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Othello Tunnels, Hope BC | Our Incredible Walk Through History
Five historic railway tunnels, breathtaking canyon views and a little Hollywood history, one of the Fraser Valley’s most unforgettable walks.
Explore more destinations in our Hope, British Columbia Ultimate Guide, featuring mountain scenery, historic attractions, famous filming locations and firsthand experiences from across the eastern Fraser Valley, including Hope, B.C.
Why Visit the Othello Tunnels?
Imagine walking through enormous tunnels blasted directly through solid granite, crossing bridges suspended high above a raging river and standing in the very canyon where Sylvester Stallone filmed one of the most memorable scenes from Rambo: First Blood.
That’s exactly what makes the Othello Tunnels near Hope, British Columbia, such an extraordinary place to visit.
We returned to the tunnels this summer, and even though we’ve visited many times over the years, the experience never really loses its impact.
Located within Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park, the Othello Tunnels follow a remarkable section of the former Kettle Valley Railway. The historic railway once carried trains through some of the most challenging mountain terrain in British Columbia. Today, visitors can walk along the former railway bed, through tunnels carved into cliffs and across bridges overlooking the powerful Coquihalla River.
For us, this is one of the best easy outdoor experiences in the Fraser Valley. You don’t need to be an experienced hiker, and there’s no enormous climb to tackle. The appeal is the scenery, the history and the almost unbelievable engineering that made the railway possible.
And it’s all within an easy drive from Abbotsford.
Our Summer Road Trip From Abbotsford to Hope
We set off from Abbotsford on a beautiful summer day, heading east along the Trans-Canada Highway toward Hope.
It’s a drive we’ve completed many times, but the scenery never disappoints. Leaving Abbotsford, the highway passes through the agricultural heart of the Fraser Valley, with farms, fields and spectacular mountain views accompanying much of the journey.
As we approached Chilliwack and continued east, the mountains became increasingly dramatic. The broad agricultural valley gradually gave way to steeper hillsides and forested slopes.
Hope is approximately a 40-minute drive from Abbotsford in favourable traffic conditions, depending on where you start. It’s an easy journey for a day trip, although we always recommend allowing extra time during busy summer weekends.
Once we reached Hope, we continued toward the Othello Tunnels, which are roughly another 15 minutes from town.
How to Find the Othello Tunnels
From Hope, follow the signs for Highway 5, the Coquihalla Highway, heading toward Merritt.
Take Exit 183 for Othello Road. After leaving the highway, follow Othello Road back toward Hope for approximately 3 kilometres. Watch for the provincial park signage and turn onto Tunnels Road, which leads to the main parking area.
The final approach is along a quieter, forested road. Once you’ve made the turn toward the park, continue to the paved parking lot at the trailhead.
If you’re using Google Maps, search for Othello Tunnels Parking Lot, Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park, rather than simply searching for Othello Tunnels.
Parking is free, and there are basic toilet facilities near the trailhead.
Two Important Reminders Before Leaving the Car
1. Don’t leave valuables in your vehicle.
This applies to most popular trailhead parking areas, and the Othello Tunnels are no exception. Take wallets, cameras, electronics and other valuables with you. Don’t assume hiding them under a seat is enough.
2. Be Bear Aware!
Black bears live throughout this part of British Columbia, including the forested landscape surrounding the Coquihalla Canyon.
Interestingly, despite visiting the Othello Tunnels many times over the years, we’ve never actually seen a bear here. That doesn’t mean they aren’t around!
Make noise as you walk, keep food secure, stay on designated trails and give wildlife plenty of space.
Walking the Othello Tunnels – Into the Heart of the Canyon
From the parking lot, we joined the trail leading toward the tunnels. The first thing worth mentioning is just how manageable this walk is.
Unlike many British Columbia hiking routes, you aren’t facing steep mountain climbs or endless switchbacks. The pathway follows the original railway grade, meaning the route is largely flat with only gentle changes in elevation.
We allowed around 30–45 minutes for the main walk through the tunnels, although we’d recommend giving yourself longer if, like us, you enjoy stopping to admire the scenery and take photographs.
The complete out-and-back experience is better enjoyed at a leisurely pace, particularly when the bridges and viewpoints are busy.
As we approached the first tunnel, the scenery changed quite dramatically. The forest suddenly gave way to towering granite walls, and the sound of rushing water began echoing through the canyon.
And then we were standing at the entrance to the first enormous railway tunnel.
Into the Darkness, Bring a Flashlight!
