Squamish, BC — Neighbourhood Guide

Britannia Beach

History, Howe Sound, and a rare kind of quiet

A historic hillside village on the shores of Howe Sound — artsy, authentic, and increasingly sought-after by buyers who want something genuinely different from the rest of the corridor.

View Britannia Beach Properties

~$2.2M

Avg. Listing Price

10 min

South Of Squamish

45 min

To Vancouver

Howe Sound

Waterfront On Your Doorstep

Lifestyle

One of BC's most characterful small communities

Britannia Beach is unlike anywhere else on the Sea-to-Sky. Once home to one of Canada's largest copper mines — operating from 1904 to 1974 — the village has evolved into an artisan community of rare charm, perched on a hillside overlooking the deep, dramatic waters of Howe Sound. The Britannia Mine Museum anchors the community's heritage, but the living experience is anything but museum-like.

Residents here are a mix of longtime locals, creative types, and families who made a deliberate choice to slow down. The pace is genuinely different — beachside picnics, community gatherings, walks along the shore. A growing new-build section of the community is bringing modern family homes while maintaining the village's heritage character. With major development plans in the works, buyers who get in before that change are positioned particularly well.

Howe Sound Waterfront

Homes on the hillside with breathtaking views of mountains meeting water. The setting is among the most dramatic in BC.

Historic Character

The Britannia Mine Museum, heritage architecture, and a community that wears its history proudly.

Artisan Community

Artists, makers, and creative professionals drawn to the slower pace and inspiring natural environment.

New Family Homes

Significant new construction over the past decade brings modern homes while keeping heritage character intact.

Outdoor Recreation

Kayaking, camping, fishing, and beach access from the village. The Sound is right there.

Development Upside

Significant development plans are in motion — early buyers are well-positioned for long-term value growth.

Proximity to Amenities

A village by design, not by default

Britannia Beach is genuinely small — that's its appeal. A general store and the Mine Museum are the primary local anchors. Squamish, 10 minutes north, covers everything else. For Vancouver commuters, the location actually shaves 10 minutes off the trip compared to north Squamish.

Britannia Mine Museum

World-class heritage museum and community anchor. A genuine draw for tourism and local pride.

Howe Sound Access

Kayaking, sailing, fishing, and beach access directly from the village.

Squamish (10 min north)

Full retail, schools, restaurants, and all services. The commute for daily life is a quick 10-minute drive.

Vancouver (~45 min)

The shortest Vancouver commute of any Sea-to-Sky community north of Lions Bay.

Murrin Provincial Park

Rock climbing, swimming lake, and trails just minutes away on the highway.

Squamish Schools (10 min)

Elementary and secondary school options in Squamish are a short commute for Britannia Beach families.

"Britannia Beach is what happens when a mining town discovers its soul — now one of the most quietly desirable addresses on the Sea-to-Sky."

Who It Suits Best

A deliberate choice for deliberate people

Best Fit

Vancouver commuters who want out

The shortest commute of any Sea-to-Sky community, combined with a dramatically different quality of life. The maths is compelling.

Best Fit

Creatives & artists

The community attracts people who make things. The Mine Museum, the setting, and the pace create a unique creative environment.

Great Fit

Waterfront lifestyle buyers

Howe Sound views and direct water access — at prices that are still below the North Shore waterfront equivalent — make Britannia Beach exceptional value.

Good Fit

Early-mover investors

Development plans signal significant future growth. Properties here are thinly traded — a combination that historically rewards patient, well-positioned buyers.

Know Before You Buy

Two important considerations

01

Very limited inventory — and it moves slowly when it does trade

Britannia Beach has a small housing stock and properties here trade infrequently. When they do come to market, they tend to sit longer than Squamish neighbourhoods — the average home spends considerably more time listed, partly because buyers need time to discover and research the community. This isn't a sign of weak demand — it reflects a niche market with a specific buyer profile. Sellers should price carefully; buyers should move with conviction when the right property appears.

