britannia beach mine tour

Britannia Mine Museum Visitors Guide + Tickets

The Britannia Mine Museum stands as an acclaimed institution and a national historic landmark, situated on the site of the former largest copper mine within the British Empire.

Explorers can delve into its rich history, embark on a train journey through underground passages, and try their hand at gold panning, immersing themselves in the firsthand experience of life within one of North America’s few remaining gravity-fed mills.

Strap on those hard hats and let the adventure begin!

Britannia Mine Museum

The Britannia Mine Museum is located 55 kilometres North of Downtown Vancouver near the town of Squamish . The Britannia Mine Museum has become one of the most popular things to do in the Vancouver area, and it’s one of the best day trips from Vancouver going.

Furthermore, the mine is halfway between Vancouver and Whistler in the stunning Sea to Sky Corridor. So a visit to the Britannia Mine Museum is also a popular way to break up the drive. 

History of the Britannia Mine Museum

From 1904 to 1974, the museum functioned as one of the most important mines in the Commonwealth. Over that period, an incredible 60,000 people called the site home and over 50,000,000 tons of ore were extracted!

This number included over 15 tons of gold.

The mine helped Canada through two World Wars during its 70-year lifespan. Unfortunately, it also experienced its fair share of tragedy. An estimated 98 workers perished in its massive 210-kilometre network of underground tunnels due to slides, fires, floods and accidents.

Britannia Mining Museum Today

A year after closing in 1975, the BC Museum of Mining opened its doors on the site. After two significant upgrades, the facility was renamed the Britannia Mining Museum in 2010, in time for the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Today, the museum’s grounds contain 23 historic industrial, administrative and domestic buildings. The most notable of these is the massive Mill No.3 facility, which can be seen from the highway.

Inside, you’ll encounter over 7000 artifacts, 9500 archive photos and 3000 archival documents spread out across a variety of interactive exhibits . You can learn about the site’s history and the importance of mining in the modern era.

But most importantly, you can have some fun!

Enjoy a signature Canadian experience by burning through the tunnels in an underground train . Take a photo in front of an 800,000 lb giant haul truck . Or experience the thrilling new BOOM! sound and special effects experience .

Britannia Mine Museum Tickets

We’re thrilled to be able to offer you skip-the-line tickets via our partners at Tiqets. The package includes a guided tour deep under the mines, so you’ll be required to book a specific time. Be sure to show up at least 15 minutes prior to your tour.

The prices are as follows:

• Adults (19-64): $41.95
• Seniors (65+): $36.95
• Students (w/valid ID): $36.95
• Children (5-12): $23.95
• Toddlers (>5): Free

For more information and to purchase your Britannia Mine Museum tickets, click on the button below.

Tiqets is now offering a special ticket combo package that includes Britannia Mine Museum Tickets along with tickets to the Sea to Sky Gondola for the low price of $69.25. That’s good for a savings of 10% over purchasing the tickets individually.

Britannia Mine Museum Hours

The museum is open year-round, with guided underground tours offered at set intervals throughout the day. I’d recommend budgeting about 1.5-2 hours for your visit .

This will give you plenty of time to hit all the exhibits, take an underground tour and strike it rich at the Gold Panning Pavilion!

Operating Hours

• Monday-Friday: 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
• Weekends/Holidays: 9:00 am – 5:30 pm
• Chatterbox Café: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm (5:00 pm weekends)
• Gift Shop: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (6:00 pm weekends)

Underground Tour Times

• Monday-Friday: 11:00 am, 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm, 3:30 pm
• Weekends/Holidays: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm (hourly)

*Tours are usually conducted on a first-come, first-serve basis – but if you book ahead, you’ll be required to make a reservation. Times are also subject to change in times of low attendance.

Britannia Mine Museum Location

The museum is located about 45 minutes North of Vancouver along the famed Sea to Sky Highway near the town of Squamish. On a clear Vancouver summer day, the picturesque drive is almost worth the price of admission alone.

You’ll experience breathtaking views of Howe Sound and the Coast Mountains at almost every turn. Just be sure to keep your eyes on the road!

The mine marks the halfway point in the journey from Vancouver to Whistler , so it’s a perfect way to break up the drive. Alternatively, if you’re doing a day trip, I also highly recommend hitting up the nearby Sea to Sky Gondola .

If you have a vehicle, then the easiest way to get to the Britannia Mine is to drive. Just be cognizant of the fact that traffic on the Lions Gate Bridge into North Vancouver can be miserable. So time your departure outside of peak hours if possible.

Once you’ve passed the village of Porteau Cove, you’ll be confronted with what will likely be the biggest truck you’ve ever seen! This behemoth will cue your arrival.

