Photo taken in support of the 2022 Cold Lake Air Show on July 16, 2022, 4 Wing Cold Lake, Alberta –  Image by Aviator Alisa Strelley, 4 Wing Imaging

The 2026 Cold Lake Air Show will give aviation enthusiasts another opportunity to get up close with some impressive aircraft, with even more additions confirmed for an already stellar static display lineup.

While the flying program will bring aircraft to the skies above Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Cold Lake on July 18 and 19, the static display area will allow visitors to see aircraft up close and learn more about the machines and people behind them.The static displays will feature a mix of modern military aircraft, historic aircraft, training platforms and aviation displays from Canada, the United States and beyond.

Many visitors will come to see aircraft from across North America, and Cold Lake’s own CF-18 Hornet will also be featured on the static display line, giving guests a chance to get a closer look at the aircraft that has called 4 Wing home for decades.

One of the largest aircraft visitors will have the opportunity to explore is the C-5 Galaxy from Travis Air Force Base, California. As one of the world’s largest military transport aircraft, the strategic airlifter is designed to move massive amounts of cargo, equipment and personnel around the world.

Joining the lineup will be the CC-295 Kingfisher from 19 Wing Comox, British Columbia. The aircraft is Canada’s fixed-wing search and rescue platform, designed to support missions across the country with its long-range capabilities and specialized equipment.

Visitors will also have the chance to see the CH-148 Cyclone from 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron. The maritime helicopter is operated by the Royal Canadian Air Force in support of the Royal Canadian Navy and is designed for ship-based operations.

Another aircraft featured in the static display will be the CT-142 Dash-8, known as “Gonzo,” from 17 Wing Winnipeg. This specialized aircraft is used for multi-engine aircrew training and provides future aviators with experience operating complex systems.

Also featured will be the Beechcraft B200 King Air from the Aerospace Engineering Test Establishment (AETE). This multi-role twin-engine turboprop aircraft is known for its versatility, reliability and ability to support a wide variety of missions. With seating for two crew members and up to six passengers, the King Air combines speed, range and operational flexibility, making it a valuable platform for testing, transportation and specialized aviation tasks.

The static display will also highlight aviation history with the Beechcraft Model 18 “Twin Beech” from Golden Era Aviation. Once widely used for utility, passenger, cargo and training roles, the aircraft remains a recognizable piece of aviation history.

Representing modern general aviation will be the DA62 from the Alberta College of Aeronautics. The twin-engine aircraft provides a look at the type of platform used for advanced aviation training and professional development.

The Douglas A-4 Skyhawk and Alpha Jet will both be on display, showcasing aircraft with long histories in military aviation. The A-4 Skyhawk served as a light-attack aircraft with multiple air forces worldwide, while the Alpha Jet has been used for pilot training and tactical operations.

In addition to aircraft, the Valour Park Association will bring a selection of restored military vehicles to the show. The nonprofit organization works to preserve Canadian military history through the restoration of vehicles and the creation of interactive displays.

While organizers have already assembled an impressive collection of aircraft and displays, additional static displays are still expected to be announced as the event draws closer.

From historic aircraft to modern military platforms, the 2026 Cold Lake Air Show static display will offer visitors a unique opportunity to connect with aviation history and see these incredible machines from a whole new perspective

The Cold Lake Air Show is pleased to be in partnership with our Transportation Sponsor, L3 Technologies MAS Inc.!