Archie MontroseWhen our kids requested for a quick field trip, we initially thought we had exhausted all the museums in Vancouver. Then we remembered that there’s a place that would offer them something different that we hadn’t tried before.
Since we wanted the quick trip to be educational as well, we decided to take them to Britannia Mine Museum. And surprisingly, even us adults enjoyed our time in this museum.
So if you’re a history-lover who craves an immersive experience, make sure to use this guide so you can make the most of your time here!
Britannia Mine Museum: An Overview
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Located 45 minutes away from Britannia Beach in Vancouver, Britannia Mine Museum is a 10-acre museum that allows you to explore what was once a major player in the copper mining world.
This place operated from 1904 to 1974. In fact, the community around Britannia Mine Museum was known to be a busy town that heavily relied on mining.
Now, you and your kids have the chance to see underground tunnels, see vintage mining gear up close, and have a more immersive experience through their exhibits.
Today, we’ll explore them one by one!
Things to See and Do in Britannia Mine Museum
Underground Mine Tour
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While you’re here, make sure to hop on a small train that will take you inside one of their old tunnels. Take time to listen to their tour guide as they will walk you through the former miners’ hard work.
You’ll get to see the traditional mining drills back in 1914, and imagine how these workers utilized old tools and gears. They even operated one of their vintage machines—yes, it still works (and pretty loud too!).
BOOM! at Mill No. 3
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Another immersive experience that you can look forward to when you visit the Britannia Mine Museum would be the BOOM! At Mill No. 3 which takes place inside their 100-year-old mill building.
It’s a multisensory experience that allows you to tell the architectural story of the place, complete with lights, sounds, and special effects. As soon as you walk in, you’ll immediately see old machinery and chutes, so be ready to document this part.
Once everyone from your group is inside, they will start dimming the lights before they officially start the show. Aside from the lights and sounds, you can also see visual projections that flash old photos of the mill and its workers.
They will also demonstrate how the ore, or its raw material, is processed inside the mill. Just keep in mind that some portions of the show are a bit loud, so those with high sensitivity to sound may have to reconsider their visit.
Gold Panning Pavilion
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So before going over this specific activity, we feel like we need to answer what gold panning is first. Gold panning is the process of separating gold particles from other natural elements such as gravel, which involves a wide shallow pan and water.
Back in the day, the miners would perform different motions to remove these elements and leave the gold behind. Now, you also have a chance to perform this activity here in Britannia Mine Museum!
And if you’re wondering, yes, you’ll be extracting real gold flakes. Don’t worry, this is a beginner-friendly activity, so no one’s going to judge you for the amount of gold flakes you can dig!
You can even let the kids try extracting gold from the gravel. And here’s even better news: you get to keep the gold stuff you found!
Minerals & Society in the Beauty Lundin Visitor Centre
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After spending some time with the previous activities, we visited the Beauty Lundin Visitor Center. Here, you’ll get a chance to see how minerals are used in everyday life, from the past until the present day.
Our most favorite part was when they showed how minerals are being used in things that we regularly use on a daily basis, such as electronic devices, and even makeup!
You’re also allowed to touch and try a few elements, so it’s also a great section to let your kids learn and explore.
Make sure to not skip this section, as you will understand the importance of the history of mining and its traditions (which you previously learned from BOOM! at Mill No. 3 and the Underground Mine Tour, and how it has contributed to our society.
Terra Lab
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If you’re curious about the sustainable efforts related to mining, then make sure to check Terra Lab. Here, you’re not only learning about how mining works, but you’ll also familiarize yourself with how it impacts the environment.
They also host special mini educational programming sessions during summer or spring, perfect for kids who would love to learn more about STEM-related fields.
We were able to try the Mini Mud Monsters, where our group learned about microorganisms in our freshwater ecosystems, allowing us to understand the different organisms that coexist in different bodies of water.
It has been a favorite corner for parents too as their kids get to explore different rocks under microscopes.
Britannia A to Z Historical Exhibits
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We’re also glad that we didn’t skip Britannia A to Z Historical Exhibits. You can find this activity in a beautifully restored heritage building, giving you a glimpse of what it looked like when it was still a mining town.
