CF-18s fly over Ottawa Saturday to open Canadian Tulip Festival

A CF-18 jet fighter is seen at CFB Bagotville, in Saguenay, Que., Wednesday, June 14, 2023. (Jacques Boissinot/THE CANADIAN PRESS)

Four CF-18 jets flew over Ottawa Saturday morning during the opening ceremony of the Canadian Tulip Festival.

Hundreds were in attendance to see the flyover take place above Dows Lake. The aircraft came from 3 Wing Bagotville, in Quebec, according to the Royal Canadian Air Force.

The flyover was part of the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands.

“To ensure public safety, the flyovers of Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) aircraft are meticulously planned and closely monitored. They are also dependent on weather and flight conditions,” a news release says.

The 73rd edition of the Canadian Tulip Festival runs until May 19.

The opening ceremony at Commissioners Park began at 10:30 a.m. Saturday.