History of Canada–Iceland relations in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 28, 2026

Canada and Iceland share strong diplomatic ties formalized in 1947, though contact dates back to Viking exploration. Both countries cooperate through memberships in key international organizations like the Arctic Council, NATO, OECD, and WTO, reflecting shared interests in Arctic affairs, security, and trade. Canada also holds observer status in the Barents Euro-Arctic Council, further demonstrating its commitment to regional cooperation in the Arctic and North Atlantic regions.

1914: Icelanders Migrate to North America

Between 1870 and 1914, thousands of Icelanders migrated to North America, with the majority settling in Canada, seeking new opportunities and a fresh start.

June 1940: Canadian Expeditionary Force Lands in Iceland

In June 1940, Canadian Prime Minister Mackenzie King announced that the first contingent of the Canadian Expeditionary Force had landed in Iceland during World War II. The troops joined forces with those from the United Kingdom and the United States to counter German advances in the North Atlantic.

1942: Iceland Opens Consulate in Winnipeg

In 1942, Iceland opened a consulate in Winnipeg, marking a step in strengthening diplomatic ties between Iceland and Canada.

1947: Canada and Iceland Establish Diplomatic Relations

In 1947, Canada and Iceland officially established diplomatic relations, formalizing their longstanding foreign relations.

1948: Iceland Appoints Ambassador to Canada

In 1948, Iceland appointed an ambassador to Canada with residence in Washington, D.C., marking a significant step in formalizing diplomatic relations between the two countries.

1949: Canada Appoints Non-Resident Ambassador to Iceland

In 1949, Canada appointed a non-resident ambassador to Iceland based in Oslo, Norway, continuing to build its diplomatic presence in the region.

1990: Janis Gudrun Johnson Appointed to the Senate of Canada

In 1990, Janis Gudrun Johnson, a descendant of Canada's Icelandic community, was appointed to the Senate of Canada by then-Prime Minister Brian Mulroney.

1998: Canada and Iceland Sign Trade and Economic Cooperation Agreement

In 1998, Canada and Iceland signed a trade and economic cooperation agreement, marking a step towards strengthening their economic ties.

2000: Neil Bardal Awarded Knight's Cross of the Icelandic Order of the Falcon

In 2000, Neil Bardal was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Icelandic Order of the Falcon, the highest honour bestowed by the Icelandic government.

May 2001: Iceland Establishes Embassy in Ottawa

In May 2001, Iceland established an embassy in Ottawa, the Canadian capital, signifying the deepening of diplomatic ties between the two nations. Canada reciprocated by opening an embassy in Reykjavík.

May 2001: Embassy of Iceland Established in Ottawa

In May 2001, the Embassy of Iceland was established in Ottawa, Ontario, providing Icelandic diplomatic representation in Canada. The embassy is also responsible for Iceland's relations with Costa Rica.

2006: Neil Bardal Receives the Order of Manitoba

In 2006, Neil Bardal, an active member of the Icelandic community in Manitoba, received the Order of Manitoba for his leadership work in the Icelandic community.

May 2007: Icelandair Commences Flights Between Halifax and Iceland

In May 2007, Icelandair commenced flights between Halifax and Iceland, establishing direct air links between the two countries.

August 2007: Icelandair Announces Flights Between Toronto and Iceland

In August 2007, Icelandair announced their intention to start flights between Toronto and Iceland, further expanding direct air links.

2007: Canada Signs Free Trade Agreement with European Free Trade Association

In 2007, Canada signed a free trade agreement with the European Free Trade Association, which includes Iceland, further bolstering economic relations between the two countries.

2007: Canada Announces Open Skies Agreement with Iceland

In 2007, the Canadian Transport Ministry announced an Open Skies agreement with Iceland under the Government of Canada's Blue Sky policy, facilitating stronger business ties and tourism between the two countries.

2008: Icelandic Banking Collapse

Following the Icelandic banking collapse in 2008, in 2010, the opposition party in Iceland suggested scrapping the country's currency in favour of switching to a new one, with the Canadian dollar being the favored choice.

February 2009: Manitoba Proposes Initiative for Icelandic Workers

In February 2009, the Government of Manitoba proposed an initiative to bring skilled, unemployed workers from Iceland to fill vacancies in Manitoba, assisting Icelanders affected by the financial crisis.

May 2009: Flights Started Between Reykjavík and Toronto and Halifax

In May 2009, flights started between Reykjavík and both Toronto and Halifax, improving air travel between the two countries.

July 1, 2009: Canada's Free Trade Agreement with European Free Trade Association Takes Effect

On July 1, 2009, the free trade agreement that Canada signed with the European Free Trade Association (including Iceland) came into force, promoting trade between the countries.

2010: Opposition Party Suggests Switching to New Currency

In 2010, following the banking collapse in 2008, the opposition party in Iceland suggested scrapping the country's currency in favour of switching to a new one, with the Canadian dollar being the favored choice.

March 2012: Canada's Ambassador to Iceland Speech Cancelled

In March 2012, a speech by Canada's ambassador to Iceland was cancelled when the matter of switching to the Canadian dollar became more prevalent after the banking collapse in 2008.

2012: Icelandic Financial Crisis

The 2008-2012 Icelandic financial crisis deeply impacted Icelanders, leading to Manitoba proposing an initiative to bring unemployed workers to Manitoba in February 2009.

March 2013: Icelandair Upgrades Toronto to Reykjavík Service to Year-Round

Starting in March 2013, Icelandair upgraded its seasonal service from Toronto to Reykjavík to year-round, enhancing travel options between Canada and Iceland.

March 2014: Icelandair Launches Year-Round Service from Edmonton

Starting in March 2014, Icelandair launched year-round service from Edmonton, further expanding air travel links between Canada and Iceland.

2014: Johnson Accompanies Canadian Minister on Bilateral Visit to Reykjavik

From November 28–29, 2014, Senator Janis Gudrun Johnson accompanied Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs John Baird on a bilateral visit to Reykjavik to discuss a variety of bilateral issues including responsible resource development, expanding the European Free Trade Association free-trade relationship, international security issues and the objectives of the Arctic Economic Council.