Julie Zoney
Britannia Beach
In 1888, Dr. A.A. Forbes discovered copper in this small community located approximately 10 minutes south of Squamish. Known for its once booming mine, the former mining town of Britannia Beach is now a charming village rich with art and history. It's the Sea to Sky's Golden Village.
At the centre of the town is the Britannia Mine Museum, an award-winning National Historic Site that has recently undergone a multi-million dollar facelift. There, visitors can experience what life was really like in a busy mining town by getting an up-close look at machinery, ore carts, a working Lime Tank and the famous Mill 3 where the ore was once processed. Visitors can also climb aboard the museum's mine train, pan for gold and sit in the original throne used in the Copper Queen pageant.
Britannia Beach is also home to art galleries and a trading post where you'll find a great selection of artwork and objects by leading contemporary Northwest Coast Native artists, a general store and the local favourite Galileo Coffee Company, a café and roastery located in the 1905 Matheson House which was once the home of the Britannia Mine manager and his family.
Britannia Beach is located along the Sea to Sky Highway just 10 minutes south of Squamish. The Britannia Mine Museum is visible from the highway itself.
Britannia Mine Museum
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A Visitor's Guide to Squamish's 8 Provincial Parks
Britannia Mine Museum rocks! This 10-acre award-winning museum and National Historic Site is full of fun for the entire family.
Porteau Cove Provincial Park
Porteau Cove Provincial Park is an oceanfront haven for scubadivers, kayakers, stand-up paddleboarders, beachcombers and those just looking for a place to relax by the shore.