Sep–AprNorthern Lights
Chase the aurora on a guided night tour away from city lights — Iceland's headline winter spectacle.
Reykjavík, Iceland
Flight + hotel · Northern lights & Golden Circle · Direct from Canada
4.8 · 3,100+ Iceland adventures booked by Canadians
Destination
At a glance
Everything you need to know about Reykjavík
The world's northernmost capital, Reykjavík is a compact, walkable city that doubles as the launch pad for Iceland's raw nature. Base yourself downtown for cafés, design shops and the Hallgrímskirkja and Harpa landmarks, then head out for the Golden Circle, the South Coast waterfalls, geothermal lagoons and — from September to April — the northern lights. Keflavík International (KEF) sits about 45 minutes southwest of the city.
Reykjavík, IcelandClimate
Climate
Cool; -1 to 13°C by season
JanDec
PeakShoulderAvoid
Cool and changeable. Midnight sun in summer, long dark nights and aurora in winter.
Currency
Icelandic króna
Card-based society · cards accepted everywhere
Entry
Visa-free
ETIAS pre-authorization expected
Top Experiences in Reykjavík
Sep–AprDay tourGolden Circle
Þingvellir National Park, the erupting Strokkur geyser and the thundering Gullfoss waterfall in one loop.
20 min awayBlue Lagoon
Soak in milky-blue geothermal water surrounded by black lava fields, minutes from the airport.
Essential info for Canadian travellers
Passport: A valid Canadian passport is all you need for short tourist stays. ETIAS pre-authorization for the Schengen Area is being introduced.
Money: Iceland is a card-based society — credit and debit cards work everywhere, so you rarely need cash or a currency exchange.
Travel insurance: Provincial health plans do not cover medical care in Iceland. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended for glacier and tour activities.
Power & plugs: Iceland uses 230V with Type C/F plugs — Canadians need a plug adapter (and a dual-voltage device or converter).
Clothing & driving: Pack warm, waterproof layers year-round — weather changes fast. If renting a car, check road and weather conditions daily in winter.
Time zone: Reykjavík stays on GMT year-round with no daylight saving — 4 to 5 hours ahead of Toronto.
Best time to visit Reykjavík
Jun – AugSummer peak
Midnight sun, mild days and full access to hiking and the highlands. Busiest and priciest.
Sep – MarNorthern lights season
Long dark nights and the best aurora odds, plus ice caves and fewer crowds.
Apr – MayShoulder season
Lengthening days, thawing landscapes and better value before summer.
Oct – NovShoulder season
Cool and quiet with early aurora chances and lower fares.
Where to stay
Reykjavík areas & where to base yourself
From the walkable downtown core to geothermal lodges out near the Blue Lagoon, here's how to choose where to stay for your Iceland trip.
Laugavegur & Downtown
City centre
The main street and old town, packed with cafés, restaurants, design shops and nightlife — steps from Hallgrímskirkja.
Best for
- First-timers
- Walkability
- Dining
Old Harbour
Waterfront
The harbour district where whale-watching and puffin tours depart, next to the Harpa concert hall.
Best for
- Boat tours
- Couples
- Views
Blue Lagoon / Grindavík
Reykjanes Peninsula
Geothermal lodges beside the famous lagoon and lava fields, about 20 minutes from KEF airport.
Best for
- Spa
- First/last night
- Relaxation
Golden Circle countryside
Selfoss & Þingvellir
Rural guesthouses and hotels near Þingvellir and Geysir, with dark skies ideal for northern lights.
Best for
- Aurora
- Road trips
- Nature
Beyond the city
Day tours & excursions from Reykjavík
Reykjavík is the perfect launch point for Iceland's waterfalls, geysers, glaciers and aurora. Every tour below can be booked through ShopTravel or your hotel desk.
Signature Day TourGolden Circle Tour
Full day · 8 hrs~230 km loop · Coach from Reykjavík
See Þingvellir National Park, the Strokkur geyser and the Gullfoss waterfall on Iceland's classic route.
Insider tips
- Bring waterproof layers
- Sturdy shoes for wet paths
Natural WonderSouth Coast & Waterfalls
Full day · 10 hrs~190 km southeast · 2.5 hrs each way
Walk behind Seljalandsfoss, stand beneath Skógafoss and explore the Reynisfjara black-sand beach.
Insider tips
- Watch for sneaker waves at Reynisfjara
- Pack a windproof jacket
Evening TourNorthern Lights Hunt
Evening · 4 hrsAway from city lights · Guided minibus
Chase clear, dark skies with a guide to catch the aurora, with a free reschedule if clouds win.
Insider tips
- Best September to April
- Dress in very warm layers
Boat TourWhale Watching from the Harbour
Half day · 3 hrsReykjavík Old Harbour · Departs downtown
Sail out into Faxaflói Bay to spot minke whales, dolphins and — in summer — puffins.
Insider tips
- Take motion-sickness tablets
- Warm layers even in summer
● Northern lights season — book now
Your Iceland adventure awaits
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Good to know
Reykjavík travel FAQ
Everything Canadian travellers ask before booking
Do Canadians need a visa for Iceland?
No. Canadians can visit Iceland visa-free for short tourist stays; ETIAS pre-authorization for the Schengen Area is being introduced.
How long is the flight from Canada to Reykjavík?
Seasonal direct flights from Toronto (YYZ) to Keflavík (KEF) take about 5h 30m. Keflavík airport is roughly 45 minutes from downtown Reykjavík.
When can I see the northern lights?
The aurora season runs from about September to April, when nights are long and dark. Clear skies away from city lights give the best odds.
When is the best time to visit Reykjavík?
June to August brings the midnight sun and full access to hiking, while September to March is best for the northern lights and ice caves.
What currency should I bring?
The Icelandic króna (ISK) is the currency, but Iceland is a card-based society — credit and debit cards are accepted virtually everywhere, so you rarely need cash.
Do I need a plug adapter?
Yes. Iceland uses 230V with Type C/F plugs, so Canadians need a plug adapter and, for single-voltage devices, a converter.
Do I need travel insurance?
It's strongly recommended. Provincial health plans don't cover medical care in Iceland, and coverage is wise for glacier and adventure tours.
Can I book excursions through ShopTravel?
Yes, you can add tours like the Golden Circle, South Coast waterfalls and a northern lights hunt to your trip at checkout.