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Continue ShoppingGiants at Work: Big Jobs, Bigger Machines
May 16 – September 7, 2026 | Temporary Summer Exhibit
Step into the world of giant machines at Britannia Mine Museum in Britannia Beach, BC. This 2026 summer exhibit explores the powerful equipment that makes modern mining possible, from towering mining trucks to massive loaders and drills designed to handle enormous tasks safely and efficiently.
At Giants at Work: Big Jobs, Bigger Machines, visitors will explore the equipment behind real mining work, from haulage and drilling to daily operations. Learn how skilled technicians, mechanics, and engineers keep these machines running, while gaining a hands-on understanding of the scale and engineering of mining in British Columbia.
Meet the Giants
See how the Cat® 793C Mining Truck comes together.
Modern mining relies on powerful machines built to handle enormous workloads in demanding environments- hauling material, drilling rock, and moving ore through every stage of the process. In this exhibit, you’ll see how engineering and workmanship come together to keep the work moving.
At the heart of the exhibit stands theCat® 793C Mining Truck—one of the largest mining trucks visitors will ever experience up close. Climb to the upper platform and see mining from the perspective of the operators. Once operating in a northern British Columbia mine, it worked for over 78,500 hours and hauled more than 43 million metric tonnes. Now, it’s featured at Britannia Mine Museum, showcasing the scale, engineering, and impact of modern mining.
The summer exhibit is temporary, but the Cat® 793C Mining Truck will remain at Britannia Mine Museum as a permanent feature, so you can revisit the scale of the machines anytime.
In the Driver's Seat: Mining Truck Simulator
Ever wonder what it’s like to operate a giant mining truck?
Step into an authentic mining truck simulator and experience the role of an operator in a virtual mine environment. Using controls modelled after real equipment, you’ll load, haul, and navigate through scenarios designed to reflect the challenges of modern mining.
It’s not just about power - precision matters. Discover the focus and skill required to operate machines of this scale safely and efficiently in a guided, hands-on simulation.
Choose between a 15 minute guided exercise ($15.00 + taxes) or a 5 minute exploration experience ($5.00 + taxes). Tickets are available on-site during your visit.
Questions?
Scroll down the page to our FAQs, or contact Guest Services.
Additional information: Simulator Terms and Conditions
The People Behind the Machines
These giants don’t run themselves. Behind every massive haul truck, loader, and excavator is a skilled team of operators, mechanics, engineers, safety specialists, and environmental experts working together to keep things running smoothly.
Discover the exciting careers that drive modern mining, along with the training, technology, and teamwork needed to operate some of the largest machines on Earth!
Hands-On Exploration
Explore the science and engineering behind these giant machines through interactive, hands-on activities designed for curious minds. These spaces invite kids (and grown-ups!) to learn by doing, turning play into real-world discovery.
Try it for yourself! Lift, pull, build, and explore how big machines work. Step into the role of an operator or engineer and discover how teamwork, smart design, and hands-on problem-solving keep everything moving.
This summer at Britannia Mine Museum in Britannia Beach, BC, step into the world of modern mining. Explore giant machines, try hands-on activities, and meet the people who make it all work.
Mining Truck Simulator: FAQs
The Mining Truck Simulator is an interactive add-on experience that debuted May 16, 2025 as part of Giants at Work: Big Jobs, Bigger Machines. Using controls modelled after real heavy mining equipment, you'll load, haul, and navigate through scenarios that reflect what operators actually face on an active mine site. It's not just about horsepower. Precision matters. Discover the focus and coordination required to move machines of this scale safely and efficiently — all in a guided, hands-on environment inside the Machine Shop at Britannia Mine Museum.
The simulator is staffed every day the museum is open. Weekday hours run 10:30 am to 3:30 pm. On weekends and holidays, it's available until 4:30 pm, subject to staffing. No advance booking is required - just show up, pay at the kiosk, and go.
15-Minute Guided Exercise : $15.00 + tax
Walk through a complete production cycle: drive to a shovel, receive a load of more than 200 tonnes of rock, then haul it to a dump area for unloading. Includes boarding time and an operator orientation. Recommended for adults with some driving experience.
5-Minute Exploration Experience: $5.00 + tax
A quicker, less structured session — perfect for younger visitors, first-time drivers, or anyone who wants to get behind the controls without committing to the full cycle. Great for a taste of what it's actually like to sit in the cab of a machine this size.
Payment is made at the kiosk inside the Machine Shop, right next to the simulator. We accept credit card and debit card only. Cash is not accepted, and neither is American Express. The simulator is an add-on to general museum admission, so your entry ticket is required first.
Full terms and conditions are posted inside the Machine Shop. Participants must be tall enough to reach the pedals safely and comfortable with sudden movement. As with most simulator-style experiences, this may not be the right fit for guests who are pregnant or who have a history of heart or spinal conditions. Our on-site interpreters are happy to answer questions before you book.
Not at this time. The simulator operates on a walk-up, first-come basis only. This keeps your day flexible and avoids conflicts with the Underground Mine Tour or the BOOM! Show. On high-traffic days, wait times may be longer than expected. Early reservation options may be introduced in the future.
No discounts are currently available for the Mining Truck Simulator, including for Britannia Mine Museum members.
The Mining Truck Simulator is available through September 7, 2025, running alongside the Giants at Work exhibit. The plan is to bring it back for future programming after that. Follow us for updates at Facebook & Instagram.