Frequently Asked Questions
MKSP is a private event for Registered Attendees only. This is why registration is important!
There is no public Wi-Fi at the summit. Cell phone service has always been hit and miss. Even for Calls and historically one struggles to get even one or two bars worth of Signal. To get good Canadian Cell service, traditionally in the past few years one has to walk down the road a 100 meters or so where there is good "Line of Sight" viewed of Oliver or Osoyoos BC. Up at the tower, you are more likely to pick up US cell service from towers in Washington.
The road IS rough, but not exceptionally so by backroad standards. It is also exceptionally wide, and there are no "white-knuckle" corners or steep hills. Everything from small sports cars to 35' motorhomes have made the ascent without incident. You certainly don't need a 4WD, but your vehicle should be in reasonably good repair, tires in good condition and you must drive with caution. We suggest you allow about 45 minutes for the trip up, but you may want to take longer simply to admire the view, which is frequently breathtaking! The following is a link to a youTube Video of the Drive up.
No. The provincial government does not permit overnight camping at this Provincial Protected Area except for registered MKSP attendees during the Mount Kobau Star Party.
No. Most attendees elect to register upon arrival at Mt. Kobau. You'll choose your own camping spot at that time, on a first-come first-served basis. You won't find prime sites marked "reserved" at MKSP -- not even for our staff.
We think you'll agree, MKSP's fee schedule is remarkably simple and our prices very reasonable. Click on the "Current Year" menu item for details.
Talks, tours, workshops, contests -- all these are covered in your admission fee. Souvenir items are available at affordable prices.
Many people who've attended MKSP say they like the relaxing, non-commercial atmosphere at our star party. We've tried to preserve that. As a result, you'll find Mt. Kobau is essentially a wilderness camp-out. The nearest stores, gas stations, indoor lodging etc. are in the town of Osoyoos, about 1 hour's drive from the summit.
No. You must bring all your own drinking and washing water. If you have electrically powered equipment, you must run it off batteries or generators. Use of Generators is only allowed between 12:00pm and 6:00pm. (Except if used to power presentation equipment for evening presentations.)
Yes! In addition to one permanent outhouse, we rent several portable outhouses for the event, and set them up at various locations around the site.
Perhaps in your neighbor's RV. Otherwise, we have this information on faculties in Osoyoos.
Showers are still currently supported at the Husky Gas and Service Station for $7.35 per person.
Another option would be to head down to the Sonora Community Centre (located at 8505 68th Avenue right beside the Elementary school) and to use their showers there for: $3.50 for adult, $2.50 for youth age 13-17 and $2.50 for seniors age 60+. They also will ask for photo ID and keep a photocopy in case there are any damages.
Coin operated showers will be found at NK'MIP RV and Campground located at 8000 – 45th Street in town across the bridge.
Unfortunately I'm currently unable to acquire any information about showers located at the beach, more information may be available later.
You will need valid a passport to enter.
All people arriving in Canada from the USA must download the ARRIVECAN app on their cellphone before arrival and complete the necessary documentation to verify your COVID status and eligibility for entry.
Also, If you are a U.S. resident and you have expensive equipment that you wish to use at MKSP, and you will not be selling any of the equipment you are bringing into Canada, you should have no such problems.