The tunnels are one of the main reasons to visit, but there’s something you should know before entering.
Some sections are pitch black.
Even on a bright summer day, the longer tunnels become extremely dark once you’re away from the entrances. We found ourselves walking carefully, watching our footing and adjusting to the changing light. These are historic railway tunnels rather than modern pedestrian tunnels, so don’t expect perfectly smooth flooring throughout.
The walking surface is generally compacted gravel, but there can be uneven patches, loose stones, damp areas and small puddles caused by water dripping from the rock above.
A flashlight or headlamp makes a considerable difference. Your phone light can help, but a proper torch is much better. We would also strongly recommend sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes rather than sandals or flip-flops.
And don’t rush through!
Take a moment to look at the tunnel walls and ceilings. The sheer scale of the excavation becomes much more impressive when you realize that trains once travelled through these narrow passages.
The Canyon Bridges – Absolutely Breathtaking!
For us, the most spectacular sections of the walk aren’t necessarily inside the tunnels. They’re the moments when you emerge from the darkness and find yourself standing on one of the bridges overlooking the canyon.
The contrast is extraordinary. One moment you’re walking through a dark passage carved into the mountain. The next, you’re surrounded by towering cliffs, forest-covered slopes and a powerful river rushing far below.
The Coquihalla River has carved a deep gorge through the solid granite, creating a landscape that looks almost too dramatic to be real.
On our visit, the water was moving incredibly fast. It looked icy cold, churning and crashing around enormous boulders as it forced its way through the narrow canyon.
The noise was tremendous. Standing on the updated walkways and bridges, we could look down into the gorge and appreciate both the natural beauty and the enormous challenge faced by the railway engineers who originally constructed this route.
Some sections seem to cling to the side of the cliffs, with the river far below and solid rock towering overhead. It’s difficult to imagine how anyone managed to build a railway through this environment more than a century ago.
And yet they did. The restored walkways are particularly impressive, allowing visitors to experience the remarkable scenery while remaining on the designated route.
We stopped several times for photographs, but even the best camera struggles to capture the true scale of the canyon.
Wait, Isn’t This Where Rambo Was Filmed?
Yes! One of the reasons Hope is so well known internationally is its connection to the 1982 movie First Blood, starring Sylvester Stallone as John Rambo.
Much of the film was shot in Hope and the surrounding mountains, and the Coquihalla Canyon was used for one of its memorable action sequences.
Remember the scene where Rambo is trapped high on a cliff, with a helicopter threatening him from above, before he makes a desperate jump?
That sequence was filmed in the Othello Tunnels area.
Standing beside the canyon, we couldn’t help thinking about the movie and looking toward the enormous cliffs. The terrain is incredibly steep, and the thought of anyone hanging from those rock faces is enough to make you appreciate just how dramatic the setting really is.
The tunnels themselves are not the central feature of the movie sequence, but the canyon provides the recognizable landscape. If you’ve watched First Blood, visiting this part of Hope adds another layer to the experience.
Of course, we were more than happy to remain safely on the walkway rather than attempt anything remotely resembling Rambo’s adventures!
Reaching the End, Then Doing It All Again!
We continued through the tunnels, enjoying the changing views as the path moved between darkness, open bridges and forested sections.
Eventually, we reached the end of the accessible route on our summer visit. Rather than continuing onto a longer connecting trail, we turned around and headed back the same way.
And this is actually one of the things we love about the Othello Tunnels. The return walk doesn’t feel like a repetition.
Looking back toward the canyon from the opposite direction reveals different views of the cliffs, river and historic structures. The light changes, the perspectives are different and there always seems to be another interesting photograph waiting to be taken.
We took our time heading back toward the parking lot, once again enjoying the remarkable engineering and beautiful surroundings.
By the time we arrived back at the car, we’d enjoyed a wonderful outdoor experience without the physical demands of a major mountain hike. Just the way we like it!
Back to Hope for Lunch at the Blue Moose
With our walk completed, we decided to head back into downtown Hope for something to eat. And we already knew exactly where we were going.
The Blue Moose Coffee House has become one of our favourite cafés in Hope, and it’s an excellent place to stop after exploring the surrounding countryside.
Located on Wallace Street in the heart of town, it has the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere we enjoy when travelling. We stopped for a sandwich and a hot drink, which was a particularly nice way to finish our morning adventure.
There’s something very satisfying about sitting down with a good coffee after spending time outdoors, especially when you’ve just been walking through a historic railway system surrounded by spectacular mountains.