Then follow the signs and exit the highway on your right. There is plenty of free parking on-site.

For detailed directions from your luxury Vancouver hotel , head over to Google Maps .

The Squamish Connector

If you don’t have wheels, The Squamish Connector offers daily shuttle buses between Vancouver and Squamish for $32. It will stop at the mine by request.

Britannia Mine Museum Exhibits 

The Giant Haul Truck

The enormous Giant Haul Truck is the first thing that’ll catch your eye from the highway. Measuring over 20 feet tall and weighing in at over 800,000 lbs , this Wabco Ultra-class monster was specifically engineered to carry massive amounts of ore material in a mining environment.

However, it now serves as the museum’s most popular photo-op for visitors. So seize the opportunity and grab your family for that crucial snap for Instagram before you head inside.

Beaty Lundin Visitor Centre

Once you walk through the doors, your first stop will be the mine’s brand-new visitor centre. The room’s notable contrast with the historical buildings on site seeks to connect the mine’s past with the present.

Consequently, you’ll find a variety of films , touchscreen displays and interactive exhibits that seek to convey the importance of mining to our everyday lives in the information age.

Quick hint: your iPhone would still be but a distant dream.

The Britannia Story

The Britannia Story Exhibit outlines everyday life in the mine and the adjoining town of Britannia Beach. Here, you’ll find the bulk of the museum’s archival photos and documents .

As you walk inside the walls of a beautifully restored heritage building, you’ll learn about the lighter side of the Britannia Story. View pictures from the mine’s swimming pools and tennis courts and view the contestants from the annual Copper Queen Pageant.

Children are free to sit on the Queen’s throne for another photo-op and crawl into a child-friendly tunnel.

Historical Buildings and Artifacts

Once you’ve learned a little bit about the museum’s history, I recommend you take some time to wander around the site’s 10-acre grounds. Seventeen buildings remain from the mine’s heyday, and you can explore them all.

The most important structure is Mill No.3 , also known as the Concentrator . This iconic 20-storey building dominates the site on the Northwest side of Mt. Sheer. It has also appeared in Hollywood productions such as the X-files, MacGyver and Scooby-Doo 2.

The building contains an innovative inclined gravity mill that was constructed in 1923 after a fire damaged the previous units. As you explore the buildings, you’ll come across a variety of artifacts that document the lives of those who worked there for over 70 years.

The Mineral Gallery

In addition to Copper, the mine produced a whole host of minerals such as gold, silver, zinc, lead and cadmium. In the Mineral Gallery, you can get an up-close look at these and many other minerals of all shapes and sizes.

While gold is always popular, be sure to have a look at the stunning fluorescent minerals — including azurite and selenite. They aren’t just for show, though, so pay close attention to learn about the unique uses for each product.

The Underground: A Canadian Signature Experience

If you’d like to truly experience what it’s like to work in a copper mine, then here is your chance. This museum highlight allows visitors to board a small mine train in order to rumble through an old haulage tunnel 650 metres below the surface .

An underground tour will give you a quick taste of what it’s truly like to work far below ground where, as the saying goes, the sun don’t shine.

After a quick climb up around 50 steps, you’ll receive a hard hat and a quick safety briefing. You’re then free to board the small haulage train before heading deep into the tunnels. While it’s quite dark for much of the trip, you do eventually stop in a well-lit area where you’re free to explore the mine.

You may want to bring a light hoodie or sweater, as it can get quite cold once underground – even in the heart of summer.

BOOM! A Live-Action Experience

Britannia’s newest exhibit is a thrilling light, sound and special effects experience inside historic Mill No.3 . This national historic site is magically reawakened to its former glory via this new fully-interactive “Disney-like attraction.”

Video screens and a few dozen speakers combine to demonstrate the seat-rumbling roar of the giant machines that powered the most productive copper mine in the British empire.

Launched in the Summer of 2019, this informative and exciting adventure promises to be a hit with visitors of all ages.

The Gold Panning Pavilion

Surely, everyone has fantasized about striking it rich in a gold mine. Well, now you’ve got your chance!

Before you hit the road, you can embrace your inner prospector by panning for gold in the Gold Panning Pavilion.

And the best part is, whatever you find, you get to keep!

The mine’s panning troughs are set at a variety of heights, meaning visitors of all ages are free in their attempt to get gilded. Unfortunately, I came up empty. But you never know.

After all, almost 16 tons of gold were hauled out of these very hills during the mine’s lifetime.

Britannia Mine Museum Amenities

Britannia Beach was a fully functioning company town . This meant all amenities, including restaurants, recreational activities and shopping, had to be available on-site.

This approach continues at the museum, which contains a full range of amenities in order to amplify your visit.

