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Iceland : travel guide | Itineraries and Highlights

  • Adventurous
11 min read
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Iceland : travel guide | Itineraries and Highlights
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Whether you prefer the freedom of car travel, the adventurous spirit of van life, the convenience of bus tours, or the expertise of guided excursions, Iceland has something to offer every type of traveler.

From the vibrant capital Reykjavík to geothermal hot springs, from majestic waterfalls to dramatic mountain ranges, and from black sand beaches to the famous « Golden Circle », Iceland promises a wealth of destinations to discover.

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For those planning a week-long trip, we’ll present a typical itinerary including must-see sites such as Reykjavík and the geothermal hot springs.

Iceland – Book your flights with Aeroplan points

Aeroplan points for our flights are a great way to optimize your travels. In economy class, you can book segments for as little as 20,000 to 30,000 points, which represents very good value compared to the dollar price for the same journey. Although it’s possible to find business class availability from 60,000 points, this option doesn’t always offer the best value for money, especially without reclining bed seats, unlike flights to continental Europe.

In Montreal, the Air Canada flight to Reykjavik departs at 11:30pm, making it one of the last departures of the day. Please note that all airport lounges close at 10pm.

However, we were lucky enough to gain access to the National Bank lounge at 9:45pm, just in time to enjoy a snack before closing time. If you’re traveling in economy class, carry a card like the National Bank World Elite Mastercard® for free entry to the lounge.

Exclusive

National Bank World Elite® Mastercard®

National BankNBC RewardsFirst-Year Annual Fee Rebate
Annual fee
$0 $150
No annual fee the first year
Our valuation
$150
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueAnnual fee rebated$150Total$150Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer
First Year Annual Fee Rebate
$150 annual fee rebated
Ends Nov 4, 2026
Apply Now

on National Bank's website

With Milesopedia, take advantage of an exclusive offer: your first-year annual fees are refunded with the National Bank World Elite Mastercard. This offer is exclusively available on the Milesopedia network, from June 30 to November 4, 2026.

  • Refund of the first-year annual fee (a $150 value) for the primary cardholder. This fee is charged to your new card account, then refunded as a credit on your statement within five months of opening your account, provided it remains open and in good standing.

The National Bank World Elite Mastercard is the best Mastercard credit card offered by NBC.

With this card, you earn up to 5 points per dollar on your purchases:

  • 5 points per dollar for groceries and restaurants
  • 2 points per dollar on gas and electric recharge purchases
  • 2 points per dollar on recurring bills
  • 2 points per dollar on À la carte Travel
  • 1 point per dollar for all other purchases

And since it’s an NBC mycredit Mastercard, you can use it at Costco.

With this card, you have access to a $150 annual travel credit that you can use in any of these categories:

  • Airport parking
  • Baggage fees
  • Seat selection
  • Access to airport lounges
  • Airline ticket upgrades

What’s more, you can enjoy access to DragonPass airport lounges and unlimited access to the National Bank Lounge at Montreal-Trudeau.

Finally, Milesopedia has named the National Bank World Elite Mastercard as the Best Travel Credit Card in 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026.

Legal

® Mastercard and World Elite are registered trademarks, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated. National Bank is an authorized user.

® The À LA CARTE REWARDS logo is a registered trademark of National Bank of Canada.

® NATIONAL BANK OF CANADA LOUNGE is a registered trademark of National Bank of Canada.

® À LA CARTE REWARDS PLAN is a registered trademark of National Bank of Canada.

® Apple Pay is a registered trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Apple Inc. is not a sponsor of or participant in National Bank Mobile Banking Solutions.

® Google Pay is a registered trademark of Google LLC. Use of this trademark is subject to Google Inc. Permissions.

TM À LA CARTE TRAVEL is a trademark of National Bank of Canada. The À la carte Travel agency is owned by Transat Distribution Canada Inc. and holds a Quebec permit (No. 753141).

TM À LA CARTE REWARDS is a trademark of National Bank of Canada.

® THE TOTAL, THE CONNECTED and NATIONAL BANK are registered trademarks of National Bank of Canada.

* Mastercard® World Elite®

The National Bank® World Elite® Mastercard® credit card was voted best Mastercard credit card by Milesopedia in 2026, 2025 and 2024.

The National Bank® World Elite® Mastercard® credit card was voted best travel credit card by Milesopedia in 2026, 2025 and 2024.

