Hope, B.C’s storm-damaged Othello Tunnels to partially re-open to visitors in July

A portion of the popular Othello Tunnels trail will re-open to the public in the second week of July.

The trails, in Coquihalla Canyon Park just outside of Hope, was heavily damaged in November 2021 along with the historic atmospheric river event.

The first phase of restoration work is already underway, and the province has now announced that the first two tunnels along the trail will be ready for this summer season of tourism. Officials toured the site with media on June 20, confirming what the province had announced in the spring this year.

More than 30 areas of the park were damaged in 2021, including the tunnels, which were created in 1914 for the rail lines.

Bridge foundations were also affected, along with the stability of the canyon slopes above and inside the tunnels, increasing the risk of falling rocks. Local access roads and trails were also eroded by the flooding.

Many were initially concerned that the park would never receive the funding required to restore access, which would be a major hit to Hope’s tourism. However, this recent restoration work will allow people to access the park via the parking lot through to the end of the second tunnel.

The province announced June 20 that “crews have nearly finished removing loose or unstable soil, rocks and vegetation along the canyon slopes and tunnels, and steel bars have been grouted into place to help stabilize rocks. Pinned mesh will be added to part of the ceiling and walls of the first tunnel.

“Sprayed concrete will be applied wherever the rock is significantly deteriorated.”

Visitors will notice that drape mesh will be installed along portions of the top of the canyon slope. This is to help reduce the risk of falling debris onto the trail. Some trail sections are also being resurfaced and elevated to prevent similar damage from flooding.

The exact date of the reopening will be posted on the park webpage and BC Parks social media in the coming weeks. The rest of the park is projected to open in 2025.

The total cost of the project is approximately $4.5 million and is largely supported through the Government of Canada’s Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements. BC Parks is working with First Nations and archeology and cultural heritage specialists to avoid potential impacts to archeological and heritage values during construction.

If you go:

Learn more at bcparks.ca/coquihalla-canyon-park

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