Hope itself is worth exploring if you have time. The downtown area features interesting local shops, restaurants, historical landmarks and the famous chainsaw carvings scattered around the community.
But for us, the combination of the Othello Tunnels followed by lunch at the Blue Moose makes a terrific day out.
Blue Moose Coffee House
322 Wallace Street, Hope, British Columbia
Visit the Blue Moose website
The Fascinating History of the Othello Tunnels
How Engineers Built a Railway Through an Almost Impossible Canyon
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Othello Tunnels is that they weren’t originally designed for tourists. They were created because railway engineers faced an enormous geographical problem.
In the early 20th century, the Canadian Pacific Railway wanted a railway connection between British Columbia’s southern Interior and the coast.
The solution became the Kettle Valley Railway, an ambitious railway system that crossed mountainous terrain, deep valleys and challenging river systems. Construction required extraordinary determination, particularly along the Coquihalla subdivision near Hope.
A 300-Foot-Deep Granite Canyon
The Coquihalla River had carved a gorge approximately 300 feet deep through solid granite. For railway engineers, this created an extremely difficult obstacle.
A railway needs relatively gentle gradients and broad enough curves for trains to travel safely. Simply following the natural bends of the river through such a narrow canyon wasn’t practical. The solution was extraordinary.
Engineers planned a series of tunnels driven directly through the granite cliffs, connected by bridges spanning sections of the gorge. The result became the five tunnels we know today.
Andrew McCulloch — The Engineer Behind the Vision
The construction of this difficult section of railway is closely associated with chief engineer Andrew McCulloch. McCulloch was responsible for overseeing some of the most challenging railway engineering work in the region. He and his crews faced difficult access, unstable terrain, harsh weather and the enormous task of excavating through solid rock.
Work on the tunnels took place during the early 1910s, with the five Othello Tunnels constructed in 1914. The Kettle Valley Railway route through this region opened in 1916. It’s worth remembering that this was long before modern tunnel-boring machines, laser-guided surveying and today’s heavy construction equipment.
Workers relied on drilling, explosives, surveying equipment, physical labour and the engineering techniques available at the time. Even transporting construction materials and equipment into the canyon would have presented major challenges.
Standing inside the tunnels today, it’s difficult to imagine just how demanding the work must have been.
Why Are They Called the Othello Tunnels?
This is one of our favourite pieces of local history.
Andrew McCulloch was reportedly an enthusiastic reader of William Shakespeare, and many railway stations and locations along the Coquihalla subdivision were named after characters from Shakespeare’s plays.
Names associated with the railway included Romeo, Juliet, Iago, Portia, Jessica and Lear. And, of course, Othello. The famous tunnels inherited their name from this Shakespearean connection. It’s an unexpected literary story behind one of British Columbia’s most dramatic pieces of industrial engineering.
From Working Railway to Historic Walking Trail
For decades, the Kettle Valley Railway helped move goods and passengers through southern British Columbia. But as road transportation became more practical and railway operations changed, sections of the route gradually declined. Railway service through the Coquihalla subdivision ended in the late 1950s.
Rather than disappearing entirely, the tunnels eventually became part of the trail system within Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park. Today, visitors can appreciate a remarkable piece of Canadian railway history on foot rather than from the window of a train.
The Devastating 2021 Floods and the Tunnel Restoration
In November 2021, British Columbia experienced a devastating atmospheric river event that caused widespread flooding, landslides and infrastructure damage. The Coquihalla Canyon was among the areas badly affected.
Floodwaters and slope failures damaged bridges, trails and other structures throughout the park, forcing the closure of the Othello Tunnels. Restoration required extensive engineering work, including replacing damaged bridges, stabilizing rock slopes and repairing the former railway trail. Sections reopened progressively in 2024 and 2025, with further restoration continuing into 2026.
During our summer visit, the updated walkways and bridges were among the most impressive features of the experience.
Considering the damage caused by the floods, it’s remarkable to see this historic attraction being restored for future generations. The reopening has also reminded us how vulnerable even substantial infrastructure can be when confronted by the immense power of British Columbia’s rivers and mountains.
Black Bears at the Othello Tunnels: Be Bear Aware!
The Othello Tunnels are located in a forested mountain environment, which means visitors are sharing the area with wildlife.
Black bears are found throughout the region, and although we’ve visited the tunnels many times without seeing one, we never assume that means they’re absent. Bears can move quietly through the forest, and encounters are possible even on popular trails.
