Iceland has a way of making you feel small in the best possible way. Standing before a geyser that rockets boiling water 70 metres into the arctic sky, or watching icebergs drift lazily across a glacial lagoon, you realize how powerful and beautiful this island truly is. For Canadian retirees looking for a destination that stirs the soul, few places deliver like Iceland.
Explore Approach Tours’ 13-day all-inclusive Iceland tour and see the full itinerary.
A guided group tour is one of the smartest ways to experience this remote island. With a dedicated Group Guru handling every detail, you spend your energy on the experiences rather than logistics. Here are the top things to do in Iceland when you travel with a group of like-minded adventurers.
Watch Strokkur Erupt on the Golden Circle
The Golden Circle is Iceland’s most celebrated route, and for good reason. This loop northeast of Reykjavik packs three of the country’s greatest natural wonders into a single day.
Strokkur is the star. Every five to ten minutes, this geyser launches a column of boiling water skyward, reaching heights of up to 70 metres. The anticipation builds as the surface bubbles, then suddenly, the eruption. It never gets old. Right next door sits Geysir, the original hot spring that gave all geysers their name. While Geysir rarely erupts these days, the surrounding geothermal field steams and hisses, reminding you of the volcanic forces just beneath your feet.
A short drive away, Gullfoss (the “Golden Waterfall”) plunges into a canyon with such force that the vibration hits you in the chest. On a sunny day, rainbows arc across the mist. The third stop, Thingvellir National Park, is where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates pull apart, creating a dramatic rift valley. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was also where Iceland’s parliament, the Althingi, first gathered in 930 AD, making it one of the oldest parliamentary sites in the world.
Soak in the Blue Lagoon’s Geothermal Waters
Few experiences capture Iceland’s spirit like easing into the milky-blue waters of the Blue Lagoon. Surrounded by a rugged lava field on the Reykjanes Peninsula, this geothermal spa maintains a temperature of about 38 degrees Celsius year-round. The mineral-rich water, loaded with silica and algae, leaves your skin feeling remarkably soft. The lagoon draws its water from a nearby geothermal power plant, where seawater filters through underground lava at extreme temperatures before reaching the bathing pools.
On a group tour, your visit is arranged so you can simply relax rather than worry about reservations or transport. Float in the warm water, apply the complimentary silica mud mask, and let the steam carry your thoughts away. The contrast between the cool Icelandic air on your face and the warm water around your shoulders is something you feel long after you towel off. If you visit during the shoulder season, you might even soak under the glow of the Northern Lights.
Read our guide on the best time to visit Iceland from Canada to plan your ideal season.
Cruise Through Icebergs at Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon sits at the edge of Vatnajokull, the largest glacier in Europe. Chunks of ice calve from the glacier’s edge and drift across the lagoon in shades of white, blue, and even black (from volcanic ash embedded centuries ago). A boat cruise through these floating icebergs is one of Iceland’s most unforgettable moments.
Keep your eyes open for seals. They bob between the ice, curious and unbothered by visitors. The lagoon formed only in the 1930s as the glacier began to retreat, and it has been growing steadily since. Today it is Iceland’s deepest lake at roughly 248 metres. Nearby, Diamond Beach earns its name from the crystal-clear ice fragments that wash ashore and glitter against the black volcanic sand. It looks like scattered jewels on dark velvet, and photographers often linger here long after the group moves on.
Explore Vatnajokull Glacier by Jeep
Vatnajokull covers roughly 8% of Iceland’s entire surface. To grasp its scale, you need to get up close. On the Approach Tours itinerary, travellers climb aboard a jeep for an exhilarating ride across the glacier’s surface. The views stretch endlessly in every direction: white ice, deep crevasses and distant peaks.
Vatnajokull is more than a glacier. It sits atop several active volcanoes, including Grimsvotn, which erupted as recently as 2011. That combination of fire and ice is part of what makes Iceland so extraordinary. Your guide explains the science and history of the glacier while you take in a landscape that few other destinations on earth can match. After the excursion, Skaftafell National Park offers sweeping views of Iceland’s highest peak from the visitor centre.
Walk Through a 1,360-Metre Lava Tunnel
Raufarholshellir is one of Iceland’s longest lava tunnels, stretching 1,360 metres beneath the surface. Formed by a volcanic eruption roughly 5,200 years ago, the tunnel reveals a world of lava stalactites, frozen rock formations and colours that shift from rust to deep purple under the guided lighting.
Walking through this underground passage feels like stepping into another planet. The temperature stays relatively stable inside (cooler than the summer air, warmer than winter), and the silence is almost total. It is a powerful contrast to the roaring waterfalls and erupting geysers above ground, and one of those experiences that stays with you long after the tour ends.
Discover Reykjavik’s Charm and Culture
Iceland’s capital is small (roughly 140,000 people) but packed with character and warmth. First settled by Norse Vikings around 874 AD, Reykjavik grew from a handful of farmsteads into one of the world’s most northerly capitals. Today it blends Viking heritage with a vibrant arts scene, colourful architecture and a culinary culture that ranges from traditional lamb stew to world-class seafood.
Hallgrimskirkja, the towering concrete church visible from across the city, is one of the most iconic buildings in the country. Its design was inspired by the basalt column formations found at Svartifoss waterfall. From the observation tower at the top, you can see across the entire city and out to the surrounding mountains.