• The Chatterbox Café: A café with an extensive selection of sandwiches, snacks, cold drinks and specialty coffees. Movie and TV buffs will enjoy the collection of autographed pictures from cast members of the numerous productions filmed on-site.
• The Company Store: A gift shop containing a wide variety of souvenirs and gift items, including t-shirts, books and toys that honour the mine’s history. You’ll also find artwork and souvenirs from the local Squamish First Nation.

Britannia Mine Museum FAQs

What is the britannia mine museum.

The Britannia Mine Museum is a national historic site located on the site of what was formerly the largest copper mine in the British Empire. The museum now hosts a variety of interactive exhibits, galleries and tours that serve to educate visitors on the history of mining in BC and its importance in the modern world.

Where is the Britannia Mine Museum Located?

The Britannia Mine Museum is located 55 kilometers North of Vancouver near the town of Squamish.

What are the Britannia Mine Museum Hours?

Britannia Mine Museum hours are currently from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm. The last tours occur at 3:00 pm. And remember, check-in is 30 minutes before your tour.

How do you Purchase Britannia Mine Museum Tickets?

Tickets for the Britannia Mine Museum can be purchased online through their official website or in person at the museum’s ticket office upon arrival.

How do you get to the Britannia Mine Museum?

To get to the Britannia Mine Museum, drive along the Sea-to-Sky Highway (Highway 99) north from Vancouver. It’s approximately a 45-minute drive from downtown Vancouver.

How long is the Britannia Mine Museum?

Admission to the Britannia Mine Museum covers a guided underground tour, historical exhibits, gold panning, the film “Ground Breaking,” and the new attraction, BOOM! Plan 1.5-3 hours for your visit. See our website for details.

Is Britannia a museum now?

Yes, Britannia is a museum now that offers a curated underground tour, showcases historical exhibits, provides opportunities for gold panning, screens the film “Ground Breaking,” and introduces a new attraction, BOOM!

Still Looking to Visit the Britannia Mine Museum?

If there’s anything you think I overlooked, don’t hesitate to reach out to me through our Vancouver Planner Facebook page or in the comment section below.

We’re dedicated to assisting you with all your Vancouver-related travel needs. Additionally, we’re excited to support your exploration of the Britannia Mine Museum.

Best wishes for your gold-panning adventure!

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Britannia Mine Museum

• 604.896.2233

Britannia Mine Museum Rocks! This 10-acre Award-winning Museum And National Historic Site Is Full Of Fun For The Entire Family

Last century, Britannia Mine was the largest copper mine in the British Empire. Today, it's a multi-award-winning Museum, turning out awe-inspiring sights and memorable family experiences. Rumble aboard the mine train as it rolls into the dark, learn from informative but informal tour guides and pan for real gold! 

Located in beautiful Britannia Beach just 10 minutes south of Squamish, this 10-acre award-winning museum and National Historic Site is full of all-ages fun. Come for a visit and see why this National Historic Site is rated 4 1/2 stars on Trip Advisor.

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Britannia Mine Museum

• 150 Copper Drive
• Britannia Beach, BC V8B1J1
• Phone: 604.896.2233, Toll Free: 1.800.896.4044

Britannia Mine Museum opens up a little-seen world that fascinates all ages, turning out awe-inspiring sights and memorable family experiences.

- Rumble aboard our underground train as it rolls into authentic mining tunnels.

- Push up your sleeves and try our Gold Panning Pavilion where you can keep what you find.

- Explore 10 acres of historic buildings.

- BOOM!, an immersive, live-action special effects experience inside the historic Mill No. 3 building.

- Learn and engage with our interactive exhibits.

- Take a tour with informative but informal tour guides sharing fun facts about mining, history and life at Britannia.

Find us on the Sea to Sky Highway 10 minutes south of Squamish or 45 minutes north of Vancouver.

• Meeting Facilities
• Trip Advisor
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• Maximum Group Size: 140
• Year Last Renovated: 2019
• Year Opened: 1974

Facility Info

• Largest Room 150

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Britannia Mine Museum – What to do and see Whether a Daytrip or Sea-to-Sky Stop!

Nestled along the mountainside on the Sea to Sky highway between Vancouver and Whistler is the Britannia Mine Museum. This former copper mine is now one of Canada’s National Historic Sites and was once the largest copper mine in the British Empire.

The Britannia Mine Museum was established in 1974 and recently renovated. It provides visitors with a unique blend of experiences offering a soft adventure attraction and education venue that allows guests to leave with a better understanding of mining in BC; past, present, and future.

Just 10 minutes before you arrive in Squamish on the Sea to Sky highway, the Britannia Mine Museum towers above the seaside town of Britannia Beach, home to just 300 residents. However, in the 1930s over 60 000 people lived here, making a living from working in the copper mine.