Every year, Milesopedia reviews credit card offers from major financial institutions and establishes its Ranking based on over 150 criteria such as fees, welcome offer, minimum income required, number of points per category, account credits, insurance, airport lounge access, etc.

  1. Certain restrictions apply. For more information, see the Rewards Plan section or the Plan Rules applicable to point accumulation.
  2. Grace period:
    No interest is charged on purchases made during the month if the cardholder pays the full balance of their account within twenty-one (21) days of the statement date. This grace period does not apply to cash advances and balance transfers. Minimum payment: if your account balance is less than $10, you must pay the balance in full. If you reside in the province of Quebec, your minimum payment is 5% of your account balance plus any overdue amount, or $10, whichever is greater. If you reside outside Quebec, your minimum payment is 2.5% of the credit card account balance plus any overdue amount, or $10, whichever is greater. Account statement: an account statement is sent monthly.

    Table of examples of credit fees calculated over a 30-day period

    Annual interest rate $500 $3,000
    22.49% $9.24 $55.45
    20.99% $8.63 $51.76
    13.2% $5.53 $33.16
    9.2% $3.78 $22.68

    *Variable interest rate in effect as of September 1, 2021.

  3. Balance transfers and cash advances are subject to National Bank credit approval. Each amount transferred cannot be less than $250.
  4. Exclusive to World Elite Mastercard cardholders. Presentation of the physical credit card and boarding pass is required to access the lounge.
    The National Bank® Lounge is accessible to customers traveling on international flights only (excluding flights to Canada and the United States).
    You benefit from free and unlimited access with one guest and two children aged 12 and under.
    Until July 31, 2026 (date subject to change), customers can enter the National Bank Lounge three hours before their flight departure time. From August 1, 2026 (date subject to change), access will be authorized for a maximum duration of 2 hours (3 hours for customers who hold a Private Banking 1859® World Elite® Mastercard® credit card).
    National Bank customers who are not World Elite ® Mastercard ® cardholders can also access the current lounge based on current rates and benefit from a 25 % discount on these rates :
    63,24 $ taxes included for adults (excluding discount)
    $40.24 taxes included for children aged 2 to 12 (excluding discount)
    free for children under 2 (excluding discount)
    The entry fee is subject to change without notice and is the responsibility of the lounge operator.
  5. Subject to providing the required supporting documents in the manner and within the prescribed timeframe. Certain conditions may apply. Only the primary cardholder of a National Bank World Elite Mastercard (Cardholder) whose account is in good standing can request a « Travel Fee Reimbursement ». « Account in good standing » means an account linked to the credit card that does not violate the Credit Card Agreement in any way and on which no restrictions apply. For example, and without limitation, the associated annual fees must have been paid in full. The maximum reimbursement of $150 can be requested from January 1 to December 31 of each year.
    Eligible expenses are:
    airport parking
    baggage fees
    seat selection
    airport lounge access worldwide
    airline ticket upgrades
    A reimbursement request must be made within 60 days of the purchase date. Travel expenses must be charged to the National Bank World Elite Mastercard credit card account. The maximum reimbursement of $150 is applicable per account. Please allow up to 7 business days for the reimbursement to be processed from the date your request is submitted. National Bank reserves the right to request additional supporting documents for validation purposes (e.g., invoices). You must keep all receipts and supporting documents for a period of 12 months from the date you made your reimbursement request. An unused reimbursement in one year cannot be carried over to the next year. You can make your request online at rewards.nbc.ca or by calling 1-800-341-8083 (toll-free) for an agent to assist you with your travel fee reimbursement request.
