Action and adventure await at the Britannia Mine Museum

The Britannia Mine Museum offers a ride on a mine train, a live-action show called “BOOM!”, a hands-on experience panning for gold, and more.

Britannia’s rise to fame

The former copper mine was used from 1904 to 1974 but is most known for its use in over twenty movies. These movies were filmed inside the historic and beautiful Mill building of the Britannia Mine in Britannia Beach, Canada. You might have heard of some of these movies, like The Amazing Race Canada, Scooby-Doo-2, and The Flash.

Getting there and admission

If you’ve driven from Seattle to Whistler, Canada, you’ve likely noticed the 20-story mill building and giant yellow truck from the highway. These landmarks are a part of the award-winning Britannia Mine Museum and after our recent visit, I think it is the perfect family-friendly stop along the Sea-to-Sky Highway.

When you purchase an admission ticket, you will book a tour time—arrive at least ten minutes before your tour.

The Britannia Museum experience: Train to the mine

At the first stop on the timed tour, you will don a hardhat, climb aboard the underground train and go deep inside the mining tunnel. The train ride is a slow five-minute ride. Once stopped, everyone disembarks and finishes the 35-minute underground tour on foot. My kids thoroughly enjoyed learning about the mining process and seeing (and hearing!) the machinery come to life.

If you are concerned about feeling claustrophobic or your kids are scared of the dark, the exit for the tunnel is visible from just a few steps away from each educational spot. Our guide reminded everyone that if we needed to exit the mine at any point, we were free to do so. We never once felt trapped or surprised by the loud noises or dark moments as the guides provided many warnings. Hearing protection is offered, but optional.

BOOM!

The second guided tour stop is at the Mill No. 3 building, where you become immersed in the multi-sensory attraction, “BOOM!”. This 12-minute show opened in 2019 and brought the historic Mill building back to life using an engaging character “Jack.” With the sparks, bright lights, loud sounds, moving parts, and even a smell, it is no wonder that my two-year-old wanted to be held during this realistic live-action experience.

My boys, who are 5 and 7 years old, were enthralled.

More exhibits at the Britannia Museum

Once you have completed the guided tour stops, you can explore the exhibits at your own pace. My kids loved learning to pan for gold and other rocks, especially since you get to keep your treasures. The heated water and covered area keep everyone comfortable, but you may want to bring extra clothes in case your kids get wet like mine.

I enjoyed the Britannia Story exhibits at the heritage building, where you can glimpse what life was like for the mining community. While I read up on their many recreational facilities, baseball team, and Miners Day competition, my kids took turns sitting at the original Copper Queen’s throne and climbing through a mine tunnel in one of the displays.

Scenes, snacks and sensory

The Visitor Centre offers an award-winning movie, gift shop, Chatterbox Café with food and drinks, and more exhibits, including a hands-on kids’ section that my children enjoyed. The Terralab offers more opportunities to learn about the science of mining exploration, development, and remediation efforts. In the Terralab, my young kids enjoyed seeing the traveling Killer Whale skeleton on display now through February 2024.

Outdoor play

Lastly, my kids could burn off some energy at the outdoor mining-themed play area, where they climbed, ran, used a toy digger, and steered a boat. I happily took in views of the Howe Sound. In total, we spent three hours at the museum. I would allot a minimum of two hours for a visit.

Make the Britannia Mine Museum a part of your next Canadian adventure. Everyone will walk away with new knowledge and fun memories!

Know before you go

If you go, book your ticket online at least 12 hours prior or call for same-day bookings.
Admission Prices: ages 4 and under are free; children start at $21.95 and adults are $39.95
Winter Hours: 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; tours start at 10:30 a.m., with the last check-in at 2:30 p.m.
Wear shoes or boots that can get muddy and bring a jacket as the mine is a damp 54 degrees year-round. Bring an extra change of clothes as well.
Extend your adventure by visiting the Sea to Sky Gondola nearby (about 5 minutes away) to explore the suspension bridge, playgrounds, hiking trails, gondola rides, and restaurants.
If you’re hungry after your visit and want something different than what the Chatterbox Café has, the Outbound Station is minutes away, serving up gourmet smash burgers and coffee.
My favorite bakery, Pure Bread, has a Squamish location 15 minutes away from Whistler. While the Salted Caramel Bar is my favorite, they have many sweet and savory options.
Location: 150 Copper Drive, Britannia Beach, BC Canada
Parking: Free parking lot
Bathrooms are in the parking lot and throughout the Britannia Mine Museum.
Passport: American adults need passports to enter Canada by car, and children under 16 need at least proof of US citizenship.
Sadly, the underground mine tour is not yet accessible for wheelchairs. If you bring a stroller, you must park it before walking up the set of stairs leading to this part of the tour.