SASKATOON – For possibly the last time, Saskatoon residents looked to the sky as the Canadian Forces Snowbirds flew overhead.
The iconic Tutor jets from Saskatchewan’s 15 Wing Moose Jaw made a fuel stop at the Saskatchewan Aviation Museum in Saskatoon before they made their way to scheduled events in Alberta.
Hundreds of spectators lined the tarmac to catch what could be their last glimpse of the Snowbirds.
“It is a symbol of Canadian pride, a symbol of our sovereignty and a symbol that we are one of the greatest nations on the planet,” said Arianna Plummer.
The Snowbirds conducted a quick flyby over the city before landing and taxiing to the museum, where spectators had the chance to meet some of the pilots.
“This is a really nice farewell,” Plummer said. “But it is going to suck not having an aerobatic team for the next couple of years.”
In May, the federal government announced the Snowbirds will be temporarily grounded after the 2026 season, until the fleet of aging Tutor jets is replaced with CT-157 Siskin II aircraft in the early 2030s.
Snowbirds captain Thomas Thornton has flown the Tutor jet for five years. He told CTV News he has mixed feelings about the decision.
“I have an attachment to the (Tutor jet), but it is time,” he said.
“I am glad there is a future (for the Snowbirds).”
Brian Swidrovich helped organize the Saskatoon fly passes as a tribute to veterans and current members serving in the Canadian Armed Forces, as well as all emergency services.
On their flight to Saskatoon, he says the squadron conducted additional low-level fly passes over several communities along Highway 11.
“It is great that the team was able to show a little bit of love to small towns on the way here,” Swidrovich said. “A lot of veterans came from small towns, not just big cities in Canada.”
He said the tribute event was also a great opportunity for the public to cheer on the demonstration team one last time.
“We are going to sing ‘O Canada’ as a gesture when they are pulling up,” he said ahead of the Snowbirds arrival. “I think it is going to mean a lot.”
Saskatoon has hosted the squadron 20 times since 1995.
The last time the aerobatic team performed at an air show in the city was in 2017, which makes today’s event particularly special, Swidrovich said.
“There are kids here today that aren’t even eight years old. They have never experienced snowbirds in Saskatoon,” he said.
Sloane Anderson, 8, watched the Snowbirds with her family for the first time on Tuesday. She said she was in awe of the jets.
“It was just amazing,” she told CTV News. “The experience was great.”
“It’s so sad that our government is shutting them down.”
Anderson’s sentiment was echoed by many spectators watching the Snowbirds for likely the last time before they take an extended pause.
Megan LePoudre saw the Snowbirds growing up, which is why she brought her children to see them in Saskatoon.
“It was incredible,” she said. “We hope to see them around in the future.”
Last month, a Moose Jaw woman launched a petition with the House of Commons to keep the Snowbirds flying while Ottawa procures its new fleet.
At Saskatoon’s fly pass, spectators also hoped the federal government would reconsider. Organizers passed out postcards to be signed and mailed to Prime Minister Mark Carney.
“They are role models for our youth, teaching them the value of education, discipline and teamwork in pursuing their dreams,” the pre-written postcards said.
“We need them now more than ever to fly the Canadian flag across our nation.”
The Snowbirds’ stop in Saskatoon was not a scheduled event, according to Swidrovich. It came together at the last minute.
The jets refuelled before heading to Alberta for their next scheduled events of the season. There are no more Saskatchewan events listed on their schedule.
The Snowbirds will close out the 2026 season in Sacramento.
