The Taste of Iceland Toronto Festival celebrates Ontario’s rich Icelandic history from December 2-5. Experience film, music, and food, Iceland-style.
Inspired by Iceland: North America announces the return of Taste of Iceland in Toronto, December 2-5, 2021. The four-day festival is returning to Toronto with a full roster of complimentary events, including the annual Reykjavík Calling concert; film screening; and literature round table, which covers one of Iceland’s most beloved holiday traditions, the Christmas book avalanche. New this year, attendees can rejuvenate with an elemental sound bath; dance the night away during a DJ ice skating night; and spin Icelandair’s Wheel of Prizes for the chance to win a trip to Iceland and other artisan crafts, beauty products, and Icelandic delicacies.
Due to COVID-19 safety and capacity restrictions, pre-registration for all events is encouraged. Pre-registration does not guarantee entry as all events are first-come, first served. More details about pre-registration and the 2021 Taste of Iceland in Toronto program can be found below:
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2
Reykjavík Calling Concert (8 p.m.)
El Mocambo, 464 Spadina Ave. #462
Vök, an Icelandic dream pop and indietronic group, and Singer-songwriterÁrný Margrét from the Westfjords of Iceland take the stage alongside Toronto’s alt-rock Omhouse for the annual Reykjavík Calling Concert, curated by Iceland Airwaves, at the El Mocambo. Entry is limited to attendees 19+. For more information or to pre-register for the concert, please visit: https://www.inspiredbyiceland.com/events/taste-of-iceland-in-toronto-reykjavik-calling/
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3
The Hero’s Journey to the Third Pole Film Screening (7 p.m.)
Fleck Dance Theatre located inside Queen’s Quay Terminal, 207 Queens Quay W., 3rd Floor
Taste of Iceland invites guests to a special screening of The Hero’s Journey to the Third Pole from acclaimed filmmakers Andri Snær Magnason and Anní Ólafsdóttir. The film is a bipolar musical documentary that follows Anna Tara Edwards, an Icelander raised in Nepal, and legendary musician Högni Egilsson, as they journey to Anna’s childhood home in the mountain jungles to explore the afflictions and superpowers that come with the disorder. Following the screening, attendees can hear directly from Filmmaker Andri Snær Magnason during a Q&A.
For more information or to pre-register for the screening, please visit: https://www.inspiredbyiceland.com/events/taste-of-iceland-in-toronto-the-heros-journey-to/
Additionally, guests can sign up for a chance to spin Icelandair’s Wheel of Prizes before three contestants are randomly selected during the drawing at 6 p.m.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4
Elemental Sound Bath (10 a.m.)
The Westin Harbour Castle, Toronto, 1 Harbour Square
Icelandic Energy Healer Jósa Goodlife invites guests for an hour-long meditation session and elemental journey at The Westin Harbour Castle, Toronto – the official hotel partner for Taste of Iceland. Yoga mats and towels are provided for guests to use during the sound bath, and to take home, courtesy of Iceland’s world-renowned geothermal spa, the Blue Lagoon. Following the sound bath, guests can refuel with water from Icelandic Glacial and continue their rejuvenating journey at home with Silica Mud Masks from Blue Lagoon Skincare. For more information or to pre-register for the Sound Bath, please visit: https://www.inspiredbyiceland.com/events/taste-of-iceland-in-toronto-elemental-sound-bath/
Music on Ice-Land (8 p.m.)
Harbourfront Centre Rink, 235 Queens Quay West
Taste of Iceland is bringing DJ ice skating nights back to the scenic Harbourfront Centre Rink with sets by Hermigervill, multi-instrumentalist, producer, composer, and active part of the Reykjavík DJ scene, on December 4, 8-10 p.m. Skaters of all experience levels are invited to lace up and join in the winter festivities. Icelandic bartender Tóta is servinginnovativeReyka Vodka cocktails throughout the evening for attendees 19+.
