Arctic Circle and Northern Lights Dalton Highway Tour
At a glance
Arctic Circle and Northern Lights Dalton Highway Tour is a 13h – 14h small-group experience in Fairbanks, USA, operated by Midnight Sky Adventures. Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 29 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor. Prices start from $379 per person, and free cancellation is available. Included: Ample, flexible stops for photos, fresh air, and short walks along the route, Experienced local guide with live commentary, Transportation in a comfortable, fully winter-equipped AWD van.
Highlights
- Small group of up to 6 people for a more personal experience
- Hotel pickup included
- Free cancellation for flexible planning
- 5 stops in one well-planned itinerary
Quick facts
- Duration
- 13h – 14h
- Group
- Small group, up to 6 travellers
- Languages
- English
- Pickup
- Hotel pickup included
- Confirmation
- Instant confirmation
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation (see policy)
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
What's included
- Ample, flexible stops for photos, fresh air, and short walks along the route
- Experienced local guide with live commentary
- 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
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
- Appropriate winter clothing and cold-weather gear
Itinerary
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Stop 1 · 15m
A world-famous engineering landmark running alongside the route, with roadside viewpoints and photo stops along the way.
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Stop 2 · 10m
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)
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Stop 3 · 45m
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.
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Stop 4
A high-country wayside with sweeping tundra views, where the landscape begins to feel distinctly northern.
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Stop 5 · 30m
A classic roadside stop at the Arctic Circle marker for photos and a brief break before turning south.
Meeting point
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.
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.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Arctic Circle and Northern Lights Dalton Highway Tour take?
The experience lasts about 13h – 14h.
How much does it cost?
Prices start from $379 per person. The final price depends on the date, time and number of travellers, and is confirmed on Viator before you pay.
What's included?
Ample, flexible stops for photos, fresh air, and short walks along the route; Experienced local guide with live commentary; 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.
Where does it start?
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…
Can I cancel?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is guided in English.
Is it worth it?
Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 29 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor, which places it among the top-rated experiences in Fairbanks.
