Join UBCO and Okanagan College astronomy faculty and DRAO scientists and engineers for a tour of the Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory. This tour is targeted at UBCO and Okanagan College astronomy students (past and present); you are welcome to bring friends and family or other interested guests. Note that DRAO public tours are happening at the same time.
Saturday October 17, 2026, 11 AM. The tour will run until approximately 2 PM with a break to eat lunch (NOT provided). All electronic devices must be completely shut off; see radio frequency interference rules below.
Note that separate from the tour, there is a DRAO open house, open to the general public, on Saturday October 3. See the NRC page for details.
Directions
DRAO is located at 717 White Lake Rd, Kaleden, BC. The drive takes approximately one hour from the Bennett Bridge in Kelowna. Mapping apps work fine until you turn electronic devices off shortly before arrival!
Drive south on Highway 97 from Kelowna for 60 km from the Bennett Bridge through Penticton. About 500 m south of the Highway 3A turnoff, turn right on White Lake Rd. (There’s a big government of Canada-branded sign pointing to the observatory at the turnoff.) Turn off your cell phone and all other electronic devices on White Lake Rd. The observatory is in 7 km on the left, a bit more than 1 km after the St Andrews development and golf course.
ARRIVAL: Park outside the gate along White Lake Rd to limit cars close to site, as cars cause radio frequency interference. The walk in from the gate is approximately 500 m. If you have accessibility needs, driving in is OK.
There is no public transportation to the observatory and no weekend public transportation from Kelowna to Penticton. If you need help arranging a ride, please contact Prof Hill or Prof Ransom.
Radio frequency interference rules
DRAO is a radio quiet site. All electronic devices (including cell phones, smart watches, tablets, laptops, powered headphones) must be completely shut off (airplane mode is NOT sufficient) while at the observatory. (Medical devices are excepted.) Even in airplane mode, digital electronics cause interference which can be much brighter than the astronomical signals we’re looking for or can even damage our highly sensitive equipment.
The tour will be primarily outdoors. There are washrooms at the observatory which will be available. The event will happen rain or shine.
Food: There is no food available at the observatory. Please bring lunch and a water bottle.
Contact alex.hill@ubc.ca or RRansom@okanagan.bc.ca.