Grey Cup Arrives in Vancouver via Military Helicopter for CFL Championship Week

The Grey Cup, Canada’s most prestigious football trophy, made a grand arrival in Vancouver on Sunday, flown in by a CH-149 Cormorant helicopter from the Canadian Armed Forces. Crowds gathered in Coal Harbour as the helicopter touched down, and the cup was then transported by flotilla to the Vancouver Convention Centre, officially launching Grey Cup week in anticipation of the CFL final at B.C. Place on Nov. 17.

Colonel Christopher Shapka of 19 Wing Comox, who was part of the crew accompanying the cup, noted the historical connection between the Canadian Armed Forces and the Grey Cup. He recalled that during WWII in 1942, military teams competed for the cup to uplift national morale, marking the first time non-civilian teams vied for the prize. In that wartime final, the Toronto RCAF Hurricanes beat the Winnipeg RCAF Bombers, a victory that set a legacy of resilience and pride for the championship.

This year’s event lineup includes fan activities at the Vancouver Convention Centre, a zip line across the harbour, and a large drone show at Canada Place on Nov. 13. Mayor Ken Sim shared that the Grey Cup final is projected to bring $100 million in economic activity to the city, with around 30,000 visitors expected to experience Vancouver’s attractions, restaurants, and hospitality. Vancouver, hosting the championship for the 17th time, last welcomed the Grey Cup in 2014, when the Calgary Stampeders defeated the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.