I was fortunate to have a similar long weekend trip to Iqualuit over the Easter weekend, under similar circumstances to yours. I found the redemption value even higher given my start in YYJ. The Canadian North combi had mechanical issues at YOW, so the flight was delayed a few hours departing Ottawa while an Air Inuit charter aircraft was sourced from YUL. I didn't bother with a rental car and found that I could walk to most places, including to NuBrew and as much as the Road to Nowhere as I dared with the snow still firmly blanketing the road. At that time of year I was able to embark on a guided snowmobile excursion as well as a dogsled one over the ocean. I did not see the northern lights. I enjoyed the long weekend.