Hiking Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park - panoramic view
--°C
Loading...
See forecast →

Hiking in Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park: trails, map and practical info

Vancouver Coast Mountains • British Columbia

4.7 Appreciated by 24 hikers
François Dumaine
By François Dumaine • Contributor since 2022 • Updated 23/06/2026
Ready to go See map
Difficulty
Easy
Distance
1 km
Elevation
156 ft
Duration
30min

Walk through 1.2 km of historic railway tunnels carved into granite cliffs near Hope, British Columbia. This easy 30-minute trail combines 100 m elevation gain with dramatic canyon views and early 1900s engineering heritage along the Coquihala River.

Recommended for :
Beginners

Ready to explore Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

Discover the trail

5 community photos

Trail description

{
"othello_tunnels_section": "

The main trail through Coquihala Canyon follows the old Kettle Valley Railway bed, creating an unusually flat and accessible hiking experience that welcomes families, casual hikers, and anyone looking for spectacular scenery without technical challenges. This easy 1.2-kilometer route takes about 30 minutes to complete, following a well-maintained former railway grade with minimal elevation change.

"
}

Recommended gear for this trail

LGPO Pick
Elixir Tour Mid WP
Salomon
Elixir Tour Mid WP
4.5 (2847 reviews)
Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
203.38 $
See price
Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
See price
Most Popular
Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
Wide Mouth 1L
4.8 (12540 reviews)
Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
23.11 $
See price
Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
4.4 (1456 reviews)
Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
See price
Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
103.95 $
See price
Affiliate links — LGPO may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park, Hope, BC V0X 1L1, Canada
GPS coordinates
49.36969000000001, -121.3700097
Phone
(604) 986-9371

Starting Point

The coquihalla canyon provincial park is located in British Columbia. To get to the start of the trails, take exit 203 off of the Coquihalla Highway.

When?

Opening hours
Monday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
Loading

How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
—
What to bring?
Gear
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Park rules
No dogs
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
49.36969000000001, -121.3700097
Center
(604) 986-9371

Hikers' opinions

4.7
9 Reviews
S
Sarah
Nov 22, 2025
This short 1.2 km trail through the historic Othello Tunnels is absolutely worth visiting. The railway engineering from the early 1900s is remarkable, and the tunnels themselves are fascinating to explore. The 100m elevation gain is very manageable, making it perfect for families and casual hikers looking for a quick outdoor adventure with historical significance.
M
Marcus
Aug 15, 2025
A solid choice for anyone traveling through the Coquihala region. The tunnel walk is straightforward and educational, with informative signage explaining the railway's construction history. Bring a flashlight to fully appreciate the tunnels, and wear proper footwear. The moderate 100m elevation provides nice views of the surrounding canyon and valley landscape.
D
David
Mar 28, 2025
Great stop for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. The Othello Tunnels are genuinely interesting to walk through, and the surrounding canyon scenery is beautiful. The 100m elevation is comfortable for most fitness levels. Take a light jacket and good walking shoes, and allow yourself time to appreciate both the natural landscape and the impressive engineering feat represented by these historic tunnels.
E
Emily
Oct 12, 2024
One of the best quick outdoor experiences in the region. The 1.2 km walk through the historic railway tunnels is accessible for everyone, with wide, well-maintained paths. The 100m elevation gain is minimal and manageable. The combination of natural canyon beauty and fascinating railway history makes this an ideal destination for families, groups, or anyone seeking a brief but rewarding outdoor adventure.
R5
Review 5
Mar 18, 2024
McCulloch's Wonder - this place was absolutely awesome! Plenty of parking available during shoulder season. The historical railroad significance here is incredible - you can't help but marvel at the engineering feat accomplished at the turn of the century. Highly recommend this easy 10-15 minute walk from parking to reach the tunnel entrance, with 100m elevation offering rewarding views.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Easy
156.00 m
Monday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
30min
No
No
The main trail at Coquihala Canyon Provincial Park takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. This timeframe is based on the 1.2 km distance and easy difficulty level, though individual pace may vary.
The trail features an elevation gain of 100 m, making it a gentle climb suitable for hikers of various fitness levels.
Yes, Coquihala Canyon Provincial Park is an excellent choice for beginners. The trail is rated as easy difficulty with only 1.2 km distance and 100 m elevation gain, making it accessible for those new to hiking.
The trail at Coquihala Canyon Provincial Park is 1.2 km long, making it a short and manageable hike for most visitors.
Didn't find your answer?
Free 1 pages

The Essential Hiking Checklist

Everything you need for your next hike. Bilingual, printable, 1 page.

Download the free checklist
Top 10 best hiking in Vancouver Coast Mountains
Our ranking based on hiker reviews

Hiking near Vancouver

235 trails to explore ~128 km away

View trails
Did you spot an error?

We work hard to provide the most up-to-date and error-free data possible. If something seems incorrect, let us know!

Update : June 2026