Difficulty: EASY

Rating: 5/5

Duration: <1hr

Accessibility: car

Othello tunnels

Description:

Othello Tunnels are the perfect break on a drive to Vancouver. Othello Tunnels were built as part of the Kettle Valley Railway in 1914. The tunnels have since been decommissioned and incorporated into part of the greater Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park's trail system as of 1986. 

There are three tunnels on this trail and they are gorgeous. The tunnels are unlit; you will be in pitch darkness while walking through them. The scale of the tunnels and surrounding mountains will leave you in awe. The trail is flat and well maintained. Perfect for cycling or jogging if you are in the area.

A beautiful green river flows to the left of the path. This makes for amazing photo opportunities. Take the time to admire the natural beauty of the trail. This is truly a special experience.

If you’re looking to do a hike with someone special, this one has something unique for you. On a fence in the last tunnel, many travellers attach a lock with the initials of them and their special someone engraved. This signifies their love will last forever.

At the end of the tunnels one has the option of doing a loop over the mountain to the right of the trail. The loop is an extra 3.3km, and will take around an hour to complete at a moderate pace. Near the summit of the loop is a bench and a lookout of the mountain to the left. In cloudy weather one can see the mountain disappear into the sky.

If you are driving from Kelowna to Vancouver, take the time to walk through these. Lasting under an hours, it’s the perfect place to stretch your legs.

*Note: The tunnels undergo an annual inspection for safety after the winter so the tunnels are generally closed until May long weekend every year. You may check them out earlier at your own risk earlier in the season.

Directions:

This hike is approximately 2 hours 30 minutes drive from Kelowna, 2 hours from Vancouver, or 15 minutes from Hope.

  1. Coming from Kelowna, drive south on Highway 97 towards Vancouver.
  2. Just before Hope turn right onto Exit 183 for Othello Rd.
  3. Follow Othello Rd. for 3.6km keeping left alongside the creek.
  4. Turn left at the fork onto Tunnels Rd, and follow it until you reach the parking lot.

Click to view this route on GoogleMaps!

GPS Coordinates:

  • Exit 183 turnoff: 49.388846, -121.318895
  • Parking / trailhead: 49.378293, -121.369517

Features:

  • Tunnels
  • Dog Friendly
  • Creek
  • Canyon
  • Jogging trail
  • Cycling
  • Trestles