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This summer shuttle takes you from Vancouver to B.C.’s famed granite tunnels and abandoned railway
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This summer shuttle takes you from Vancouver to B.C.’s famed granite tunnels and abandoned railway

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Expected to reopen in May 2026 after extensive construction and repairs, the historic Othello Tunnels are truly a B.C. treasure worth visiting this spring or summer. Fortunately, Parkbus is introducing a shuttle service in partnership with NatureLink that takes you directly from downtown Vancouver to the remarkable provincial park they’re situated in. So, you get to save on gas and explore a scenic abandoned railway.

Constructed in the early 1900s, the original Canadian Pacific Railway route was built over three mountain ranges to connect the Kootenays to the B.C. coast.

The park protects this historic stretch, called the Kettle Valley Railway, which passes through the canyon and five tunnels. Due to numerous washouts, the railway was officially abandoned in July of 1961, according to BC Parks. 

Simultaneously, the Coquihalla River cut a 300-foot deep channel of solid granite, which later became the famed, hand and river-carved Othello Tunnels.

The tunnels offer visitors unparalleled views of the canyon and river below, as well as access to the Trans Canada Trail and historic Hope-Nicola Cattle Trail.

If you want to skip the two-hour drive, you can opt for Parkbus’ shuttle, which features convenient stops along the way at Hope Memorial Park and Othello Tunnels parking.

It’s a must-visit if you want to explore this historic area in depth, be it on foot or by bike.

When will the shuttle operate?

According to Tourism Hope, Cascades, and Canyons, there are 15 shuttle dates to choose from throughout summer 2026:

  • June 19, 2026
  • June 20, 2026
  • June 27, 2026
  • July 1, 2026
  • July 6, 2026
  • July 11, 2026
  • July 25, 2026
  • Aug. 1, 2026
  • Aug. 3, 2026
  • Aug. 15, 2026
  • Aug. 29, 2026
  • Sept. 19, 2026
  • Sept. 26, 2026
  • Oct. 3, 2026
  • Oct. 10, 2026

For each date, passengers will be picked up at the Bentall Centre (1025 Dunsmuir St.).

For $30 per person (round-trip), you’ll get picked up at 8:30 a.m. on the date of your choosing, returning to downtown Vancouver at 6 p.m.

Don’t miss out on this incredible, easy-to-access local travel experience!

How to get there: Drive two hours and 35 minutes from Vancouver to Coquihalla Canyon Park via Trans-Canada Highway/BC-1 E, or take the $30 Parkbus shuttle from downtown Vancouver on select days this summer.

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Isabelle Vauclair

Staff Writer, Vancouver – Isabelle is a West Coast native with an appreciation for Vancouver’s natural landscape, patio scene, and community spaces. She loves to discover new hidden gems in her neighbourhood and share them with readers across the city.

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