Getting Started
Account Management
Using Chinook
Support
Getting Started
Getting Started
What is object storage?
Object storage is a storage architecture that saves data as individual objects rather than files inside folders. Each object includes the data and descriptive information that makes it easier to organize and retrieve large or unstructured datasets.
UBC ARC Chinook (“Chinook”) is built on this architecture to give researchers a simple and reliable way to store, move, and share research data. It is best suited for storing short or medium-term archives, collection and aggregation of results, copies of valuable datasets, staging of reference datasets or nearline storage.
Who can apply for a Chinook application?
Allocations are awarded to UBC faculty members or principal investigators (PIs), also known as Allocation Owners. If you are not certain about eligibility or the application process, please contact arc.support@ubc.ca.
How many allocations can a research group apply for?
Each application is assessed independently, regardless of whether the PI already holds another allocation.
What is the minimum and maximum allocation size?
There is no fixed minimum. Standard allocation sizes are determined based on needs and available capacity. Very large allocations (>160 TB) request will be subject to further discussion with ARC staff.
Can I store high-risk or sensitive data on Chinook?
Yes. UBC ARC Chinook is approved for storing UBC research information at all classification levels, including High and Very High-Risk data.
Chinook is configured with multiple security and information protection controls that meet the requirements of UBC Information Systems Policy (SC14) and related standards. These include encryption in transit, strong access controls, network segmentation, physical data centre security, and partial replication.
Chinook does not provide encryption at rest or backup. Allocation Owners are responsible for ensuring compliance with UBC policies, ethics requirements, and any contractual obligations. If backup is needed, data must be copied to another service such as those listed in the UBC Research Storage Finder
For more details, refer to Chinook’s Security and Privacy
What do the different roles on Chinook mean?
Allocation Owner
The faculty member or PI who applies for the allocation. They are accountable for the allocation, including renewal, compliance with ARC policies, and granting access to others.
Designated Contact
Another optional faculty or staff member that the Allocation Owner has assigned in the application form. They can assist with administrative requests, such as asking for additional storage.
Collaborators and Lab Members
Anyone the Allocation Owner chooses to share data with through Globus, such as students, staff, or external collaborators. ARC does not onboard or track these individuals.
Account Management
Account Management
How do I manage access to my allocation?
Allocation Owners have full control over who can access their data using Globus. They can share data by granting permissions to individuals or groups and can also create permission groups to simplify management for labs and collaborators. Designated Contacts may assist if the Allocation Owner has granted a Globus Administrator role.
UBC ARC team does not add or remove lab members, set permissions, or share data on behalf of researchers.
For more details visit the Chinook Sharing Guide
Who is responsible for the data in my allocation?
UBC ARC manages the underlying system and infrastructure, but the Allocation Owner is responsible for all data stored in the allocation and for the actions of anyone they grant access to.
What happens when my allocation ends?
When an allocation ends, write access is disabled. The Allocation Owner has up to 14 days to copy or remove data before it is deleted.
Using Chinook
Using Chinook
Can I split an allocation into multiple projects?
Yes. On Chinook, an Allocation Owner has complete control over their data and may grant access to folders using Globus. Splitting an allocation into projects can be achieved by creating separate folders for each project and adjusting the permissions of each folder accordingly.
What is Globus and how do I use it?
Globus is the primary way to access Chinook. The Allocation Owner sets up Guest Collections during the initial setup, then shares access with others through the Globus web interface, the command line, or the API. Personal devices and lab instruments can also be connected using Globus Connect Personal. For detailed instructions, see the Technical User Documentation
What is S3 on Chinook?
S3 (Simple Storage Service) is an API that allows applications and platforms to connect directly to Chinook. S3 has been set up to provide backend storage for research platforms, applications, or systems. Globus remains the only ARC-supported client for accessing Chinook.
When should I use S3?
You should only request S3 if your research tool, workflow, or service specifically requires an S3-compatible connection. Common examples include:
- Connecting an application that expects an S3 bucket (e.g., Weights and Biases Server).
- Transferring data between Chinook and cloud services like Google Cloud or Microsoft Azure that support S3 APIs.
When should I not use S3?
