Arctic Circle and Northern Lights Tour from Fairbanks
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
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).
This tour is limited to 9 guests to ensure that 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.
We do encourage each guest to rotate seats at least a few times on this tour.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Adult pricing applies to all travelers. We do not recommend this tour for children under the age of 10 years due to safety concerns
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 as there is limited availability of these items in Alaska.
Type of transportation: climate controlled van
The group size is limited to 8 people for each passenger van.
Customers are strongly encouraged to rotate seats at least a few times on the tour to give each person the opportunity of having a different view.
This tour requires being able to enter and exit our van with limited assistance. Please contact us if you have any concerns about mobility.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Local guide
personalized Arctic Circle Certificate
free unlimited Hot drinks, like coffee, tea, hot chocolate
free Snacks and water
free Sandwiches (vegetarian option available, please advise at time of booking)
Hotel pickup and drop-off, within city limits of Fairbanks and North Pole
Gratuities
no gluten free or vegan meal option available. You are welcome to bring or buy your own lunch and snacks.
cold weather gear
What To Expect
Alyeska Pipeline Viewing Point
We begin our 14-hour long journey to the Arctic Circle with a convenient pick up at any hotel or address inside the city limits of Fairbanks or North Pole. Settle into your seat and relax on the 200 mile (322 km) journey down the back roads of Interior Alaska. We provide free snacks and drinks to ensure your utmost comfort in our climate-controlled vans. Take a trip back in time as you travel down the Dalton Highway. Featured on the TV show Ice Road Truckers, the Dalton Highway (technically Alaska Route 11) runs north-south through Alaska, nearly all the way to the Arctic Ocean, and parallels the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. It’s one of the most isolated roads in the United States and provides some beautiful Alaskan scenery for you to enjoy during the ride. With sweeping views of mountains and valleys, you will see the Trans-Alaskan Pipeline System (TAPS), one of the largest pipeline systems, transporting thousands of gallons of oil from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez, up close.
Stop at Hilltop Restaurant & Marketplace. You can purchase extra drinks, snacks and food there but please order it for takeout.
Options
Arctic Circle and Northern Lights Tour from Fairbanks
Pickup included
Reviews
885 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
My tour did not get to...
Amber B,
Oct 5, 2025
- Viator
5.00My tour did not get to see the northern lights because it was cloudy, it’s hard to predict the weather and not the tour‘s fault. We had a very good driver and Alaskan native as our tour guide.
Fun trip.
David U,
Oct 3, 2025
- Viator
4.00Fun trip. Our driver Ron, was excellent. I only rated 4 stars because a bad accident stopped us short of our destination. We would book this trip with Viator again.
Checks the boxes, not great. Recommend daytime arctic tour to enjoy scenery and separate lights chasing tour.
jcvang89,
Sep 27, 2025
- Viator
3.00This tour checked the boxes, but overall was not great due to the length/timing of the trip and the discomfort of the vehicle. Here are the Pros: -Scenery on the way to the arctic circle was beautiful. -Our guide, Guy, was knowledgeable and answered many questions. He also played some Alaskan Storytelling podcasts that were very entertaining and helped pass the time on the way there. -We made it to the Arctic Circle. -We saw the Northern Lights. It had been cloudy and rainy/snowy when we left Fairbanks. But, it was clear skies closer to the arctic and we did see the lights arching across the sky like a big green rainbow! Cons: -The drive was VERY long. We were picked up at 2pm and were dropped back off at 4am. The cumulative time of our stops was only about 2hrs, which means we were driving for 12hrs! -Due to the length of the drive, there was very little time for stops. When we did stop it was to use the bathroom and snap a quick photo, then back in the van. This was very disappointing when the lights came out because we did not have much time to watch them dance. -Due to the later pickup time, it got dark about an hour before we reached the arctic circle. This was disappointing because we could no longer see the scenery. -The van was uncomfortable for the length of the trip, especially if you were stuck in the middle with no window seat. -The drive back was pretty brutal. Yes, we saw the lights, but had little time to enjoy them. It was dark, so you couldn’t view any other scenery. It was late and we were sooo tired, but could not get good sleep on the van. If I had this to do over, I would book separate tours to view the arctic circle and northern lights. I would book a daytime tour for the arctic circle that leaves early in the morning so as to fully enjoy the scenery on the way there and the way back. I would book a separate lights chasing tour that didn’t go so far so you have more time to view them.
Northern lights
Laurence S,
Sep 26, 2025
- Viator
5.00A beautiful and long walk through the Alaskan wilderness and finally the chance to see the Northern Lights appear.
Attic circle
Rebecca D,
Sep 20, 2025
- Viator
1.00I thought this was going to be on a tour bus or a shuttle. It was a van. I had to sit in last row in very back. Ride was very rough. My head hit the ceiling 3 times along the ride. It was a very rough 12 hours. I would not recommend for an older person. Took me a couple days to recover.
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Operated by Alaska Wildlife Guide LLC