Northern Lights · Tour
Arctic Circle Aurora Drive from Fairbanks on the Dalton Highway
One long day north from Fairbanks: the Dalton Highway, the Trans Alaska Pipeline, the Yukon River, Arctic tundra up close, and the Arctic Circle crossing, with an official Arctic Circle Adventure Certificate to show for it. The day ends looking for the aurora at Joy, Alaska, before the drive back to Fairbanks. Northern Alaska Tour Company started guided travel on the Dalton, and their guides do the interpretation as well as the driving. One thing to expect: no two departures are alike, because the daylight up here changes week by week. Depending on when you travel, your day may be considerably more night than day. Booking note: all sales are final, with no refund for cancellation.
What's included
- Professional guide
- Driver/guide
- Live commentary on board
Itinerary
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3820 University Ave S, Fairbanks
This is the East Ramp side of the airport, where the small aircraft operate. Look for the large Northern Alaska Tour Company sign above the roof. Parking is across the street in Parking Lot 2, and there is a fee.
Northern Alaska Tour Company
Northern Alaska Tour Company started guided travel into the Alaskan Arctic on the Dalton Highway. The guides handle both the safety of the drive and the story of the country you are crossing.
James Dalton Highway
The tour does not go all the way to Coldfoot: Viator's location list only offers Coldfoot for the Dalton Highway. What guests get is time out of the vehicle on the Dalton itself, the road built to supply the Prudhoe Bay oil fields and the reason this part of the Arctic is reachable at all.
Arctic Circle Trading Post
One of the stops along the way, for the natural and cultural history of Alaska's Arctic. Here the subject is early homesteading, and how the first settlers made a living this far out.
Yukon River Bridge
The tour stops at the Yukon River Camp both northbound and southbound. Bring your own food or buy lunch or dinner there. There is also time to walk on the banks of the Yukon.
BLM Arctic Circle Monument Sign
The Arctic Circle crossing at Milepost 115 of the Dalton Highway, 200 miles north of Fairbanks. Every guest gets an official Arctic Circle Certificate.
Arctic Circle Trading Post
On the way back toward Fairbanks the tour stops at Joy, Alaska, at the Arctic Circle Trading Post, 60 miles out. Here a new aurora guide takes over, continues the story of life in the Arctic and works with the group to find the lights. Joy sits outside the Fairbanks North Star Borough, away from the city lights, and the tour puts guests there during the hours scientists studying the aurora identify as peak activity. The trading post is heated, with hot water for complimentary coffee, tea, cocoa and cider. How long the group stays depends on the weather and how long the road took, typically 1 to 2 hours. Return to Fairbanks is between 3:30 and 4:30 AM.
3820 University Ave S, Fairbanks
Not included
- The listed price does not include a parking fee, payable at the time of tour check-in.
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Food and drinks
Good to know
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- 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
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- CHECK IN TIME - Check in opens at 9:00 AM and closes at 9:15 AM for this tour. Guests not here by 9:15 AM risk missing this tour.
- Up to 8 travelers per booking.
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Guiding available in: en.
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