All of us agree that the daily grind eventually becomes too routine. Thankfully, an unusual idea or new opportunity can come around to shake you loose from the everyday and spark inspiration to help you dream about something new and exciting — a new thrill or destination to explore.
I had never seriously considered Iceland as a must-see destination before, but WestJet’s direct flight from Calgary to Reykjavík (Keflavík International Airport) offered the chance to discover a fiercely unusual country with a reasonably short 6.5-hour travel time, and this was one of those moments too tempting to resist. An initial online search of things to see and do gathered an adventure seeker’s buffet of geographical sights like bright red and black lava flows, erupting geysers, sprawling glaciers, and more. After a little more research, the must-see list expanded, so I started mapping out a five-day trip to the land of fire and ice.
The flight to Keflavík is aboard one of WestJet’s modern narrow-body 737-8 MAX aircraft. I’ve been familiar and comfortable with flying everywhere from Hawaii to Nova Scotia on this plane, but anyone might assume the transatlantic flight could be onboard the larger 787-9 Dreamliner. If you appreciate a little extra leg room for a mid-range flight like this, you can easily upgrade to Extended Comfort seating, which offers more space and a drink to start your journey (or the Premium cabin for a special occasion) but all seats include a meal, and the top-notch inflight service WestJet is known for.
Iceland’s sheer size is surprising. On a map next to Europe or Canada, it’s comparatively small, but you’ll need a vehicle to get around, as most points of interest are quite spread out. Many websites recommend renting an SUV, so we took that advice. Though this was not as essential as we anticipated, the rental pick-up location needs to be at Keflavík International Airport, because there is not much else nearby. Once you’re set up with wheels, however, the road ahead is wide open.
Make the most of a whirlwind visit to Iceland with this top-five list of things to do:
1. Experience a day-lit night on the black sands beach in Vík
Everyone has heard about or seen pictures of the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, which are visible through the famed Icelandic winter. During the summer months, however, the sky stays lit while the sand is blacker than your powered-off iPhone in the old fishing village of Vík on Iceland’s southern coast. This otherworldly landscape coupled with a rich history of human perseverance and folklore make a visit to Vík an excellent first stop. Extra points if you leave time to try a pint of local beer or whiskey at the Strondin Pub as you take in the ethereal silhouettes of the rock stacks, known by legend as "the trolls," which remain frozen mid-step out among the crashing sea waves.
2. Resolve to make time count at Gullfoss waterfall
You can’t help but feel fully present as millions of liters of water and time itself steadily pour over this enormous natural chasm. Just a short hike down from the highway, you can observe and photograph this incredible waterfall from a safe (and dry) distance from several various lookouts or take a more ambitious stance and hike in another hundred meters or so to get right up close to the roar of the water. Be warned: You’ll need a waterproof layer and non-slip footwear for this, but it’s worth it! Warm up afterwards in the nearby gift shop and cafeteria with various local-made wares and fares for sale.
3. Snorkel glacial waters deep inside the Silfra tectonic plate fissure
Don a dry suit and plunge into the frigid water to experience weightless suspension overtop the fracture in Earth’s crust. As you peer into the crystal-clear water (which you are encouraged to drink) consider your new ability to be in two places at once as you reach between two continental plates which separate by whole centimeters every year. This dramatic environment at Þingvellir National Park is just steps away from other important historic and natural attractions, and an essential part of a visit to Iceland.
4. Break bread at one of the oldest bakeries in Iceland: Sandholt
For many, breakfast might be a mindless meal or just a required part of getting the day started. If this is you, change this immediately by visiting Sandholt Bakery. Nestled among the snaking local shops just steps from the creative quarter of Lighthouse Village in downtown Reykjavík, one of Iceland’s original bakeries offers fresh bread, desserts, and other baked items in addition to an extensive lineup of dry and canned goods, like Strawberry & Rose Pepper Jam to take away from the counter. This morning pilgrimage is sought by tourists and locals alike, as it has been for four generations. If sitting for breakfast, come early, but wait as long as required to enjoy an amazing latte and the waffle that could change your life.
5. Meditate with a captivating view of the 70-metre infinity edge at Sky Lagoon
Thermal pools are an important element of Icelandic culture, and you will see dozens of them across the country, from the side of the road to other more established and elaborate venues. All of them offer the chance to submerge in naturally heated waters and cleanse both your body and spirit as you take in the breathtaking scenery. Sky Lagoon takes this experience to the very top, with a seven-step Skjól ritual through the lagoon itself, plus a cold plunge, dry or wet saunas, mist bath, scrub chamber and steam shower. Before and after your healing ritual, enjoy a glass of sparkling wine in the main pool, which is carved out of the lava rock and faces the west shoreline. I promise, you’ll leave feeling energized and rejuvenated.
No matter what you plan to fit into your stay, pack layers for the vastly variant climates across the country and remember to leave time for making your own discoveries. This is the land of fire and ice; whatever lies around the next corner is unique and worth experiencing!