02

Highway proximity and hillside terrain

Britannia Beach sits directly alongside Highway 99, and some properties are more exposed to traffic noise than others. The hillside setting also means many properties have significant slope, and retaining walls, drainage, and access considerations can vary considerably between homes. A thorough pre-purchase inspection — including a structural assessment for hillside properties — is strongly recommended before committing.

Britannia Beach

#13 - 351 Copper Drive

Britannia Beach – Britannia Beach, BC

Details
List Price $1,299,000
MLS® # R3145352
Style 3 Storey
bedrooms 3
bathrooms 3
Year Built 2023
Age 3
Floor Space 1,610 sqft
Condo Fees $413
Taxes $6,150
Tax Year 2024
Features Shopping Nearby, Near Golf Course, Marina Nearby, Recreation Nearby, Ski Hill Nearby
Amenities Trash, Maintenance Grounds, Management, Recreation Facilities, Snow Removal
Address #13 351 Copper Drive, Britannia Beach, BC, V8B 1C5

Welcome to Britannia Beach! Situated just 30 minutes from West Vancouver and 12 minutes from Squamish, here's your opportunity to become a part of this dynamic community nestled along the breathtaking Sea-to-Sky corridor. Surrounded by the scenic beauty of water, mountains, sky, and lush trees, Britannia Beach offers an amenity-rich retail village. This master-planned community by Adera boasts a range of offerings, including a grocery store with a liquor license, a brewery, restaurants, thrilling adventure tours, affordable daycare facilities, bakeries, and diverse selection of retail establishments. This home is ideal for the adventurous at heart, featuring 3 bedrooms + den, 2.5 bathrooms, 2 car garage, and complete air-conditioning. It's the lifestyle! PLUS NEW FITNESS FACILITY

Features: Shopping Nearby, Near Golf Course, Marina Nearby, Recreation Nearby, Ski Hill Nearby

615 Shaughnessy Place

Britannia Beach – Britannia Beach, BC

Details
List Price $1,349,000
MLS® # R3143053
bedroom 1
bathroom 1
Year Built 1928
Age 98
Floor Space 1,594 sqft
Lot 0.22 Acres
Taxes $5,227
Tax Year 2025
Features Cul-De-Sac
Amenities Storage
Address 615 Shaughnessy Place, Britannia Beach, BC, V8B 1J1

The view here isn't just beautiful, it's remarkable, and never the same twice. Morning coffee comes with front row seats to Howe Sound, where whales, porpoises, eagles and unforgettable sunsets have a way of stealing the show. This beautifully restored character home offers timeless fir details and a flexible floorplan that can evolve with your needs, including the potential to create additional bedrooms. Outside, you'll find an outbuilding for storage, sunny gardens, open parking and a sun-soaked backyard where the view is always the main event. With Britannia Beach quickly becoming one of the Sea to Sky's most exciting waterfront communities, thanks to new restaurants, local shops and the future surf park, this is a chance to put down roots somewhere truly special.

Features: Cul-De-Sac

868 Upper Crescent

Britannia Beach – Britannia Beach, BC

Details
List Price $1,425,000
MLS® # R3138685
Style Rancher/Bungalow w/Bsmt.
bedrooms 3
bathroom 1
Year Built 1955
Age 71
Floor Space 1,983 sqft
Lot 0.22 Acres
Taxes $6,385
Tax Year 2025
Features Shopping Nearby, Greenbelt, Recreation Nearby
Address 868 Upper Crescent, Britannia Beach, BC, V8B 1J2

CHARMING & AFFORDABLE three bedroom plus den split level home features dark walnut hardwood floors, newer roof, thermo-windows as well as kitchen & bathroom upgrades & large sundeck. Large level lot (9,775 sf) with white picket fence, mature garden & borders designated park to the east & south. There are two separate areas of the yard with plenty of room for children and pets plus a small workshop. Gorgeous ocean views, sunsets & views of the coastal mountains are to be enjoyed as part of everyday living in spectacular OCEANSIDE community of Britannia Beach & the new Village with shopping, restaurants & amenities. Lower level has separate entrance and can be finished to add nanny suite. Other upgrade options are to add a second floor to the main home or a detached garage suite or workshop.