Britannia Mine Museum Location

Address: 150 Copper Drive Britannia Beach, V8B 1J1

Brittania Mine Museum is approximately a 45-minute drive from Vancouver and a 10-minute drive from Squamish. It is right on the Sea to Sky Highway in Brittania Beach.

There is a gravel parking lot and parking is free.

Admission Rates for Britannia Mine Muesum

The Britannia Mine Museum is open 7 days a week. Their hours change depending on the season but in the high season it is open from 9:00 – 6:30

1 Day Admission (2023)

Adults $39.95

Youth (13-17) $30.95

Child (5-12) $21.95

4 and Under FREE

Seniors (65+) $35.95

Students with current school ID $35.95

Family Rate (2 adults and up to three children/youth) $140.00

Annual Memberships:

Adults $98.00

Youth (13-17) $70.00

Child (5-12) $70.00

Seniors (65+) $75.00

Students with current school ID $75.00

Family Rate (2 adults and up to three children/youth) $210.00

How to book tickets?

To confirm your date and time, book tickets in advance online. You can book Here .

Whether you love history or are looking for a kid-friendly activity there is something for everyone to see at the Britannia Mine Museum. I went in with no expectations and thoroughly enjoyed myself. The boys loved the underground tour and BOOM! They panned for gold for almost an hour before I made them leave because the mine was closing. The Gift shop at the Brittania Mine Museum is a hidden game for shopping for Canadian souvenirs. Their prices are much cheaper than what you will find when shopping in Vancouver and Whistler .

Things to Do and See at Britannia Mine Museum

Underground tour and boom experience.

A memorable underground train that takes visitors inside a dark mining tunnel where they will experience what life was like for miners in the 70 years Britannia existed as a mine. This guided tour shows guests the drills and machines the miners used over time and what it was like to work deep underground. The tour explains the mineralization process and rich colors produced as minerals are exposed to water and air. It also talks about the negative consequences of mining and what is being done to protect the environment even now, as minerals flow out of the mountains.

BOOM! the newest experience at Britannia Mine Museum offers a multi-sensory experience that brings the historic Mill building back to life. Visitors will be transported back in time by the 12-minute theatrical spectacle that showcases the 20-story architectural marvel that was once a beacon to the community. It really does a great job at showcasing what the working mine would have been like.

Britannia Mine’s Mill #3

A National Historic Site and one of the last remaining gravity-fed concentrator mills in North America, the 20-story Mill Building is an awe-inspiring cliff-side building that has been the symbol of Britannia throughout the years. Whether driving towards Vancouver or Whistler on the Sea to Sky Britannia’s Mill #3 could not be missed! Restored in 2007, each of the 14,416 panes of glass was hand puttied into the frames to maintain its heritage. The BOOM experience takes place in Mill #3 after the underground part of the tour at Britannia Mine.

Gold Panning Pavillion

A scenic boardwalk and cedar-post-covered area where guests of all ages can spend hours panning for real gold. Among the gold flecks are gemstones that delight both young and old as they work on their panning technique. If you have children, expect to spend some time here and bring them a change of clothes as a lot of water ends up on them, not just in the troughs.

Beaty-Lundin Visitor Centre

The central exhibit hall houses several theatrical mining displays and a mineral gallery, theatre space, gift shop, an interactive kids area, and the Canadian Mining Hall of Fame.

A-Z Administration Building

A fully restored heritage building that is now an exhibition centre to showcase the stories of the Britannia Beach community from 1904 to 1974. It includes artifacts including love letters and antiques. It also has historic photos and videos of former Copper Queens. The exhibits show what life was like in the old mining town that was cut off from others for so many years.

Britannia Mine Machine Shop

The 1908 Machine Shop is home to a number of historic machines and equipment donated by mining companies from across the country. The building also features several unique art exhibits.

Family Play Area

All ages can play in the mining-themed play area where they can have fun in a Super Haul truck and imagine themselves as miners using toy diggers, trucks, and hoppers.

While walking from the underground tunnel towards Mill#3 keep an eye out for the core sheds. They hold an immense archive of rock core samples drilled from the mountainside and collected throughout Britannia’s mining years.

EPCOR Britannia Mine Water Treatment Plant

Britannia Mines had a negative environmental impact on Howe Sound due to acid rock drainage, which occurs naturally when rainwater reacts with oxygen and exposed minerals. Today, the water treatment plant uses natural materials to filter minerals and neutralize surface water runoff collected from the area, ensuring that only clean water flows into Howe Sound. This project has allowed the revitalization of plants and animals in the waterways.