They also showcase different things associated with mining—from A to Z. Each letter is used to describe school life, jobs, and other artefacts. History-lovers love spending time here as they can see lots of photos from this era.
You can also imagine how the miners looked back in the day as there are also old uniforms found in this section. We also had fun checking the old kitchen setup, and appreciate how it has evolved today.
Additionally, you can also get a chance to see the original throne used in the Copper Queen pageant.
Family Play Area
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If your kids still have more energy to spend, don’t miss out on their Family Play Area. Well, once you see the mini mining-themed space, we’re quite sure you’d wish you could play inside too!
It’s worth noting, however, that the space is quite small. But don’t worry, it’s still a good place to visit for a quick break from the tours. Not to mention, it’s an open-air spot where you can appreciate the views of the mountains nearby.
How to Go to Britannia Mine Museum
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Now that we’ve enumerated the fun activities that you can see and do in Britannia Mine Museum, let’s see how we can get here from Vancouver’s city center.
You can reach this area by driving your own car, taking ride-sharing services or a taxi, or via public transport. Let’s go over each option:
By private transport, ride-sharing, or taxi:
- Private transport: Britannia Mine Museum is just a 46-minute drive from Vancouver. Parking is free at the museum.
- Ride-sharing or taxi: Just book for a ride from Vancouver and request to be dropped off at Britannia Mine Museum.
By public transport:
- Bus: Take the bus at the Burrard Skytrain Station which will take you to the Squamish Adventure Centre. From here, you can take a taxi that will bring you straight to Britannia Mine Museum.
- Train: Ride a train from Vancouver City Centre Station at Platform 2 and alight at YVR-Airport Station, Canada Line. Transfer to a bus that will take you to Squamish.
Then ride a taxi from Squamish that will take you directly to Britannia Mine Museum.
The Best Time to Go to Britannia Mine Museum
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For us, the best time to visit Britannia Mine Museum would be from late spring to early fall (May to September), as the weather is usually great during this time.
Remember, there are several outdoor activities here in this museum, so we really recommend visiting when the weather isn’t too hot or too cold.
It’s also great if you can plan your visit on a weekday. The place is expected to be less busy, especially in the morning.
You may also try calling the museum and ask if there are school field trips scheduled on your chosen date so you can plan accordingly.
Things to Know about Britannia Mine Museum
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Before going to Britannia Mine Museum, here are the things that you need to know:
- Ticket prices: You may choose between the regular price and the membership price. Just check the different tiers below:
- Operating hours: Check the different operating hours in the different sections inside the museum.
- Attire: You should take note that the mine tunnel is cool and damp no matter what season you visit. When it comes to footwear, make sure they’re comfortable enough for walking.
Aside from these important details, we also suggest allotting at least two hours to roam around Britannia Mine Museum.
Additionally, if you have kids below 3 years of age, make sure to check their frequently asked questions here so you can gauge if you can bring the younger ones with you.
Eat at Chatterbox Cafe
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Website: https://www.britanniaminemuseum.ca/pages/chatterbox-cafe
Address: 150 Copper Dr, Britannia Beach, BC V8B 1J1
Contact Details: +1 604-896-2233
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
If you want to grab a bite without leaving Britannia Mine Museum, then this one is a great option for you. Aside from their good espresso, you can order soups and paninis, perfect to refuel before your next tour in the museum.
While you’re here, don’t forget to try their gold hot chocolate. And if you need a caffeine kick with a sweet taste, then you should order their butter pecan latte.
Here, you can also see autographed photos that showcase the past TV shows and films such as The Flash, Supernatural, and 21 Jump Street.
Stay at Squamish Adventure Inn & Hostel
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Website: http://www.squamishhostel.com/
Address: 38220 BC-99, Squamish, BC V8B 0A5
Contact Details: +1 604-892-9240
If you just need a place to stay while you’re in the Squamish area, then we recommend staying at Squamish Adventure Inn & Hostel. This place will give you a great view of the mountains from your hotel windows, but it still keeps you close to the town.
There’s a shared kitchen here which is large enough to accommodate multiple people cooking at the same time. There’s also a lounge area where you can eat your prepared meals or just spend quiet time studying or working.
The best part is that you won’t have to spend so much to get a clean and decent room while staying near Britannia Mine Museum.
