What’s On This Summer at the Britannia Mine Museum
Posted on: June 26, 2025
Summer 2025 is a rockin' celebration!
If you are planning exciting adventures in Squamish this summer, we have one to add to your list. You won't want to miss the events on at the Britannia Mine Museum- a range of captivating exhibits, engaging programs and super fun events that delve into the fascinating past of our region's mining industry. This National Historic Site offers an exceptional experience for history enthusiasts, families, and curious minds alike. Let’s take a look at what the Britannia Mine Museum has on offer and why it should be on everyone’s summer bucket list.
1. Celebrating 50 Years of Britannia Mine Museum: A Museum's Journey
When the Britannia Mine closed its operations in 1974, it marked the end of an era for Britannia Beach—but the beginning of a new chapter. In 1975, driven by a desire to preserve the site’s incredible history, the BC Museum of Mining (later re-named Britannia Mine Museum) officially opened.Since then, the Museum has evolved from a grassroots heritage site into an award-winning destination that brings the rich history of Britannia’s mining legacy to life.
A Museum's Journey invites you to travel through time—from the earliest days to the exciting possibilities ahead. Relive the highlights that have defined the visitor experience: the rumble of the underground train, the awe of the Mill’s BOOM!, the joy of gold panning, and the ever-evolving exhibitions and education programs that have inspired generations. Along the way, discover how the site has been lovingly restored and reimagined over the years.
This wonderful exhibit will be available through the entire summer.
2. Specialty Events
Once again the Britannia Mine Museum is hosting the 2025 BC Provincial Mine Rescue and First Aid Competition on June 6 & 7, 2025. Organized by the Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals and the Mining Association of BC (MABC), the 67th annual competition maintains and showcases the BC mining industry’s leading and highly specialized health, safety and rescue practices, bringing together mine rescue teams from all over the province to test their emergency response abilities. It's a fantastic spectator event!
Also in June, the museum welcomes back it's famed Pride event 'Old Town, New Queens' on Saturday June 14th. Featuring two incredible shows and an exciting, expanded performer lineup, this groundbreaking event features top BC drag performers as they take to the stage and perform in historic Mill #3, an enormous 100-year old copper concentrator. Prepare for a fierce and fabulous spin on the museum experience.
On July 1st, be sure to head to the museum for their special Canada Day celebrations, featuring live music by Coldwater Road, interactive games, and exciting activities for all ages — all set against the stunning backdrop of the historic Mill No. 3 along the scenic Sea to Sky corridor.
For BC Day on August 4th, visit the museum for live music with ensemble band The Little Mountain Brass Band, fun, and games. The performance, games and access to the "A Museum's Journey" exhibit are all included in museum admission.
3. Other NEW Exhibits
From Tuesday to Thursday you can step back in time and learn about the Mt. Sheer Townsite at the 'Whatever happened to Mt. Sheer?' exhibit. Life in a remote mining town wasn’t easy. From 1904 to 1974, over 60,000 people from 50+ countries called this place home. But what happened to it? Learn what life was like there on this interpreter-led program. Offered daily all summer long from 11AM to 3PM.
You can also learn about the area's past with the 'Britannia: Before Rail and Road' exhibit, on through September 1st and offered daily from 1PM to 4PM.
Learn about the journey to Britannia by boat and journey through the rich maritime history of Britannia Beach in this immersive storytelling experience. Discover how steamships once brought life, labour, and leisure to the Howe Sound, turning the pier into the town’s beating heart. View rare footage with vivid narration, and powerful stories of community and resilience that brings Britannia’s past to life—not just as a mine, but as a lifeline shaped by the tides.
4. Summer Kids Programming
The Britannia Mine Museum understands the importance of inspiring young minds. This summer, explore returning exhibit 'The Chemistry of Clean Up', offered daily from 1PM to 4PM until September 1st. This interpreter-led activity takes place inside the Terra Lab STEAM learning space, where kids can dig into the world of environmental science. These drop-in sessions offer fun, interactive learning for the whole family and explore how rain, oxygen, and minerals create acid rock drainage and discover innovative solutions to manage its effects.
These programs will not only entertain, but also encourage the next generation to appreciate science and the importance of responsible resource management.
5. Boom! Experience
Get ready for an explosive adventure at the Britannia Mine Museum's Boom! Experience. This thrilling light, sound, and special effects experience brings all twenty stories of the mill back to life, sharing the Mill’s captivating story and its thunderous roar- a museum favourite and show that is not to be missed!
5. Underground Tour
No visit to Britannia Mine Museum is complete without exploring the depths of the historic mine on the Underground Tour. Accompanied by knowledgeable guides, venture into the dark tunnels and learn about the challenges faced by miners in their quest for valuable minerals. Experience the unique atmosphere of the underground world and gain an understanding of the daily lives of miners.
For a summer adventure that combines history, education, and excitement, the Britannia Mine Museum is the place to be. You won’t want to miss the chance to delve into the rich history of Britannia Beach and create lasting memories with friends and family.
