Arctic Circle and Northern Lights Tour from Fairbanks

Journey along one of the world’s most isolated roads from Fairbanks to the Arctic Circle on this 14-hour tour through the Alaskan wilderness. Following afternoon hotel pickup in Fairbanks, travel with your informative guide along the Dalton Highway, technically Alaska Route 11. You’ll stop occasionally to stretch your legs and snap memorable photos of key sites. Plus, keep your eyes open for Alaskan wildlife like foxes, moose, or possibly even bears, wolves or lynx.

Dalton Highway runs north-south through Alaska, almost to the Arctic Ocean, and parallels the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. Stop along a section of the pipeline in the community of Fox, and get a good look at its construction while learning about its controversies and environmental impact. One of the world’s largest pipeline systems, the Trans-Alaska Pipeline was built in the 1970s to carry crude oil from Prudhoe Bay 800 miles (1,287 km) south to Valdez.

Back on the Dalton Highway, drive over the EL Patton Bridge, the only bridge in Alaska that crosses the Yukon River. With an impressive length of 2,295 feet (700 meters), the bridge carries not only vehicle traffic but also the pipeline. Take a picture of the bridge and then stop again further down the road to admire Finger Mountain that offers views of the alpine tundra. 

When you arrive at the edge of the Arctic Circle, pose for commemorative photos around the sign displaying your latitude of 66°33’ north. Absorb the natural beauty around you and enjoy the provided sandwiches, coffee and homemade hot punch.

Then, climb back aboard your vehicle to begin the drive back to Fairbanks. At this time, it'll be about two to three hours before midnight, an ideal period to start watching for the northern lights. If they do appear, your driver will pull over at several different spots, including the Tolovana River and Wickersham Dome, to give you ample time to marvel at and take photos of this natural phenomenon.

Your Fairbanks northern lights tour concludes with hotel drop-off in the early morning hours.

Travel along one of the world’s most isolated roads from Fairbanks to the Arctic Circle on this memorable 12 to 14-hour tour through the Alaskan wilderness.

In the company of an experienced guide with a passion for Alaska, journey up the Dalton Highway, passing by the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, crossing the Yukon River, and reaching the edge of the Arctic Circle. On the drive back, watch for the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis).

Snacks, sandwiches, warm drinks, and hotel transport are included. This tour is limited to 9 guests with our transit vans, ensuring you enjoy a small-group experience in one of our climate-controlled vans.

Please note that we cannot guarantee the Northern Lights sightings and we can't guarantee last minute bookings.

Please also note that it is mandatory for every guest to rotate seats at least a few times on this tour.

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Adult pricing applies to all travelers. We cannot accept bookings with small children due to possible hazardous weather conditions on the haul road.
Please dress appropriately. The temperatures can reach extreme conditions during the winter month and we recommend to dress in layers.
Please note that the Northern Lights are a natural occurrence and therefore cannot be guaranteed! (no refund possible)
The weather conditions are in no way predictable in our area and we will not offer a refund in case of too many clouds.
Exact schedule and itinerary of stops are subject to change based on daily conditions and Northern Lights activity on the day of your tour.
There is a possibility of cancellation due to dangerous weather and/or road conditions. If this occurs, an alternative date or full refund will be offered.
Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required. We are not able to provide gluten free or vegan options.
Type of transportation: climate controlled van
The group size is limited to 9 people for each passenger van. Bigger group bookings are possible and multiple vans will be used in this case.
Not recommended for travelers with back problems
It is mandatory for every customer to rotate seats at least a few times on this tour.
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 9 travelers