Arctic Circle and Northern Lights Dalton Highway Tour
Overview
Journey north from Fairbanks along the Dalton Highway, one of the most remote and northerly roads accessible by vehicle, to the Arctic Circle. You’ll spend the day moving deeper into Alaska’s far north as forest thins and the landscape opens into wide valleys and tundra.
We make several scenic stops at viewpoints for photos and short walks throughout the day, including time at the Arctic Circle sign (66°33′N).
On the return, the late-night drive is timed for prime aurora viewing hours, with a chance to see the northern lights. Your guide uses real-time aurora forecasts to choose the best stops and timing.
This is primarily a road-based experience with short, easy walks and ongoing commentary from your knowledgeable Alaskan guide.
Non-smoking tour. Guests must be 15 or older. Groups limited to 6 guests in a new 11-passenger van fully outfitted for Arctic conditions, with guaranteed window seats, an unhurried pace, regular breaks, and flexibility, plus snacks, water, & hot drinks.
What's Included
- Ample, flexible stops for photos, fresh air, and short walks along the route
- Transportation in a comfortable, fully winter-equipped AWD van
- Pickup and drop-off from hotels and Airbnbs within Fairbanks and North Pole
- Snacks, bottled water, and hot drinks (teas, hot chocolate, coffee)
- Small-group experience (maximum 6 guests) with a guaranteed window seat
- Experienced local guide with live commentary
- Dinner Lunch/dinner is not included. We make a grocery stop before departing Fairbanks; guests may bring/buy food to eat at the Yukon River Camp or order from their restaurant for our meal stop around 4-5 PM
- Appropriate winter clothing and cold-weather gear
Meeting and Pickup
Pickups around Fairbanks generally take place between 11:15-12:00 PM. Your exact pickup time and location will be confirmed no later than 4 PM the day before your tour; please be ready 5 minutes early. Pickup is within the Fairbanks/North Pole area; contact us in advance if you’re outside city limits to see if we can accommodate your location.
What To Expect
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Safe & secure • Easy breezy • Hassle-free
Alyeska Pipeline Viewing Point
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
James Dalton Highway
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Yukon River Camp
45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Finger Mountain (pass by)
BLM Arctic Circle Monument Sign
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- No cigarette smoking at any point during the tour, including stops. Cigarette odor carries back into the van. Vaping is allowed only well away from other guests and the vehicle — never inside.
- This tour is not recommended for anyone with serious health conditions, including back problems or other conditions that could be aggravated by an extended day of sitting and travel on a remote, often rough industrial road far from services and immediate medical care.
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (7)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Arctic Circle and Northern Lights Dalton Highway Tour?
Cancellation Policy
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Activity code: C-5619204P3
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.91 out of 5 stars based on 32 traveler reviews collected by Cool Alaska and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Alaska customers.
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- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (AKDT).
- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- Ample, flexible stops for photos, fresh air, and short walks along the route.
- Transportation in a comfortable, fully winter-equipped AWD van.
- Pickup and drop-off from hotels and Airbnbs within Fairbanks and North Pole.
- Snacks, bottled water, and hot drinks (teas, hot chocolate, coffee).
- Small-group experience (maximum 6 guests) with a guaranteed window seat.
- Experienced local guide with live commentary.
- Dinner. Lunch/dinner is not included. We make a grocery stop before departing Fairbanks; guests may bring/buy food to eat at the Yukon River Camp or order from their restaurant for our meal stop around 4-5 PM.
- Appropriate winter clothing and cold-weather gear.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025The minimum age to participate is 15. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Arctic Circle and Northern Lights Dalton Highway Tour is as follows:
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- No cigarette smoking at any point during the tour, including stops. Cigarette odor carries back into the van. Vaping is allowed only well away from other guests and the vehicle — never inside.
- This tour is not recommended for anyone with serious health conditions, including back problems or other conditions that could be aggravated by an extended day of sitting and travel on a remote, often rough industrial road far from services and immediate medical care.
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Arctic Circle and Northern Lights Dalton Highway Tour will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Alaska. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024What's Included
- Ample, flexible stops for photos, fresh air, and short walks along the route
- Transportation in a comfortable, fully winter-equipped AWD van
- Pickup and drop-off from hotels and Airbnbs within Fairbanks and North Pole
- Snacks, bottled water, and hot drinks (teas, hot chocolate, coffee)
- Small-group experience (maximum 6 guests) with a guaranteed window seat
- Experienced local guide with live commentary
- DinnerLunch/dinner is not included. We make a grocery stop before departing Fairbanks; guests may bring/buy food to eat at the Yukon River Camp or order from their restaurant for our meal stop around 4-5 PM
- Appropriate winter clothing and cold-weather gear
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- No cigarette smoking at any point during the tour, including stops. Cigarette odor carries back into the van. Vaping is allowed only well away from other guests and the vehicle — never inside.
- This tour is not recommended for anyone with serious health conditions, including back problems or other conditions that could be aggravated by an extended day of sitting and travel on a remote, often rough industrial road far from services and immediate medical care.
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers
