‘Our shows depend on the weather, and there are three different types – a high show, low show, and a flat show, based on the cloud levels,’ says an official.
And now for the real deal.
The Canadian Forces Snowbirds practiced their airshow Friday morning over the Barrie area in preparation for this weekend’s event.
Taking off from Lake Simcoe Regional Airport, the 30-minute performance was a routine rehearsal before the Barrie Airshow.
“That’s just to help the pilots get familiar with the landscape and what’s around. They establish their show lines and references,” explained Philip Rochon, public affairs officer with the Snowbirds. “They basically ran through most of their show as much as they could.”
“We’re hoping for good weather this weekend,” he mentioned on a sunny but windy morning. “Our shows rely on weather conditions, and we have three types – a high show, low show, and flat show depending on cloud cover.”
Rochon expressed that it’s an honor for the Snowbirds to take part in the Barrie Airshow.
“There’s a connection between Barrie and (Canadian Forces Base) Borden, which is where the RCAF (Royal Canadian Air Force) originated and is also where our technicians receive their training,” he said. “So it feels like giving back to the community that shaped us into who we are.”
He noted that there’s a strong bond between the Snowbirds and Canadians across the country.
“People share stories about seeing the Snowbirds for their first time or at events like the Olympics or flying over Parliament Hill on Canada Day,” Rochon said. “That means so much to us.”
Deputy Mayor Robert Thomson remarked that the Barrie Airshow has quickly become one of those must-see events in our city.
“It shows that Barrie can effectively host world-class events attracting visitors from all over Ontario and Canada,” he stated. “Last year’s airshow brought in about 90,000 guests and generated roughly $5.6 million in economic impact for our community.”
Thomson indicated that plans for 2026 suggest an even bigger airshow ahead.
“This highlights both how strong this event is and how Barrie’s profile is growing as a destination for tourism, entertainment, and major gatherings,” he added.
The 2026 Barrie Airshow will take place Saturday and Sunday over Kempenfelt Bay. This year’s free family-friendly event will showcase both military and civilian acts, featuring a special twilight air display on Saturday night along with a fireworks finale.
The lineup for this year’s 2026 Barrie Airshow includes the Snowbirds performing in what will be one of their final shows using their iconic CT-114 Tutor jets.
The federal government announced in May that while its aging aircraft are being replaced, the Snowbirds team will be grounded until early 2030s.
The new CT-157 Siskin II aircraft will replace the CT-114 Tutor jets. This season marks the aerobatic squadron’s last with its Tutor fleet.
Kicking off air-show weekend tonight is a free outdoor screening of Top Gun: Maverick at Meridian Place starting at 9:30 p. m.
This Saturday’s schedule starts at noon with meet-and-greet sessions featuring performers at Meridian Place along with military displays, family activities, and vendors set up throughout downtown by the waterfront.
Muskoka Extreme water ski show takes place at 5 p. m. on Kempenfelt Bay near Heritage Park. The opening address along with national anthem begins at 5:40 p. m., with speakers positioned around parks along waterfront areas.
A special twilight performance starts around 6 p. m., continuing until sunset. As darkness falls, two aerobatic acts will light up the sky accompanied by pyrotechnics leading up to an impressive fireworks finale at 10 p. m.
The following day continues full throttle with more airshow programming alongside waterfront activities starting from 10 a. m., including military exhibits and fun-filled family activities.
The Muskoka Extreme water ski show kicks off again at noon followed by national anthem singing and opening remarks scheduled for 12:40 p. m., leading into air displays beginning promptly at 1 p. m.
Please note performances may vary based on conditions like weather safety needs or aircraft readiness; therefore no detailed performance schedule will be released beforehand!
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