Spend time at the Harpa Concert Hall, a stunning glass structure on the waterfront that won the European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture. Stroll through the colourful streets of the old town, pop into a local cafe for a traditional Icelandic lamb soup, or browse the quirky shops along Laugavegur, the city’s main shopping street.
The Perlan Museum is another highlight. Housed under a glass dome, it features interactive exhibits on glaciers, volcanoes and Icelandic wildlife, including an indoor ice cave and a simulated Northern Lights show. It is a brilliant introduction to the natural forces that shape everything you will see on your tour.
Chase Waterfalls Across the Countryside
Iceland has more waterfalls than anyone can count, and several of the most spectacular ones appear on a group tour itinerary. Beyond Gullfoss, two waterfalls near Reykholt deserve special attention.
Barnafoss (Children’s Waterfall) channels rushing blue water through a narrow rocky gorge. Legend says it was named after two children who fell into the rapids centuries ago. Right beside it, Hraunfossar is an entirely different spectacle. Here, spring water seeps through ancient lava fields and cascades in hundreds of tiny streams straight into the river below. The effect is almost dreamlike, as though the rock itself is weeping crystal-clear water.
On a guided tour, your Group Guru shares the local stories behind each waterfall. These are not just natural wonders; they are places woven into Iceland’s folklore and identity.
Feel the Heat at Europe’s Most Powerful Hot Spring
Deildartunguhver, located near Reykholt in western Iceland, is the most powerful hot spring in Europe. It produces roughly 180 litres of boiling water per second at a temperature of 97 degrees Celsius. Standing near it, you can feel the raw heat radiating from the earth, and the steam creates a dramatic atmosphere against the surrounding green landscape.
The hot spring supplies geothermal heating to towns as far as 64 kilometres away, including Borgarnes and Akranes. Iceland generates roughly 90% of its home heating from geothermal sources, and Deildartunguhver is one of the best places to see that relationship between the earth and everyday life up close. It is one of those stops that does not appear on every tourist’s radar, but it leaves a lasting impression.
Stand Between Two Continents at Thingvellir
Thingvellir National Park deserves more than a quick mention alongside the Golden Circle. This is one of the only places on earth where you can see the Mid-Atlantic Ridge above sea level. The Eurasian and North American tectonic plates are pulling apart here at a rate of about two centimetres per year, creating visible fissures, cliffs and a vast rift valley.
The historical significance matches the geology. In 930 AD, Viking settlers established the Althingi here, one of the world’s first parliaments. For nearly 900 years, Icelanders gathered at this site to settle disputes, make laws and announce important decisions. Walking the same paths those early settlers walked, with the dramatic landscape stretching in every direction, connects you to over a thousand years of human history.
Why a Guided Group Tour Is the Best Way to See Iceland
Iceland’s roads are remote, weather can shift without warning and many of the best experiences require local knowledge. A guided group tour removes the guesswork and replaces it with comfort and expertise.
With Approach Tours, everything is included in one transparent price: flights from Canada, first-class hotels, all 34 meals, entrance fees, a private door-to-door car service from your home to the airport, and $5 million in emergency medical insurance through Manulife. There are no hidden fees, no tipping calculations and no surprise costs at the end.
Your Group Guru travels with you from Day 1 through Day 13, handling logistics, sharing stories and making sure every traveller feels looked after. The maximum group size is 30 people, small enough to feel personal yet large enough to spark lasting friendships with fellow travellers.
For Canadian retirees who want an extraordinary adventure without the stress of planning every detail, a guided Iceland tour delivers the best of both worlds: freedom to enjoy every moment and confidence that someone experienced has your back.
View the full 13-day Iceland itinerary, departure dates and pricing on the Approach Tours website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should you not miss in Iceland?
The Golden Circle (Strokkur geyser, Gullfoss waterfall and Thingvellir National Park), the Blue Lagoon and Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon are the three experiences most travellers consider essential. A glacier excursion on Vatnajokull and a lava tunnel walk at Raufarholshellir round out the must-see list for anyone visiting on a group tour.
Is Iceland suitable for senior travellers?
Iceland is an excellent destination for active seniors. Most tour experiences involve moderate walking on maintained paths, and a guided group tour ensures accessible transport, comfortable hotels and a Group Guru who manages every detail. Check Iceland’s seasonal weather to pick the conditions that suit you best.
How many days do you need to see Iceland?
A 13-day tour covers Iceland’s highlights thoroughly without feeling rushed. Shorter trips of 5 to 7 days can cover Reykjavik and the Golden Circle, but you would miss the glacier lagoons, the northern coast and the dramatic volcanic landscapes of the interior.
What is included on an all-inclusive Iceland group tour?
Approach Tours’ Iceland package includes return flights from Canadian gateways (Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, Ottawa), 11 nights in first-class hotels, all 34 meals, a private home pick-up service, entrance fees, English-speaking guides, tips for all service providers and $5 million in emergency travel insurance. The per-person price starts at $13,995 CAD in double occupancy.
When is the best time to visit Iceland from Canada?
Summer (June to August) offers the warmest temperatures and nearly 24 hours of daylight, which is ideal for sightseeing. September and October bring smaller crowds and a chance to see the Northern Lights. Read our full seasonal guide to find the departure window that matches your preferences.