The Gift shop at the Brittania Mine Museum is a hidden game for shopping for Canadian souvenirs. Their prices are much cheaper than what you will find when shopping in Vancouver and Whistler . If you have ever wanted a gold pan, you can also pick up one of those at the gift shop for less than $10. Perfect for camping and keeping the kids busy! Shopping at the gift shop helps fund this non-profit site. You can even visit the gift shop if you are not visiting the mine. It is the perfect stop along the Sea-to-Sky Highway to pick up some gifts and souvenirs!

Tips for Visiting

If you are visiting with young children, there are loud noises on the tour. Bring yourself ear plugs if you are going to have to cover your children’s ears. (Although I found my kids were good at covering their own ears.)

Bring a sweater. It is cold in the mine. Even in summer, it is very wet and damp inside.

Animals are not allowed (except service dogs). If you are traveling with your pets in the summertime, you should skip Britannia. Do not leave them in the car.

Give yourself time for the gift shop! There are some great treasures to be found. If you have ever wanted a gold panning pan, you can grab one at the Britannia Mine gift shop.

Britannia Mine FAQ

Britannia Mine closed in 1974 because it was no longer making a profit in the copper industry.

Britannia Mine produced copper (650,000 tons), zinc (137,000 tons), lead (17,000 tons), cadmium (500 tons), silver (188 tons), gold (15.6 tons/500,000 ounces) from the Ore in the mountains.

If you are visiting Vancouver and do not have a car, there are options to visit the Britannia mine. Here is a private vehicle tour that will stop at the mine and allow visitors to visit. Note that the price of this tour does not include the price of admission to the mine. Expect an additional $40 to visit the museum and the copper mine tour (including BOOM, the multi sensory experience). This tour also includes a trip to Shannon falls and optional stops at the Sea to Sky Gondola as well as the Railway museum in Squamish. Here is another private day tour that includes admission to the mine, as well as the Sea to Sky Gondola. It also includes a tip and lunch (make sure you read all of the inclusions so you are not surprised)

Lindsay Nieminen is the creator of UncoveringBC.com. She grew up and still lives in the suburbs of Vancouver with her family. She aims to inspire inform, and educate others about traveling in her home province of British Columbia. She is also the creator of carpediemourway.com  which aims to show parents how to seek out adventure at home or abroad, with their children in tow!

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Britannia Mine Museum

Top ways to experience Britannia Mine Museum and nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

BRITANNIA MINE MUSEUM: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Visiting the Britannia Mine Museum in British Columbia

Table of Contents

During my stay in Vancouver, BC I had some time to explore the surrounding areas. While on a road trip to Squamish and Whistle I passed the Britannia Mine, which you can’t miss because of the huge mill building “leaning” against Mount Sheer. As I had a day off, I decided to drive out to visit and explore the Britannia Mine Museum.

The Britannia Mine Museum is only about a 45-minute drive from Vancouver or a 10-minute drive from Squamish. Britannia Mine Museum is located on the Sea-to-Sky Highway on Howe Sound in Britannia Beach.

The Britannia Mine was once the largest copper mine in the British Commonwealth. Ore was first discovered here in 1888 and the mine opened in 1904. With an operational live span of 70 years, this mine was during its peak times the biggest mining operation in Canada. During its peak, the mine produced 7000 tons of ore per day. The mine produced over 650,000 tons of copper during its lifetime. Copper was the main ore mined here, but besides copper, the mine also produced zinc, lead, cadmium, silver, and gold.

To separate the ore from the rock, a mill, also known as a concentrator, was built. The 20 story building you see today against Mount Sheer is Mill 3. The first mill didn’t work as it should and therefore a second mill was built. This mill burned down and was replaced with Mill No. 3 you see today. Mill No. 3 is a gravity-fed concentrator that was highly innovative when it was built in the early 1920s.

Back then the mine was only accessible by boat until the highway and railway got completed in 1965. High operating costs and taxes eventually forced the mine to close on November 1, 1974. Once the mine was closed, the company did not make an effort to clean up the mine and the produced chemical waste. Besides being one of the biggest mining operations back then, it was also one of the biggest pollutants of Britannia Creek and Howe Sound. Runoff and rainwater which flow through the tunnels of the mine, mixed with oxygen and the high sulfide of the waste rock, created a condition called acid rock drainage (ARD). A water treatment plant was installed, which collects all the runoff from the mine, cleans it, and then releases the clean water back into Britannia Creek and Howe Sound. About 4.2 billion liters of contaminated water run through the treatment plant annually which removes an average of 226,000 kg of heavy metal contaminants. Due to reclamation efforts, the local waters of Britannia Creek and Howe Sound are now 99% cleared of the heavy metals and support local ocean life once again.

In 1975 the museum opened, back then under the name BC Museum of Mining. After numerous expensive renovations, the site was renamed to Britannia Mine Museum in October 2010.

