This Halloween season, Britannia Mine Museum isn’t going the usual spooky route. Instead, it’s embracing Día de los Muertos – a vibrant, heart-warming Mexican festival of remembrance – with three weekends of immersive fun, art and storytelling.
From Oct. 18 & 19, Oct. 25 & 26 and Nov. 1 & 2, between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., the museum becomes a kaleidoscope of life, memory and mining heritage.
What To Expect: A Festival Underground & Above
Day Of The Dead Underground Tour
Don your hard hat and descend by train into the tunnels, where a guide will lead you through an interactive journey to gather the four essential elements – earth, fire, air and water – in a quest to discover the world of alebrijes, the colourful, fantastical creatures born from Mexican folk art.
This is a twist on the museum’s typical underground offering – weaving cultural storytelling together with mining lore. (Standard underground tours and the BOOM! show continue for regular admission patrons.)
Machine Shop Goes Fiesta
Above ground, get ready for a dramatic transformation: the Machine Shop becomes a dazzling fiesta, lined with marigolds, paper skulls, dancing skeletons and twinkling decor. Wander through a Monarch Forest, peek into a miniature Mexican village and pass through the Calavera Tunnel.
Hands-on fun includes:
- Building papier-mâché decorations
- Learning about ofrendas (altars) and adding your own memory or message
- Colouring sugar skulls – designs that glow in a special low-light tunnel
- A monarch butterfly scavenger hunt, tracing the insects’ migratory journey and earning a small prize.
It’s all very family-friendly – educational, joyful and rich with meaning.
Ticketing, Timing & Tips
Special Día de los Muertos event rate:
• Ages 5-17: $25
• Adults (18+): $30
• Children under 4: free
The ticket includes the themed underground adventure, museum exhibits, gold panning and the Machine Shop activations.
Want to catch the BOOM! Mill Show too? You can upgrade for $10 extra.
Be sure to reserve in advance – underground slots are limited.
A helpful insider tip: To fully enjoy both the underground journey and a BOOM! show (if upgraded), allow for at least 1.5 to 2 hours for your visit.
Why This Event Is Extra Magical
- Cultural connection meets local history: This celebration brings together the rich symbolism of Día de los Muertos with British Columbia’s mining heritage – honouring those who’ve passed while celebrating the rhythms of life.
- BOOM! Show is a spectacle: Britannia’s signature BOOM! show inhabits the 20-storey historic Mill No. 3 with immersive sound, light, smoke and motion to retell how the mine operated in its heyday.
- A meaningful twist on Halloween: Rather than scares and spooks, this event emphasizes memory, art and creative celebration.
Discover The Museum & Surroundings
While you’re in Britannia, you’ll also find:
- The museum’s regular attractions: underground train tours, the BOOM! special effects show, mineral galleries, gold panning and interactive exhibits.
- The impressive Mill No. 3 itself – a gravity-fed concentrator built in 1923, now a National Historic Site and iconic fixture in the mountainside.
- The scenic drive on the Sea-to-Sky Highway, between Vancouver and Whistler.
- A fascinating local history: Britannia Beach was once a thriving mining community, navigating challenges like the 1915 landslide disaster that buried the Jane Camp community.
How To Make The Most Of Your Visit
- Book early – underground slots especially go fast.
- Arrive before 10 a.m. to get your bearings, explore the visitor centre and catch exhibits before tours begin.
- Layer up – tunnels are cool and damp; above ground might be crisp.
- Bring a camera – the marigold altars, glowing tunnels and vibrant décor are made for photos.
- Check the museum’s website for updates or changes before your trip.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a Halloween-season experience that’s more soul than spook, this festival of light and memory is your ticket. Britannia Mine Museum’s Día de los Muertos celebration offers something for everyone: imaginative underground journeys, vibrant art, meaningful rituals and a deeper connection to place and story.
Whether you come for the colourful altars, the underground mystery, the special effects of BOOM! or simply to share a thoughtful moment with loved ones, this event promises a fresh and unforgettable twist on seasonal fun.
