After circling the entire island with a local guide, I discovered why Iceland deserves to be your destination, not just a stopover.
I've always been drawn to destinations that challenge my sense of what's possible in nature. Iceland had been calling to me for years, but I knew that to truly understand it, I needed to experience the full island, not just the capital. So I chose June, when the midnight sun stretches your days impossibly long, and joined a G Adventures small group tour around the Ring Road. As a solo female traveller who thrives on connection, travelling with 16 like-minded adventurers felt right. I wanted to share those gasping-at-glaciers moments with others who understood the magic.
What I wasn't prepared for was how dramatically the landscape would transform, sometimes within a single hour. One moment, I was standing at a glacier lake filled with icebergs, the cold air sharp against my face as I climbed to the top of ancient ice. An hour later, I was running across black sand beaches that reminded me of the West Coast back home in British Columbia. Then the drive continued, and suddenly I felt like I'd landed on Mars, steam rising from the earth beneath my feet, the ground warm and alien. By evening, we'd reached hot springs so picturesque they seemed staged. All of this in one day.
Our guide was a local Icelandic woman who brought the country to life in ways no guidebook could. She shared stories of the folklore and mythology that still runs deep here. I learned that many Icelanders genuinely believe in elves, trolls, and mystical creatures. These aren't just tourist tales. This belief system is woven into the fabric of daily life, dating back centuries. Hearing her speak about these traditions while we travelled through landscapes that do, honestly, look like something from another realm made the connection feel real.
One of my favourite memories came at midnight. We'd returned to our accommodation, clean and comfortable like everywhere we stayed, and I looked out my window to see a farmer starting his tractor to mow his fields. Midnight. Full daylight. That image captures everything I love about travelling to Iceland in summer. You can pack so much into each day, arriving at your destination with hours of golden light still ahead of you.
Our guide also knew exactly where to send us for the best food. In the small town of Höfn, I had the most incredible langoustine, a local specialty I never would have found on my own. And I became completely obsessed with skyr, the Icelandic yogurt that's creamier and more satisfying than anything I've tasted elsewhere. These small discoveries, guided by someone who actually lives there, transformed good meals into memorable ones.
This trip reinforced something I've noticed across all my travels: planning ahead matters more than ever. Iceland has become increasingly popular, and if you want to experience the Blue Lagoon, hike a glacier, or go whale watching, you need to book well in advance. The days of figuring it out as you go are fading. Travelling with G Adventures meant those important experiences were already secured, while still leaving room for spontaneity.
Iceland is perfect for nature lovers who crave calm, space, and visual drama. You need to be adaptable, ready for weather that shifts without warning, comfortable with moderate hiking on uneven terrain. This isn't a budget destination, and it's not for those seeking nightlife or urban energy. Once you leave Reykjavik, you're in vast, quiet spaces with few people and fewer buildings. That solitude was exactly what I treasured most.
Now when clients mention Iceland as a potential stopover, I encourage them to make it the destination. The Ring Road deserves time and attention. With direct flights from Vancouver, it's more accessible than people realize. Give Iceland the days it deserves, and it will give you landscapes you'll carry with you forever. I cannot wait to send my clients there.