  6. Point accumulation on grocery and restaurant spending depends on the total gross monthly amount charged to the credit card account, across all categories. Earn 5 points per dollar spent on eligible grocery and restaurant purchases. The 5 points per dollar accumulation is valid for the first $2,500 of gross monthly purchases charged to the account. Beyond this amount, eligible grocery and restaurant spending will earn 2 points per dollar. The calculation of the gross monthly purchase amount is based on monthly billing. A grocery purchase means a purchase made at a merchant whose primary business is selling food, such as a grocery store, delicatessen, supermarket, fruit store, or specialty food store. Meal kit subscriptions and meal delivery services are eligible. Therefore, this definition excludes, among others, retail stores and big-box stores whose primary business is selling non-food items. Some merchants may sell products or services identical or similar to those of eligible merchants, or are separate merchants located on the same premises as eligible merchants, but are classified by Mastercard in different categories. Purchases made from other merchants only earn base reward points. A restaurant purchase means a purchase made at a restaurant, including quick-service restaurants, bars, discotheques, nightclubs, and taverns. To view the full list of Mastercard codes associated with eligible merchants, download the À la carte Rewards Plan® terms and conditions document.
  7. These protections apply if the purchases or rental are paid for in part with the card before departure, except, if applicable, for out-of-province medical-hospital insurance for which it is not necessary to charge the purchase of an à la carte trip and for baggage delay protection where the full cost of transport must have been charged to the card. All these protections apply to the primary cardholder, their spouse and/or their dependent children when they (spouse and dependent children) travel with the cardholder. Extended warranties apply to most new items purchased with the card, in Canada or abroad, provided the manufacturer’s warranty exists and is valid in Canada. Certain conditions, limitations and restrictions apply. For more information and details regarding your insurance coverage, please consult the insurance certificate linked to your card.
  8. Subject to credit approval by National Bank.
  9. Certain conditions apply. Visit mastercard.ca for more information. See all credit card terms and conditions.
  10. To earn 2 points per dollar spent, you must pay for your gas or electric charging purchases at a gas station or certain big-box stores. Some merchants may sell products or services identical or similar to those of eligible merchants, or are separate merchants located on the same premises as eligible merchants, but are classified by Mastercard in different categories. Purchases made from other merchants only earn base reward points. To view the full list of Mastercard codes associated with eligible merchants, download the À la carte Rewards Plan® terms and conditions document.
  11. Recurring bill payments are defined as payments made monthly or regularly that are automatically charged by the merchant to your National Bank World Elite Mastercard. Not all merchants offer recurring payments, and not all recurring payments are considered recurring bill payments. Therefore, some payments may not qualify for accelerated reward points.
  12. To earn 2 points per dollar spent, you must pay for your eligible purchases through the À la carte TravelTM agency section of our À la carte RewardsTM site.
  13. For example, if you spend $400 monthly on groceries, $200 on gas, $100 on recurring bills and $150 on other purchases, the $850 spent will generate 2,750 points, broken down as follows: 2,000 points for grocery spending (since the total gross monthly amount is $850, which is less than $2,500), 400 points for gas spending, 200 points for recurring bills and 150 points for other purchases.
  14. Insurance up to $1,000 in case of breakage, loss or theft of mobile devices for a maximum period of 2 years following the date of purchase. Subject to purchasing the device with the National Bank World Elite Mastercard or a phone service subscription paid by recurring payments from your National Bank Platinum Mastercard starting September 1, 2022. For all conditions, please consult the insurance certificate linked to your card.