What You Should Know About Black Bears
Black bears are generally cautious around people, and many encounters end with the bear simply moving away. However, they are powerful wild animals that deserve respect and plenty of space.
During spring and summer, bears spend much of their time searching for food, including vegetation, berries and insects. Depending on the season and location, they may also feed on fish or other natural food sources.
In autumn, their feeding activity increases as they prepare for winter.
Our Bear Safety Tips
- Make your presence known. Talk normally with your companions, especially around bends or areas with limited visibility.
- Carry bear spray. Keep it accessible and know how to use it. Bear spray buried at the bottom of a backpack won’t help in an emergency.
- Never approach a bear. Keep your distance, even if the animal appears calm.
- Don’t run if you encounter a bear. Stay calm, speak quietly and slowly back away while observing its behaviour.
- Keep children close and dogs on a leash. Pets can provoke wildlife encounters.
- Never feed bears or leave food waste behind. Human food can attract bears to busy visitor areas.
- Stay on the designated trail. Avoid wandering into dense vegetation or closed sections of the park.
If you encounter an aggressive bear, follow current BC Parks wildlife guidance and be prepared to use bear spray when appropriate.
Remember, we’re visiting their environment, not the other way around.
For official advice, read the BC Parks Wildlife Safety Guide.
The Coquihalla River: What’s Living Beneath That Raging Water?
The powerful river flowing through the canyon is the Coquihalla River, one of the most important natural features of this entire experience. From the bridges, the river looks both beautiful and intimidating.
Its clear, often turquoise-coloured water rushes between enormous boulders, creating whitewater, swirling currents and deep pools. On our visit, it was moving at an incredible speed.
We certainly wouldn’t want to find ourselves anywhere near the water’s edge. But despite its wild appearance, the Coquihalla River is also an important aquatic habitat.
Salmon, Steelhead and Other Fish
The Coquihalla River supports several fish species, with different sections providing migration, spawning and rearing habitats.
Steelhead Trout: Steelhead are an ocean-migrating form of rainbow trout. They return to freshwater rivers to spawn and are among the important fish associated with the Coquihalla watershed.
Rainbow Trout: Resident rainbow trout also occur within the river system.
Pacific Salmon: Salmon use accessible portions of the Coquihalla River, although the canyon’s steep waterfalls and natural barriers restrict how far some species can travel upstream.
Bull Trout and Dolly Varden: These cold-water fish have also been documented within the wider Coquihalla River system.
Mountain Whitefish and Other Native Fish: The watershed supports additional species, including sculpins and other fish adapted to river environments.
Why the Canyon Is Important to Fish
The river’s deep pools, rocky channels and varying flow conditions create different types of fish habitat. However, the steep canyon around the Othello Tunnels also forms a natural obstacle to some migrating fish.
Waterfalls, turbulent rapids and narrow passages can prevent fish from reaching upstream habitats. This makes the surrounding river system particularly interesting from an ecological perspective. It’s another reminder that the canyon isn’t simply a spectacular tourist attraction. It’s a functioning natural ecosystem.
Important: Do Not Enter the River
As impressive as the water looks, this is not somewhere to swim or paddle.
The Coquihalla River can be exceptionally dangerous because of its fast currents, submerged rocks, deep water and difficult access. Enjoy the river from the designated bridges and viewpoints, and keep children well away from unprotected edges.
BC Parks prohibits swimming in Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park.
Planning Your Visit: What You Need to Know
Location: Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park, Hope, British Columbia, Canada
Getting there: Highway 5, Exit 183, then Othello Road and Tunnels Road to the parking lot.
Distance from Abbotsford: Approximately 40 minutes to Hope, plus another 15 minutes to the tunnels in favourable conditions.
Walking difficulty: Easy overall, following a mostly flat former railway grade. Tunnel surfaces can be uneven or wet.
Walking time: Allow at least 45–75 minutes for a relaxed visit, with longer if taking plenty of photographs. The accessible distance depends on current closures.
Entrance and parking: Free.
Best time to visit: Late spring through early autumn, subject to seasonal access and repairs.
What to bring: Walking shoes, flashlight, water, charged phone, camera and accessible bear spray.
Toilets: Basic facilities are available near the main parking area.
Dogs: Permitted on designated trails when kept on a leash.
Accessibility: The trail is relatively flat, but the gravel surface, uneven tunnel flooring and wet conditions may create challenges for visitors using mobility aids.
Safety: Remain on designated routes, observe closure signs and never climb barriers or enter the river.
