Dagný Ívarsdóttir is a professional expedition guide and photographer based in North Vancouver, BC, Canada.
Born under the high-summer arctic sun, and raised in a land dominated by the harsh and seductive rule of Nature, Dagný is a true Viking at heart. She firmly believes in Elves, Trolls, and the other supernatural beings that her people credit for Iceland’s mind-bending natural wonders. Today, Dagný is more committed than ever to her wild spirit, spending her time mountain biking, skiing, and following her heart into the backcountry, or working on projects that help others do the same.
Formally educated in business communications & marketing, and forever enthusiastic about travel and the outdoors, Dagný naturally landed in a career in adventure tourism. Her first job was at a tourist information centre in downtown Reykjavík in 2011. Since then she has guided polar expeditions on the waters of the Arctic and Antarctic, as well as heli-kayak and mountain bike trips in BC. Her professional and recreational adventures have taken her to some of the most remote and exotic places on Earth, and deepened her bond with Mother Nature in ways often too profound for words.
This webpage is her attempt to tell those stories, and share those feelings.
My journey behind the lens
In 2014 my life took a dramatic turn when I stepped on board the National Geographic Explorer as a local guide and logistics co-ordinator for a circumnavigation of Iceland. I was surrounded by inspiring individuals whose brilliant teamwork brought an expedition to life through incredible storytelling and photography. Some were published National Geographic photographers and photo instructors. From that initial glimpse into their world, there was no turning back. I wanted in!
A couple of years later, I had one foot in the door and a number of expeditions around Iceland, Scandinavia, and costal Europe under my belt. I was travelling to amazing places, soaking up knowledge and tips from the masters I worked with, and taking my first steps in photography (mostly using my iPhone).
It didn’t take long to outgrow my phone’s capabilities, and with that came time to get my first DSLR, but I didn’t have much of a budget. Luckily, an incredibly supportive friend and brilliant photographer almost literally held my hand to the camera store to help me pick out my camera, which has been my trusty little weapon ever since.
Whether working in the polar regions, on mountain bike trips to faraway places, or just adventuring close to home, this little camera has helped me capture a lot of awesome moments. It is with much joy (and little bit of pride) that I now share those moments on this site. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do :-)
Professional Field Experience
EYOS Expeditions:
Expedition Leader /Iceland Expert / Lecturer / Zodiac Driver.
Expeditions on private yachts in Iceland and Svalbard.
Lindblad Expeditions / National Geographic:
Iceland Expert / Naturalist Guide / Lecturer / Zodiac Driver.
Expeditions around Iceland, Greenland, Svalbard, Scandinavia and Costal Europe.
Quark Expeditions:
Adventure guide (Kayaking, Heli Mountain Biking and Hiking / Logistics Co-Ordinator / Zodiac Driver.
Expeditions to Antarctica and South Georgia.
Mt Seymour Resorts: Ski Patroller.
Providing first aid and rescue services to injured on Mt Seymour, North Shore, BC, Canada.
Compass Heli Tours: Heli Kayak Guide.
Glacial lake kayaking day trips in BC, Canada.
Endless Biking: Mountain Bike Instructor and Guide.
Lessons and tours on the North Shore, BC, Canada.
Bike Company: Mountain Bike Guide
Multi day mountain bike adventures in Iceland.
