10 Reasons you Must visit Britannia Mine this Summer

Less than a hundred years ago, Britannia Mine  was the largest copper mine in the British Empire. Today, it’s a National Historic Site and a bustling, award-winning Museum and a must visit this summer.  We created this article to showcase 10 reasons you must visit Britannia Mine this summer and experience the fun for yourself!

1. Daily Underground Tours

Escape from the summer heat for a few hours and take an underground mining tour on the famous Britannia trains. Have a read what the museum has to say: “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 and a mucking machine. Prepare for cooler (12 degrees) temperatures inside. Consider a sweater.”

2. Friendly , Fun and Educational Staff

Whether you’re on holidays or not, often the interactions and staff at locations such as the Britannia Mine Museum make or break your experience. Well, lucky for them, the staff are friendly, attentive and passionate about what they do! You only need to spend a few minutes on tripadvisor to discover the hundreds of happy reviews.

3. Check out the  ‘I Heart Carbon’ Exhibit

“I Heart Carbon” takes visitors through our past, present and future relationship with this essential element using interactive exhibits and displays. You can discover what percentage of your body is made up of carbon, design your own robot and more. This exhibit is only open till September, so make sure you don’t miss out!

4. Not For Profit

The Britannia Mine Museum is a non for profit organization that uses the very affordable entry feel to ensure the trains, underground tours, education, exhibits and grounds are safe, maintained and educational for all visitors. Your entry helps support the Mine’s vision “to provide unique, entertaining, and memorable educational experiences that engage visitors of all ages in the spirited history of Britannia”

5. Pan for Gold

Have you ever been panning for gold? Put yourselves in your ancestor’s footsteps and try your luck. Try your luck at  finding a gold  nuggets at the Mines Gold panning station.  Trust me, while the kids will stay entertained, the parents will have a blast also. Gold panning troughs are set at a number of heights so all ages can enjoy. BONUS: Take your findings with you!

6. Stop by the New Chatter Box Cafe to Fuel Up

The Chatterbox cafe has a number of yummy snacks and drinks available and is located in a beautiful restored historical building. There’s a number of photographs and stories from famous movies and television shows filmed on sight, so stop by and learn about the mines recent history.

7. Learn About Local History and Heritage

Did you know the mine operated for 70 years and that over 60,000 people lived and worked on site? If you’re a local, it’s important to learn and appreciate the history of the area we live in (as it helps us see the beauty in our life) and if you’re travelling, education is the best way to get to know a place. The Britannia Mine Museum shares and teaches it’s history in a fun, respectful and interactive way.

8. Entertainment for the Whole Family

If underground train rides, big mining machinery and panning for gold doesn’t keep for your kids entertained, there’s always the playground. Set your kids loose at the sandpit, or watch them drive the wooden boat. While the mine is great for young kids, it is also a blast for kids of all ages. The interactive museum exhibits, gold panning and underground tour are great adventures for all ages.

9. Scenic Ocean View Drive

The Britannia Mine Museum is located smack bang in the middle of Squamish and Vancouver. Wherever you’re coming from, the Sea to Sky highway is your path so allow yourself some extra time to explore the little towns, beaches and coves along the way. The drive itself is an activity in itself.

10. Memberships are Amazing Value

The museum offers a number of special events throughout the year and changing seasonal exhibitions. Get yourself and your family a yearly pass and receive discounts for extra guests, on retail and snack purchases and enjoy all the great exhibits that the mine has through out the year. Click here for more information on the mine memberships.

Have you checked out Britannia Mine Yet?  We want to help you ! Check out the contest below:

Contest Time – Win a Family Fun Package!

• Family Flex Pass, unlimited visits for any two adults and up to 3 youth for the entire year.
• $50 to the Britannia Mine Museum Company Store where you can pick up a unique souvenir or gift.
• $25 to the new Chatterbox Cafe where you can grab a cup of coffee, a bite to eat, and enjoy the beautiful Howe Sound view.

How to Enter:

• Leave a comment on this post
• Like, comment or share this post on Facebook (1 entry)
• Tweet this post bonus entry
• Sign up below with your email: – Bonus Entry!