amaruq
Trail Wise!
Call me Little Spoon
Posts: 1,264 
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Post by amaruq on Oct 2, 2015 7:15:23 GMT -8
Just this week budget airline WowAir announced flights from Toronto to Reykjavik starting in May 2016 for what at first glance appear to be very appealing prices. I've been stumped on where to travel next and although I may not fly out on WowAir -- small print is a b*tch, even I doubt my ability to travel on a paltry 11 lbs of gear -- the sudden furor surrounding the announcement reminded me that, "hey, I would like to visit Iceland." So now it has been shortlisted as a potential 2016 destination. Or 2017 given the expected sudden influx of Canadian tourists in 2016.
While not knowing too much about the country outside of tourism-based economics leads to pricey adventures, I do know that it has some incredible hiking potential. A mere Google Image search of "Iceland" not only demonstrates this, but suggests it's the only thing to do in Iceland.
That's where I come to you, the BP community. Surely some of you have been and know some keen spots to stomp one's boots (lightly, tundra is robust, yet fragile)? Or to seat one's butt with some local fare? Maybe even Hákarl, if you're feeling particularly intrepid.
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tomas
Trail Wise!
Posts: 1,906
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Post by tomas on Nov 10, 2015 8:55:45 GMT -8
I went to Iceland...two years ago??...for Thanksgiving weekend. I had the kids with me and had injured my foot, so my glacier travel and hiking plans were heavily curtailed. That being said, there are a lot of hiking opportunities in Iceland, but beware that the place ain't cheap. Far from it, in fact. Getting there is dirt cheap for the most part, but once on the ground you'll smell plastic burning as your credit card gets used.
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walkswithblackflies
Trail Wise!
Resident terrorist-supporting eco-freak bootlicker
Posts: 6,934
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Post by walkswithblackflies on Jan 7, 2016 11:10:31 GMT -8
I'll be watching this thread with interest. Iceland is on my bucket list, and I might just pull the trigger this year.
But where to start? It seems the entire eastern half of the island is a national park? |
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Post by trekkerman on Jan 8, 2016 9:09:06 GMT -8
Iceland is VERY expensive. Price a room online before you commit to an airline flight.
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walkswithblackflies
Trail Wise!
Resident terrorist-supporting eco-freak bootlicker
Posts: 6,934
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Post by walkswithblackflies on Jan 8, 2016 13:21:10 GMT -8
Iceland is VERY expensive. I'm finding the same thing for Labrador. $350/night... for a standard 2-person TENT! |
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Post by trekkerman on Jan 16, 2016 10:04:52 GMT -8
World's most fun long distance trek?: The Camino de Santiago. No it's not a mountain experience, but the food, the reasonable lodging options, socializing with hikers from around the world, the wine, the charming Spanish villages and delightful vistas make this a special experience. Don't go in the summer and you'll never need a reservation. Leave your sleeping bag, tent, and stove at home.
Trekkerman
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Westy
Trail Wise!
Diagnosed w/Post-Trail Transition Syndrome
Posts: 1,960
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Post by Westy on Jan 18, 2016 13:07:19 GMT -8
Labrador. $350/night... for a standard 2-person TENT! This is on my Labrador dream list. Hopefully you're referring to another Labrador destination Torngat Mountains |
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walkswithblackflies
Trail Wise!
Resident terrorist-supporting eco-freak bootlicker
Posts: 6,934
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Post by walkswithblackflies on Jan 18, 2016 13:26:20 GMT -8
This is on my Labrador dream list. Hopefully you're referring to another Labrador destination Torngat MountainsNope... that's it. Note: $350/night within Base Camp. To the best of my knowledge, it's free everywhere else. Probably because the polar bears will kill you in your sleep. |
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Post by annab1984 on Jan 27, 2016 13:00:30 GMT -8
I just replied to your reply on my Asia post and then this came up as a suggestion! As it happens I visited Iceland last year, and I did try the dreaded Hakarl, it's as bad as you might imagine it to be. If you end up staying anywhere near Stykkisholmur then you can visit the oddest museum which explains all about this Icelandic delicacy. It is run by the sweetest old man who is very proud of his family tradition and he loves showing people around. The Icelandic people as a whole I thought were very kind. I stayed mainly around the south and west of Iceland but I would love to go back and see the rest of the place, perhaps drive the whole of the ring road. I went in October and actually didn't think it was as expensive as everyone made out it would be, it's really just London prices. However I was there in the off season. Lovely country, very cold, kind and proud inhabitants and stunningly beautiful.
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Post by annab1984 on Jan 27, 2016 13:01:42 GMT -8
Also, if you get an Icelandic Air flight from Canada through to the UK then a stop off in Iceland is free.
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Post by bumknees on Mar 28, 2016 12:20:47 GMT -8
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