Four places to wave goodbye to CF Snowbirds this weekend in Calgary
The aging fleet of jets will soon take their final flight to retirement
A 55-year Canadian aviation era comes to an end this weekend, with the Canadian Forces Snowbirds aerial demonstration team set to make their final public appearance in the skies.
The iconic, red-and-white Snowbirds will fly in formation just before kickoff over the 113th Grey Cup in Calgary before its legendary, but aging, fleet of Canadair CT-114 Tutor jets is flown to CFB Trenton to be retired.
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The retirement of the fleet signals the start of a planned multi-year hiatus for the team. Intentions have been announced to have them back in the skies in the early 2030s flying new Pilatus PC-21 turboprop planes.
With the team set to fly from south to north over McMahon Stadium just west of downtown Calgary, here are some of the best places in Calgary to wave goodbye to a piece of Canadian history.
Mackowecki Hill
This hill overlooking McMahon Stadium and downtown Calgary will offer comfortable, panoramic views (and photos) of the Snowbirds as they approach and fly over the stadium.
Remember your ear plugs. These jets are loud!
Nose Hill
With room for everyone, and some of the best south-facing views to be found in Calgary, the high elevation ridges of Nose Hill will put you as close to the skies as possible as the jets roar over the city from the south. Keep your phone charged for those close-up photos!
SAIT/Jubilee Auditorium Parkade
This unofficial viewpoint on the north side of the Bow River offers some of the best skyline views in town - and a chance to hear the humbling power of the jet engines reverberate off downtown skyscrapers.
The 113th Grey Cup
If you're still on the fence about attending the game, McMahon Stadium will offer some of the best seats in Calgary to see and hear the roar of the Tutor jets one final time.
Header image courtesy of the Royal Canadian Air Force.