Britannia Mine Museum Visitors Guide + Tickets

The Britannia Mine Museum is a national historic landmark situated on the site of what was once the largest copper mine in the British Empire.

Sound a bit dry? Well, It’s not just dusty artifacts; it’s a full-on experience.

You’ll get to walk through the actual mill, hear the roar of the machines, embark on a train journey through underground passages, and even try your hand at gold panning!

Strap on those hard hats and let the adventure begin!

Britannia Mine Museum at Squamish

The Britannia Mine Museum is truly a place where visitors can step back in time.

The best part? It’s not a passive museum. You’ll ride a real underground mining train, pan for gold, and witness the mind-blowing BOOM! show inside the massive mill building.

• ✅ Ride the underground mine train: Journey through dark tunnels just like the miners did decades ago.
• ✅ Experience the BOOM! show: A stunning multimedia show inside the 20-story Mill No. 3 building.
• ✅ Try gold panning: You might just strike it rich!

This attraction is great for families and history lovers or anyone who enjoys hands-on experiences.

Don’t believe me? Check out the Trip Advisor ratings at the time of writing:

The only downside? You might be covered in dust after exploring the tunnels. But honestly, that just makes it feel more real.

Believe me, this scenic enclave is much more than a pit stop between Vancouver and Whistler. It ranks as one of my 16 best day trips from Vancouver, all on its own.

And it’s a great option for those already considering a day trip from Vancouver to Squamish. 

Let’s learn more:

🔎 What to See While You’re at Britannia Mine Museum

On the surface, visiting a shuttered mine doesn’t sound too exciting.

But this national historic site offers a number of immersive exhibits and tours that are sure to spike your interest.

• Underground Mine Train: Ride through an old mining tunnel and see what life was like for the workers.
• BOOM! Show: This immersive light and sound experience tells the story of the mine’s past in a jaw-dropping way.
• Gold Panning Pavilion: Test your luck and see if you can find real gold.
• Mill No. 3: Towering over the site, this massive building once processed tons of copper ore daily.

Still skeptical? Click on the button below for more information on one of BC’s top museums:

🥇 Best Thing to Do at Britannia Mine Museum

If you’re on your way to Whistler and only have time for one thing, take the underground mine train tour. It’s a real ride through history, complete with a guide who shares stories of the mine’s past.

Other great things to check out include the BOOM! show and the gold panning station. Both give you hands-on ways to experience mining history.

If you plan on hanging around the Squamish area, the nearby Sea to Sky Gondola is another must-visit attraction. This Swiss-style gondola takes you to the top of Mt. Habrich to show off the region’s postcard-perfect scenery.

🗺️ Where is Britannia Mine Museum?

Britannia Mine Museum sits along the Sea-to-Sky Highway, between Vancouver and Whistler. It’s about a 10-minute drive south of Squamish or 45 minutes from Vancouver, making it a perfect stop on a road trip.

Getting there is easy. The museum has plenty of parking and is right alongside the highway. However, tours and experiences like the underground mine train require timed tickets, so booking ahead is a smart idea.

🚀 How to See Britannia Mine Museum from Vancouver

• 🚗 By Car: 45 minutes, estimated cost $10 (fuel + parking).
• 🚌 By Bus: 1 hour to Squamish, estimated cost $25, operated by Skylynx. Getting to the mine from there can be tricky.
• 🚐 Guided Tour: 6-8 hours, estimated cost $120, includes stops at Shannon Falls, Sea-to-Sky Gondola, and Whistler.

🙋 What is Britannia Mine Museum Like? My Experience

I wasn’t sure what to expect last summer, the first time I went. A mining museum? Sounded a bit dry.

But the underground tour changed everything. Riding the old train into a pitch-black tunnel, feeling the damp air, and hearing the clang of machinery made it feel like I’d stepped into another era.

Then came the BOOM! show. Standing inside Mill No. 3 as the entire building lit up with projections and sound effects was seriously impressive.

Gold panning was surprisingly fun, too. I didn’t strike it rich, but I did find a few tiny flakes!

One tip? Wear layers. The tunnels are chilly, even on a 30-degree July day, like when I visited.

😎 My Tips for Visiting Britannia Mine Museum

• 🕰 Book your tour in advance: The underground train and BOOM! show have limited spots.
• 🥾 Wear good shoes: The site has gravel paths and uneven terrain.
• 📸 Bring a camera: The massive mill building and underground tunnels make for incredible photos.
• 👶 Great for kids: The train ride and interactive exhibits keep little ones entertained.

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.

Grouse Mountain + Capilano Suspension Bridge

See Vancouver’s top two attractions with one ticket (transport included)

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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!

Britannia Mine Museum Tickets

We’re thrilled to be able to offer you skip-the-line tickets via our partners at Viator.

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 before your tour.

The prices are as follows:

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

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

Britannia Mine Museum Exhibits 

• The Giant Haul Truck: The enormous Giant Haul Truck is the first thing that’ll catch your eye on 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.
• Beaty Lundin Visitor Centre: 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. You’ll find a variety of interactive exhibits that seek to convey the importance of mining to our everyday lives in the information age.
• The Britannia Story: 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.
• The Mineral Gallery: Provides an up-close look at minerals such as gold, silver, zinc, lead, cadmium and more.
• The Underground: Allows visitors to board a small mine train in order to rumble through an old haulage tunnel 650 metres below the surface. It’s quite dark for much of the trip, but you do eventually stop in a well-lit area where you’re free to explore the mine.
• BOOM! Live Action Experience: A thrilling light, sound and special effects experience inside historic Mill No.3. Video screens and a few dozen speakers combine to demonstrate the roar of the giant machines that powered the mine.
• The Gold Panning Pavilion: 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!

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.

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 kilometres 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 get to the Britannia Mine Museum?

To get to the Britannia Mine Museum, drive along the Sea-to-Sky Highway (Highway 99) north of 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!