Fairbanks , United States

Northern Lights & Arctic Circle Tour

Active

(927 reviews)

12h - 14h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Embark on an unforgettable adventure from Fairbanks to the Arctic Circle, traveling one of the world’s most remote roads through Alaska’s breathtaking wilderness. With an expert local guide leading the way, you’ll explore stunning natural landmarks, learn about the iconic Trans-Alaska Pipeline, & witness the magic of the Northern Lights.

This 12 to 14-hour guided tour offers an immersive small-group experience in the comfort of a climate-controlled van. Along the way, enjoy storytelling, scenic stops, & a deeper connection to the untamed beauty of Alaska.

Available options

Arctic Circle and Northern Lights Tour from Fairbanks

Pickup included

What's included

Local guide

personalized Arctic Circle Certificate

Lunch

Hotel Pickup & Drop-Off (within Fairbanks city-limits)

Coffee and/or Tea

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

With sweeping views of mountains and valleys, you will see the Trans-Alaskan Pipeline System (one of the largest pipeline systems in the world), transporting thousands of gallons of oil from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez, up close.

A quick stop to allow guests to purchase souvenirs & a slice of the market's famous pie(s).

Stop 3

A quick stop at the Dalton Highway Sign to allow guests to take photos and enjoy the scenery.

You will then travel the remote Dalton Highway to the Arctic Circle Campground (mile 115).

Enjoy the journey across the Yukon River, as you catch a glimpse of the wildlife that inhabits Sub-Arctic Alaska.

Upon reaching the Arctic Circle, you will be met with glorious views, presented with your personalized Arctic Circle Certificate, and the opportunity to photograph the aurora borealis.

What's not included

Gratuities

No Gluten-Free or Vegan Lunch Options Available

Cold-Weather Gear

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.4

284 reviews

5★

221

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.7

643 reviews

5★

557

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Adult pricing applies to all travelers. We do not recommend this tour for children under the age of 10 years due to safety concerns

Please dress appropriately. The temperatures can reach extreme conditions during the winter month and we recommend to dress in layers.

Please note that the Northern Lights are a natural occurrence and therefore cannot be guaranteed! (no refund possible)

The weather conditions are in no way predictable in our area and we will not offer a refund in case of too many clouds.

Exact schedule and itinerary of stops are subject to change based on daily conditions and Northern Lights activity on the day of your tour.

There is a possibility of cancellation due to dangerous weather and/or road conditions. If this occurs, an alternative date or full refund will be offered.

Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required. We are not able to provide gluten free or vegan options as there is limited availability of these items in Alaska.

Type of transportation: climate controlled van

The group size is limited to 8 people for each passenger van.

Customers are strongly encouraged to rotate seats at least a few times on the tour to give each person the opportunity of having a different view.

This tour requires being able to enter and exit our van with limited assistance. Please contact us if you have any concerns about mobility.

Important notes

Please ensure that you provide Alaska Wildlife Guide with the location of your accommodation as soon as it is known so that your pick up time can be determined. If you are unsure if you can be picked up from your accommodation location, please contact the Alaska Wildlife Guide office between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday Alaska time on +1 907 712 4529 (landline so no texts please).

You will be contacted the day before your tour with your exact pick up time or a few days before if your tour is on a Monday so please ensure you provide a working phone number that you can be contacted on at the time of booking. If you do not hear from us, please check your voicemail as we will leave you a message. If your mailbox is not set up or is full we will send you either an email or message in Viator/Tripadvisor so please remember to check your message for your pick up time.

PLEASE NOTE that visibility of the northern lights (aurora) is not guaranteed. It is a natural phenomenon we have no control over and no refunds will be given if the aurora cannot be seen.

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