Few experiences match the wonder of standing beneath a curtain of green, purple and white light rippling across the Arctic sky. Iceland is one of the best places on earth to witness the aurora borealis, and it is closer to Canada than most travellers realize, roughly a five-hour flight from Toronto. With the right timing, a warm coat and a plan that handles all the logistics, seeing the northern lights in Iceland can be the highlight of your retirement years.
Explore Approach Tours’ 13-day all-inclusive Iceland tour and let us handle every detail, from your doorstep to the aurora.
When Is the Best Time to See the Northern Lights in Iceland?
The aurora borealis is visible in Iceland from roughly September through March, when the nights are long and dark enough for the lights to appear. According to the Icelandic Met Office, geomagnetic activity peaks during the equinox months, making late September through October and late February through March particularly promising windows. The darkest months, November through January, offer the longest viewing hours but also the coldest temperatures and shortest days.
For Canadian seniors who prefer milder cold and a bit more daylight for sightseeing, the shoulder months are a sweet spot. September still carries a touch of autumn warmth, while March brings lengthening days alongside strong aurora activity. That balance matters when you want to spend daytime exploring waterfalls, geysers and glaciers without feeling rushed by the dark.
Keep in mind that northern lights are a natural phenomenon, not a scheduled show. Even during peak season, cloud cover can block your view. That is why multi-night tours with flexible itineraries offer the best odds. A single night in Reykjavik is a gamble; 11 nights across the country, with opportunities to chase clear skies, tilts the odds heavily in your favour.
For a full breakdown of what each season brings, read our Iceland weather by month guide.
Where to See the Northern Lights in Iceland
Light pollution is the enemy of aurora viewing. Reykjavik, while charming, is the brightest spot in Iceland, and its city lights can wash out all but the most vivid displays. The best viewing spots are outside the capital, where the skies are darker and the horizons wider.
Top Viewing Locations
- Thingvellir National Park: Just 45 minutes east of Reykjavik, this UNESCO World Heritage site sits between two tectonic plates. On a clear night, the aurora appears to dance directly above the rift valley, and the absence of artificial light makes it one of the most reliable viewing spots in southern Iceland.
- Vik and the South Coast: The black sand beaches near Vik create a dramatic foreground for northern lights photography. The contrast of green light against the jet-black volcanic sand is something you will not see anywhere else on the planet.
- Akureyri and North Iceland: Often called the Capital of the North, Akureyri sits at 65 degrees north latitude, well inside the auroral zone. The fjords and surrounding mountains provide shelter from wind while offering wide-open northern horizons.
- Snaefellsnes Peninsula: This quieter corner of western Iceland offers coastal scenery, volcanic craters and some of the darkest skies in the country. Kirkjufell mountain, one of Iceland’s most photographed landmarks, makes a spectacular aurora foreground.
- Vatnajokull Glacier region: The vast ice cap and surrounding wilderness in eastern Iceland sit far from any settlement, making for pitch-dark conditions and brilliant displays overhead.
Approach Tours’ Ethereal Iceland itinerary covers many of these regions across 13 days, including nights in Reykjavik, the Golden Circle, Akureyri and the south coast. Spreading the itinerary across the country gives you multiple chances to catch the lights under different sky conditions.
See the full 13-day Iceland itinerary and find out how we move you comfortably across the country.
What to Expect Physically on a Northern Lights Tour
An Iceland northern lights tour does not require mountaineering fitness, but it helps to know what you are signing up for. Viewing the aurora means standing outdoors in cold, dark conditions for 30 to 90 minutes at a time. Temperatures during peak aurora season range from minus 5 to plus 5 degrees Celsius, and wind chill can push the sensation lower.
Walking surfaces in Iceland are often uneven. Lava fields, gravel paths and icy patches are common, and most viewing spots sit on natural terrain rather than paved paths. Sturdy, insulated boots with good grip are not optional. They are essential.
On a guided tour, your Group Guru and local guides handle route selection, weather monitoring and timing. If conditions look poor in one area, the group moves to a better location. You do not need to drive on unfamiliar roads in the dark or navigate GPS coordinates in a foreign language. The logistics are handled, and you focus on the sky.
