The Britannia Mine Museum is launching its Halloween-themed exhibit this weekend, giving its classic indoor and outdoor displays a spooky makeover. Britannia: Monsters, Machines & Mischief! runs on October 17 and 18, and again on October 24 and 25, offering family Halloween events in the Squamish area.

What is happening during the Halloween events?

In the Machine Shop, six historic and modern machines will each be given a festive character matched to their role. Families can also take part in several add-ons, including:

  • A Monster Machine colouring station for children
  • A Monster Scavenger Hunt
  • An Exploding Pumpkins live-science demonstration featuring Magnetic Slime

A few times a day, visitors can watch the museum's "mad scientists" ignite a "self-carving" pumpkin using calcium carbide and water, the same compound used to produce white flames in mining lamps. The museum says a safety screen will be in place. Guest experience director Derek Allan Jang said a mine museum is naturally a little spooky, calling its shadows and old machines a "perfect habitat for monsters to make their way inside."

What is different about the underground tour?

The classic underground train ride will run as the Big Machines, Monster Fun Underground Tour, with interactive activities, slime, glow-in-the-dark colours, themed lighting and an "escaped" monster causing mischief. Children are invited to help solve the mystery of what is making the mining machines malfunction. Jang said visitors do not need a mining engineering degree to join in, adding that guides will need their help.

Do the regular attractions still run?

Other classic exhibits, including the BOOM! special effects show inside Mill No. 3 and gold-panning, will operate as usual. Outdoors, the giant Westing House Airbrake Company haul truck and the CAT 793C mining truck will be decorated for the season.

All attractions are covered by general admission. Visitors can book a time slot between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. for the BOOM! show and underground tours on the museum's website.

FAQ

When does the exhibit take place?

The event runs over two weekends: October 17 and 18, and October 24 and 25.

How much does it cost to attend?

All attractions are included with general admission to the museum.