If you heard the roar above Greater Victoria Tuesday evening, you certainly weren’t alone.
Thousands of spectators packed the Dallas Road waterfront and surrounding neighbourhoods on August 4th as the Canadian Forces Snowbirds returned to Victoria for a spectacular 45-minute aerial demonstration.
The performance began shortly after 5 p.m., with nine red-and-white CT-114 Tutor jets soaring above the waterfront and leaving trails of white smoke across the blue sky.
It marked the Snowbirds’ first full demonstration in Victoria since 2015 and was held as part of the team’s 55th-anniversary season.
The show was also particularly significant because 2026 will be the final season for the iconic Tutor aircraft, which have been flown by the Snowbirds since the team was established in 1971.
The jets moved between tightly packed nine-aircraft formations before breaking apart for dramatic solo passes, rolls, crossovers and bursts above the water.
According to the Royal Canadian Air Force, Snowbirds pilots and technicians spend the winter months at their home base in Moose Jaw practising more than 50 demanding manoeuvres and formations.
The team’s extensive lineup of formations includes the Big Diamond, Canada Goose, Arrowhead, Maple, Big Wedge and Line Abreast, many involving all nine aircraft flying just metres apart.
Ahead of Tuesday’s show, the City warned that between 20,000 and 30,000 spectators could descend on the waterfront, resulting in significant traffic delays and road closures.
Residents were strongly encouraged to walk, cycle or take public transit—and thousands appeared to heed that advice.
Bike lanes and regional trails were packed with people heading toward Dallas Road, while a free bike valet at Cook Street gave spectators a secure place to leave their bikes during the show.
Although cycling helped many attendees avoid the worst of the vehicle traffic, the sheer number of people on two wheels created some congestion of its own.
Victoria Buzz asked several readers how their rides to and from the show went.
“Getting into town from Uptown was a bit sketchy—LOTS of bikes and pedestrians. The Goose was pretty congested,” said Lori Appleton.
“But the ride home along the bicycle lanes, via Vancouver Street, was wonderful! Not to mention the great show!”
Janet Pye said she cycled from the Victoria General Hospital area and was happy she chose not to drive.
“It was a great show, and so glad I was not in a car,” she said.
Kent Manning also cycled downtown and said finding a place to leave his bike wasn’t a problem, although the popularity of the bike valet was evident following the performance.
“Biked down and back, great show! Found a spot to park our bikes,” Manning said.
“The lineup for bike valet retrieval was 50 metres long as we cycled by. But don’t get me wrong. It’s a great service.”
Whether they arrived by bike, bus, car or on foot, spectators were treated to one final unforgettable Victoria performance from the Snowbirds’ legendary Tutor jets.
Here’s a recap of the snowbirds flying over Victoria:
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