Annual fee

Primary card$150
Additional card$50

Annual income required

Individual$80,000
Household$150,000

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

  • 5xRestaurants
  • 5xGroceries
  • 2xTravel
  • 2xBills & recurring payments
  • 2xGas & EV
  • 1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$778
2nd Year Value$923

Card benefits

Airport lounge access$400
Travel creditsIncluded

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $5,000,000 / 60 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $5,000,000 / 31 days
Travel medical (65+)Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days
Trip CancellationUp to $2,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $5,000
Delayed BaggageUp to $500
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000
Flight DelayUp to $500
Travel AccidentIncluded

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+2 years
Mobile DeviceUp to $1,000 / 2 years
Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days

Iceland – Book your hotel and benefit from a credit

For our seven-night stay in the capital, we opted to stay at a single hotel for the whole week. Although there were a few options under the Marriott banner, the number of points required was very high.

So we chose an independent hotel, the 201 Hotel, located on the outskirts of the capital, close to a shopping center and offering quick access to main roads, allowing us to radiate in all directions.

For seven nights, we paid around 1,800 CAD. The reservation was made and prepaid on Expedia for TD. In this way, we were able to take advantage of a $100 travel discount with the TD First Class Travel® Visa Infinite* Card.

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TD First Class Travel® Visa Infinite* Card

TDTD RewardsFirst-Year Annual Fee Rebate
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With the TD First Class Travel® Visa Infinite* Card, you can earn up to 160,000 TD Rewards Points† as well as an Annual Fee rebate for the first year†:

  • 20,000 TD Rewards Points for the first purchase made with your card†
  • 140,000 TD Rewards Points when you spend $7,500 within 180 days of account opening†
  • A Birthday Bonus of up to 10,000 TD Rewards Points†

Get an annual TD Travel Credit† of $100 when you book at Expedia® For TD, and enjoy your time at the airport with global airport lounge access and 4 complimentary lounge visits with Visa Airport Companion Program (a value of up to $277)†.

With the TD First Class Travel® Visa Infinite* Card, you earn:

  • 8 TD Rewards Points† for every $1 you spend when you book travel through Expedia® For TD†
  • 6 TD Rewards Points† per dollar on your grocery, dining and public transit purchases
  • 4 TD Rewards Points† per dollar on your recurring bill payments and purchases of streaming services as well as digital games and media
  • 2 TD Rewards Points† per dollar on all other purchases made with your card

This card also allows you to enjoy a range of travel benefits, including an annual travel credit, complimentary airport lounge visits, and a birthday bonus that boosts your points each year†.

Legal

†Terms and conditions apply.

Annual fee

Primary card$139
Additional card$50

Annual income required

Individual$60,000
Household$100,000

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

  • 6xGroceries
  • 6xRestaurants
  • 6xTransit
  • 4xBills & recurring payments
  • 4xStreaming
  • 2xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,430
2nd Year Value$531

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7
Airport lounge access$160

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $2,000,000 / 21 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $2,000,000 / 21 days
Travel medical (65+)Up to $2,000,000 / 4 days
Trip CancellationUp to $1,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $5,000
Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $2,500
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Mobile DeviceUp to $1,000
Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days

Book a rental car

As with most of my trips, we booked a rental car as soon as we bought our plane tickets, then watched the prices as the weeks went by.

When rates go down, I cancel my previous reservation and make a new one at the best rate. So we got a rental car from Thrifty for around 400 CAD for the week, booked and paid for via Expedia. This system allows us to guarantee a competitive price while having the flexibility to take advantage of any price reductions before our departure.

Iceland : travel guide | Itineraries and Highlights - Guide-Islande-01

Plan mini-tours

The idea is to be autonomous with our car to visit most of the attractions within 200 km of our hotel. This way of planning our activities and visits allows us to create one-day mini-tours, which we can choose to do on the day of our choice, depending on the weather and our mood.

In addition to the 200 km maximum distance constraint, we insist on experiencing or bathing in at least one hot spring a day, whenever possible. The circuits have been designed with this in mind.

By grouping the sites to be visited according to their geographical location and optimizing driving times, we finally organized the following six days:

Travel to Iceland – Day 1

Flights from Montreal land early in the morning at KEF airport after a long overnight flight. Being so close to the airport, some people recommend visiting the Blue Lagoon on the day of your arrival.

However, we believe that to fully benefit from this experience, and avoid the effects of jet lag, this visit should be made on another day. This is Iceland’s largest and most magnificent hot spring, and we want to be fresh and ready to enjoy it to the full.

With our rental car picked up at the airport, we headed straight for Reykjavík.

While waiting for our hotel room to be ready later in the day, we used the car for an exploration of Reykjavík to spot the main downtown sights near the city’s iconic cathedral.

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We also made quick stops at the following locations:

Nauthólsvík geothermal beach Nauthólsvík

Geothermal Beach is a hidden gem in Reykjavík, where warm underground waters meet the cold North Atlantic Ocean. It’s a unique place where you can relax in natural geothermally heated baths, offering a relaxing and soothing experience by the sea.

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Kvika Footbath

Driving along the coast, past the town of Reykjavík, you’ll find the Kvika Footbath. It’s another tranquil, comforting experience where visitors can relax by soaking their feet in natural hot water baths. With a view of the ocean, and despite the cold wind, its soothing effect is guaranteed. This attraction is free, and there’s room for only two or three pairs of feet at a time.

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Iceland Travel – Day 2

We took a good half-day to visit and enjoy the Blue Lagoon baths.

Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon experience is truly unique and memorable. Nestled in the heart of a black lava field, this geothermal spa offers milky-blue waters, loaded with minerals such as silica and sulfur, known for their benefits to the skin.

When we visited in June 2024, the Blue Lagoon was one of the tourist sites closest to the ongoing volcanic eruption. Combining relaxation with a breathtaking view of volcanic activity created an unforgettable experience, one we’ll probably never live again.

