TORONTO — The familiar thunder of nine jets ripped across the skyline above the Exhibition grounds on Saturday as the Canadian International Air Show opened, marking what officials say will be the last time the Snowbirds perform over Toronto until at least the 2030s.
End of an era over the lake
Organizers and observers at the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) watched fighter aircraft from different eras streak over Lake Ontario in a demonstration that included the Canadian Forces’ famed aerobatic team. The squadron’s long-serving CT-114 Tutor aircraft are being retired and replaced by a new type, the CT-157 Siskin II, triggering a pause in the Snowbirds’ scheduled appearances when the team is grounded at the close of the 2026 season.
The Snowbirds have been a consistent presence at national and local celebrations for decades, performing roughly 2,700 times since 1971. Their displays have become a ritual of summer and civic festivals across the country, and for many in Toronto the aerial routines are a highlight of the CNE’s closing weekend.
Local reaction and cultural impact
On the CNE grounds, longtime attendees expressed disappointment at the prospect of not seeing the Snowbirds perform locally for years. One spectator, wearing Snowbirds apparel, said she was dismayed the federal government had not found a way to maintain performances through the fleet change and that the fair would be diminished without the aerobatic team’s high-speed manoeuvres.
For many families and visitors, the team’s flyovers have been woven into summer plans that include visiting the Exhibition, watching the skies and photographing the formations as they cross the waterfront. The absence of the Snowbirds in coming years may prompt event organisers and city planners to seek alternative aerial or ceremonial attractions.
What the grounding means
Defence and aviation officials have said the grounding is tied to the retirement of the Tutor jets and the introduction of the CT-157 Siskin II. The transition will require time for aircraft acquisition, pilot conversion and safety validation before the aerobatic team can resume public performances. The Snowbirds’ final scheduled show of the 2026 season is set for Nov. 15 at the Grey Cup in Calgary.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Historic Tutor performances | ~2,700 shows since 1971 |
| Aircraft retiring | CT-114 Tutor |
| Replacement | CT-157 Siskin II |
| Grounding effective | End of 2026 season; hiatus until at least the 2030s |
What to expect at air shows and local events
Air shows and large public events that traditionally relied on the Snowbirds’ participation will need to adjust programming or secure other military and civilian display teams while the Toronto appearances are suspended. For spectators, the immediate practical effect is simply the loss of a familiar spectacle at city events that draw families and tourists.
- Plan for crowds: The CNE draws large numbers on weekends; prime viewing spots along the waterfront fill early.
- Expect programming changes: Organizers may add alternate aircraft demonstrations or ground attractions to replace aerial routines.
- Check official sources: Event schedules and Defence announcements will provide updates on future Snowbirds plans and any substitute performances.
Looking ahead
While the fleet transition signals a pause in a decades-long tradition, the Snowbirds’ legacy over Toronto and across Canada remains significant. The team’s departure from local skies will be felt by observers who have marked anniversaries, civic moments and family outings to the sound of jets over Lake Ontario.
Officials have not provided a precise timeline for the Snowbirds’ return to regular public displays in Ontario beyond indicating the hiatus extends into the next decade. For now, this summer’s shows stand as a last opportunity for many to see the Tutor-era Snowbirds perform over Toronto’s lakeshore.
Angelica Santos is the Ontario correspondent for NEXO RADAR.
