Arctic Circle tour: 400-mile Dalton Highway aurora trip

Drive 400 miles to the Arctic Circle and hunt the Northern Lights on the Dalton Highway

An Arctic Circle tour from Fairbanks travels the Dalton Highway 400 miles round-trip to the Arctic Circle Viewpoint, crossing the Yukon River and passing the Trans-Alaska Pipeline and Finger Mountain. The tour runs year-round but features Northern Lights viewing from late August through mid-April, includes hotel pickup and drop-off, snacks and hot and cold drinks, a professional photographer, and an original Arctic Circle Certificate. The drive takes 14 to 17 hours.

Step-by-step itinerary

Arctic Circle tour and Aurora viewing

• Travel Dalton Highway from Fairbanks
• Stop at scenic viewpoints for photos
• View Alaska Pipeline and Finger Point Mountain
• Cross Yukon River
• Reach Arctic Circle viewpoint and receive certificate
• Enjoy snacks and hot and cold drinks
• Hunt for Northern Lights (Aug-Apr)
• Receive free professional photography

The experience

The Dalton Highway stretches north from Fairbanks through mountain passes and remote terrain, and this tour follows it all the way to the Arctic Circle. You'll stop at scenic viewpoints along the route to photograph the landscape, the Trans-Alaska Pipeline running parallel to the road, Finger Mountain, and the Yukon River crossing. The Arctic Circle Viewpoint itself is the turnaround point, where you receive an original certificate marking the crossing and have time to take photos at the sign.

From late August through mid-April, the tour includes aurora hunting. You'll watch for Northern Lights from the vehicle and during stops along the highway. A professional photographer travels with the group and provides free photos of both the landscape and any aurora activity you witness. Snacks, hot drinks and cold water are provided throughout the day to sustain you on the long drive.

Hotel pickup and drop-off in Fairbanks bookend the tour, so you don't need a rental car or arrange separate transport. The vehicle is air-conditioned, and a live English-speaking guide narrates the journey and manages the stops. The full round-trip takes 14 to 17 hours depending on road conditions and how long you spend at each viewpoint.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Fairbanks.
• snacks and hot and cold drinks.
• air-conditioned vehicle.
• live English-speaking guide.
• free professional photography of the landscape and Northern Lights.
• original Arctic Circle Certificate.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (5 and older) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Arctic Night Tours

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you're staying in Fairbanks without a car. The hotel pickup means you don't need to arrange separate transport to the Dalton Highway, and the 14–17 hour drive is contained in a single day.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the Arctic Circle Viewpoint like when we get there?

The Arctic Circle Viewpoint is the northernmost stop on the tour, marked by a sign at the 66.5-degree latitude line. You'll have time to photograph the sign and the surrounding landscape before the tour turns back toward Fairbanks.

When can I see the Northern Lights on this tour?

Northern Lights viewing runs from late August through mid-April. The tour hunts for aurora throughout the night portions of the drive, and a professional photographer captures images if the lights appear.

What will I see along the Dalton Highway besides the Arctic Circle?

The drive passes the Yukon River crossing, Finger Mountain, the Trans-Alaska Pipeline running alongside the road for much of the journey, and mountain passes. You'll stop at multiple scenic viewpoints to photograph these landmarks.

Does the tour include food and drinks?

Snacks, hot drinks and cold water are provided throughout the 14–17 hour tour. Meals are not included, so eating a substantial breakfast before pickup is recommended.

How does hotel pickup work?

The tour includes pickup and drop-off at your Fairbanks hotel. You'll be collected in the morning and returned after the full round-trip drive to the Arctic Circle.