Visiting Britannia Mine Museum

As my visit to the mine was rather spontaneous, I just hopped into my rental car and started driving. The drive to the mine museum is easy and very scenic as you drive along the Sea-to-Sky Highway (Hwy 99). You can’t really miss the mine, no matter from what direction you are coming. Driving north you will see the gigantic haul truck and a sign next to the road while heading south on Hwy 99 you will see the Concentrator way before you even notice the sign on the side of the street.

Parking is complimentary and you just need to find an open spot. If you are planning to come here, I highly recommend you to make reservations ahead of time, which you can do on the official website . Most of the mine can be explored on foot but while you are visiting the museum, you can’t miss out on the 45 minutes guided underground tour. This is the highlight of the whole museum. Especially if you are a family or a bigger group, reservations are recommended.

Admission prices are on the high side, with $36.70 CAD for an adult ticket. Trust me, the admission is really worth every cent. Besides that, you help preserve and operate this place for many generations to come.

Buying Tickets

You have two choices for buying tickets. Either online or at the ticket window. Both have advantages and disadvantages.

Ticket Window

This is the most flexible option if you are just driving through the area and want to stop by. Also great for a spontaneous and unplanned visit to the mine. Downside: All the tour spots could be already booked and you won’t get on the underground tour. Believe me, you have to take the tour, otherwise, it’s not worth coming here. It really is a must.

Online Booking

You can also buy your ticket online, which is great for bigger groups to secure a spot on the underground tour. But the downsides with online reservations are, that you have to make the reservation at least 24h ahead of your planned arrival and that you have to be there for your selected tour time. If you arrive past your reserved tour time, the staff will try to accommodate you on the next tour if there are open spots available. This means your group might get split up or you will miss the tour completely. Make sure you are there on time for your tour. Rather arrive early and use the time to explore the rest of the grounds.

It’s ultimately up to you and your schedule on what kind of ticket purchase you decide on. I bought my ticket at the ticket window and was able to get on the next scheduled tour for that day. Tours run every 30 minutes starting at 10 a.m.

After entering the Britannia Mine Museum Grounds

Once again, and I can’t say it often enough. Make sure you are here ahead of time for your scheduled tour. It depends on how much time you have now available before your tour starts. You can either explore the other exhibits at the museum or make your way slowly up to the tour start point. I would start heading that way at least 15 minutes before your tour starts, to be on the safe side. It is a small trip to get there from the movie theatre.

The restrooms are located next to the main entrance and make sure you are ready for your 45-minute long underground tour. There won’t be any restrooms along the way.

Exhibits at the Britannia Mine Museum

The beaty-lundin visitor centre.

While you are waiting for your tour time, I would start to watch the movie about the history of the mine. The movie theatre is located right behind the main entrance. Watch the short movie, which gives you a lot of information about history and life in and around the mine. While exiting the theatre, look at the mining exhibits in the building along your way out. Inside the building, you also find a mineral gallery and the Canadian Mining Hall of Fame where you can learn about Canadian mining pioneers. Did you know what pieces of your everyday life have copper inside them? A few examples are shown inside the visitor center. This is the same building which also houses the ticket window and the gift shop.

The Giant Haul Truck

You can’t miss this exhibit. It’s visible from the road while passing by and once on the museum grounds, you can’t really get past this one without noticing it. This gigantic Wabco 3200B haul truck weighs over 800,000 lbs and is more than 20 feet tall. A great place for a photo opp.

The A-Z Administration Building

This is a fully restored heritage building that showcases how life in the Britannia Beach community was back then during the 70 years of a booming mining town.

Family Play Area

Next, to the haul truck and snack bar, kids can enjoy this mining-themed play area.

Machine Shop

This historic machine shop was built in 1908 and is now home to a number of historic pieces of equipment and machines.

This shed houses core samples drilled from the mountainside. Core samples helped to determine in which direction to drive tunnels inside the mine to find more ore and minerals. All these samples give you a “map” of the interior of the mountain. The core shed is part of the guided tour.

The Village Board Walk & Gold Panning Area

Stroll along the boardwalk to see more heritage buildings located on the premisses. There are seventeen historic buildings on this site which date way back when the mill was still in operation.

Once you are ready for it, try your own luck at the Gold Panning Area. Pan for real gold. Yes, there is gold in there, somewhere. You just have to find it. Now you know how people felt back then when they were desperate to find gold. It could be right underneath their fingertips but you won’t see it. Follow the instructions or ask a staff member how to pan for gold. It’s definitely fun and I got a bit addicted as I found my first “piece” of gold. But don’t put your life-savings to pan for gold here. You won’t get rich, but it is a nice souvenir to bring home if you find small pieces of gold or other interesting rocks.

