Arctic Circle and Northern Lights Dalton Highway Tour

5.0 (29 reviews) 13–14 hours Free cancellation

out of 5

29 reviews

5.0

Arctic Circle and Northern Lights Dalton Highway Tour — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Arctic Circle and Northern Lights Dalton Highway Tour, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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.

Nature and Wildlife Tours Full-day Tours Bus Tours Private and Luxury 4WD Tours Small Group Adventure Tours Northern Lights

At a glance

Duration: 13–14 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 6 people
People per booking: 1–6
Guide: English
Operated by: Midnight Sky Adventures

Ages: Adults (15–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Ample, flexible stops for photos, fresh air, and short walks along the route
Included: Experienced local guide with live commentary
Included: Transportation in a comfortable, fully winter-equipped AWD van
Included: Pickup and drop-off from hotels and Airbnbs within Fairbanks and North Pole
Included: Snacks, bottled water, and hot drinks (teas, hot chocolate, coffee)
Included: Small-group experience (maximum 6 guests) with a guaranteed window seat

Not included

Not included: 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
Not included: Appropriate winter clothing and cold-weather gear

Itinerary

Alyeska Pipeline Viewing Point

15 min

A world-famous engineering landmark running alongside the route, with roadside viewpoints and photo stops along the way.
James Dalton Highway

10 min

One of the world’s most remote and northerly highways, stretching from the forests north of Fairbanks into Alaska’s vast far-north country. We'll stop for photos at the James Dalton Highway sign before we travel the first 115 miles along the Haul Road to the Arctic Circle sign (tour does not proceed all the way to Coldfoot as may be displayed on TripAdvisor's itinerary map for this stop)
Stop 3

45 min

A scenic stop at the Yukon River, where we cross the only bridge on the Dalton Highway. Guests have time to warm up indoors, enjoy dinner, and step outside for photos overlooking this vast Interior Alaska waterway.
Stop 4

Passing by

A high-country wayside with sweeping tundra views, where the landscape begins to feel distinctly northern.
BLM Arctic Circle Monument Sign

30 min

A classic roadside stop at the Arctic Circle marker for photos and a brief break before turning south.

Meeting point and pickup

The operator picks every participant up from their accommodation or the points below.

Pickup points

Bear Lodge At Wedgewood Resort
Rivers Edge Resort
Holiday Inn Express Northern Lights Inn
The Villages
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Fairbanks Airport
Sophie Station Suites
Aspen Suites Hotel Fairbanks
Best Western Plus Chena River Lodge
Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge
Best Western Plus Pioneer Park Inn
Wedgewood Resort
Hotel North Pole

and 11 more pickup points

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.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

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

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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.