Features: Shopping Nearby, Greenbelt, Recreation Nearby

156 Shaughnessy Heights

Britannia Beach – Britannia Beach, BC

Details
List Price $779,000
MLS® # R3116432
Lot 4.23 Acres
Taxes $1,462
Tax Year 2025
Features Greenbelt, Marina Nearby, Private, Recreation Nearby, Wooded, Waterfront Property
Address 156 Shaughnessy Heights, Britannia Beach, BC, V8B 1J2

Incredibly rare waterfront acreage in Britannia Beach, offering over 1,500 feet of ocean frontage, including the stunning Secret Beach and a dramatic rock bluff extending into the sea. Multiple potential building sites exist (to be confirmed with the SLRD). Enjoy sweeping 180 degree ocean views, your own private sandy beach, and front-row seats to passing orcas. Complete privacy with no neighbours, yet just 500 metres from the bustling boutique village of Britannia Beach. There is no road access and no services to this property, water access only. Call your realtor for more details.

Features: Greenbelt, Marina Nearby, Private, Recreation Nearby, Wooded, Waterfront Property

1028 Goat Ridge Drive

Britannia Beach – Britannia Beach, BC

Details
List Price $3,695,000
MLS® # R3082470
bedrooms 4
bathrooms 4
Year Built 2020
Age 6
Floor Space 4,460 sqft
Lot 0.88 Acres
Taxes $12,031
Tax Year 2025
Features Shopping Nearby, Greenbelt, Marina Nearby, Private, Recreation Nearby, Rural Setting
Amenities Pantry
Address 1028 Goat Ridge Drive, Britannia Beach, BC, V8B 1J2

Custom home boasts OCEAN VIEWS & GORGEOUS SUNSETS! 4460sf of finished living+1,033 sf of outdoor patios & covers decks you can enjoy year round. Quiet natural setting is almost an acre (.88 acre/38,211 sf) & fully landscaped. Finishes include; Nichiha siding, standing seam metal roof, Pela metal clad windows, 3-panel moving glass wall system, 8’ doors on main floor, incredible modern kitchen for those that love to cook & entertain, quartz counters, Grohe plumbing fixtures, Kohler toilets and sinks, LED lighting, heat pump/air conditioning. Zoning allows legal suite+detached dwelling for the future or swimming pool if desired. NEW VILLAGE with market, restaurants & daycare. FOREIGN BUYERS CAN BUY IN BRITANNIA BEACH & Empty Housing Tax does not apply.

Features: Shopping Nearby, Greenbelt, Marina Nearby, Private, Recreation Nearby, Rural Setting

1154 Copper Drive

Britannia Beach – Britannia Beach, BC

Details
List Price $2,688,000
MLS® # R3077730
Lot 3.41 Acres
Taxes $9,142
Tax Year 2005
Features Private Yard
Amenities Near Shopping
Address 1154 Copper Drive, Britannia Beach, BC, V8B 1J2

OCEAN VIEW ACREAGE! Ultimate privacy, wake up to the sound of bird & the distant waterfall & enjoy the twinkling ocean waters of Howe Sound & the snow capped mountains to the west - at day's end, enjoy unprecedented sunsets! Located half-way between between Vancouver & Whistler, Britannia Beach offers quiet peacefully living at its best. Acreage is fully serviced (water/sanitary sewer) & ready to build, 3.41 acre parcel waiting for your creative design. Current zoning allows for large primary residence+smaller secondary residence/cottage plus carriage house & workshop. Survey & geotechnical site assessment completed, property has been partially cleared to provide driveway access & building site for future residence. Property borders PARK & woodlands with waterfalls along boundary.

Features: Private Yard