Iceland and Greenland Cruises: The Emerging Arctic Itinerary for Canadians

Updated 29 October 2026 · 4 min read · Cruise Questions Canada editorial team

These voyages trade palm trees for glaciers, waterfalls, steaming lava fields and tiny Arctic towns. For Canadians, the region is surprisingly close: Reykjavik is often a shorter flight from eastern Canada than the Mediterranean, and some sailings start or finish in North America.

The main ways to cruise the region

Iceland circumnavigations

Round trips from Reykjavik of roughly 7–10 nights circle the island, calling at towns such as Ísafjörður, Akureyri and Seyðisfjörður. Mainstream, premium and expedition lines all run them.

Northern Europe sailings that include Iceland

Longer cruises from the UK, Amsterdam or Copenhagen often add Iceland, the Faroe Islands or Norway, mixing familiar ports with wilder ones.

Transatlantic voyages via Greenland

In late summer, some ships moving between Europe and North America route through Iceland and southern Greenland, with ports such as Boston or Quebec City at one end. It's a way to see the region without a long-haul flight in one direction (see what transatlantic crossings are really like).

Expedition cruises

Small ships with zodiacs explore Greenland's west coast and Disko Bay, sometimes combined with the Canadian Arctic in Nunavut. They cost more but reach places big ships can't, with naturalists and historians on board.

Ports you might visit

When to go

The season runs roughly June to September. Around midsummer, north Iceland has almost round-the-clock daylight. From late August, nights get dark enough for a chance of northern lights. Expect highs around 10–15°C in Iceland and colder in Greenland, with wind, rain and fog at any time.

Getting there from Canada

Icelandair flies nonstop to Reykjavik from several Canadian cities, including Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver, with some routes seasonal. Flight times are roughly five to seven hours. Iceland is part of the Schengen area, so Canadians can visit visa-free for up to 90 days; check whether the EU's new travel authorisation applies by your travel date. Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark but outside the EU and Schengen; your cruise line will explain the arrival process.

Planning your Arctic cruise, step by step

1. Decide between a big-ship itinerary (cheaper, more comfortable) and an expedition ship (more landings, more remote).
2. Pick your season: midsummer for light, September for a chance of aurora.
3. Book flights to the start port and arrive a day early.
4. Buy insurance with evacuation cover. Greenland's towns are remote, and your provincial plan won't help.
5. Pack waterproofs and layers as you would for Alaska.

How it compares with Alaska and Norway

Iceland and Greenland are wilder and less developed than Alaska or Norway, with fewer shops and tours and more weather risk. Many Canadians do Alaska first, then Norway, then this region. Alaska vs Norwegian fjords and Norwegian fjords cruises for Canadians help with the order. If wildlife and naturalists are the draw, also look at a Galápagos expedition cruise.

Is this region right for your next cruise?

If you've done the Caribbean and Mediterranean and want somewhere that still feels remote, yes. Choose your ship style first, accept that weather sets the final itinerary, and pack for cool, wet days.

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