A trip to the Blue Lagoon is well worth the detour!

Iceland Travel – Day 3

This is our busiest day, and we’ll be seeing most of the most popular sites on Iceland’s south coast. A very linear route on Route 1, with stops on both the outward and return legs.

Hveragerði / Hveragarðurinn geothermal park

This park allows visitors to explore unique geothermal landscapes and discover geothermally heated greenhouses where exotic plants grow.

A walk through this park offers an immersive experience of the power of natural forces. The cost of entry is minimal, and the visit takes just a few minutes.

Several small hot springs dot the park, but the highlight of the visit is a small geyser that gushes out every ten minutes or so.

Seljalandsfoss

Seljalandsfoss is a magnificent waterfall on Iceland’s south coast, famous for the trail that allows visitors to walk behind the curtain of water.

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Skógafoss

Skógafoss is one of Iceland’s largest waterfalls, known for its impressive 60-meter-high curtain of powerful water. Visitors can approach the base of the waterfall or climb the stairs for a panoramic view from the top.

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

A spectacular beach, famous for its volcanic black sand, impressive basalt column formations and the majestic Reynisdrangar rocks rising out of the ocean. It’s a must-see for its dramatic landscapes and breathtaking views of the Atlantic.

Dyrhólaey viewpoint

A high promontory accessible by car, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Iceland’s south coast, with its craggy cliffs, natural arches and black sand beaches. It’s also a popular spot for birdwatching, particularly puffins, which nest on the surrounding cliffs.

Sólheimajökull glacier

A 15-minute walk takes visitors to the glacier’s terminal moraine. This is where the ice eventually breaks off and forms icebergs in a small glacial lagoon. Available for guided glacier hikes, this experience offers an up-close look at the glacier’s glacial beauty and unique geological formations.

The Food Hall at the Old Dairy in the small town of Selfoss

The « Food Hall » at the former Selfoss dairy offers a not-to-be-missed culinary experience for supper on the way back to the capital. In a charming historic setting, the venue offers a variety of local Icelandic dishes and international flavors, served in a friendly atmosphere. A unique concept in Iceland, but one that has proved its worth in many other parts of the world.

Iceland Travel – Day 4

Visit the « Golden Circle » route, famous for its breathtaking scenery and iconic natural attractions.

A trip to the Golden Circle is a must to discover all the beauty of the area. Among them, here’s where we left off.

Gullfoss waterfall

It stands out for its majestic power, where the icy waters of the Hvítá River cascade down a spectacular canyon.

Geysir hot springs

They fascinate visitors with their eruptions of bubbling water projected into the air, a striking manifestation of the island’s geothermal activity.

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Lunch at Friðheimar

This is a unique greenhouse where you can discover the cultivation and production of Icelandic tomatoes in a naturally heated environment. Lunch is served directly inside the greenhouse.

Hvammsvik Hot Springs

Hvammsvik hot springs offer a soothing and revitalizing spa experience, nestled in breathtaking natural scenery. The hot tubs are installed directly on the beach, offering the most courageous the chance to plunge directly into the ocean for a unique sensation. The view of the ocean and mountains is spectacular, in a deserted territory where no soul seems to live as far as the eye can see.

Iceland Travel – Day 5

Visit the Húsafell region, a spectacular destination offering a breathtaking diversity of natural landscapes.

Route 52

To get there, we decide to take Route 52, which links Thingvellir National Park to Húsafell through magnificent scenery, with its succession of geological formations and snow-capped mountain panoramas. This mostly unpaved road is a completely off-the-beaten-track experience, offering 360-degree views stretching as far as the eye can see, with not a soul in sight.

Deildartunguhver hot springs

These bubbling hot springs attract visitors as they are the most powerful in Europe.

Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls

On the same site, these waterfalls offer an impressive spectacle, where water flows through lava formations in an unspoilt natural setting. Easily accessible from the parking lot, with a small restaurant still open in the early evening.

Húsafell hot springs (also known as « Lindin pool »)

Húsafell’s hot springs invite you to relax and unwind. They are located on the Hotel Húsafell site. Admission to the pools is just $38 per person. We have access to 4 hot-water pools, each with a different temperature.