For more information or to pre-register for the skate night, please visit: https://www.inspiredbyiceland.com/events/taste-of-iceland-in-toronto-music-on-ice-land/
Additionally, guests can sign up for a chance to spin Icelandair’s Wheel of Prizes before three contestants are randomly selected during the drawing at 7 p.m.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5
Jólabókaflóð: The Christmas Book Avalanche (2 p.m.)
Fleck Dance Theatre located inside Queen’s Quay Terminal, 207 Queens Quay W., 3rd Floor
Roland Gulliver, director of the Toronto International Festival of Authors, welcomes literary enthusiasts to Fleck Dance Theatre for an engaging discussion about the beloved Icelandic tradition of Jólabókaflóð, also known as the Christmas book avalanche. During the round table, guests can hear from Icelandic Writer and Poet Thora Hjörleifsdóttir, Icelandic Writer Einar Kárason, Canadian author of The Bjorkan Sagas, Harold R. Johnson, and internationally bestselling Canadian Novelist Shari Lapena. In addition to the Jólabókaflóð custom, the writers discuss the joy of sharing stories, the books they gift to loved ones, the books they have been given that have inspired their writing, and more.
Inline withJólabókaflóð traditions, Inspired by Iceland: North America is gifting a wrapped book to each attendee after the event for guests to open with their families during the upcoming holiday celebrations. For more information or to pre-register for the literary discussion, please visit: https://www.inspiredbyiceland.com/events/tast-of-iceland-toronto-jolabokafloð/
Additionally, guests can sign up for a chance to spin Icelandair’s Wheel of Prizes before three contestants are randomly selected during the drawing at 1 p.m.
Attendees who are not selected to spin the Wheel of Prizes in-person during the random drawings are encouraged to sign up for the grand finale spin online, which is set for Sunday, December 5, 2021 at 3 p.m. Potential prizes that guests can win throughout the four-day festival include:
● Icelandair: A trip to Iceland for two
● Blue Lagoon: Skincare packages and a stay at Silica Hotel for two
● Icelandic Lamb: Icelandic wool blanket
● Icelandic Provisions: Merchandise from the beloved Icelandic Skyr brand
● Icelandic Glacial: A variety of cases of still and sparkling water, including the most popular flavors: lemon, lime, blood orange, and lemongrass
● High Liner Foods: 15-pound case of Icelandic smoked salmon
● Reyka Vodka: Merchandise from the small-batch Icelandic vodka brand
● Reykjavík Music City: Selection of Icelandic records, and for winners of the trip to Iceland, a 72-hour Reykjavík City Card
● Isavia: Varma wool scarves
● Landsvirkjun: Nordic Wasabi gift box including all ingredients and tools needed to prepare fresh wasabi
Stay up-to-date on Taste of Iceland events happening in Toronto by following @inspiredbyiceland and using #TasteofIceland on Twitter and Instagram. Visit www.inspiredbyiceland.com to learn more about Taste of Iceland in Toronto.
About Inspired by Iceland: North America
Inspired by Iceland: North America is a cooperative marketing organization comprised of top Iceland brands that promote tourism, services, products, and the culture of Iceland to the North American audience. We represent the true essence of Iceland–its creativity and spectacular natural wonders. Through a series of robust channels, Inspired by Iceland: North America bridges the gap between North America and Iceland in engaging and meaningful ways. Our online presence showcases the best of what Iceland has to offer, and encourages North Americans to experience the country for themselves. Inspired by Iceland partners include: Icelandic Trademark Holding, Reyka Vodka, Visit Reykjavik, Icelandic Lamb, Icelandic Provisions, Icelandic Glacial, Icelandair, Isavia – Keflavik Airport, Blue Lagoon, and Landsvirkjun.
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Kevin Wagar is a founder and editor of Ultimate Ontario. He has been working in the travel media industry since 2015 when he founded his family travel website Wandering Wagars – Adventure Family Travel.
Over the years Kevin has developed a deep love for his home province of Ontario and aims to showcase the incredible experiences and amazing small businesses found within it.