Exhibits & Site Activities
The Museum site itself is an exhibit - an immersive historical experience with plenty of things to see and do. From mucking machines to ore carts and our working Lime Tank, come explore some of the equipment that once made Britannia great. We also house permanent exhibits that offer an insight into the social history of the Britannia Mines and mining history of BC. Our 1908 Machine Shop is also home to a number of historic pieces of equipment, from our restored ambulance car, to the man car that squeezed sixteen miners into a space about the size of a small family car. Parents with children 3 and under can find more information here.
Underground Tours
Take a trip similar to miners in 1914. Climb aboard our mine train and chug into this early haulage tunnel. Inside, tour guides describe early mining efforts with actual working drills. Prepare for cooler (12 degrees) temperatures inside. To learn more about this Canadian Signature Experience click here.
Mineral Gallery
Minerals come in all colours, shapes, and sizes. Gaze over our entrancing displays of gold and fluorescent minerals -- including azurite, selentite, volcanic hydrothermal samples and of course Canadian Gold!
Iconic Mill no.3
It's this impressive building that's responsible for us being declared a National Historic Site. A landmark on the Sea-to-Sky Highway, it was once considered the heartbeat of the Britannia community. So come in and look up. Visitors never fail to be wowed by the cathedral-like industrial interior.
Gold Panning Pavilion
Make a point of panning for gold. You find it, you keep it! Everyone can take part. Gold-panning troughs are set at different heights. That way, both young and old, can dip in and try their luck. This is gold panning the fun and easy way.
Foundations Exhibit
Come see our new outdoor, open air exhibit with breathtaking 360 degree views of Howe Sound. Foundations explores Britannia's 114-year history, recognizing the environmental impacts, resulting remediation efforts, and the continued recovery of Howe Sound. To learn more click here.
Britannia A to Z Historical Exhibits
Within the walls of this lovingly-restored heritage building, you'll grasp what life was like here. It's full of amazing stories and archive photos. Learn about the annual Copper Queen pageant and take a seat on the original throne for a great photo-op. Children are welcome to crawl into our kid-friendly tunnel.
Family Play Area
Family fun is a high priority with us, so youngsters can enjoy a break in our giant sand pit or take the helm of our playground boat. The area is right beside the snack bar with washrooms nearby.
Award-Winning Film
Be sure to catch Groundbreaking, our award-winning film that traces Britannia's mining heritage and its successful environmental clean-up.
Beaty Lundin Visitor Centre
Every trip to Britannia Mine Museum starts in the Visitor Centre. Touchscreen displays and interactive exhibits will give you a new perspective of what mining means to our everyday lives. Be sure to visit our Mining Hall of Fame and get to know the personalities behind Canadian mining.
Industrial Heritage Site
Ten acres big. Seventeen industrial and residential buildings. It all makes for a memorable visiting experience and a better understanding of what life was like here. So come and visit. See where history was made.
Historical Buildings
The Museum is home to a number of original buildings from Britannia Beach. Explore these unique structures which house a wide variety of artefacts and learn a little more about what life was like for miners and townsfolk.
Gift Shop
Considered to be one of the most beautiful and varied gift shops in the Sea to Sky Corridor, the Company Store offers a wide selection of items including jewellery, books, giftware, toys and artisan pieces. As always, the Museum gift shop is free to visit!