Iceland Travel – Day 6

We spent the morning relaxing at the Sky Lagoon, then spent the afternoon exploring the Thingvellir and Kerid Crater sites.

Sky Lagoon

The Sky Lagoon is a haven of tranquility on the outskirts of the capital, offering a getaway in its own right with its captivating setting featuring an artificial lagoon forming an infinity pool on the ocean.

Thingvellir Visitor Center

In Thingvellir, the visitor center offers an immersion in the unique history and geology of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Nestled in a spectacular tectonic fissure, this iconic spot reveals the secrets of Iceland’s formation while offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. This is where you can walk along a fault between the tectonic plates of the American and European continents.

Kerid crater

It is a natural spectacle, with its reddish walls plunging into a lake of turquoise water, an impressive vestige of Iceland’s past volcanic activity.

Iceland : travel guide | Itineraries and Highlights - Guide-Islande-17

Iceland Travel – Day 7

Our last day is devoted to a tour of the Snæfellsnes peninsula, a region a little off the beaten track, but still very accessible from Reykjavík. At many of the stops, the fact that we’re almost the only ones there adds to our enjoyment of the area.

Don’t hesitate to book an excursion to Snaefellsnes to discover its breathtaking sites.

Selvallafoss

Unlike many of Iceland’s more famous cascades and waterfalls, Selvallafoss offers a quiet, secluded experience. The waterfall is completely invisible from the parking lot, which is located upstream of the waterfall. The short walk is well worth it.

Landbrotalaug Hot Springs

After driving through a lava field, walking for about 10 minutes and fording a small stream by jumping from stone to stone, you come to a tiny pool where you can sit and enjoy the warm waters. On our visit, we were the only ones, which made the experience even more magical and peaceful.

Kirkjufell Mountain

Surprise, a huge cruise ship is anchored in the bay. The small village is swarming with tourists in search of pictures of bucolic landscapes, including the Kirkjufell mountain. The shot on Kirkjufell Mountain, Iceland’s iconic symbol, was also used in some scenes from the Game of Thrones series.

Ytri Tunga

Known for its golden sandy beaches and rock formations, Ytri Tunga is particularly famous for its seal colony. Visitors can often observe these creatures lounging on the rocks or swimming close to shore.

Ölkelduvatn mineral spring

Ölkelduvatn is a source of carbonated mineral water. By turning on a tap, visitors can taste this mineral water directly from the source, a rare and authentic experience.

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Here are some other suggestions for activities:

Budget your trip

Iceland is known for its higher-than-average costs, but with careful planning, you can manage your expenses. Grocery stores like Costco and IKEA offer affordable options, and credit cards are widely accepted. We didn’t need any cash for our entire trip. Our Visa and Mastercard cards were accepted everywhere.

Transport and accommodation

Getting around Iceland is child’s play, thanks to its well-maintained roads and minimal traffic. Service stations are readily available, allowing you to explore without worry. Accommodation options range from comfortable guesthouses to luxury hotels, catering to all budgets and preferences.

Most parking lots at major tourist attractions charge a fee. You have to use your cell phone to pay for your parking space, otherwise beware: cameras take photos of your license plate number as you enter and exit each parking lot.

Bottom Line

During our entire week in Iceland in June, we never experienced darkness, which is quite surreal in itself. We had to be careful not to encroach on our nightly rest period.

These endless days of clarity gave us the freedom to visit and travel the roads at our own pace, taking all the time we needed without rushing, despite some busy days.

Iceland is a land of contrasts, where fire and ice fight a constant battle, shaping landscapes of unparalleled beauty. From majestic glaciers and dizzying waterfalls to geothermal springs and lava fields, Iceland promises an unforgettable travel experience.

Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation or a connection with nature, Iceland will leave you in awe and wanting to return.

