|
When WestJet launches direct service from Winnipeg to Iceland next summer, it’s more than simple tourism. It’s a bridge between the world’s largest ex-pat Icelandic community and its homeland.
It also promises to open a world of tourism opportunities that don’t involve America during a time of economic and political tension between our two countries.
Advertisement
For adventure tourists, there are glaciers and ice caves to explore, waterfalls to visit, volcanoes and lava fields to see, as well as whale-watching and black-sand beaches. In summer, there’s nearly 24 hours of daylight, too.
Don’t forget the world-famous Blue Lagoon geothermal hot springs about 45 minutes outside Reykjavik.
The Skogafoss waterfall is about two hours by car east of Reykjavik. (Tatonka / Dreamstime)
The itinerary I used to price the trip includes Aug. 12, when Iceland goes dark, thanks to a total solar eclipse.
I reached out to my friend, Gummi Guojonsson, the president of World Archery Iceland, whom I met in August while we were hosting the World Archery Youth Championships. He was here as a coach and manager. He pointed to the Golden Circle as one tour worth taking. It’s a tour from Reykjavik to Thingvellir National Park, Geyser, Gullfoss and the Kerid Crater and back to Reykjavik.
He recommended Googling “tourist deaths in Iceland” before visiting, just to be safe. “The answers are AI, but they appear to be accurate,” he said.
If all that’s not enough, Iceland is also a stepping-off point for another adventure, a 1,700-kilometre cruise to Denmark. The journey, with Smyril Line, departs Seydisfjordur on Iceland’s eastern coast and arrives in Hirtshals, Denmark two days later. It includes a stop at Torshavn, Faroe Islands.
Whale watching near Husavik, about six hours by car north and east of Reykjavik. (Tatonka / Dreamstime)
The rates are reasonable: for a small car, a round-trip on Smyril in June would be about €1,340 for two people. There doesn’t appear, on the website at least, an option to travel without a car.
The price of getting to Iceland is also reasonable. WestJet’s direct flights leave Saturdays and return Sundays, so for a flight leaving Sat., Aug. 8 and returning Sun., Aug. 16, it’s about $1,100 per person. In economy, of course. There are cheaper fares depending on what you’re willing to do without (changes, carry-on, etc.). That doesn’t include add-ons for seat selection or checked luggage.
Hotels in Iceland run a bit higher in price than here, on average. The Hotel Von, in downtown Reykjavik, is about C$177 a night. There are cheaper options. The Reykjavik Konsulat Hotel is about C$330 a night. Both prices according to the hotels’ respective websites.
The rugged beauty of Iceland, combined with the isolation in the North Atlantic that puts Manitoba’s isolation to shame, would make for a memorable trip, I’m sure.
|
