Discover the Best Air Shows in Canada in 2026
Canada’s 2026 air show season is officially cleared for takeoff, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most exciting in years. From the F-22 Raptor Demo to the Snowbirds celebrating their 55th display season, this summer’s lineup brings world-class military jets, vintage warbirds, and breathtaking aerobatics to skies across the country.
Whether you’re chasing afterburners over Toronto’s waterfront or watching warbirds dance above Saint John Harbour, here are the top 5 best Canadian air shows you don’t want to miss in 2026:
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5. Canadian International Air Show (CIAS)
Now in its 77th edition, CIAS is North America’s longest-running airshow, held over Toronto’s vibrant waterfront during Labour Day weekend. The 2026 lineup features the Jack Aces Formation Aerobatic Team, the CF-18 Hornet Demonstration Team, a U.S. Air Force F-16 Demo, and the ever-popular Canadian Forces Snowbirds, promising high-octane thrills against the backdrop of the downtown skyline.
This free-to-watch event (with premium seating options available through the CNE) runs daily from noon to 3:40 PM, though prime viewing spots fill up fast so plan to arrive by mid-morning.
📌 September 5–7, 2026 | Toronto, ON
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4. Airshow London – SkyDrive
Canada’s original drive-in air show lets you enjoy the action from your car, blending comfort with serious adrenaline. Voted North America’s Best Air Show by USA Today readers four years running (2022–2025), SkyDrive 2026 is headlined by the USAF F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team, joined by the C-17 Globemaster III, KC-46 Pegasus, and KC-135 Stratotanker from Altus AFB, plus the MiG-17F, the Canadian Armed Forces SkyHawks, and the Hawker Hurricane and Supermarine Spitfire from Vintage Wings of Canada.
Set at London International Airport, just a short drive from downtown London. Gates open at 3 PM Friday and 10 AM Saturday and Sunday, with tickets at airshowlondon.com. Book early, the zones sell out fast.
📌 August 21–23, 2026 | London, ON
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3. AERO Gatineau-Ottawa
AERO Gatineau-Ottawa lights up Quebec’s skies from September 18–20, 2026, at the Gatineau-Ottawa Executive Airport, just a 15-minute drive from downtown Ottawa. The 2026 program brings back fan-favourite acts including the Snowbirds, the CF-18 Tactical Demonstration, and the Canadian Forces SkyHawks, alongside several first-time performers.
The Friday evening show returns this year, featuring a 150-drone illuminated performance by Fusion Drone Shows. With family activities, ground exhibits, and the Ottawa skyline in the distance, it’s as much about exploration on the ground as it is about the show in the sky.
📌 September 18–20, 2026 | Gatineau, QC
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2. Air Show Atlantic
Air Show Atlantic brings East Coast charm to the skies of Saint John, New Brunswick on August 29–30, 2026. This event punches well above its weight, with a 2026 air display lineup that includes historic warbirds: the de Havilland Mosquito, Supermarine Spitfire, Hawker Hurricane, and North American P-51 Mustang, alongside a static aircraft display, runway market, food vendors, and a careers pavilion focused on aviation and defence.
Set against rolling hills and coastal vistas, it’s a more intimate affair than its big-city cousins, letting you feel closer to the action. The Insider program (via airshowatlantic.ca) offers early ticket access, with general sales opening Friday, May 8th. Bring a blanket or chair, and don’t skip the ground exhibits! Pilots often chat with fans. It’s aviation with a salty breeze, and it’s still one of the Maritimes’ best-kept secrets.
📌 August 29–30, 2026 | Saint John, NB
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1. Abbotsford International Airshow
We’ve saved the biggest for last. North America’s largest air show returns to British Columbia’s Fraser Valley on August 7, 8 & 9, 2026! And the 2026 lineup is one of the strongest in recent memory.
- Canadian Forces Snowbirds
- CF-18 Hornet Tac Demo
- U.S. Navy E/A-18 Growler Demo Team
- MiG-17F Demo Team
- Canadian Forces SkyHawks Parachute Team
- Aaron Fitzgerald – Red Bull Helicopter
- Pete McLeod – Red Bull Aerobatics
- Red Bull Skydive Team
- Tom Larkin – Minijet Airshows
- Melissa Burns
- North Star Drone Show (Friday only)
Beyond the air display, the show features over 350,000 sq ft of static military and civilian aircraft, the Fraser Valley’s largest food truck festival (40+ trucks), the McDonald’s Kids Zone, the interactive S.T.E.M. Zone, autograph sessions with the pilots, craft beverage tents, and the Friday night Twilight Show.
Tickets are on sale now. If you can only attend one Canadian air show in 2026, make it this one.
📌 August 7, 8 & 9, 2026 | Abbotsford, BC
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Mark Your Calendars!
From the F-22 Raptor’s thunder over London to the Snowbirds streaking over the Fraser Valley, Canada’s 2026 air show season has something for every aviation fan. Pick your adventure, lock in your tickets early, and prepare to look up.
For everything Abbotsford 2026 (the full performer roster, ticket options, hospitality packages, and event-day info) visit our tickets page or browse the 2026 performers.
We’ll see you at the flight line.