The Othello tunnels - A park you shouldn't miss in BC

Enjoying the view to the Coquihalla Canyon near Hope, BC

They say some of the best things in life are free.  This is certainly the case with the Othello Tunnels Rail Trail.  The trail is part of the Coquihalla National Provincial Park and it is located just outside Hope, BC.  Hope, for those of you not familiar with it, is called Hollywood North since many movies have been filmed here.  When you are in the Hope area and look at the rugged beauty around you, you see why action scenes in movies like the 80s Rambo where filmed here. 

On my first visit to the tunnels my husband tricked me into believing we had to crawl though some caves filled with bats to get to the other side of the park.  I was ready for it, camera in hand and all.  I felt a little disappointed when I found out it was not the case but once I passed the first tunnel and saw the scenery that surrounded us my disappointment vanished.

The Coquihalla rapid waters roaring below me

The Othello Tunnels were part of the former Kettle Valley Railway that passed through Southern BC.  So they are big enough to fit a big, steaming train.  The Kettle Valley is said to be one of the most expensive  railways to have ever been built in the world.  Its construction took from 1911 to 1918 and it is said many workers, many of them of Asian origin, died in the blasts that cut through the canyon rock.  This part of the Kettle Railway was declared out of service in 1959.  The trail-tracks have been removed and now visitors can enjoy the 2 kilometers-hike that goes through the 5 tunnels (called the Quintette Tunnels).  The tunnels are dark so it is a good idea to bring a flashlight but you will be OK without one because the tunnels are not all that long.  The best part of the trail is the bridges; pause and enjoy the views of the Coquihalla river canyon that they offer.   If you look close you could even see some fish jumping around in the roaring river waters.

There are picnics tables near the parking lot are and next to the river and also pit toilets.  Keep in mind the trail is closed during Winter time,  from November to March, due to the increase chance of rock slides so plan your visit accordingly.  Check out people's opinions of the park on TripAdvisor here.

This video offers more views of the scenery surrounding the Othello Tunnels.