Arctic Circle Aurora Drive Adventure
Active
17h - 18h
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Cross the Arctic Circle and look for the Aurora in a one day tour from Fairbanks! 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. Experience the mighty Yukon River. Explore up close the amazing arctic tundra. Cross the Arctic Circle and receive an official Arctic Circle Adventure Certificate. End the day looking for the Aurora in Joy Alaska before returning to Fairbanks.
NOTE - each tour is unique with our ever changing daylight. Depending on when you are traveling it is important your day may be more "night" then day light".
Available options
Arctic Circle Aurora Drive Adventure
What's included
Professional guide
Driver/guide
Live commentary on board
Detailed itinerary
1
Northern Alaska Tour Company originated guided tours into Alaska's Arctic on the Dalton Highway. Guides provide not only a safe journey but share the story of Alaska's Arctic making it a memorable day.
2
Stop 2
DOES NOT GO ALL THE WAY TO COLDFOOT - Viator locator only has Coldfoot for the Dalton Highway -- Guest get out and experience Alaska's Arctic made accessibly by the Dalton Highway - built for the transportation of goods to the Prudhoe Bay Oil Fields.
3
Just one of the stops made along the way to see up close and learn about the natural and cultural history of Alaska's Arctic -- here learn of the early homesteading in Alaska and how early pioneers forged a home out in the middle of the wilderness.
4
The tour will stop at the Yukon River Camp both on the way north and way south. Guests can either have brought their own food to eat or purchase lunch/dinner here. Plus, guests get a chance to get out and explore the banks of the mighty Yukon River.
5
Stop 5
Celebrate reaching the Arctic Circle at Milepost 115 of the Dalton Highway -- 200 miles north of Fairbanks! All guests will earn an official Arctic Circle Certificate.
6
As the tour approaches Fairbanks a stop will be made at Joy, Alaska at the Arctic Circle Trading Post (60 miles from Fairbanks). Here guests on the Arctic Circle Aurora Drive will meet their new Aurora guide who will continue the story of life in Alaska's Arctic and work with guests to look for the Aurora.
Joy is located outside of the Fairbanks North Star Borough so away from the city lights and the tour places guests there during the peak activity time as identified by the scientists studying the lights. The Arctic Circle Trading Post is heated and there is hot water for complimentary coffee, tea, cocoa and cider.
Time at Joy can vary depending on weather and road conditions (how long it took to get there). One could expect anywhere between 1 - 2 hours. Return to Fairbanks is between 3:30 - 4:30 AM.
What's 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
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
3.9
7 reviews
5★
4
4★
1
3★
0
2★
1
1★
1
Tripadvisor
4.8
23 reviews
5★
21
4★
1
3★
0
2★
1
1★
0
Important information
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
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.
Meeting point
This area is known as the East Ramp Airport -- the side of the airport where small aircraft depart from. There is a large sign above our roof for Northern Alaska Tour Company. Parking is just past us across the street in Parking Lot #2. There is a fee for parking there.
Important notes
Call 24 - 48 hours prior to the tour to reconfirm departure. MUST DO! If you do not reconfirm and miss the tour you will not be refunded for the missed tour.
Dress appropriate for the current weather.
If you will not be arriving at your destination within the specified reconfirmation period, please reconfirm with the local service provider prior to travel, or upon arrival at your destination. If you do not show by the reconfirmed time/location and miss the tour it is NOT refundable.
Please note that departure times and locations may vary slightly.
About Fairbanks
Fairbanks, located in the heart of Alaska, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, rich gold rush history, and unique subarctic climate. It's a gateway to extraordinary experiences like the Northern Lights, world-class fishing, and a vibrant arts scene. Fairbanks offers a blend of rugged wilderness and charming small-town atmosphere, making it a must-visit for adventurers and culture enthusiasts alike.
Top Attractions
Chena Hot Springs
A popular destination for soaking in natural hot springs, Chena Hot Springs is located about 60 miles northeast of Fairbanks. The resort offers a variety of activities, including aurora viewing, dog sledding, and ice museum tours.
Nature
Full day
Moderate to Expensive
Museum of the North
Located on the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus, this museum showcases the natural and cultural history of Alaska. Exhibits include wildlife dioramas, Native Alaskan artifacts, and contemporary art.
Museum
2-3 hours
Moderate
Fairbanks Arctic Warfare Training Center
This historic site offers a glimpse into the military history of Fairbanks, with exhibits on the Arctic warfare training that took place during World War II and the Cold War.
Historical
1-2 hours
Free to Low
Pioneer Park
A 44-acre park featuring historic buildings, museums, and recreational facilities. It's a great place to learn about Fairbanks' gold rush history and enjoy outdoor activities.
Historical/Entertainment
2-3 hours
Free to Low
Mosquito Lake
A popular spot for fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The lake is home to a variety of fish species and is a great place to see moose, bears, and other wildlife.
Nature/Adventure
Half day to full day
Free
Must-Try Local Dishes
Salmon
Freshly caught Alaskan salmon, often grilled or smoked, is a must-try dish in Fairbanks.
Main Course
Gluten-free, high in protein
Reindeer Sausage
A local specialty made from reindeer meat, often served as sausage or in stews.
Main Course
Gluten-free, high in protein
Bannock
A traditional Alaskan bread made with flour, water, and sometimes berries or other ingredients.
Bread
Vegetarian, can be vegan if made without dairy
Akutaq
Also known as Eskimo ice cream, this traditional dish is made with whipped fat, berries, and sometimes fish or other ingredients.
Dessert
Vegetarian, high in fat
Popular Activities
Hiking
Dog sledding
Snowmobiling
Whitewater rafting
Soaking in hot springs
Scenic drives
Wildlife viewing
Visiting museums
Best Time to Visit
May to September
This is the best time to visit Fairbanks for outdoor activities, wildlife viewing, and enjoying the midnight sun. The weather is mild, and most attractions are open.
5°C to 25°C
41°F to 77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
United States Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
Alaska Time Zone (AKT, UTC-9)
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Fairbanks is generally safe for tourists, but it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions, especially in the winter.
Important Precautions:
- • Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night
- • Dress appropriately for the weather and activities
- • Carry bear spray when hiking or camping in the wilderness
Getting there
By air
- Fairbanks International Airport • 5 miles (8 km) from city center
By train
Fairbanks Depot
By bus
Fairbanks Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
The bus system is affordable and convenient for getting around the city. Buses run on a regular schedule, but service may be limited in the winter.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike
Neighborhoods
Downtown Fairbanks
College Area
Chena Ridge
Day trips
Denali National Park
120 miles (193 km) • Full day
Denali National Park is home to North America's tallest peak and offers stunning landscapes, wildlife viewing, and outdoor activities.
Arctic Circle
115 miles (185 km) north of Fairbanks • Full day
The Arctic Circle is a symbolic line of latitude that marks the northernmost point where the sun is visible at the winter solstice.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
250 miles (402 km) southeast of Fairbanks • Overnight
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is the largest national park in the United States and offers stunning landscapes, wildlife, and outdoor activities.
Festivals
World Ice Art Championships • March
Midnight Sun Festival • June
Fairbanks Fur Rendezvous • February
Pro tips
- Visit in the summer to experience the midnight sun and enjoy outdoor activities
- Book accommodations and tours in advance, especially during peak seasons
- Dress in layers, as the weather can change quickly, especially in the winter
- Try local cuisine, including fresh seafood and Alaskan specialties
- Be bear aware and carry bear spray when hiking or camping in the wilderness
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
