I've never been and lived in B.C for50 yrs, it is on my bucket list for sure and heading to Vancouver early fall and hope to comlete avisit to Bowen Island, Squamish and Pemberton, ALL beautiful. B C gems
Written July 26, 2018
Heading East - Take the #5 North (Coquihalla Hwy) exit onto Peers Creek exit (first exit outside of Hope on #5). Left on Othello Road follow that to the end (at the fork stay left). Good signage - Enjoy!
Written May 26, 2018
Showing results 1-10 of 23
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listingScroll back to Othello Tunnels information