Kathleen Arnason and the Gimli Huldufolk Room
Nestled on the third floor of the historic RM of Gimli Heritage Municipal Building at 62 Second Avenue, the Gimli Huldufolk Room invites visitors into a magical world inspired by Icelandic folklore and the rich heritage of New Iceland.
This unique attraction celebrates the Huldufolk, the legendary "hidden people" of Icelandic tradition who are said to have accompanied Icelandic settlers on their journey to New Iceland. Visitors ascend a winding staircase into a whimsical space designed especially for the Huldufolk, where imagination, storytelling, and culture come together in a truly memorable experience.
Open seasonally to residents and visitors alike, the Huldufolk Room has become a beloved destination for families, school groups, readers, and tourists exploring Gimli's Icelandic roots. Through interactive displays and enchanting surroundings, the attraction helps preserve and share a treasured part of Icelandic folklore with new generations.
The inspiration for the Huldufolk Room can be traced in large part to the creative work of Kathleen Arnason, whose beloved stories and characters brought the hidden people of Icelandic legend to life for countless readers. A passionate ambassador for Icelandic folklore and the heritage of New Iceland, Kathleen's storytelling has extended far beyond the pages of her books, helping foster a deeper appreciation for Icelandic culture and traditions throughout the community.
Click Here to read about the First Annual Gimli Huldufolk Picnic held June 7, 2026 and stay tuned for the 2027 date.
Meet Kathleen Arnason:
Kathleen Arnason
Kathleen Arnason is an award-winning Canadian author, storyteller, musician, educator, and cultural ambassador whose work celebrates imagination, friendship, heritage, and community. For more than 30 years, she has inspired audiences through books, music, film, educational programs, and presentations that encourage creativity and lifelong learning.
Kathleen is the author of numerous acclaimed books for children and adults, including The Story of the Huldufolk, The Gimli Huldufolk Trilogy, Icelandia, Remember Me, and the cherished Forever Friends series. Drawing inspiration from Icelandic folklore and the history of New Iceland, her stories introduce readers to the magical Huldufolk whose adventures have captivated generations of readers.
Her Forever Friends books celebrate friendship, kindness, resilience, and the enduring connections that shape our lives. Her book Remember Me offers comfort and guidance for children experiencing grief, while her Huldufolk adventures encourage young readers to embrace curiosity, courage, and creativity.
A lifelong advocate for literacy, Kathleen has developed creative writing programs for schools and championed the use of dyslexic-friendly fonts, helping make reading more accessible and enjoyable for children. Her contributions to arts, culture, and community have been recognized with the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal.
An engaging speaker and presenter, Kathleen continues to inspire audiences through keynote presentations, workshops, and school visits that focus on storytelling, creativity, personal growth, and the importance of preserving cultural heritage.
Today, Kathleen shares the magic of storytelling through her books, presentations, and community projects. Through her writing and community involvement, she continues to encourage readers of all ages to discover the wonder, wisdom, and enduring friendships found within her stories.
Contact Kathleen Arnason
“As long as we continue to tell the stories, the stories - those who live within them—will stay alive. Because every Story Matters.”
Phone: 250-882-9890
Email: arnasonk@gmail.com
Visit Kathleen’s website: www.Huldufolkhouse.com
Publicist
David Litvak
Cascadia Publicity, Vancouver, Canada
Email: davidjlitvak@gmail.com
Discover the Magic
- Visit the Gimli Huldufolk Room
- Read The Story of the Huldufolk
- Explore The Gimli Huldufolk Trilogy
- Enjoy the Forever Friends series
- Books available online or can be purchased at the Municipal Offices, while supplies last
