14 Amazing Summer Day Trips Close To Langley

1.  The Othello Tunnels (Kettle Valley Trails)

The Othello Tunnels are a series of old train tunnels and bridges that cut through the solid granite walls and pass over the wild Coquihalla River. The tunnels are located just east of of Hope, BC, in the Coquihalla Provincial Park and the trail is a short, flat 3.5km return route.In the early 1900's, the Canadian Pacific Railway decided to connect the southern coast of British Columbia with the Kootenays and it was determined the best option was a route through the Coquihalla Gorge. Today, the route no longer has railway tracks and has been restored as part of the Kettle Valley Railway Trail, a popular cycling route that follows the old train routes over trestles and through tunnels and is noted for it's gradual change in elevation.
The Coast Mountain Range proved quite a challenge to build a railway through and walking over the bridges in the Othello Tunnels area, it becomes quite evident how difficult it must have been. The sheer rock cliffs, the violently rushing water below, and the remoteness makes it seem incredible that any infrastructure could be built in such an environment, let alone over 100-years ago with limited engineering equipment. From the parking lot, follow the signs along the wide trail near the Coquihalla River. The former railroad bed is flat and an easy walk for families of all ages. Not far along, the first tunnel can be seen ahead as you follow the trail into the dark tunnel. The trail briefly exits the tunnel before entering tunnel #2.

After existing tunnel #2, the route crosses a bridge where the Coquihalla River rages through the rocky canyon below. Continue walking through tunnel #3 to another bridge with views of the canyon. After walking through tunnel #4, the Othello Tunnels route abruptly ends, although the trail keeps going all the way to the town of Hope. At the end of the tunnels is the turnaround point where visitors walk back through the same tunnels, returning to the parking lot. One other piece of history, due to the canyon's rugged look, the park has made several appearances in popular films over the years. The most notable was Rambo First Blood where the cliff above Tunnel #2 was used in the spectacular cliff jump scene. Other movies that filmed scenes around Othello Tunnels include Fire With Fire, The Adventures of Yellow Dog, and Shoot To Kill. 


The Mountain Bike Park on Whistler Mountain has quickly become one of the best in North America and the city hosts several festivals and events each year, including the World Ski & Snowboard Festival in April and the Crankworx Mountain Bike Festival in August.I can keep going, but I think you get the picture. Go to Whistler!







If you like white water rafting you might want to include a half day excursion down the Fraser River. There are a few rafting companies in the area – Fraser River Raft Expeditions and Kumsheen Rafting (about 45 minutes north of Hell’s Gate).

12. Davidson Pool ( Hot Rocks )

Before the time Maple Ridge had built outdoor or indoor swimming pools, local people found their way to the refreshing waters of the North and South Alouette rivers, Kanaka Creek and Whonnock Lake.The chilly North Alouette River is fed by snow melt, and the slightly warmer South Alouette River drains the south end of Alouette Lake.There are swimming holes at various locations along the South Alouette before the two rivers join in Pitt Meadows.One of the most spectacular and popular places to swim is Davidson’s Pool, located a little way upstream from Maple Ridge Park.An earlier name for the swimming hole was Smedly’s Pool, changed to recall the next landowner, J. Davidson.In earlier days, long before there was a dam controlling the flow of the South Alouette River, the Katzie First Nations fished the waters of Davidson’s Pool. They were careful to keep their canoes and paddles from colliding with the natural rock formations, in order not to disturb the spirits of the place.After the arrival of European settlers here, loggers used the swift flowing waters to float logs downstream.Today’s photo of the crowd at Davidson’s pool was taken in the 1940s by the late George Clark. You will notice a cement block supporting a diving board, located over the deepest part of the pool.A 1935 photo in the Maple Ridge Museum collection shows a log bridge built over the river, but it was swept away by high winter water.Another attraction that people remember was a rope tied to an overhanging tree on the north side of the pool. Daring young people would swing out over the water for a quick splashing entry.The diving board was used and abused, with some daredevils riding their bicycles down the path, along the board and into the pool, with no regard for swimmers below.The Maple Ridge parks department took over the dilapidated row of Cross’s Cabins on the north bank of the river to create a parking area and a picnic park.The district also made a small parking place on the south side, with interpretive signage provided by the Maple Ridge Community Heritage Commission.Probably with fear for public safety, the district removed the diving board and fenced off the cement platform. People still follow their irresistible impulse to dive or jump into the pool.Another favourite way to enjoy the cool waters of Davidson’s Pool is to drift downstream on an innertube or other flotation device.
People enter the South Alouette River further upstream, then float downstream, bumping into the occasional rock.The sun heated ‘hot rocks’ around the pool offer the perfect warming or sunbathing place.Thanks to the tree growth nearby, there is always a shady retreat as well.Despite all the other swimming options now available around Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, Davidson’s Pool remains a cherished and well-used summer retreat.

13. Alouette Lake (Golden Ears Park)

The beach at Alouette Lake is one of the best and most popular in Metro Vancouver. The views of the lake with the mountains all around are quite spectacular, and the giant lawn in front of the beach is a popular place for picnics.At the beach there is a designated swimming area, canoe and kayak rentals in the summer, and bbq attachments on some of the picnic tables. Fishing, windsurfing and water-skiing are also popular on the lake.The parking lot at the Alouette Lake beach day area is massive, although it can still fill up on hot sunny days in July and August, and especially on statutory holidays and weekends.Alouette is one of three campsite areas in Golden Ears Park, and a really good one, although a bit of a hike from the water. The only other very slight draw back is the fact that the roads are gravel and can get dusty. Other than that, the campground is near perfect and one of the very best in Metro Vancouver.The Alouette campground has hot showers and is beautifully forested with lots of shade and privacy.Click campground map for a map of the Alouette campground.

During the summer, you can also visit Bridal Falls Waterpark. It’s a smaller waterpark (when compared to the Cultus Lake Waterpark), but it boasts heated water and plenty of kiddie slides and water play areas.