Arctic Circle & Northern Lights - Dalton Highway Winter Tour
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Journey north from Fairbanks along the Dalton Highway, one of the most remote and northerly roads accessible by vehicle, to the Arctic Circle. You’ll spend the day moving deeper into Alaska’s far north as forest thins and the landscape opens into wide valleys and tundra.
We make several scenic stops at viewpoints for photos and short walks throughout the day, including time at the Arctic Circle sign (66°33′N).
On the return, the late-night drive is timed for prime aurora viewing hours, with a chance to see the northern lights. Your guide uses real-time aurora forecasts to choose the best stops and timing.
This is primarily a road-based experience with short, easy walks and ongoing commentary from your knowledgeable Alaskan guide.
Groups are limited to 6 guests in a new 11-passenger van fully equipped for Arctic conditions, with guaranteed window seats, an unhurried pace, regular breaks, and flexibility, plus snacks, water, and hot drinks.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Alyeska Pipeline Viewing Point
A world-famous engineering landmark running alongside the route, with roadside viewpoints and photo stops along the way.
James Dalton Highway
One of the world’s most remote and northerly highways, stretching from the forests north of Fairbanks into Alaska’s vast far-north country. We'll stop for photos at the James Dalton Highway sign before we travel the first 115 miles along the Haul Road to the Arctic Circle sign (tour does not proceed all the way to Coldfoot as may be displayed on TripAdvisor's itinerary map for this stop)
What‘s Included
Ample, flexible stops for photos, fresh air, and short walks along the route
Experienced local guide with live commentary
Transportation in a comfortable, fully winter-equipped AWD van
Pickup and drop-off from hotels and Airbnbs within Fairbanks and North Pole
Snacks, bottled water, and hot drinks (teas, hot chocolate, coffee)
Small-group experience (maximum 6 guests) with a guaranteed window seat
Dinner not included. We make a grocery stop before departing Fairbanks; guests may bring/buy food to eat at the Yukon River Camp around 5:00 PM
Appropriate winter clothing and cold-weather gear
Pickup points
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Arctic Circle & Northern Lights - Dalton Highway Winter Tour
Pickup included
Reviews
23 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
I had the best time of my life!!
934dineshb,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had the absolute best time taking the tour. The journey was form 12PM to 3AM, and I was very skeptical having to sit in the van for a long time, but trust me, time flew by. Was picked up on time and to begin with the van was not crowded, we had ample space to switch places, had tons of stop from time to time to go out and stretch. The guide was explaining stuff throughout the journey, even on the ride back, made sure we were all comfortable with the temperature, gave us free snacks and water as well. On our way back, we stopped by for taking pictures of the auroras, even though he didn't have to, he made sure sure everyone was okay with stopping and we took plenty of pictures. Safety wise, the van was in very good condition, we had satellite phones, he even had a Starlink. He did not even accept a tip. I am telling you, you will not regret choosing this experience. He was family to me!!
Auroras! Arctic Circle! Dalton Highway! Small Group! Better than the big tours!!!
S6068GRdustinr,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an incredible experience on Midnight Sky’s Arctic Circle & Northern Lights Tour, easily a 5-star outing from start to finish. Our driver, Ron, was outstanding. He was very knowledgeable, friendly, and professional, and you could tell he genuinely cared about the experience of everyone on the tour. One detail that really stood out was how consistently he communicated upcoming stops and bio breaks along the route, something that often gets overlooked on other tours, but makes a big difference over a long day/night. What truly set this tour apart, though, was the small group size. It created a much more personal and flexible experience. We were able to pull over for photos whenever opportunities presented themselves and even take advantage of a few unique, unplanned moments along the way. It’s hard to imagine getting that same experience on a large 40-passenger bus where timing and logistics limit flexibility. If (or more realistically, when) we return, we’ll absolutely be booking with Midnight Sky again to try more of their tours. Pro tip: Book directly through Midnight Sky’s website, third-party sites take a sizable commission from the tour operator, and going direct helps support the business while often giving you better communication. Highly recommend.
A Truly Special Excursion
SalukiAdventurer,Mar 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great excursion with our guide, Ron. He was very knowledgeable about Alaska in general as well as the Arctic Circle. He let us know what to expect all along the way, took photos of our group for us, made some delicious hot chocolate, and even offered a sledding saucer for a ride down the hill at the Yukon River boat ramp. We didn’t see a lot of wildlife this time of year, but did see some amazing landscapes. And since fewer than 1% of humans get to the Arctic Circle, we are now officially “one percenters” of the best kind!
An Excellent Excursion Into the Interior of Alaska!
Noelle S,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00A fantastic experience! Ron was our excellent guide, and he gave us some history, science, engineering, flora and fauna, atmospheric, and local info, all while on a picturesque drive into the interior of Alaska! We had quite a few stops to see the changing landscape and stretch our legs. It was cold, so definitely dress for weather. After we hit the Arctic Circle, we chased the Northern Lights on our way back. Ron used an uplink to periodically see the light forecast, and we were able to stop for pictures a few times. The lights were amazing! This was my favorite tour from my trip, and I highly recommend it, especially for those game for a little adventure... 100% worth taking! Thanks Ron!
Worthwhile journey to the Arctic Circle.
Martha M,Mar 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Wonderful tour of remote Alaska along the Dalton Highway. Even though it was about 14 hours, it was a comfortable ride with enough stops along the way to the Arctic Circle and back. Ron was a great guide who provided interesting commentary. The Alaskan wilderness was beautiful and we saw the Northern lights on the way back to Fairbanks.
Thank you
srikanthkollimerla,Mar 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Really beautiful and worth visiting Really appreciate Ron for his incredible knowledge and planning
Our guide Ron was...
Zhihong L,Mar 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide Ron was exceptional! He only runs small groups so everyone gets their personal attention. He is very energetic, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic about what he’s doing! We had a fun trip, saw beautiful northern lights, and Ron helped us take a lot of nice.pictures! The experience was absolutely amazing!
Great tour
Paola R,Mar 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Ron is clearly knowledgeable about the Northern Lights and shared several cool apps he used to track the likelihood and strength of the lights during the drive down. We were able to get some great photos on a night where the lights weren’t particularly strong.
Arctic Circle and Auroras... WONDERFUL
RBK2509,Mar 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent experience. Rob, the guide-driver, is super professional Explain what you are seeing, tell anecdotes, promote coexistence in the group, help with photos... Everything on time, everything perfectly coordinated I recommend it 100000%
Delightful guide, thoughtful itinerary, comfortable vehicle
Ting Y,Feb 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Ron is a delightful guide. The vehicle is new and comfortable, with ample space and window access for everyone. He planned the itinerary thoughtfully and included a grocery stop in preparation for the long drive. Unfortunately, due to a hazardous chemical spill on the highway, the tour had to be cancelled after the first pipeline viewpoint. Ron handled the situation professionally, communicated clearly, offered full refunds, and even redirected others to a Fairbanks downtown tour. I look forward to returning to Fairbanks and rebooking with Ron under better circumstances.
From US$349.00
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Operated by Midnight Sky Adventures