The Canadian Forces Snowbirds have been training in the Comox Valley for their summer show circuit for the past month. (Derek Heyes/Hazer's Flightline)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

air spectacle

Snowbirds training wrapping up in Comox Valley ahead of summer tour

May 4, 2023 | 4:45 PM

COMOX — The Canadian Forces Snowbirds are busy in their final week of training on the mid-Island in preparation for their summer tour.

The Snowbirds first arrived in the Comox Valley on April 18 for their annual training regime ahead of their summer air show circuit.

Public affairs officer Cpt. Gabe Ferris said their team has really enjoyed their time in the area.

“The first week in Comox there was a little bit of rain and that slowed down our training a little bit, but it’s been beautiful for the last couple of days now so we’ve been catching up and actually are doing even better than last year.”

Ferris said despite their long days of training, they are still finding time to enjoy themselves and take advantage of the area.

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“I know the techs enjoy mountain biking in the area, so every evening they take their bikes out and go enjoy the scenery and the trees and mountains in the nearby region. There’s a lot of stuff that we cannot usually do in Moose Jaw, so it’s pretty fun to be in Comox.”

(Derek Heyes/Hazer’s Flightline)

They also visited local cadet squadrons and area schools with a few more stops still to make before they depart Comox Valley on May 12.

From there, they’ll spend some time in Moose Jay before making their way to Thunder Bay, Ontario on May 30 for the start of their shows on June 3.

“It’s always nice to come to the Comox Valley, the public always gives us a super warm welcome. We see the posts, we see the tags online, we see social media is always going crazy for us to fly here, so we always appreciate it. We’re already thinking about leaving Comox, but we already can’t wait for next year.”

Rain in the forecast for Friday, May 5 may force them to adjust their training schedule to fly over the weekend instead, with Sunday being their usual day off.

The Snowbirds team will be holding an autograph session at the Comox Air Force Museum Saturday, May 6 at 3:00 p.m.

You can follow them on Facebook for more up-to-date information.

A full list of their schedule is also available here on their website.

–with files from Jon de Roo, 97.3 FM The Eagle

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