Coquihalla Canyon (Othello Tunnels)

An extremely popular walk through the Othello Tunnels and Coquihalla Canyon on the old Kettle Valley Railway grade.

Statistics

Othello Tunnels Section Only

Total Distance: 2.5 km (return)
Estimated Time: 1 hour
Average Grade: 2.4%
Structure: Linear - Return
Elevation Gain: 60 m
Start Elevation: 185 m
Min Elevation: 155 m
Max Elevation: 215 m

Parking Lot to Kettle Valley Road

Total Distance: 4.8 km (one-way)
Estimated Time: 1.5 hours
Average Grade: 0.6%
Structure: Linear - One Way
Elevation Gain: 125 m
Start Elevation: 185 m
Min Elevation: 90 m
Max Elevation: 215 m

Directions

Follow Highway #5 (Coquihalla) north from Hope. Take the Othello Road Exit (#183), crossing underneath the highway and reaching a three-way stop sign. Turn left at the stop sign and follow Othello Road for approximately three kilometers. Immediately before the road starts climbing uphill, turn left on to Tunnels Road and follow it to the entrance of Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park.

The area has historically had an extremely high number of car break-ins. Ensure that your doors are locked at all times and no valuables are left in the vehicle.

Details

Leads from Kettle Valley Road, through the Othello Tunnels and to the park's parking lot.

Photographs

GPS Waypoints

Main Trailhead (Coquihalla Canyon Parking Lot) N49.37786 W121.36849 10U 618425 5470742
First Tunnel N49.37406 W121.36874 10U 618416 5470319
Last Tunnel N49.36855 W121.36419 10U 618760 5469714
Hope-Nicola Valley Trailhead / Edge of Park / Gate N49.36598 W121.37315 10U 618115 5469414
Side Trail to Coquihalla River #1 N49.36646 W121.37423 10U 618036 5469466
Side Trail to Coquihalla River #2 N49.36906 W121.39233 10U 616715 5469727
West Trailhead (Kettle Valley Road) N49.37352 W121.40603 10U 615710 5470201