Flying with First Air

(I’ve joined 100 passengers on board a small cruise ship to explore the Eastern coast of Baffin Island in Nunavut, Canada. Join me as I see wildlife, phenomenal landscapes and meet friendly locals with Adventure Canada.)

My introduction to the Canadian arctic was during my flight from Ottawa to Kuujjuaq, in northern Quebec. Remember back when airlines actually tried to offer great service? When meals were handed out without question? I had a flashback of all that today with First Air.

First Air Plane in Kuujjuaq, northern Quebec

For my two and a half hour flight, I was served a full breakfast: a four” steak of salmon, potato taters, grilled mushrooms, a croissant and mixed fruit (not canned). The carnivores had steak and eggs.

We were all grinning from ear to ear in delight at the site of REAL food on an airplane. On my flight from Vancouver to Ottawa (four and a half hours), I was only served orange juice.

My excitement for the small things was shared by my fellow travellers as we sighed contentedly when the plane touched down in Kuujjuaq. It was the perfect introduction to the northern Canadian life that differs from the rest of the country.

My arctic expedition had officially began and, for the first time in many trips, I was as giddy as a child as I stepped onto the tarmac of the Kuujjuaq airport.

Tags: adventure canada cruise, baffin island, flying with first air, northern quebec, nunavut canadian arctic, Ottawa to Kuujjuaq, real food on an airplane