For many, it isn't Canada Day or a summer long weekend without marveling at the aeronautic acrobatics of the Snowbirds.
However, if you want to see the stunt pilots show off in spectacular aerial formation you'll have to seek out a final fix this summer before they go on an extended hiatus until sometime in the early 2030s.
The Canadian Forces announced today that the aging CT-114 Tutor jets used for Snowbirds flyovers and aerobatic performances will be retired after the 2026 flying season.
They will be replaced with a new fleet of CT-157 Siskin II planes.
However, the fleet replacement won't be fully operational for at least six or seven years.
So, no Snowbirds performances for at least that long, as well.
To catch them in BC this summer you'll have to line up along Dallas Road in Victoria on Aug. 4 for a flyover, hit the Abbotsford International Airshow, Aug. 7-9, for the full aerobatics show, or go to White Rock on Aug. 12 for a non-aerobatic demonstration.
The Snowbirds were last in the Okanagan for a full aerobatics rehearsal over Okanagan Lake on Aug. 4, 2025 before the official Aug. 6 performance at Penticton Peach Fest.
Again, there was a show over Okanagan Lake, but this time in Kelowna, July 9-10, 2022, to celebrate Kelowna International Airport's 75th anniversary.
Snowbird jets touched down in April of this year at Kelowna airport to refuel, but didn't do any public appearances.
The Snowbirds first wowed crowds in 1971, which makes summer 2026 the 55th season for the Royal Canadian Air Force's aerobatic demonstration team.
The season kicks off May 24 with a flyover for the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal.
A flyover is just that -- the 9 jets fly past overhead in formation, producing their distinctive piercing, loud roar and high-frequency buzz followed by a vivid streams of white smoke.
The full aerobatics show features dazzling razor-tight choreography that's breathtaking in both its daring and grace.
In all, the Snowbirds will have 24 performances this summer before they have their extended break.
After the 2026 debut in Montreal, the team has a couple of American dates -- June 6-7 in Chesterfield, Missouri and July 4 -- US Independence Day -- in New York.
In between, of course, the Snowbirds will be in Ottawa for Canada Day on July 1 for a Parliament Hill flyover.
Other Canadian performances this summer include Barrie, Moncton, Moose Jaw, Red Deer, Grande Prairie, Toronto and Gatineau.
The season wraps up with shows in two California locales -- Huntington Beach, Oct. 3-4, and the state capital of Sacramento, Oct. 10-11.
