Canada’s iconic Snowbirds have wrapped up their emotional final Saskatchewan tour, buzzing low over Craik, Davidson, Kenaston, Hanley, and Dundurn. For many in these small prairie communities, it was the first time—and possibly the last—they’ll see the distinctive red CT-114 Tutors overhead. The nine-aircraft formation has now touched down in Cold Lake, Alberta, where the team will make its next major appearance at the Cold Lake Air Show on July 18–19, before heading to Red Deer for the Red Deer Air Show on July 25–26, and then to Toronto for the Canadian International Air Show in early September.
The Saskatchewan leg wrapped around July 16. It marked the beginning of the end for a 55-year legacy. After nearly six decades of continuous operations, the Snowbirds will fly their final show on October 11, 2026—then stand down. A transition period could stretch into the early 2030s as the Canadian Armed Forces waits for delivery and certification of the replacement CT-157 Siskin II turboprop trainer.
Cold Lake—The Final Military-Hosted Show
The Cold Lake Air Show carries weight for the Snowbirds. 4 Wing Cold Lake has long been a training hub for RCAF pilots—many of whom have served with or trained through the demonstration squadron before the Cold Lake assignment. Rob Larson, director of administration for the Cold Lake Air Show, confirmed that this biennial event will host the Snowbirds’ final official military-hosted show. The distinction has drawn international attention and is expected to pull record crowds.
“This iconic team has inspired hundreds of thousands of enthusiasts at our air shows over the past 55 years, and we’re excited for the opportunity to host them once again,” Larson said.
Capt. Phil Rochon, the Snowbirds’ public affairs officer, added: “We feel a strong kinship with 4 Wing Cold Lake with many of our members having served there prior to joining the team. This season is focused on celebrating the people and the legacy of the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, who since 1971 have become an enduring symbol of Canadian aviation excellence.”
Cold Lake’s lineup reflects the moment. Spectators will see the United States Air Force F-22 Raptor demonstration team—the only Western Canadian air show hosting the fifth-generation fighter this season—alongside the Snowbirds. The Erickson Aircraft Collection will bring three restored Second World War warbirds: the B-25 Mitchell, P-38 Lightning, and P-47 Thunderbolt. Additional performers include the Canadian Forces SkyHawks parachute team, the CF-18 Hornet demonstration, and aerobatic routines from Greg Colyer’s T-33 Shooting Star and Jim Hrymack’s Harvard trainer.
Toronto, Then the Grounding
After Cold Lake and Red Deer, the Snowbirds fly east to the Canadian International Air Show in Toronto on September 5–6. It’s the 77th edition of Canada’s flagship civil air show. The Toronto appearance will be the team’s last major public outing before the October 11 finale.
What comes after is a void. The Department of National Defence announced in May that the CT-114 Tutor fleet—flown by the Snowbirds since 1971—will retire after the 2026 season. Replacement CT-157 Siskin II aircraft, which are Pilatus PC-21 turboprops, won’t be operational until the early 2030s. That creates a gap of potentially six to eight years without the distinctive nine-ship formation that has thrilled crowds for 55 years.
Moose Jaw resident Jana Kitts launched a House of Commons petition (e-7535) urging the government to keep the Snowbirds visible during transition. It exceeded 600 signatures. Petitioners voiced concerns that a lengthy standdown could erode the specialized expertise built across generations of pilots, technicians, and support personnel.
Tickets for the Cold Lake Air Show are available through the official Cold Lake Air Show website. The Canadian International Air Show in Toronto opens gates in early September.
Sources
- CKOM News — “Snowbirds to fly over Saskatoon on Tuesday before team is grounded”
- Department of National Defence — Official Statement on CT-114 Tutor Retirement and CT-157 Siskin II Procurement
- Cold Lake Air Show Official Website — 2026 Performers and Schedule
- Canadian International Air Show Official Website — 2026 Lineup
- House of Commons Petition e-7535 — Keep the Snowbirds Visible During Transition
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