Britannia Mine Museum

British Columbia’s west coast is renowned for it’s natural beauty. The Sea to Sky Highway (#99) offers many opportunities to see Mother Nature’s handywork as it winds its way along the east side of Howe Sound from Vancouver to Squamish and then Whistler. Along the way, you’ll encounter an imposing white building built into the side of a mountain. This is Mill No. 3, a 20-storey copper concentrator mill, at Britannia Mine Museum.

The Britannia Copper Mine operated at this location, 52 km north of Vancouver, from 1904 through 1974. It was once the largest copper mine in the world with peak production reaching 7,000 tons per day. A year after its closing, the Britannia Beach Historical Society opened the Britannia Mine Museum to preserve this impressive structure and educate and promote the history of mining in the province.

The primary activity at Britannia Mine Museum is a guided tour, by train, into the underground workings of the mine. This 75 minute tour is capped by a multi-sensory special effects show within Mill No. 3. You are then welcome to explore the various exhibits and artifacts in the mine’s museum. Perhaps a snack from the café and a keepsake from the gift shop are also in order.

Be aware that underground mine workings are always colder than ambient, surface temperatures, so you’re advised to bring a jacket to keep warm. Here, even the cavernous mill is chilly. Enclosed footwear is also wise and the mine recommends that hearing protection be brought for anyone unable to adequately cover their ears during the tour (i.e. little ones).

This is one of the most popular attractions in all of B.C. and being just a 45 minute’s drive from downtown Vancouver helps that popularity. Reservations are strongly recommended. That’s also a short enough drive to include Britannia Mine Museum as a day trip on a longer visit to Vancouver and the lower mainland. The drive alone is probably worth it.