Britannia Creek
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| | Raps:7-14, max ↨82ft
Red Tape: Shuttle:Required 10 min | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Condition Reports: | 12 Sep 2024
"Time is car-to-car and includes the lower section as well. We lapped jumps at the bridge. |
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| Best season: | summer
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49.6271, -123.1846
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Introduction[edit]
This is a fantastic canyon with lots of rappel, lots of jumps and incredibly easy access (almost zero approach and zero return).
The canyon is littered with old and new bolts. This allows most obstacles to be tackled in a number of ways depending on flow. The text of the descent section doesn't account for this, only describing the low flow routes, while also referencing features no longer present. Regardless, with a keen eye the options make themselves apparent.
Whilst the new bolts are in great conditions, a number of the old bolts, hangers & quicklinks are showing signs of deterioration (likely zinc plated). Please consider bringing a small adjustable wrench and hacksaw to remove old rusted quicklinks. If replacing anything please use stainless steel.
Approach[edit]
To access the canyon drive to the Britannia Mine Museum on Highway 99, between Vancouver and Squamish. From the museum proceed up Copper Drive until you cross a bridge, this is your exit.
Drop a vehicle at the parking lot adjacent the bridge (please read the note in the Red Tape section below) and proceed up the road with a second vehicle until the paved road ends.
A small pull out on the left will fit two or three vehicles. Gearing up here is practical as it's only a short walk from here. Follow a use trail through the forest for 200m. This now leads down into the stream, below the old damn that used to be R1.
Descent[edit]
This Beta is in need of help. There are LOTS of bolts everywhere in the canyon and descent is straightforward without beta as almost everything has a bolt.
- R1: No longer part of the canyon as its a broken damn.
- R2: 8m Rappel or Technical Jump (very small target)
- R3: 3m Jump, There are bolts for this.
- R4: 10m Rappel from bolts DCR
- R5: 12m Rappel from bolts DCR
- R6: 6m Rappel DCR. This is the slot down and was the crux of the canyon as even in low flow it was pushy. A single bolt has been added (2016) center canyon in a sheltered position for high water. Another bolts placement for low water DCL is feasible high on wall though note there are many cracks in rock at ideal placement for rappel station.
- R7: 5m Jump
- R8: 6m Simulrap from rock horn (GONE!) This area is now bolts DCR and DCL with DCR being lower flow option it seemed (still fun).
- R9: 5m Jump
- R10 (Bridge): 6m to 10m Jump
- R11: 10m Rappel from bolts DCR or Technical Jump (centerish of pool, check rocks at bottom of pool before jumping)
- R12: 25m Rappel from edge (10m handline)
- R13: 3m L-Jump (shallow, land on your butt). A single bolt added 2016 DCL to avoid unpleasant downclimb and shallow jump. May be challenging to reach during high water.
- R14: 5m Jump
- Exit Bridge
Exit[edit]
Once you reach the exit bridge hike out on the left side to reach your vehicle
Red tape[edit]
A note from the Britannia Mine Museum: "if you are planning a day in Britannia the Museum has the following requests with regard to parking. In the low season (October-April) we can tolerate a moderate amount of non-guest parking in our lot, maybe up to six vehicles but preferably less. When parking on our lot please park at the far end of the lot against the lockblock wall. Always pick up any garbage and consider coming in to the Giftshop for a coffee or to search for that perfect gift for someone special (our Giftshop has some really nice jewelry). The Museum is largely self-funded and is a not-for-profit enterprise.
Blackout dates: there is NO parking in our lot for October 22/23 and 29/30 due to our Spootakular Halloween event (bring the kids!). We anticipate a full lot for both weekends.
In our high season (May-September), there is no parking in our lot please. Public parking is available along the white picket fence and next to Mountain Woman (Blue Bus) near the large concrete planters, just along the highway.
Please also realize that the Britannia locals will react strongly to any poor parking etiquette in the residential areas so keep a mind out about that. Copper Drive itself is managed by the Province and you don't want to upset them either.
Play safe and thanks for your cooperation! Deron Johnston Operations Manager Britannia Mine Museum"
Beta sites[edit]
Trip reports and media[edit]
Background[edit]
First descent on Canada Day 2015 by Philippe Lapointe, Amber Brown, Marteen Haenen, and Kevin Meuller
