NORTHERN LIGHTS & ARCTIC CIRCLE TOUR

Cross the Arctic Circle and hunt for the northern lights on Alaska’s most remote adventure. Our Northern Lights & Arctic Circle tour from Fairbanks travels 200 miles north along the legendary Dalton Highway to reach the Arctic Circle, then returns through dark wilderness perfect for aurora borealis viewing. This full-day journey (approximately 14 hours) combines bucket-list Arctic exploration with optimal northern lights hunting as you return to Fairbanks in the early morning hours.

The Dalton Highway: Alaska’s Most Remote Road

The Dalton Highway is a 414-mile road connecting Fairbanks to Prudhoe Bay on Alaska’s Arctic coast. Built in 1974 to support the trans-Alaska pipeline, the Dalton Highway remains one of North America’s most isolated and challenging roads with limited services, no cell phone coverage, and predominantly gravel surface. Our Arctic Circle tours travel the first 200 miles of the Dalton Highway from Fairbanks, experiencing dramatic landscape transitions from boreal forest to arctic tundra.

The Dalton Highway offers unparalleled wilderness scenery, wildlife viewing opportunities (moose, caribou, grizzly bears, Dall sheep), and access to the Yukon River Bridge – one of only five vehicle crossings of Alaska’s longest river. Most rental car companies prohibit Dalton Highway travel due to road hazards including flying gravel, limited services, and remote location. Our guided tours provide safe, comfortable access to this iconic road in climate-controlled vans with experienced drivers, CB radio communication with truck drivers, and emergency preparedness equipment.

The road gained international fame through the reality TV show “Ice Road Truckers,” which documented truck drivers hauling supplies to Prudhoe Bay. While the show focused on winter extreme conditions, the Dalton Highway offers stunning scenery year-round, with each season providing unique experiences from midnight sun summer drives to aurora-filled winter journeys.

What is the Arctic Circle?

The Arctic Circle is located at 66° 33′ North latitude, marking where the sun doesn’t set during summer solstice and doesn’t rise during winter solstice. Only 0.05%% of Earth’s population lives above the Arctic Circle, and fewer than 1% ever visit this remote region.

The journey to the Arctic Circle begins with a 200-mile drive north from Fairbanks along the Dalton highway. At milepost 115, the iconic Arctic Circle sign signals your arrival to the Arctic: where tundra, permafrost, and especially adapted wildlife define the landscape. 

Why Combine Northern Lights with Arctic Circle?

This tour delivers two of Alaska’s most sought-after experiences in a single adventure. The Arctic Circle represents one of Earth’s most exclusive destinations – fewer than 1% of people ever cross this boundary. Combined with northern lights viewing on the return journey through dark Alaska wilderness, this tour maximizes your time and creates an opportunity for the potential of unforgettable aurora viewing.

The Dalton Highway’s remote location provides exceptional dark-sky conditions for northern lights viewing. As you return from the Arctic Circle through hours of darkness, guides will stop at optimal locations when northern lights activity appears. The long return drive through wilderness with minimal light pollution creates extended viewing windows that stationary aurora tours cannot match.

The guides at Alaska Wildlife Guide possess deep knowledge of both the Dalton Highway conditions and northern lights viewing strategies. The tour timing is strategically designed, with its afternoon departure allowing time to reach the Arctic Circle for photos and certificate ceremony, with the return drive taking place during prime northern lights viewing hours.

Northern Lights & Arctic Circle Tour Itinerary

Early Afternoon – Hotel Pickup
Pickup begins at Fairbanks hotels in the early afternoon. Your guide provides an introduction to the day’s adventure, discusses Dalton Highway conditions, and reviews northern lights forecast.

Afternoon – Drive North on Dalton Highway
Travel north from Fairbanks along the Dalton Highway with multiple stops for photos, wildlife viewing, and trans-Alaska pipeline history. Your guide shares stories about life in Alaska and the history of the area, along with the science behind the aurora borealis.

Late Afternoon – Yukon River Crossing
Cross the legendary Yukon River (via the E.L. Patton Bridge, one of only five vehicle crossings of Alaska’s longest river) and pause at Yukon River Camp to stretch your legs, grab a bite, and take in views of one of Alaska’s most iconic waterways.

Early Evening – Arctic Circle Arrival
Arrive at the official Arctic Circle sign at milepost 115, where you’ll snap photos, receive your Arctic Circle certificate, and step into one of the most remote regions in Alaska.

Evening – Depart for Fairbanks
Your return journey unfolds in the darkness of the Arctic night, creating prime conditions for northern lights sightings.