If you are concerned about mobility, check the physical and age requirements page for details on what each tour involves. Our guide to physically preparing for your tour also offers practical tips for building stamina before departure.
What to Wear for Northern Lights Viewing in Iceland
Dressing for an Icelandic winter night comes down to layers. The goal is warmth without bulk, so you can move comfortably and still enjoy the experience without shivering.
| Layer | What to Wear | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Base layer | Merino wool or synthetic thermal top and bottom | Wicks moisture away from your skin and retains heat |
| Mid layer | Fleece jacket or down vest | Traps warmth without adding heavy weight |
| Outer layer | Windproof, waterproof insulated jacket and pants | Blocks Iceland’s persistent wind and occasional rain or sleet |
| Head | Warm hat that covers your ears, plus a neck gaiter or balaclava | You lose significant heat through your head and neck |
| Hands | Insulated gloves with touchscreen-compatible liners | Lets you operate a camera or phone without removing gloves |
| Feet | Thick wool socks and waterproof insulated boots with grip soles | Cold, wet feet will end your evening faster than anything else |
Hand warmers and toe warmers are inexpensive additions that make a real difference when you are standing still for extended periods. For a complete packing list, visit our what to pack page.
Why a Guided Tour Beats Self-Drive for Seniors
Iceland’s Ring Road is spectacular, but driving it in winter presents real challenges. Roads can be icy, visibility drops to near zero during storms and fuel stations in the Highlands are sparse. Rental car insurance in Iceland is famously complicated, with gravel damage, ash damage and wind damage often excluded from standard policies. For senior travellers, the risk and stress of winter self-drive outweigh the flexibility.
A guided northern lights tour solves all of this:
- Experienced drivers: Your coach driver knows the roads, weather patterns and emergency protocols. No white-knuckle drives on icy mountain passes.
- Weather monitoring: Guides track aurora forecasts and cloud cover maps in real time. If the sky opens up 50 kilometres north, the group heads there.
- Built-in comfort: A heated coach means you warm up between stops. No sitting in a cold rental car at the side of the road.
- Expert knowledge: Local guides explain the science behind the aurora, point out optimal photography angles and share the Norse mythology woven into Icelandic culture.
- Safety net: With a 24/7 Canadian Group Guru and $5 million Manulife emergency medical insurance included, you have support at every step.
Competitors like G Adventures and Intrepid Travel offer Iceland tours, but their trips tend to target younger, more adventurous demographics with basic accommodations and self-serve meals. Approach Tours designs specifically for Canadian travellers aged 55 and up, with first-class hotels, every meal included (34 across 13 days) and a pace that leaves room to breathe.
What Else to See and Do Between Aurora Viewings
Northern lights viewing happens at night. That leaves your days wide open for Iceland’s other attractions, and there are plenty of them.
- The Golden Circle: Thingvellir, Geysir and Gullfoss waterfall form Iceland’s most popular day tour. Watch Strokkur geyser erupt every few minutes and feel the vibration of the Golden Waterfall plunging into its canyon.
- The Blue Lagoon: Soak in milky-blue geothermal waters surrounded by volcanic lava fields. The warm water and mineral-rich silica are particularly soothing after a cold night of aurora chasing.
- Whale watching in Akureyri: Humpbacks, minke whales and dolphins frequent the waters of Eyjafjordur. Whale watching season overlaps with aurora season, so you can tick off two bucket list items in the same week.
- Vatnajokull Glacier: Walk on Europe’s largest glacier with crampons and a certified guide. The ice formations, deep blue crevasses and sheer scale of the landscape are unforgettable.
- Perlan Museum in Reykjavik: If the weather refuses to cooperate, Perlan houses a planetarium-style northern lights show inside a glass dome, along with exhibits on Icelandic geology and glaciers.
For more inspiration, explore our reasons Iceland belongs on your bucket list and our guide to Icelandic wildlife.
Ready to see Iceland for yourself? Browse the Ethereal Iceland tour and discover what 13 days of all-inclusive adventure looks like.
How Much Does an Iceland Northern Lights Tour Cost?
