The Canadian Forces Snowbirds performed their final flight over Toronto on September 5, 2026, during the Canadian International Air Show. This appearance marks the end of the team's presence in Ontario's capital until at least the 2030s as they prepare to transition to new aircraft.
The retirement of the CT-114 Tutor jets
The Canadian Forces Snowbirds are preparing to ground their nine-jet aerobatic team following the conclusion of the 2026 season. According to a report by The Canadian Press, the squadron is undergoing a major transition as the iconic CT-114 Tutor jets are replaceed by the new CT-157 Siskin II. This change in hardware means the team's signature flight patterns will be absent from the skies over Toronto for several years.
The September 5, 2026, performance at the Canadian International Air Show served as a poignant farewell to the Toronto lakeshore. As the nine-jet formation roared over downtown Toronto and passed the iconic CN Tower, spectators gathered at the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) grounds to witness what is expected to be the team's last appearance in the city until at least the 2030s.
A 2,700-performance legacy since 1971
The Snowbirds have been a cornerstone of Canadian public life for more than half a century. since 1971, the team has completed approximately 2,700 performances using the CT-114 Tutor, making them a staple of national celebrations and major events across the country.
This farewell tour has included various stops across Ontario to reach as many fans as possible before the fleet change. For instance, the Snowbirds performed during Armed Forces Day along the North Bay waterfront on June 10, marking one of their final appearances in the province with the Tutor jets.
Disappointment at the CNE as the 2030s approach
Many long-time spectators expressed sadness regarding the long hiatus expected for the Toronto area. Sandy Seymour, an air show enthusiast at the CNE, noted her disappointment that the federal government did not find a way to replace the aircraft without grounding the squadron entirely.
The absence of the Snowbirds will change the atmosphere of the annual Canadian National Exhibition. For many attendees, the high-flying stunts over Lake Ontario have been a yearly tradition that defines the summer season at the exhibition grounds.
The final stop at the Calgary Grey Cup
The Snowbirds' 2026 schedule concludes with a final major appearance on November 15. According to the report, the team is scheduled to perform at the Grey Cup in Calgary , which will mark the official end of their era flying the CT-114 Tutor.
What will the CT-157 Siskin II rollout look like?
While the transition to the CT-157 Siskin II is confirmed, several technical and logistical details remain unverified. It is currently unclear how long the grounding period will actually last or if the new aircraft will be capable of performing the same signature nine-jet aerobatic maneuvers that have defined the squadron for decades.
The report does not clarify if the transition will involve a change in the team's flight maneuvers or if the new jets will be integrated into existing air show circuits sooner than the 2030s. Until the new fleet is fully operational and flight-ready, a significant chapter of Canadian aviation history remains on pause.
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