As aurora activity appears, your guide makes multiple stops at carefully chosen dark-sky locations along the Dalton Highway. Viewing locations are selected in real time based on cloud cover and aurora strength, with guides assisting guests with photography whenever conditions allow. The number and length of stops vary depending on the intensity and duration of the northern lights.

The Dalton Highway’s extreme remoteness and minimal light pollution offer exceptional aurora viewing. Guides utilize safe, strategic pullouts away from truck traffic, allowing guests to step outside the vehicle for extended viewing and photography when conditions permit.

The journey back to Fairbanks continues through the late night and early morning hours, with additional northern lights stops made as activity warrants. Arrival time varies by season and aurora conditions, with the total tour lasting approximately 14 hours.

Please Note: The timeline remains flexible due to changing weather, road conditions, and aurora activity. Strong displays may result in extended viewing time. Guides always prioritize guest experience and safety while maintaining reasonable return schedules.

Why Take a Guided Arctic Circle Tour from Fairbanks

Safety & Comfort
Travel the remote Dalton Highway in climate-controlled vehicles with experienced drivers who monitor road and weather conditions, communicate with truck traffic, and carry essential safety and emergency equipment throughout the journey.

Expert Guides
Your knowledgeable guide shares insight into Alaska’s history, the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, Arctic geology, wildlife, and Indigenous cultures – adding depth and context without overwhelming the experience.

Wildlife Opportunities
The Dalton Highway corridor offers chances to spot moose, caribou, Dall sheep, foxes, and more. While sightings are never guaranteed, guides know key areas to watch for wildlife along the route.

A Seamless Experience
All logistics are handled for you, allowing you to relax and enjoy the scenery. The tour includes planned stops at iconic locations such as the Yukon River, tundra viewpoints, photo opportunities, and the Arctic Circle sign, with food options available at Yukon River Camp.

Arctic Circle Tour Highlights

• Travel the scenic Dalton Highway and view the Trans-Alaska Pipeline.
• Walk along the Yukon River and take in sweeping Arctic views.
• Watch for wildlife sightings such as moose, foxes, and caribou.
• Cross the Arctic Circle and receive an official, personalized certificate.
• Search for the Aurora Borealis on your return to Fairbanks.

Arctic Circle Tour: Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Arctic Circle tour take? Total tour duration is approximately 14 hours.

What are my chances of seeing northern lights on this tour? Fairbanks, Alaska is one of the best places in the world to see the northern lights, especially during the winter months (September through March). This Arctic Circle adventure offers extended opportunities to view the aurora during the 200-mile return journey along the Dalton Highway, traveling through vast stretches of dark, undeveloped wilderness. While aurora sightings are never guaranteed, the experience of crossing the Arctic Circle and exploring one of Alaska’s most remote highways makes this journey unforgettable on its own.

Is the Dalton Highway paved? The Dalton Highway is primarily gravel with only select paved sections. The road surface includes loose gravel, occasional potholes, and potential dust or mud depending on weather.

Can we see wildlife on the Arctic Circle Tour? Wildlife sightings are possible but never guaranteed. Animals occasionally seen along the route include moose, caribou, Dall sheep, bears, foxes, and eagles. Sightings depend on natural conditions and seasonal activity, with wildlife more commonly observed in warmer months.

What should I bring on the Arctic Circle Tour? We recommend bringing a camera, water bottle, and any personal snacks you may want. Hot beverages, sack lunches, and disposable water bottles are provided.

What should I wear for Northern Lights viewing? Northern lights viewing takes place outdoors, often for extended periods, so dressing warmly is essential. We strongly recommend layered winter clothing and proper cold-weather footwear, even if temperatures feel mild when leaving Fairbanks. Standing still in the cold can feel much colder than expected. Insulated jackets, thermal base layers, warm hats, gloves or mittens, winter boots, and hand or toe warmers are highly recommended. Please utilize Alaska Element if you need winter gear. 

Note: Winter temperatures during aurora viewing can range from 20°F to –40°F.

Is there cell phone coverage on the Dalton Highway? No, cell phone coverage is essentially non-existent along the Dalton Highway. Our vehicles carry satellite phones for emergency communication.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible? The tour involves getting in/out of vans and short walks on uneven terrain. Guests should be moderately mobile. Contact us directly to discuss specific accessibility needs.

Can I drive to the Arctic Circle myself? While it is technically possible to drive to the Arctic Circle on your own, self-driving the Dalton Highway is never recommended. The road is extremely remote and requires specialized vehicles, careful planning, and emergency preparedness. A guided tour provides a far safer and more comfortable way to experience the Arctic Circle without these risks.

Please refer to our FAQ page if you have any further questions.