HomeExperiencesFairbanks: Northern Lights & Arctic Circle Tour

Fairbanks: Northern Lights & Arctic Circle Tour

4.3 (125 verified reviews)

About This Experience

This tour travels the Dalton Highway from Fairbanks to the Arctic Circle, tracing the route of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline and crossing the Yukon River along the way. Your guide shares Alaska's history, wildlife, and frontier stories throughout the drive.

A stop at Finger Mountain offers panoramic views across the Arctic wilderness, and the group celebrates reaching the Arctic Circle with a commemorative 'Cross the Circle' certificate plus a warm snack and hot drink.

The return journey happens under the night sky, with the group watching for the Aurora Borealis the whole way back. Sightings aren't guaranteed, but travelers are eligible for a full refund up to 7 days before the tour if plans change.

Highlights

  • Travel the scenic Dalton Highway and view the Trans-Alaska Pipeline up close
  • Stop at the Yukon River for sweeping Arctic views
  • Watch for wildlife — moose, foxes, and caribou are regularly spotted
  • Cross the Arctic Circle and receive a personalized certificate
  • Dedicated aurora-watching window on the drive back to Fairbanks

What's Included

  • ✓ Pickup from hotels within Fairbanks or North Pole city limits
  • ✓ Sandwiches and snacks
  • ✓ Hot beverages
  • ✓ Certificate for crossing the Arctic Circle
  • ✓ Meal cost at the Yukon River Camp
  • ✓ Gratuities

Not Included

  • Airport pickup/drop-off

Good to Know & Caveats

  • Bring gloves, waterproof shoes, and thermal clothing — this is a long day in genuinely cold conditions
  • A minimum number of guests is required for the tour to depart
  • The Northern Lights cannot be guaranteed on any given night
  • Full refund available up to 7 days before the tour

Not Suitable For

  • Children under 9 years
  • People with back problems or mobility impairments
  • Wheelchair users

Meeting Point

Pickup from Fairbanks or North Pole hotels; exact time confirmed after booking.

What Travelers Say

Rated 4.3/5 by 125 verified GetYourGuide travelers.

My guide Jessica drove us to the Arctic Circle safely and took great care of us. She also brought us to chase a beautiful northern light even though the weather was windy and snowing.

— Natasha, 2026-02

We had a very good time with our guide Jessica. On the way back from the Arctic Circle she found good spots for us to see the aurora and helped us set up our camera settings.

— Jason, 2026-01

Absolutely fantastic tour! Shannon was a wonderful guide and went out of her way to make sure we saw as many auroras as she could find — the Arctic Circle was so cool.

— Patricia, 2025-10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for young children?

No — this tour isn't suitable for children under 9, people with back problems or mobility impairments, or wheelchair users, due to the long drive and terrain at stops.

What's the cancellation policy?

You're eligible for a full refund up to 7 days before the tour departs.

How is this different from the other Arctic Circle tour on this site?

Both cross the Arctic Circle and watch for aurora on the return, but this one runs slightly longer (14 hours vs. 12) with more stops, including a meal at the Yukon River Camp.