I have found that I have been getting even more interested in history, a few more months and I will be getting deep into Roman roads. I am slowly becoming my grandfather’s, I already build models but it’s not replica ships and planes so I think I am still good, the pants will stay at their normal level but that hiking up them up IS in my future. But more than just any history, learning about what local people whose names mark our mountains, roads, and buildings. The companies that created the items that put Canada on the map, we have always been a nation rich in natural resources that will shape the future markets and technology we can’t even comprehend.
And much like today, there were those in the past, with barely any safety gear extracting the minerals and ore from the earth the Britannia Mine Museum is a National Historic Site a former copper mine located halfway between Vancouver and Squamish, that’s well worth visiting to take in our history.
In 2025 the museum celebrates its 50th anniversary!
On the Easter Long Weekend of April 18th to 21st the museum hosts its Golden Egg-Venture event. On those four dates you can venture underground on the Mine Train where, just as miners had to search for gold in years long ago, kids can hunt for hidden golden eggs which they can then trade in at the end for a piece of real golden chalcopyrite (which is a copper iron sulfide mineral which makes for a fun souvenir).
There is a self-guided scavenger hunt for a chance to win a prize. The extra Easter-themed activities are included with general admission to the museum. There is the Mineral Gallery, a gold-panning pavilion, the Britannia A to Z Historical Exhibits and a kids’ play area. There is also a film about mining, Mill No. 3, other historical buildings and a visitor centre with interactive displays. The attraction features a 45-minute underground tour where you get to wear a miner’s hard hat and ride the mining train into the side of the mountain.
The Britannia Mine Museum site at what used to be the largest copper mine in the British Empire. At its peak the mine produced 7,000 tons of ore per day and over 60,000 people lived and worked on-site.
The Britannia Mine Museum Society has preserved the mine facility. As a result, today, visitors can explore some of the mine’s original buildings. Each year over 70,000 people visit the attraction.
The mine’s tunnels extended over 200 km and as deep as 650 m below sea level. Sadly, close to 100 people died over the years while working underground at the mine. The mine over those 70 years more than 50 million tons of ore were extracted including some 650,000 tons of copper, 137,000 tons of zinc, 188 tons of silver and over 15 tons of gold, among other valuable minerals.
Take the kids to do an unforgettable Easter Egg Hunt, while you take in the history that makes Canada so great!
Brian Smith
bsmith288@my.bcit.ca