Britannia Mine Museum: Underground Train, Gold Panning & BOOM! Show

Summary

Ride the underground train, pan for gold, and watch BOOM! at Britannia

You’ll ride an underground train into real mining tunnels, swirl icy water for gold flecks (and keep what you find), and feel history shake the ground during BOOM! in Mill No.3. With local guides sharing stories and hands-on exhibits throughout Britannia Mine Museum near Squamish, expect both fun surprises and a few goosebumps along the way.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit it—I flinched when the old mine tunnel swallowed us up. The underground train at Britannia Mine Museum rattled and echoed in a way that made me grip the seat, but our guide (I think her name was Sarah?) just grinned and flicked on her headlamp like it was nothing. There’s this damp mineral smell down there, kind of metallic but not unpleasant. She pointed out drill marks on the walls and told us about miners who worked here a century ago—somehow her stories made it all feel close, like you could almost hear boots scuffing behind you if you listened hard enough.

Back outside, sunlight felt weirdly bright after that tunnel. We wandered over to the Gold Panning Pavilion—my hands got cold fast in the water, but I didn’t care because I actually found a tiny fleck of gold (not even joking). There were a couple of kids nearby who shrieked every time they thought they’d struck it rich. I probably looked just as goofy. The staff didn’t rush anyone; they even showed me how to swirl the pan so I wouldn’t lose my “fortune.”

The real surprise was BOOM!—I hadn’t expected much from a “live-action” show in an old mill building but wow, that sound shakes your chest. Lights flashed through clouds of dust and suddenly you’re seeing how copper used to pour down those chutes. It’s noisy and a bit chaotic but in a good way—like you’re inside history instead of just reading about it on a plaque. I kept thinking about all those people who worked here when this place was running full tilt.

It’s right off Hwy 99 between Vancouver and Squamish—easy drive, honestly—and you get these wild mountain views from the museum steps. If you’ve got time for a day trip to Britannia Mine Museum with kids or just want something different from city stuff, this is worth it. I still think about that echo in the tunnel sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Britannia Mine Museum

• Ride the Underground train
• Pan for gold and keep it
• Experience the BOOM! multi-sensory show
• Learn about minerals and copper process
• Discover historic Mill No.3 building

Top questions

Is Britannia Mine Museum wheelchair accessible?

The main site is wheelchair accessible, but the underground train tour is not.

How long does the guided underground tour last?

The guided underground mine tour lasts approximately 45 minutes.

Can children participate in gold panning?

Yes, children can join in gold panning at the pavilion and keep what they find.

Where is Britannia Mine Museum located?

It’s along Hwy 99 between Vancouver and Squamish on the Sea to Sky corridor.

Do I need to book my tour time in advance?

Advance booking is recommended as availability cannot be guaranteed without reservation.

Are service animals allowed at Britannia Mine Museum?

Yes, service animals are permitted on site.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available close to Britannia Mine Museum.

Can infants or small children join the underground tour?

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller on site except for the underground tour section.

What’s included

Your visit includes entry to Britannia Mine Museum with a guided underground mine tour (just be ready for 48 stairs), hands-on gold panning where you keep what you find, access to interactive exhibits and mineral galleries, admission to BOOM! live-action experience inside historic Mill No.3, plus sweeping mountain views all around before heading home again.