American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card

American ExpressAeroplan
Annual fee
$599
Our valuation
$1,700
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$1,700Total$1,700Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer
Up to 85,000 points
Apply Now

on American Express's website

Apply with confidence — no impact on your credit scoreApply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text el_class="checkmarks"]This metal credit card is the Best Premium Aeroplan Credit Card in Canada. For a limited time, you can earn up to 150,000 Aeroplan points as a welcome bonus (an estimated $2,550 value). With this Card you can earn:
  • 3 points per dollar on purchases made with Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations
  • 2 points per dollar for dining and food delivery purchases
  • 1.25 points per dollar on all other purchases.
Also, as a Cardmember, you get many benefits such as:
  • Unlimited access to Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges in North America
  • The first checked bag free for you and up to 8 companions
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Finally, you are covered with reliable insurance for your travels and purchases.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
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With this welcome offer for American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card, you can earn up to 85,000 Aeroplan points. Here’s how:

  • Earn 60,000 points after you spend $7,500 on your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership
  • Plus, earn an additional 25,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $2,500 in the 13th month

With this Amex Aeroplan Card, you earn 3X the points on purchases made directly with Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations. And 2x the points on Dining and Food Delivery purchases in Canada. Everywhere else, you will earn 1.25X the points.

With this Amex Aeroplan Premium Card, you receive many Air Canada travel benefits, such as access to Maple Leaf Lounges in North America for you and one guest, priority check-in, priority boarding and priority baggage handling. It’s the best Amex Aeroplan Card for frequent Air Canada flyers.

With this American Express Aeroplan Card, enjoy your first checked bag free (up to 23kg/50lb) for up to 9 people travelling on the same reservation on Air Canada®* flights.

Like all American Express Canada Cards, there is no minimum income requirement.

Annual fee

Primary card$599
Additional card$199

Annual income required

Individual$0
Household$0

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

  • 3xAir Canada flights
  • 2xRestaurants
  • 1.25xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,938
2nd Year Value$430

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7
Airport lounge access$400

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days
Trip CancellationUp to $1,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $1,500
Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000
Flight DelayUp to $1,000
Hotel BurglaryUp to $1,000
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $85,000 / 48 days

Our featured card

Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite +* Card

ScotiabankScene+
Annual fee
$150
Our valuation
$350
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$350Total$350Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer
Up to 35,000 points
Ends Nov 1, 2026
Apply Now

on Scotiabank's website

With this welcome offer for the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card +* CardMC, you’ll earn 25,000 welcome bonus Scene+ points after charging $2,000 in purchases to your account within the first three months.

Plus, every year, earn an annual bonus of at least 10,000 Scene+ points when you charge at least $40,000 in purchases to your account. In total, the offer represents up to 35,000 Scene+ points and a value of up to $1,250 in the first year, including rewards, savings on foreign transaction fees and airport lounge access.

With the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card, you earn 3 points per $1 spent at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Foodland and participating Co-ops, and 2 points per $1 spent at other grocery stores, restaurants, eligible entertainment and eligible daily transit. You earn 1 point per $1 on all your other everyday purchases.

These points can be redeemed against any travel purchase at a rate of 1,000 points = $10 (flights, hotels, all-inclusives and even Airbnb), or as cash back with Scene+ at the same rate.

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card also offers:

  • No fees for foreign currency transactions
  • 6 complimentary airport VIP lounge passes
  • Excellent insurance for your travels and purchases
  • Visa Infinite* Concierge Services

We have named this credit card the Best Credit Card with No Foreign Transaction Fees in 2024, 2025, and 2026.

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* The potential value of savings and rewards during the first 12 months includes the value of the welcome offer, the potential value of points earned in the first year, the value of savings on foreign currency transaction fees and the cost of airport lounge access as of May 22, 2026:

$250 in travel rewards (25,000 bonus Scene+ points) for new Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite +* Cardholders who charge $2,000 in purchases to their account within the first three (3) months;

$100 in travel rewards (10,000 bonus Scene+ points) for cardholders who charge $40,000 in purchases to their account;

$50 in savings from the annual fee waiver on the first additional card for new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card credit card account holders;

$132 in savings on foreign currency transaction fees based on the average amount of foreign currency purchases made per active account over the past 24 months (by saving on the 2.5% foreign currency transaction fees typically charged by other credit card issuers);

$364 representing the potential value of points earned in the first year (36,400 Scene+ points) based on the average amount of purchases made per active account over the past 24 months, assuming an average spend of 21% of purchases in categories eligible for accelerated earn rates of 2X and 3X points;

$358 representing the value of complimentary membership in the Visa Airport Companion program which includes 6 airport lounge passes (based on « Preferred » membership valued at approximately $357 CAD/$259 USD). Based on the exchange rate in effect on May 22, 2026.

Maximum potential value after the first year = $1,254 (rounded to $1,250)

The actual value of offers, savings realized and points earned will vary depending on card usage and eligibility for applicable offers. Conditions apply.

