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 a predominantly gravel surface. Our Arctic Circle tours journey north from Fairbanks along the first 200 miles of the legendary Dalton Highway, where the landscape transforms from boreal forest to the wide-open 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 extreme winter conditions, the Dalton Highway offers stunning scenery year-round, with each season providing unique experiences from the 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 specially adapted wildlife define the landscape.

Why Combine Northern Lights with the 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 unforgettable aurora hunting opportunity.

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, our guides monitor real-time aurora forecasts and weather conditions, stopping 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.

Alaska Wildlife Guide guides possess deep knowledge of both Dalton Highway conditions and northern lights viewing strategies. The tour timing is strategically designed: afternoon departure allows daylight Arctic Circle crossing for photos and certificate ceremony, while the extended return drive occurs during peak northern lights hours (10pm-2am) when aurora activity typically intensifies.

Northern Lights & Arctic Circle Tour Timeline

Early Afternoon – Hotel Pickup: Pickup begins at Fairbanks hotels in 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 interpretation. Your guide shares stories about Alaska life, Dalton Highway history, and the science behind aurora borealis.

Late Afternoon – Yukon River Crossing: Cross the mighty Yukon River on the E.L. Patton Bridge, one of only five vehicle crossings of Alaska’s longest river. Stop at Yukon River Camp for restrooms, lunch (available for purchase), and riverside photo opportunities.

Early Evening – Arctic Circle Arrival: Arrive at the official Arctic Circle sign at milepost 115 as daylight fades. Capture photos at this iconic location, receive your official Arctic Circle certificate, and celebrate crossing into the Arctic region. Brief time for Arctic tundra exploration and final photos before departing.

Evening – Depart for Fairbanks: Begin return journey as darkness falls. The timing is strategic – departing the Arctic Circle in evening darkness positions you for optimal northern lights viewing throughout the 200-mile return drive.

Night – Northern Lights Hunting: Multiple stops at dark-sky locations along the Dalton Highway for aurora borealis viewing when activity appears. Your guide monitors real-time aurora forecasts, selects optimal viewing locations based on cloud cover and geomagnetic activity, and assists with photography. Duration and frequency of stops depends on northern lights activity levels.

The Dalton Highway’s extreme darkness and minimal light pollution create ideal aurora viewing conditions. Guides know strategic pulloffs away from truck traffic where you can safely exit the vehicle for extended viewing and photography.

Late Night/Early Morning – Return to Fairbanks: Continue return journey with additional northern lights stops as warranted by aurora activity. Arrive back in Fairbanks in early morning hours (timing varies by season and aurora activity). Total tour duration approximately 14 hours.

Note: Timeline is flexible based on northern lights activity and road conditions. Strong aurora displays may result in extended viewing time. Guides prioritize guest experience and safety while maintaining reasonable return schedules.

Why Take a Guided Arctic Circle Tour from Fairbanks

Safety and Comfort: The Dalton Highway presents challenges including limited services (only 3 fuel stops over 414 miles), no cell phone coverage, frequent gravel surface, and potential road hazards. Our climate-controlled vans provide comfortable travel with experienced drivers who communicate via CB radio with truck drivers, monitor weather and road conditions, and carry emergency equipment including extra fuel, satellite phone, and winter gear.

Expert Knowledge: Our guides provide commentary on Alaska history, pipeline construction, geology, wildlife, and indigenous cultures throughout the journey. Learn about the trans-Alaska pipeline’s engineering, the challenges of building infrastructure in permafrost, and the unique ecology of arctic tundra ecosystems.

Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: The Dalton Highway corridor offers excellent wildlife viewing. Common sightings include moose, caribou (especially during fall migration), grizzly bears, Dall sheep on mountain slopes, foxes, and numerous bird species. Our guides know optimal viewing locations and can identify animal signs along the route.

Maximized Experience: Guided tours handle all logistics, allowing you to relax and enjoy scenery rather than navigating, monitoring fuel, and managing potential challenges. Tours include strategic stops at Yukon River Bridge, tundra viewing areas, photo opportunities, and the Arctic Circle monument. Lunch options and snacks are provided or available for purchase at Yukon River Camp.

Arctic Circle Tour Highlights

Yukon River Bridge: Cross the mighty Yukon River, Alaska’s longest river at 1,979 miles. The E.L. Patton Yukon River Bridge is one of only five vehicle crossings of the Yukon River and offers stunning views upriver and downriver. Stop at Yukon River Camp for restroom break, lunch (available for purchase), and photos at the river’s edge.

Trans-Alaska Pipeline: View the trans-Alaska pipeline up close at multiple locations along the Dalton Highway. Learn about the engineering marvel that transports crude oil 800 miles from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez, including innovative solutions for crossing permafrost, earthquake zones, and caribou migration routes.

Arctic Circle Sign (66° 33′ North): Stand at the official Arctic Circle sign marking your entry into the Arctic region. Receive your official Arctic Circle certificate commemorating your journey. Capture photos at this iconic location that few travelers ever reach. Bucket list adventure completed!

Wildlife Viewing: Watch for moose in wetland areas, caribou near road crossings, Dall sheep on mountain slopes, and bears foraging during summer months. Our guides help spot and identify wildlife while maintaining safe viewing distances.

Arctic Circle Tour Frequently Asked Questions

What are my chances of seeing northern lights on this tour? Fairbanks, Alaska offers approximately 80-90% chance of seeing northern lights over a 3-night stay during winter months (November-March). Individual night probability varies based on solar activity and weather conditions. This tour provides extended viewing opportunities during the 200-mile return drive through dark wilderness – multiple hours of potential aurora viewing as you travel south from the Arctic Circle. Our guides monitor forecasts and select optimal viewing locations to maximize success. Even if northern lights don’t appear, the Arctic Circle crossing and Dalton Highway adventure provide exceptional value.

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

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 common but never guaranteed. Frequent sightings include moose, caribou (especially fall migration), Dall sheep, bears, foxes, and eagles. Our guides know optimal viewing locations and help spot animals while maintaining safe distances.

What should I bring on the Arctic Circle tour? Bring layers for changing temperatures, comfortable walking shoes, camera, binoculars (if you have them), sunglasses, sunscreen, water bottle, and snacks. We provide beverages and snacks as well as lunch stops but personal snacks are welcome. Insect repellent is recommended in summer.

What should I wear for northern lights viewing? Dress for extreme cold even if temperatures seem moderate when departing Fairbanks. Northern lights viewing requires standing still outdoors, which makes cold more intense. Essential items: insulated winter jacket, thermal base layers, warm hat covering ears, insulated gloves or mittens, winter boots, hand/toe warmers. Temperatures during aurora viewing can range from 20°F to -40°F depending on season. Multiple layers allow adjustment as needed.

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.

Can I drive to the Arctic Circle myself? While possible, self-driving the Dalton Highway requires a suitable vehicle (most rental companies prohibit it), careful preparation, extra fuel, emergency supplies, and acceptance of inherent risks. Guided tours provide safe, comfortable access without these concerns.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible? The tour involves getting in/out of vans and short walks on uneven terrain (tundra walk, Arctic Circle sign area). Guests should be moderately mobile. Contact us directly to discuss specific accessibility needs.

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