Costs vary widely depending on the tour operator and what is included. Budget northern lights day tours from Reykjavik start around $80 to $150 CAD per person for a three-hour evening excursion, but these are basic bus tours with no guarantee of sightings and no included meals, flights or accommodation.
Multi-day guided tours typically range from $3,000 to $8,000 CAD per person for 7 to 10 days, though many advertise a “starting from” price that excludes flights, meals, transfers and tips. By the time you add those extras, the real cost climbs significantly.
Approach Tours’ Ethereal Iceland tour is $13,995 CAD per person in double occupancy for 13 days. That price includes everything: return flights from Canadian gateways (Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal, Ottawa), private door-to-door car service to the airport, all 34 meals, 11 nights in first-class hotels, every excursion and entrance fee, tips for all service providers, a 24/7 Group Guru and $5 million Manulife emergency medical insurance. The PERKS value included in that price represents thousands of dollars that other operators charge as extras.
For a broader look at how tour pricing compares across destinations, visit our all-inclusive tours for Canadian seniors page.
Tips for Photographing the Northern Lights
Capturing the aurora on camera is easier than it used to be, even with a smartphone. Modern phones with “night mode” can produce surprisingly good results. For the best shots, keep these tips in mind:
- Use a tripod or stable surface: Long exposures require a steady hand. A small travel tripod or even a flat rock works well.
- Turn off the flash: The flash will not reach the sky. It will only light up the people in front of you and ruin the exposure.
- Set your camera to manual mode: Use a wide aperture (f/2.8 or lower), ISO 1600 to 3200 and a shutter speed of 10 to 25 seconds.
- Bring extra batteries: Cold temperatures drain batteries fast. Keep spares in an inside pocket close to your body heat.
- Practice before you go: Try a few long-exposure shots at home so you are comfortable with the settings before the lights appear.
Your Group Guru and local guides are happy to help with camera settings on the night. Many travellers find that the best souvenir is not a photograph at all, but the memory of standing in silence as the sky puts on its show.
Frequently Asked Questions
What month is best to see the northern lights in Iceland?
September through March offers the best aurora viewing, with late September to October and late February to March providing the strongest combination of dark skies and manageable weather. November through January has the longest nights but the coldest temperatures.
Can you see the northern lights from Reykjavik?
It is possible on very active nights, but city light pollution reduces visibility. The best views are 30 to 60 minutes outside the capital, in areas like Thingvellir National Park or along the south coast.
Are northern lights tours worth it for seniors?
A guided tour removes the stress of driving on icy Icelandic roads at night, handles aurora forecasting and provides warm transportation between viewing spots. For seniors who want comfort and safety without sacrificing the experience, a tour is the clear choice. Learn more about the best tours for seniors.
What should I wear to see the northern lights?
Dress in three insulated layers: a thermal base, a fleece or down mid layer and a windproof, waterproof outer shell. Add a warm hat, insulated gloves and waterproof boots with grip soles. Hand warmers and toe warmers are helpful for extended viewing.
How long do the northern lights last?
Displays vary from a few minutes to several hours. On strong geomagnetic nights, the aurora can appear and reappear throughout the dark hours. Most guided tours plan for 90 minutes to two hours of viewing time to maximize your chances.
Is an Iceland trip physically demanding for older travellers?
Iceland’s terrain is uneven in places, but Approach Tours designs its itinerary for comfortable touring. You should be able to walk on uneven or slippery surfaces for short periods. Our tours for seniors travelling alone page addresses common concerns about physical requirements and group support.
Start Planning Your Iceland Northern Lights Adventure
The aurora borealis does not wait, and the best viewing seasons fill up quickly. Whether you are a solo traveller looking for a small group or a couple eager to check this off your list, an all-inclusive Iceland tour takes the planning off your plate and puts the experience front and centre.
Approach Tours’ Ethereal Iceland tour covers 13 days of waterfalls, glaciers, geothermal pools and, when the skies cooperate, the northern lights in all their brilliance. Every flight, every meal, every hotel and every excursion is included. Your Group Guru meets you at the airport and stays with you until you are back home.
Browse the Ethereal Iceland tour or reserve your spot today.
