A major tourist attraction in Hope, B.C., that’s been shut down for more than two years because of flood damage will partially re-open this July.
The popular Othello Tunnels in Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park were heavily damaged during the atmospheric rivers that pounded Hope in November of 2021, bringing 120 mm of rain in a single weekend.
“There was a pile of water going through like we’ve never seen before,” recalled Hope Mayor Victor Smith.
All that water did significant damage to the park, known for its historic tunnels, which had been attracting as many as 800 visitors a day during summer months.
“We’ve had various movies (filmed) there, of course, (including) Rambo,” explained Smith of the park’s popularity.
“On a small scale like Hope, it’s like the Grand Canyon to us…. It’s a place you want to see and people keep coming back and they bring their friends,” he …