Canadian North5T

Canadian North is a Canadian airline serving the country's Arctic regions, providing essential air service to remote communities in Nunavut, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavik (Northern Quebec). The airline was historically 100% Inuit-owned through Makivik Corporation and the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation until its sale to Exchange Income Corporation in 2025.

The airline was formed through the 2019 merger of Canadian North and First Air, combining two northern carriers into a single pan-Arctic operator. The merger united First Air (founded 1946) and Canadian North (established 1998), creating a comprehensive network serving over 25 northern communities from southern gateways in Edmonton, Ottawa, and Yellowknife.

Canadian North operates a unique mixed fleet of Boeing 737s and ATR turboprops, including "combi" aircraft configured to carry both passengers and cargo on the same flight. This dual capability is critical for northern operations, where the airline serves as a lifeline for food, medical supplies, and essential goods to communities inaccessible by road.

Carry-On Allowance

Carry-on dimensions vary by aircraft type. ATR turboprops have smaller overhead bins than Boeing 737 jets.

Jet Aircraft (Boeing 737):

• Dimensions: 22" x 18" x 10" (56 x 46 x 26 cm)
• Weight limit: 22 lbs (10 kg)

Turboprop Aircraft (ATR 42/72):

• Dimensions: 18" x 16" x 9" (46 x 41 x 23 cm)
• Weight limit: 22 lbs (10 kg)

Aircraft Type	Max Dimensions	Weight Limit
Boeing 737	22" x 18" x 10"	22 lbs (10 kg)
ATR 42/72	18" x 16" x 9"	22 lbs (10 kg)

Important: Sizing units are available at check-in to verify your bag complies. Oversized carry-ons must be checked.

Checked Baggage

Standard maximum weight per bag is 50 lbs (23 kg). Fees below include taxes (as of May 2024).

By Fare Type:

Fare Class	1st Bag	2nd Bag	3rd Bag
Econo/Saver	Free	$86.25	$138
Flex	Free	Free	$138
Super-flex	Free	Free	$138
Beneficiary/Diamond	Free	Free	$138
Aeroplan Redemption	Free	$86.25	$138

Standard Size Limit: 62 linear inches / 158 cm maximum (length + width + height)

Overweight & Oversized Fees

Condition	Fee (CAD)	Fee (USD)
Overweight (51-100 lbs / 24-45 kg)	$172.50	~$122
Oversized (over 62 linear inches)	$230	~$162

Not Accepted:

• Items over 100 lbs (45 kg)
• Four or more additional bags beyond allowance
• These must be shipped via Canadian North Cargo

Special Items

Item	Fee	Notes
Pet in cabin	$86.25	Carrier must fit under seat
Pet in hold	$230	Temperature-controlled cargo
Car seat	Free	Gate-check available
Stroller	Free	Gate-check available
Wheelchair	Free	Priority handling
Firearms	Standard	Must be unloaded, locked hard case

Prohibited Items:

• Lithium batteries over 160Wh
• E-cigarettes in checked baggage
• MREs and self-heating meals
• Alcohol over 70% ABV
• Camping stoves with fuel residue

Fees as of May 2024. All prices include taxes. Verify at canadiannorth.com/plan-your-trip/baggage before traveling.

Cabin Configuration

Canadian North operates a single-class cabin across its fleet. There is no business or premium economy class.

Boeing 737 (Passenger Configuration):

• Standard economy seating
• Seat pitch: Approximately 31-32"
• All seats include headrest and tray table

Boeing 737 Combi:

• Mixed passenger/cargo configuration
• 80-120 passengers depending on cargo load
• Forward cabin may be configured for cargo pallets

ATR 42/72 Turboprop:

• 10-42 passengers depending on configuration
• Smaller cabin with 2-2 seating
• Gravel and ice strip capable for remote community access

Food & Beverage

Complimentary Service:

• Hot beverages including Starbucks coffee
• Snacks and cold beverages on all flights
• Service varies by flight length

Pre-Order Meals: Not available. Bring your own food for longer flights if desired.

Entertainment

No in-flight entertainment system. Bring your own devices and content. Power outlets not available on most aircraft.

Cargo Operations

Canadian North's combi aircraft are unique in carrying both passengers and cargo on the same flight. This is essential for northern supply chains, delivering:

• Fresh food and groceries to remote communities
• Medical supplies and equipment
• Construction materials and essential goods
• Mail and packages via Canada Post partnership

The forward section of combi aircraft contains up to 4 cargo pallets, with passengers seated in the rear cabin.

Booking

• Book direct: canadiannorth.com offers the most flexibility for changes
• Aeroplan redemptions: Good value for northern routes that can be expensive in cash
• Interline options: Connect via Edmonton or Ottawa to major carriers for international travel
• Northern fares: Expect higher prices than southern routes due to operating costs

Packing for the North

• Carry-on size matters: Check whether you're on a jet or turboprop, dimensions differ significantly
• Layer clothing: Arctic terminals may have temperature variations
• Essential items in carry-on: Medications and valuables should stay with you due to weather delays
• Bring food: Limited food options at smaller northern airports

At the Airport

• Edmonton (YEG): Canadian North operates from the main terminal
• Ottawa (YOW): Service from the main terminal
• Northern airports: Expect smaller facilities with limited amenities
• Weather monitoring: Check flight status frequently during winter months

Understanding Combi Operations

• Mixed flights: Your aircraft may carry cargo in addition to passengers
• Boarding location: Passenger boarding is separate from cargo loading
• Weight restrictions: Combi flights may have tighter baggage limits when carrying heavy cargo
• Northern necessity: This model enables year-round supply of remote communities

Weather Preparedness

• Build buffer days: Never book tight connections when traveling to/from the North
• Travel insurance: Highly recommended for northern travel
• Accommodation backup: Know hotel options at connection points
• Communication plan: Keep contacts informed of potential delays
• Essentials pack: Extra medications, chargers, snacks for potential delays

Common Issues

• Weather delays are routine: Not a service failure, just Arctic reality
• Limited food at small airports: Bring your own snacks and meals
• No in-flight entertainment: Download content before departure
• Smaller seats on ATR: Less room than Boeing 737 flights
• Cargo priority during emergencies: Community supply may affect passenger operations

Historical Note

The airline's unique ownership history (100% Inuit-owned through Makivik Corporation and the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation until 2025) reflected the importance of air service to northern Indigenous communities. The 2019 merger with First Air (IATA: 7F) combined decades of Arctic aviation expertise, with First Air's roots dating to 1946 as Bradley Air Services.