Original Arctic Circle Drive from Fairbanks
Overview
Available languages
16 hours
Mobile ticket
Discover Alaska’s Arctic! Experience for yourself the legendary hospitality and authentic interpretation that made the Original Arctic Circle Drive Adventure famous. Travel the famed Dalton Highway. View the remarkable Trans Alaska Pipeline. Visit the Arctic Circle Trading Post. Experience the mighty Yukon River. Explore up close the amazing arctic tundra. Cross the Arctic Circle and receive an official Arctic Circle Adventure Certificate.
The ground tour can take place in a 26 passenger coach or 15 passenger van depending on the number of guests we have.
Longest time between stops is 2 hours; however, some stops will be closer. Most stops have an outhouse or bathroom for guests to use if we are not traveling in the coach which has a bathroom on board.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them board and disembark
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund
This tour is conducted in a 25 passenger motor coach or 15 passenger van depending on the number of guests traveling. The coach does have a restroom on board to be used between stops or at stops that don't have a restroom. If we are not traveling on the coach we will be stopping approximately every 2 hours for a restroom break -- which are outhouses along the Dalton Highway.
We encourage guests with any questions on limited mobility and this adventure to contact us and speak directly about the tour and what your needs are to see if they can be met.
CHECK IN TIME - Check in opens at 5:45AM and closes at 6:00AM for this tour. Guests not here by 6:00AM risk missing this tour.
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
What‘s Included
Local guide
Professional guide
All taxes, fees and handling charges
Driver/guide
Live commentary on board
The listed price does not include a parking fee, payable at the time of tour check-in.
Food and drinks
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off
What To Expect
James Dalton Highway
DOES NOT GO TO COLDFOOT - But Viator Locator only has Coldfoot. Guests will be on the Dalton Highway from Mile 0 - 115 - The turn around for the day tour is the Arctic Circle Rest Area. This is a full day guided ground tour on the Dalton Highway to the Arctic Circle. Along the way the guide will share the story of Alaska's Arctic both while in motion and at the various stops along the way.
Yukon River
The Dalton Highway has the only bridge crossing the mighty Yukon River -- and guests will be on it as they make their way north. A stop is made here both north and south to get out and step along the banks of the Yukon River. This is also the home of the Yukon River Camp Noodle House where guests can purchase lunch/dinner as needed.
Options
Original Arctic Circle Drive from Fairbanks
Reviews
199 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
It was a VERY bumpy ride...
Deborah M,
Jul 6, 2025
- Viator
5.00It was a VERY bumpy ride but all in all we're glad we went. Loved the little ceremony at the Artic Circle. You really ought to warn people about the size of those sandwiches at Yukon River - WOW - and it was really good too, we were still so full that when we got back for dinner we asked them to pack our dinner up to go - had it for lunch today - still really tasty. Thank you Paul for a good trip, you know a lot about the Native Americans and the Salmon but I really learned more about how big fires are handled. That was a good learning experience.
A long day spent well!
Satvik S,
Jul 6, 2025
- Viator
5.00A 16-17 hour long day experience which was informative, enjoyable and highly memorable. Around 13 are spent on the road which is highly scenic, though largely gravel but not too uncomfortable. The remaining time is about experiencing Alaskan wilderness on foot at multiple stop points including lunch and dinner breaks. Our tour guide Jermey was phenomenal - courteous, knowledgeable and very safe, and his ongoing commentary through the day kept us engaged. Several good stops for photography and selfies, and complete disconnect (no cell coverage) made it special. A day well spent!
Though trip took long 17...
Ginomol M,
Jul 4, 2025
- Viator
4.00Though trip took long 17 years we enjoyed every bit of it. Tim was our guide and he was so informative.
Lots of time sitting in a non moving bus
Mark S,
Jul 4, 2025
- Viator
3.00Lots of time sitting in a non moving bus . Take the shorter tour . Was told to be there before 6. Tour left at 7:30. Missed my prepaid breakfast at my hotel to sit and wait for an hour and a half . Not cool .
Sitting on top of the world
John C,
Jun 26, 2025
- Viator
5.00So Awesome, would definitely recommend because it's a once in a lifetime experience when you're visiting Fairbanks to be able to venture north to the Arctic Circle
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Operated by Northern Alaska Tour Company