Underground Tour

This is the highlight of your visit here. A remarkable experience like no other. You might have heard that before, but you are about to get on a historic train ride into the mountain and a fully immersive tour about what it was like to work underground. I made sure I was on time for my tour and was the first one to arrive up at the train pavilion. Just follow the signs throughout the grounds, which will point you to the train pavilion, which is the start point of the tour.

While I was waiting for the tour to start, a friend of mine and I were the only people there. Just a few minutes before the tour time, another group joined us waiting for the start of the tour. While we were waiting, all of a sudden we could hear a noise coming out of the tunnel, it was the mining train arriving at the pavilion and out tour guide stepped out of the train and welcomed us. Hillary was our guide for the next 45 minutes. She introduced herself and gave us a safety briefing. We all were required to wear hardhats while on the train and in the mine. As we were all geared up, we hopped aboard the train. This is the same train, workers used to get to their workplace inside one of the many tunnels of the mine.

As we drove into the mountain, we passed other tunnels splitting off from this one and a dynamite storage location. Don’t worry, it’s just replica dynamite. After an unexpected short train ride, we disembarked and walked into one of the tunnels. Here Hillary showed us how workers used to drill into the rock of the mountains. Either for collecting core samples or to drill holes for explosives. This is a fully immersive experience and Hillary turned on the drills so we could also hear what it was like to work here. She gave us a heads up so we could cover our ears. But it’s hard to cover my ears with both hands and operate my camera. 😉

We continued on to another tunnel branching off the main train tunnel. Hillary demonstrated what light sources workers used down here and even turned off the lights of this segment of the tunnel. It’s amazing when you consider we have electricity, LED lights and all that. Back then they started out with candles. Can you believe it? She also demonstrated one of the mining advantages over time, where miners had pneumatic operated equipment to load the lorries with the blasted rock to transport it out to the concentrator. Yes, this piece of equipment is also very noisy.

After a short walk, we made it out of the mountain on the other side. Outside of the tunnel is an air horn, which we also got to hear. Yes, it’s very loud. Around the exit are some more historic mining machines. From there we walked downhill and stopped at the core sheds. Hillary gave us a detailed explanation of how they used the core samples back then. After another short walk, we entered Mill No.3.

This building was the heart of the mining operation. The gravity-fed concentrator separated the ore from the rocks with chemical processes. It’s one of the last remaining gravity-fed concentrators in North America. Inside you get to experience the sheer size of this building. Look around you. Can you imagine that every one of the 14,416 panes of glass was hand-puttied into the frames to maintain its heritage back in 2007 when the building was renovated? Mill No.3 houses now a new immersive experience called Boom!

Boom! Experience in Mill No.3

This new experience opened in June 2019. Unfortunately, a few months after I visited but I hope I get to go back and see it with my own eyes. Boom! is highly rated and while I visited the Mill No.3, I was able to get a glimpse of the almost finished installation.

The Britannia Mine Museum is well worth a visit and the drive. If you are visiting the area for the first time, alone the drive to the mine is worth the effort. The mine itself is a world-class experience that is based right on the same site as the original mine. It’s great for the whole family. This is probably a dream come true if you never been in any mine before. Mines are just an awesome experience and a masterpiece of ingenuity. I love visiting mines, no matter if abandoned, now a museum or still active like the Bingham Canyon Open Pit Copper Mine . Being underground is a great adventure I enjoy very much. At Britannia Mine Museum, you get to go for a little bit into tunnels which used to be part of the mine before they got turned into a tourist attraction. Much of the museum grounds were under construction during my visit. Preparing the mine for the coming summer season. It’s great that they put so much effort into recreating this place and also make it tourist-friendly.

Peter has a passion for Traveling, Photography, and Geocaching. These are the best ingredients for amazing adventures all over the globe. “Traveling is fun, no matter if you stay in a luxury hotel or travel like a backpacker.” Peter shares his experiences on his Blog www.gatetoadventures.com Some of Peter’s photos are published on corporate websites, in-flight magazines, travel guides, and much more.

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Privacy Overview

Britannia Beach BC Canada

Britannia Mine Museum

THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF OUR TEAM AND OUR VISITORS IS OUR FIRST PRIORITY.

We have been closely monitoring the Government of Canada recommendations and given the escalating COVID-19 situation, we have made the difficult decision to temporarily close The Britannia Mine Museum to the public as of  March 18th, 2020.  All on-site programming and events will be suspended as we do our part to help stop the spread of COVID-19 through our community.

