The Britannia Mine Museum, a National Historic Site located along the Sea-to-Sky Highway, is a fantastic, family-friendly roadside attraction. During its hey-day, it was one of the largest copper mines in the world, and home to a thriving community. Today, you can expect a hands-on visit; explore the 20-storey gravity-fed ore processing plant, don overalls and a hard-hat to head underground via train into a haulage tunnel, play traditional games, check out the massive giant haul truck, and pan for gold and gemstones.
Cost: Click here for the latest prices, as well as to buy tickets. Admission includes the The Underground Tour and BOOM! A Multi-Sensory Experience.
Best time to go: Open year-round. The museum has longer opening hours in the summer. A visit usually takes about 2 hours.
Where to Stay: The Britannia Mine Museum located between Vancouver and Squamish, which have plenty of hotel options. In Squamish, I’ve enjoyed the atmosphere in the modest but fun Howe Sound Inn and Brewery, because hey, you’re staying right above the pub!
Where to Eat: Grab lunch or dinner in Squamish. The Howe Sound Brewery is great. You can also hit up the Locavore Bar and Grill, which started as a fantastic food truck and is now a permanent fixture. On-site at the museum, food and beverages are available from The Chatterbox Cafe.
Official Site: https://www.britanniaminemuseum.ca/
Getting There: From Vancouver: Take the Sea-to-Sky Highway towards Whistler. Look for signage and the huge truck about 10km north of Porteau Cove. Free parking is available on sit. From Whistler: Drive 45 minutes south on Highway 99. Ten minutes past Squamish, you’ll see signage and the unmissable mill building.
Notes from Robin: Dress warm for the cool, unheated mine tour and interior of the mill, with comfortable shoes. Hard-hats are provided for the underground tour (it’s the law!) The Underground Tour is 35 minutes and the Boom! Experience 15 mins. My kids really enjoyed the games and activities, like panning for gold flakes.
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