If your main need is transferring or sharing data with collaborators, you do not need S3. Use Globus instead — it is simpler, faster, and more reliable for manual transfers or everyday use. Examples where S3 is unnecessary include:
- Uploading or downloading data with desktop tools such as Cyberduck.
- Automating transfers without needing specific S3 features.
For these cases, use Globus instead (web interface, CLI, API, or SDK), which is more efficient and reliable.
What information do I need to provide for S3 access on Chinook?
To enable an S3 connection, the Allocation Owner (or Designated Contact) can reach out arc.support@ubc.ca and provide the following:
- Description of your use case: explain why S3 is needed (for example, integration with a specific research tool or cloud service).
- Name of the platform or application: include links or documentation if available.
- Network details: the IP addresses or ranges where S3 requests will come from.
- Required S3 policy: what level of access the application needs (for example: read-only, upload but no delete, or full read/write).
- Preferred folder name: the top-level directory inside your allocation for the S3 integration.
Why do you need IP addresses to set up S3?
It is best practice to implement the principle of least privilege when setting up access. If the application is accessing Chinook via S3 from specific locations, access to data can be limited to the IP addresses associated with those locations.
What is an S3 Policy?
An S3 policy manages access to the Chinook allocation. Policies allow researchers to dictate the level of access an application has to the data. For example, a policy can be configured to enable an application, via S3, to add new data to the allocation but not delete any data.
How do I set up S3?
The endpoint address (chinook.arc.ubc.ca), an S3 Access Key, and a Secret Key are required to set up S3. The keys can be retrieved from the UBC ARC Secure Information Transfer endpoint on Globus.
Each research tool, application, or programming language handles S3 slightly differently. Please refer to the research tool, application, or programming language documentation for specific instructions.
How can I check the amount of storage I have used on Chinook?
Researchers can follow the instructions in the documentation. If this proves difficult, email arc.support@ubc.ca and ARC staff can confirm the current state of your allocation.
Support
Support
How is the system maintained?
Maintenance Windows
Chinook subject to a regularly scheduled maintenance window on the third Tuesday of every quarter. Maintenance usually runs from 09:00 to 18:00 PT but may be shorter or longer depending on the need. Regular maintenance is required to maintain service reliability and security and introduce new features and capabilities. You can check scheduled maintenance windows, real‑time outage reports, and notes on performance issues on the UBC IT Status page under Advanced Research Computing.
User Impact
Active Globus transfers may fail or timeout. Transfers automatically resume after maintenance, but users are encouraged to check and resubmit any failed transfers.
How can I stay informed?
System Status
Up‑to‑date information about Chinook is posted on the UBC IT Status page under Advanced Research Computing. This includes scheduled maintenance windows, real‑time outage reports, and notes on performance issues. Users are encouraged to check the status page before reporting an issue, especially during maintenance windows, as jobs and data transfers may be paused or delayed. ARC also posts maintenance reminders through the Chinook user mailing list, the Message of the Day (MOTD) displayed at login, and the Technical User Documentation site.
User Notices
ARC communicates with Chinook users about system status and changes through multiple channels: the ARC‑CHINOOK‑USERS mailing list, and notices posted on the UBC ARC Technical User Documentation.
Mailing List
All Chinook users are automatically subscribed to the ARC‑CHINOOK‑USERS mailing list. This list is the primary way to stay up to date on Chinook, including announcements about maintenance, downtime, policy changes, new services, and training opportunities. Users may freely subscribe or unsubscribe through the UBC Mailing List platform.
The mailing list archive is also publicly viewable:
- Chinook: arc‑chinook‑users@lists.ubc.ca
How can I get more support?
ARC provides technical support and consultation for all Chinook users. Help is available by email at arc.support@ubc.ca. Researchers may also request consultations for more complex issues, such as software installation or project‑specific workflows.
Where can I find more information on Chinook?
Extensive written documentation is maintained in the Technical User Documentation. This resource includes instructions for getting started, explanations of Chinook’s storage policies, and guidance using the platform. The documentation is updated regularly to reflect system changes and new features introduced during scheduled maintenance.
Where can I find more training?
UBC ARC-led training
The Training and Resources page on the UBC ARC website maintain a list of historical and upcoming research computing training opportunities.
FAQs updated October 9th, 2025.