At this time it is unclear how long The Museum closure will last, however we promise to keep you updated through our web site and social media channels:

Facebook/ Twitter/ Instagram

During this closure the site will have a reduced office presence. The Management Team will be answering phone calls, emails and responding to daily business needs, while also enthusiastically planning our re-opening as soon as we can. You can find individual staff contact details on our web site at:  www.bcmm.ca/pages/contact-us

Fascinating History

Less than a hundred years ago, the award-winning Britannia Beach Mine Museum was the largest copper mine in the British Empire. Today, it’s a National Historic Site. Wander freely and examine much of the mine’s equipment left intact.

Fun and exciting

You’ll come away with a newfound appreciation of Britiannia’s hard-working people.

So talk to their smiling tour guides. Ask questions. Get to know this part of BC history. But, most of all, have some fun!

Ride the underground train. Pan for gold at the Pavilion. Gaze at their beautiful collection of minerals while learning about life in Britannia Beach. Website  www.britanniaminemuseum.ca

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Welcome to Britannia Mine Museum

There will be no mini-mud monster live in the lab programming today - monday march 25, discover an immersive historical experience.

Britannia Mine was one of the largest copper producers in the world in its day. The Metal ores were mined from 210km of tunnels in the mountains. In its 70 year life over 60,000 people from fifty countries lived and worked here. The Britannia Mine opened in 1904 and closed in 1974.

Britannia Mine Museum offers visitors plenty of things to see and do – from guided underground tours to self-led exploration of the social history of Britannia Beach. The 10-acre site is itself an exhibit providing unique access to an important piece of Canadian history. In addition to the wide variety of site activities, the Museum hosts many  family-friendly events  throughout the year.

Underground Tour

Go underground aboard our train into an early haulage tunnel. Inside, discover what it took to be a miner including demonstrations of actual working drills. Learn More

An international award winning attraction! Discover a thrilling light, sound and special effects experience inside the historic Mill. BOOM! brings all 20-storeys back to life sharing the Mill's captivating story and its thunderous roar.  Learn More

The Britannia Story

Grasp what life was like in Britannia Beach within the walls of a lovingly-restored heritage building -- full of amazing stories and archival photos. Learn about the annual Copper Queen pageant and take a seat on the original throne for a great photo op.

Gold Panning Pavilion

Make a point of panning for gold and gemstones. You find it, you keep it! Gold-panning troughs are set at different heights. That way, both young and old, can dip in and try their luck. This is gold panning the fun and easy way.

The Terra Lab

The Terra Lab aims to share the science of mining exploration, development and remediation. Following the departure of our Fall 2021 temporary exhibit, the Lab has re-opened with new public displays that draw from the Museum’s collection and archives. Learn More

Foundations Exhibit

Come explore our outdoor exhibit with breathtaking views of Howe Sound. Foundations explores Britannia's 114-year history recognizing the environmental impacts, resulting remediation and the continued recovery of Howe Sound. Learn More

Giant Haul Truck

Don't miss a great photo opportunity! Standing 20-feet tall and weighing over 800,000 lbs, this truck is BIG! You'll know you've arrived at the Museum when you see this "Super" mine truck parked right beside the Sea-to-Sky highway.

Beaty Lundin Visitor Centre

Every trip to Britannia Mine Museum starts in the Visitor Centre. Touchscreen displays and interactive exhibits will give you a new perspective of what mining means to our everyday lives. Think of all the things we use that started out as minerals inside rock!

Family Play Area

Family fun is a high priority with us, so youngsters can enjoy a break in our giant sand pit or take the helm of our playground boat. The area is right beside the snack bar with washrooms nearby.

Historical Buildings

Explore seventeen original buildings, including the iconic industrial cathedral Mill no.3, a National Historic Site, across the spacious ten-acres of this industrial heritage area.

Award-Winning Film

"If its not grown, its mined." Be sure to catch Groundbreaking, our award-winning film that traces Britannia's mining heritage and its successful environmental clean-up.

Considered to be one of the most beautiful and varied gift shops in the Sea to Sky Corridor, the Company Store offers a wide selection of items including jewellery, books, giftware, toys and artisan pieces. As always, the Museum gift shop is free to visit!

Mineral Gallery

Minerals come in all colours, shapes, and sizes. Gaze over our entrancing displays of gold and fluorescent minerals -- including azurite, selentite, volcanic hydrothermal samples and of course Canadian Gold!

Unique Artifacts

The museum is filled with historical artifacts, from archival images and personal effects, through to industrial equipment preserved in its original state. Learn what life was like for the men working the mine, and the families of Britannia Beach and Mt. Sheer.

Chatterbox Cafe

The perfect Sea-to-Sky coffee fix, serving espresso coffee, soup and sandwiches. The Chatterbox Café is located right by the Museum entrance. You don't need Museum admission to enter, and members receive a discount of 15%.

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