BEACH INFO:

In the 1970's Britannia Creek was found to be contaminated due to the mining activity in the area. In 2008, implementation of a groundwater management system, decreased the level of pollution by 99%.

It should be noted that Britannia Beach has not been tested for fecal coliform since 2008.

The National Historic Site of Britannia Beach is situated above the Sea to Sky Highway, between Vancouver and Whistler, and is home to the BC Mining Museum.

A copper discovery on Britannia Mountain by Dr. A. A. Forbes in 1888 led to the development of the Britannia Mine. The Britannia Mining and Smelting Company, a branch of the Howe Sound Company, commenced mining in the early 1900s, and owned the site for the next sixty years. The first ore was shipped to the Crofton Smelter on Vancouver Island in 1904, and the mine achieved full production in 1905.

In 1975 the BC Museum of Mining was opened to the public, and was designated as a National Historic Site in 1988. The following year, 1989, the Museum site was designated a British Columbia Historic Landmark.

The entrance to the Museum is in the heart of the village of Britannia Beach. Most of the mine service buildings have been preserved, and are being restored for the museum. A video presentation of Britannia history is presented to visitors at the Museum entry where the stage is set for the Mine Tour guided by interpreters, dressed as miners. They are then guided through the Mining House, which offers 3 levels of displays and exhibits.

AMENITIES:

Washrooms, shops, museum.

The description above was copied from or heavily based on Swim Guide, with permission.

More Information

• Swim Guide - Weather and water quality for Britannia Beach and 8,000 other beaches.