We recently went here, and if you travel the Sea to Sky Highway thats between Vancouver and Squamish, you sure would have seen this. Britannia Mine Museum- when I think this. I think of the big white building with glass windows of to the side of the highway.
My family and I recently were there, and it was way more than I thought it was. Cause in my head I was thinking a museum, showcasing the gear and rooms showing what they did at that time in mining.
I loved the Tour we got. Was an underground mine train that went into the mountain and we went for a short ride. We reached our destination in the mountain and got more info inside. He showed us what they did and what the miners used when they worked. Was pretty cool.
Here is a short info of what we seen:
- We seen the drills they used
- The rocks that they had to mine to find copper
- Seen how dark it is down there when the lights off
- Seen how wet it is, cause of the drops that come off the rocks
- Short ride on the mine train into the tunnel
- Miners tools they used and worked with
This is something we all loved, and got to experience it. We would go again, knowing what to expect now. And we probably would be more engaged in looking at everything.
What Exhibits we Seen:
- Buiding with the Mining cart
- Building showing Locker room contents of workers
- Gold Panning – Pan for your own little gold flecks
- Mineral Gallery
- Terra Lab-environmental remediation story
- Machine Shop- Historic Machinery
I recently had the chance to visit, and it turned out to be much more than just another museum. The highlight was riding a real mine train deep into the mountainside, exploring the underground tunnels where thousands of miners once worked. It was fascinating to experience a small part of what life was like inside one of Canada’s most important copper mines.
Whether you’re travelling with family, enjoy history, or simply like discovering unique places in British Columbia, this is a stop you won’t soon forget.
Where is Britannia Mine Museum?
Its in Britannia Beach, British Columbia. This is along the Scenic Sea to Sky Highway= Highway 99. Its about halfway between Vancouver and Squamish. Making it a good day trip, is why we did this. Coming from Lillooet, B.C. it was a close enough to make it a day trip, down and back.
Great scenery along the way, and great ocean view on arrival. Seen lots of mountains along the way on our way down there.
A Short History of the Mine
The Britannia Copper mine has operated between 1904-1974, Copper was discovered in the Britannia area around the 1800’s roughly. Because of this, the mining operations grew alot during the 1900’s. Copper was not the only thing that was found, they also found small quantities of Zinc, Gold and Silver.
For the longest time, Britannia Mine was one of the largest Copper mines in British Commonwealth. During the peak period when things were booming. Thousands of workers lived in nearby towns while they worked there in the mine.
Copper was discovered in the Britannia area in the late 1800s, and mining operations expanded rapidly during the early 1900s.
Britannia Mine Museum used to be called The BC Museum of Mining, up until 1975. When they renamed it they had the support of the Federal and Provincial Governments. This was also a way of preserving all the material and history of mining in British Columbia. A way to further educate all on what mining was, and a way to entertain them also.
Riding the Underground Mine Train
This one was the most exciting thing we all loved on our visit.
This train brought us all slowly through one of the closed off original side tunnels. I don’t think it was one that was used, as i can’t remember what he said it was for. Maybe it was one of the tunnels where carts were brought out of. Still cool anyways.
After getting through the tunnel, the guide explained how they drilled through solid rock, loaded ore and how the miners worked long hours underground. With only using this small little light to see-called a Carbide Lamp. Later on, to have a small headlamp to use- a tallow candle stuck with soft clay or metal holders on their hats.
Being inside the tunnels seemed a bit cold. We found out it was like that all year- so we did need a light jacket down there, it was summer time when we went.
Being inside and seeing their conditions they worked in. Made us all appreciate all they did. They worked to support their family and made a living doing this every day. They roughly earned around $160 a week, if I remember correctly.
The BOOM! Show
This was a great end to our Tour
This was so awesome, they recreated some parts of the mining. Even moved machinery so we could see it in action. Sparks and all. Loud sound and vibrations too and special effects were all great. Bringing the mill back to life and it was like we were right there.
Making this more of a real experience and show. Helping us understand all that happened back when the mine was active. Appreciated it more with this great BOOM Show.
Loved the guy in the video and how he acted like he was right there and told us to hang on. Then he left the screen and somethings happened around us and lights went on and things flickered. Was so cool.
My kids loved this part too, they sat there watched and didn’t complain one bit. Now that says it all right there. If it keeps the kids engaged, it must have been great!!!
Not Just a Museum That’s for sure
Besides the tour, visitors can go and look at:
- Historic Mining Buildings
- Gold Panning activities (seasonal)
- Mining equipment displays
- Educational exhibits
- Gift Shop and Cafe
This kept us busy till our tour time. Just know that you need to eat before you go there, or check out the cafe there. We wanted to go look later, but we couldn’t find the cafe later.
What you Need to Know Before You Go
Make sure you have:
- Eat before you go there
- Know that you need least 2-3 hours to explore
- Wear some comfortable walking shoes
- Light jacket or sweater for your underground tour
- Book your Tour in Advance Online-especially during the Summer
Was Going to the Britannia Mine Museum Worth Going?
This is what we asked when we were all done, and on our way to find some food. We did not eat lunch before going inside the Musuem area.
- Yes, it was a very well worth our time in going.
- We had no clue what to expect, just thought it was like any other museum. In the end we had lot’s of knowledge of Mining in BC.
- The Underground Copper Mine Tour in British Columbia was great, loved the experience.
- BOOM Show -even better. We were Wow’d when it was all done. Loved the stories from the Guide we had also. Loved the education and insight we were given. It was like we were right there with them.
- So if your driving by and on the Sea to Sky Highway and heading to the Interior. And you say you should go and see this. Wondering if its worth it or not. Just know that yes it is very well worth it. A trip we wish we had done long ago.
So if anyone wants to know more about how others worked long ago. Or even working in a mine and how it was, this is worth checking out. This kept the town alive, and once the Mine stopped so did the economy of this area. Most of everyone left the area, to find work elsewhere.
We did find out too, that because of the Mine. The Eco System in Puget Sound- the waters across the Highway from the Britannia Mine Museum, were also effected by the mining going on. Lots is being done to recover from the damage it did to all underwater Sea Life.
This should be added to everyones summer travels. You are looking for something totally different, this is it. Yes, you really should go. You will love it, and no it is not boring.
Especially if you are visiting British Columbia, this should be one of your stops. Just like going up to Lillooet, BC should be another. Lillooet BC Travel Guide is something you may want to look at also.