1 Offer description and conditions: The 25,000 Scene+ points offer (the « offer ») applies only to new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card credit card accounts (the « accounts ») opened between August 4, 2026 and November 1, 2026 (regardless of the date you apply for the account) subject to the conditions below. The offer may be modified, cancelled or extended at any time without notice, and it cannot be combined with any other offer.

In addition, as a Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Cardholder, you are eligible for an annual bonus of 10,000 Scene+ points if you charge at least $40,000 in eligible everyday purchases to your Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card account over the course of one year. Conditions apply; see below for more details.

Description and conditions of the 25,000 bonus Scene+ points offer: To be eligible for the 25,000 bonus Scene+ points offer (« 25,000 bonus points »), you must charge at least $2,000 in total eligible purchases to your account within the first three months following the account opening date.

Conditions for the annual 10,000 Scene+ points bonus:
As a Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card credit cardholder, you can earn an annual bonus of at least 10,000 Scene+ points (the « annual points bonus ») if you charge at least $40,000 in eligible purchases to your account over the course of one year (12-month period). The annual period begins on the account opening date; a new period starts again every twelve months thereafter. If you replace another Scene+-eligible credit card with the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card (i.e., it is not a new card or an additional card), the opening date of your original account will be carried over to your new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card account and your annual period under this offer will begin on the next anniversary date of your original account opening. For example, if you originally opened a Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card account on January 15, 2022 and you switch to the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card on July 15, 2025, your annual period under the 10,000 Scene+ points annual bonus offer will begin on January 15, 2026 (your next anniversary date) and a new period will start again on January 15 each year thereafter. You will earn 2,000 bonus Scene+ points for each additional $10,000 in purchases made during the same year once you have reached the $40,000 annual purchase threshold.

Eligible purchases means purchases, less refunds, returns and any other similar credits, and excludes payments, cash advances (including balance transfers and quasi-cash transactions), interest charges, as well as card fees and other fees.

Fulfillment of the annual points bonus: Bonus points will be credited within approximately eight weeks after you become eligible for a bonus, provided the account is open and in good standing. In the case of a joint account with a primary borrower and a co-borrower, bonus points will be credited as follows: (i) the 25,000 bonus points and the annual points bonus will be credited to the Scene+ account linked to the account of the borrower who made the transaction that reached the eligible purchase threshold ($2,000, or $40,000) within the appropriate timeframe (the first three months, or the first 12 months). If an additional cardholder makes the transaction that reaches the eligible purchase threshold for the 25,000 bonus points, or the annual points bonus, the bonus points will be credited to the Scene+ account linked to the primary borrower’s account. It is possible to transfer points between the Scene+ accounts of a primary borrower, a co-borrower or an additional cardholder by contacting Scene+. An account is in good standing if it is not past due, there is no over-limit, and the cardholder(s) have complied with the terms of the Revolving Credit Agreement that applies to the account. All other program conditions continue to apply during the offer period.

Offer eligibility and exclusions: You cannot take advantage of the offer if you are currently a primary or secondary cardholder of a Scotiabank personal credit card or have been one in the past two years, including if you transfer your balance from an existing Scotiabank personal credit card account, and if you are a Scotiabank employee. Subject to the exclusions mentioned above, small business credit cardholders are eligible for this offer.

Rates and fees: The annual fees are $150 for the primary card, $0 for the first additional card and $50 for each additional card thereafter (including those issued to joint account holders and additional cardholders). The preferred annual interest rates applicable to the account are as follows: 20.99% on purchases and 22.99% on cash advances (including balance transfers and quasi-cash transactions). The rates, fees, and features and benefits, which are described in the disclosure statement accompanying the application, may be changed.

Annual fee

Primary card$150
Additional card$50

Annual income required

Individual$60,000
Household$100,000

Conversion fees

0%

Earning rate

  • 2xGroceries
  • 2xRestaurants
  • 2xTransit
  • 2xEntertainment
  • 1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$650
2nd Year Value$397

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7
Airport lounge access$240

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days
Travel medical (65+)Up to $1,000,000 / 3 days
Trip CancellationUp to $1,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $2,500
Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $1,000
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days

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Our reviews and rankings are based on an objective assessment. Advertisers do not influence our content. We may receive compensation through some links; our analysis and opinions remain independent.