The Canadian Forces Snowbirds will be performing two shows this weekend in Nanaimo, with an evening performance set for Friday and Saturday at the downtown waterfront. (CF Snowbirds)

By Jordan Davidson

Look to the skies

Canadian Forces Snowbirds reveals details of Nanaimo air show

Aug 5, 2025 | 10:04 AM

NANAIMO — For the first time in six years, the Canadian Forces Snowbirds will be performing in the Harbour City.

It was announced earlier this year the squadron would perform at least one evening show in Nanaimo in August, resulting in newly released dates and times of the highly anticipated displays.

An evening show is planned for Friday, Aug. 15 between 7:00 p.m. and 7:45 p.m., with a second, daytime performance slated for Saturday from 4:15 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. above downtown Nanaimo’s waterfront.

Temporary closures will be in effect starting at noon on Aug. 15 along the waterfront, including the walking and fishing pier at Maffeo Sutton Park, as well as surrounding harbour waters.

Airspace will also be restricted during the shows.

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Spectators can view the performances from accessible areas along the waterfront, from the Saysutshun ferry terminal to the lot next to the Gabriola Island ferry terminal at 1 Port Dr., along with multiple places in between.

A simulcast of the Saturday afternoon show, featuring commentary from a Canadian Forces Snowbird pilot and tailored music for the air show, will be broadcast on 102.3 FM The Wave, as well as on site via speakers on site.

A map of some of the best spots to the the Snowbirds show from the Nanaimo waterfront. (City of Nanaimo)

With pilots reaching speeds between 200 and 550 kilometres per hour, spectators will be treated to more than 50 different formations and maneuvers.

Appearances by the aerial acrobatic team in Nanaimo have been limited over recent years, despite the squad spending much of May in the Comox Valley training.

Their last performance in Nanaimo was Aug. 14, 2019, an event which drew thousands down to the city’s waterfront.

They joined the final flight of the Martian Mars last August, just south of the city.

A planned fly-by of Nanaimo and other Vancouver Island communities in May 2020, during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, was cancelled due to a fatal crash in Kamloops the morning of the scheduled appearance.

Nanaimo City Councillors approved up to $15,000 in support funding for the event on Monday, May 5, and the show is being put on thanks to a partnership between the City, the Port of Nanaimo, and the Nanaimo District Hospital Foundation.

A map if where the show will take place in Nanaimo, with plenty of spots available for a great view. (City of Nanaimo)

(CF Snowbirds)

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