Travel Times

We are approximately 1 hour from Downtown Vancouver, travelling by car.  Travel times of course vary depending on city and highway traffic, but here are some estimated travel times for buses:

Vancouver 1 hour 15 minutes to 30 minutes depending on route
Surrey 1 hour 30 minutes
Maple Ridge 1 hour 45 minutes
Whistler 1 hour 15 minutes

The ongoing Sea to Sky Improvement Project has greatly speeded up the journey to Britannia Beach in recent months, but please check the Closure and Delays schedule in advance.  You will probably find that there is less of a delay than you might expect.  Drive BC can also be contacted on 1-800-550-4997 for up-to-date road conditions.

Large Groups

Our underground train carries 36 passengers. For large groups, we will split you into a double, triple or quad group. Each group will rotate around the site, beginning with different components.

Arrival

As we need to begin the tour on time, please arrive early enough to allow for washroom and snack breaks.  We will schedule you to arrive 15 minutes before your tour is due to start. If you find you will be arriving later than anticipated, please try and phone.  On arriving, payment should be made at the Museum's Admissions counter (Visa, Mastercard, cheque, cash), where you will meet your Tour Guide(s). Your group should remain in the parking lot, by the main entrance, as this is where your Tour Guide will begin the tour.  For groups visiting the EPCOR Britannia Mine Water Treatment Plant Discovery Centre, you will need your own transportation to travel to the centre (2 km journey).

What to Wear

For your comfort, we recommend everyone wear comfortable walking shoes and outdoor clothing appropriate for the weather, as part of the tour is outdoors.  The tunnel temperature is a steady 12° C all year.  We are situated on the coast, and can be subject to a chilly sea breeze.  Please be aware that the weather can be different from Vancouver – a sunny day in Vancouver does not necessarily mean a sunny day here, and vice versa. And don't forget your camera!  From the stunning Howe Sound scenery, to the awe-inspiring insides of Mill 3, and our giant Super-truck, there are plenty of opportunities to get creative.

Access

The Museum is not wheelchair accessible. There is a set of 65 steps to reach the train and Mining House displays and there are 3 steps to reach the classroom area.  The site is generally level, but is not paved.  People with limited mobility can gain access to the tunnel via the tunnel exit, but to reach this there is a small incline to climb.  The Gift Shop is wheelchair accessible. We will of course help where we can, so please contact us in advance with any questions.

Safety

Being a former industrial site, we still fall under the Mines Act.  We take your safety seriously.  On a tour, you must wear a hardhat underground and in our Mill building and your Tour Guide will read the simple rules before going underground. This is also a smoke-free site.

Lunch

For tour groups, we offer our historic Assay Office classroom for a lunch space (availability dependent).  We don't have food services on site, so we recommend that groups bring a packed lunch, though there are food service options nearby.  We also have a small picnic area that you are welcome to use.

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