Situated at Britannia Beach — overlooking spectacular Átl'ka7tsem / Howe Sound, Canada's 19th UNESCO Biosphere Region — and just 40 minutes from North Vancouver, discover a tactile exploration of Canadian industrial heritage and mining's modern relevance at Britannia Mine Museum, where you can engage in an immersive and authentic learning experience that's fun and fascinating, and sure to exceed your expectations.
A range of exhibits, tours and the multi-sensory, live-action attraction BOOM! with leading-edge special effects, multiple screens, and over thirty speakers on the ground level of the historic Mill No. 3 building, will transport you to the 1920s and 1930s, when the mine was booming as one of the largest copper producers in the world.
Rumble inside a historic mining tunnel as you travel back in time aboard the underground train in the Underground Tour.
"Inside, our friendly and engaging historic interpreters bring history to life, sharing real miners' stories of challenges and accomplishments," says Tamsyn Jenkins, sales and marketing manager, Britannia Mine Museum.
"They demonstrate actual mining equipment, teach you about Britannia's quest for copper, and allow you to experience the mine's working conditions."
Excitement looms as you push up your sleeves at the Gold Panning Pavilion. Tap into your inner prospector and try your luck in search of gems and gold. Best of all— keep what you find!
Storied past
Britannia Mine Museum is commemorating the iconic industrial landmark building with a feature exhibit, "100 Years of Mill No. 3," until November 5.
Britannia Mine Museum was lauded with a National Historic Site designation in 1987 due to the Mill No. 3 building. The Museum was established in 1975 to provide context and a better understanding of the events and the people working (in the Britannia Mine from 1904 to 1974) and living in the isolated but tight-knit communities of Mount Sheer in the valley and at Britannia Beach.
"Mill No. 3 played a significant role in providing for the Britannia Beach and Mount Sheer mining communities, contributing to B.C.'s economic well-being until the Mine's closure in 1974," explains Jenkins.
"It has served as an iconic landmark and feature along the Sea-to-Sky region for the last 100 years. The 20-storey Mill No. 3 building was an architectural feat of engineering at its time, built on the side of Britannia Mountain at Britannia Beach over a period of 18 months, and completed in 1923."
Not just a museum
"Obviously, we have the name museum in our title, but we're much more than that," says Jenkins. "Our goal is not only to tell the history of the buildings, the community, and what happened here, but to impart the importance of mining, so when people leave, they understand the importance of mining in our everyday lives."
You have the unique option to take part in the guided or self-guided tour, so you can experience as much or little as you like.
Jenkins adds, "Our staff really enjoy what they do. When you're on the guided tour, it's not just a guided tour — the staff are the heart of the museum experience.”
"It's a great multi-sensory and unique experience for all ages; educational but fun."
"We're excited about the exhibit, and although we look back, we're also looking forward to the next 100 years at the Britannia Mine Museum and Mill No. 3," reveals Jenkins.
For more information, visit britanniaminemuseum.ca.
