Britannia Mine Museum – A Must-Visit Historic Site Along the Sea-to-Sky Highway
Located just 45 minutes north of Vancouver and 10 minutes south of Squamish, the Britannia Mine Museum is a National Historic Site that brings British Columbia’s rich mining history to life. Once the largest copper mine in the British Empire, the site now serves as an award-winning museum filled with hands-on activities, immersive exhibits, and exciting underground tours. Open year-round, the museum also hosts a variety of seasonal events including ones during the Easter, Halloween and Christmas seasons.
During the Christmas season, the event at the mine is Toys Through the Decades. This year admission is free to the lower levels of the mine and the Christmas features to celebrate the mine’s 50th anniversary. At the event you can expect to find Santa Claus, toy and tree displays and other holiday magic.
Explore the Historic Mine and Interactive Exhibits
Set in the scenic community of Britannia Beach, the museum includes a fascinating mix of historical buildings, engaging exhibits, and fun family-friendly experiences. Highlights include the Mineral Gallery, Gold Panning Pavilion, Britannia A to Z Historical Exhibits, and the Beaty Lundin Visitor Centre featuring the short film Groundbreaking. Major highlights are the Mill #3 Building, BOOM! attraction, and underground tours.
Kids and adults alike enjoy panning for fool’s gold, viewing rare mineral samples, and learning about the mine’s 100+ year history. The site once employed over 60,000 workers, many of which lived in company houses on-site and nearby. Over the years, the mine produced over 1.3 billion pounds of copper, as well as significant amounts of gold, silver and zinc.
Underground Mine Tour
One of the museum’s top attractions is the Underground Mine Tour. Don a hard hat, board a mining train, and journey into the dark tunnels of the original copper mine. This guided 45-minute experience gives you a taste of what mining life was like. You’ll hear machinery in action and learn how ore was extracted. It’s a must-do activity for first-time visitors.
Mill No. 3 and the BOOM! Show
Visible from the Sea-to-Sky Highway, Mill No. 3 is a 20-storey industrial structure that years ago processed the mine’s ore. Inside, visitors experience the BOOM! multimedia show, a spectacular sound-and-light production that recreates the hustle and noise of a working mill. Using over 30 speakers and cinematic effects, BOOM! makes mining history come alive and is one of the most impressive features at the museum.
Special Events at Britannia Mine Museum
The museum offers engaging seasonal programming for visitors of all ages. Annual events include:
Family Day with discounted admission for BC residents
Mini Mud Monsters and Easter-themed scavenger hunts during Spring Break
Canada Day celebrations with live entertainment and family activities
Halloween fun with a different theme each year, including ones like FANG-Tastic in 2024 or Dia de los Muertos in 2025
Christmas at Britannia Mine with festive decorations and Santa photos
There’s always something new happening, making the place worth visiting more than once a year.
Tips for Visiting Britannia Mine Museum
Tip 1: Bring a sweater or light jacket. The underground mine and Mill No. 3 are naturally cool, even in summer.
Tip 2: Pre-book your tour online, especially in peak seasons. Same-day reservations must be made by phone.
Tip 3: The museum is okay for rainy days, as most attractions are indoors or under cover. Bring rain gear or an umbrella for walking between buildings, however, on days with lots of rain.
Tip 4: Pack a lunch or grab a snack at the on-site Chatterbox Café. Browse the Company Store for unique mining-themed souvenirs too.
Tip 5: Combine your visit with nearby attractions like Porteau Cove, Shannon Falls, Alice Lake, or the Railway Museum of BC.