Current park information: BC Parks — Coquihalla Canyon Park
5 More Places to Visit Near the Othello Tunnels
If you’re making the journey from Abbotsford, Vancouver or elsewhere in the Fraser Valley, there’s no reason to limit your day to the tunnels.
Hope and the surrounding region offer some outstanding attractions.
1. Downtown Hope: Rambo History and Chainsaw Carvings
Hope has an interesting connection to the original First Blood film, and the town embraces its Hollywood history. You can visit local filming locations, see the distinctive chainsaw carvings around downtown and explore the town’s shops and cafés.
We particularly enjoy stopping at the Blue Moose Coffee House after a morning of sightseeing.
2. Kawkawa Lake: A Beautiful Mountain-Lake Escape
Only a short drive from downtown Hope, Kawkawa Lake is a peaceful destination surrounded by forested mountains.
It’s an attractive place to stop for photographs, enjoy the lakeside surroundings or spend some time relaxing after walking the tunnels. The lake has designated recreation areas and is popular during the summer months.
3. Hope Slide: One of Canada’s Most Dramatic Natural Disasters
Travel east along Highway 3 to visit the site of the devastating Hope Slide.
On January 9, 1965, an enormous landslide swept down Johnson Peak, burying part of the highway and permanently changing the valley. A viewpoint and interpretive information help visitors understand the scale of the disaster.
The vast field of rock debris remains visible today.
4. Yale Historic Site: Gold Rush History in the Fraser Canyon
North of Hope along Highway 1, Yale was once one of British Columbia’s most important Gold Rush communities.
During the Fraser Canyon Gold Rush of 1858, thousands of prospectors travelled through the area. Today, Yale retains historical buildings and connections to the early development of colonial British Columbia.
It’s a fascinating destination for anyone interested in history.
5. Bridal Veil Falls: One of the Fraser Valley’s Most Beautiful Waterfalls
If you’re returning west toward Abbotsford, consider stopping at Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park near Chilliwack. A forest trail leads toward an impressive waterfall cascading down a broad rock face.
It’s particularly beautiful in spring and early summer when water levels are higher. The falls make an excellent addition to a Fraser Valley day trip, although seasonal trail and park access should be checked.
Our Verdict: Is the Othello Tunnels Walk Worth Visiting?
Absolutely.
We’ve visited the Othello Tunnels several times, and there’s something about this place that keeps us coming back. Perhaps it’s the dramatic canyon scenery, the roar of the Coquihalla River or the extraordinary railway history.
Maybe it’s the fact that you can experience such spectacular surroundings without tackling a major mountain hike. Or perhaps it’s simply the combination of fresh mountain air, fascinating history and a good sandwich and coffee in Hope afterwards!
Whatever the reason, this remains one of our favourite easy day trips in the eastern Fraser Valley. It’s an experience we’d recommend to families, couples, photographers, history enthusiasts and anyone who enjoys getting outdoors.
Just remember your flashlight, watch your footing, stay away from the river and be Bear Aware.
Our recommendation: Put the Othello Tunnels on your British Columbia travel list. It’s one of those places where the photographs are impressive, but the real experience is even better.
Continue Exploring British Columbia With My Return Ticket
We travel throughout British Columbia discovering historic towns, spectacular natural attractions, scenic drives, restaurants and experiences worth sharing.
Every review is based on our real travels, with our own photographs, videos and honest opinions about what we enjoyed and occasionally what we didn’t.
This article is part of our 🚗 Fraser Valley Day Trip series, exploring Canadian communities. Discover communities like Langley, Surrey, Maple Ridge, Mission, Abbotsford, Chilliwack and Hope. Our adventure takes us through diverse towns, spectacular lakes, international events, and many hidden gems of the Valley. Read the complete series here.
Continue Exploring:
- Hope, Canada | Ultimate Guide: Our complete introduction to Hope and its surrounding attractions.
- Othello Tunnels, Hope BC: Our summer walk through five historic railway tunnels and the spectacular Coquihalla Canyon.
- Rambo Movie Film Locations: Discover all the film locations from the hit movie Rambo: First Blood, filmed in Hope, BC
- Kawkawa Lake, Hope BC: Our guide to a beautiful, family-friendly mountain lake just minutes from downtown Hope.
- Cthulhu’s Fish & Chips, Hope BC: Another independent restaurant we discovered while exploring the town’s Rambo filming locations.
- British Columbia Road Trips: Scenic drives, historic communities and memorable destinations across the province.
- And of course the Blue Moose Coffee House
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