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Thousands watch Snowbirds’ final White Rock show
The Snowbirds’ 45-minute aerobatic display over Semiahmoo Bay marked one of the last chances to see the CT-114 Tutors fly.
Thousands gathered along White Rock’s waterfront on Aug. 12 for what was billed as the Snowbirds’ final show over Semiahmoo Bay. The CT-114 Tutors performed aerobatic manoeuvres for about 45 minutes as the team marked 55 years in the air.
The Tutor entered service with the RCAF as a jet trainer in 1963, and the Snowbirds began flying in 1971. The team has performed repeatedly over White Rock, with some past shows drawing crowds estimated at 20,000.
Defence Minister David J. McGuinty announced in May that the Snowbirds will stop flying after the 2026 season until replacement aircraft enter service in the early 2030s. The future team is to use the CT-157 Siskin II, the RCAF designation for the Pilatus PC21.
Attendees described the performance as an emotional farewell. The Snowbirds’ final scheduled 2026 appearance is Oct. 10 and 11 in Sacramento, Calif.