Set out on a captivating journey from Fairbanks and explore the mesmerizing Arctic Circle. This guided tour offers an unforgettable opportunity to witness the breathtaking Northern Lights and traverse the boundaries of the Arctic region. Along the way, you’ll marvel at the engineering feat of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline and spot local wildlife, all while enjoying the comfort and safety of a well-planned excursion. What awaits you in this winter wonderland might just surprise and delight you.
Key Points
- Comprehensive 14-hour tour from Fairbanks that covers the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, Yukon River Bridge, and opportunities to witness the Northern Lights.
- Tour includes hotel pickup, meals, and Arctic Circle crossing certificate for $300 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
- Scenic drive along the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, an 800-mile engineering marvel transporting oil from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez.
- Crossing the Yukon River Bridge, a 1,600-foot-long structure offering stunning views of the Yukon landscape.
- Skilled guides who can locate and inform about local wildlife, including caribou, moose, bears, and the chance to see the Northern Lights.
Tour Overview
This Tour Overview provides an overview of the "From Fairbanks: Northern Lights and Arctic Circle Tour".
The tour lasts 14 hours and costs $300 per person. It’s likely to sell out, so guests should check availability.
This 14-hour tour costs $300 per person and is likely to sell out, so guests should check availability.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance. The tour includes hotel pickup, meals, a certificate for crossing the Arctic Circle, and comfortable transportation for a small group of up to 8 participants.
An English-speaking guide with regional expertise leads the tour, which features scenic drives, wildlife viewing, and potential Northern Lights sightings.
Looking for more options in Fairbanks? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Exploring the Trans-Alaska Pipeline
One of the highlights of the Northern Lights and Arctic Circle Tour is the scenic drive along the Trans-Alaska Pipeline.
Stretching over 800 miles, the pipeline is an engineering marvel that transports oil from the Prudhoe Bay region to Valdez. As the tour passes alongside this colossal structure, guests can marvel at its scale and the rugged Alaskan landscape.
The guide provides insights into the pipeline’s history, construction, and importance to the state’s economy.
Stops along the way offer opportunities to capture unique photos and learn more about this vital piece of Alaska’s infrastructure.
Crossing the Yukon River Bridge
As the tour travels along the Dalton Highway, guests cross the impressive Yukon River Bridge, a vital transportation link over the mighty Yukon River.
At 1,600 feet long, the bridge offers stunning views of the vast and remote Yukon landscape. The guide highlights the bridge’s significance, explaining its role in connecting the northern regions and enabling the movement of people and resources across this formidable natural barrier.
Guests pause to take in the panoramic vistas and snap photos, appreciating the engineering feat that allows them to safely traverse the Yukon River on their journey towards the Arctic Circle.
Spotting Local Wildlife
While traversing the remote Dalton Highway, guests on the Northern Lights and Arctic Circle Tour have ample opportunities to spot an array of local wildlife.
Caribou, moose, and bears frequent the area, offering exciting sightings. Sharp-eyed observers may catch glimpses of wolves, foxes, or Dall sheep.
The tour guides have keen expertise in locating these elusive creatures, pointing them out and providing information about the animals’ behaviors and habitats.
Guests are encouraged to keep a vigilant eye out the window, camera at the ready, for memorable wildlife encounters throughout the scenic journey.
More Great Tours NearbyChasing the Northern Lights
The tour’s main draw is the opportunity to witness the captivating display of the Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis.
While sightings aren’t guaranteed, the winter season offers the best chance to witness this natural phenomenon.
The tour will take guests to prime viewing locations along the Dalton Highway, where the dark skies and lack of light pollution create optimal conditions.
Guests are advised to dress warmly and bring cameras to capture the mesmerizing green, purple, and blue hues dancing across the night sky, should the Aurora make an appearance.
Photo Opportunities on the Dalton Highway
Along the Dalton Highway, the tour makes several stops that offer unique photo opportunities.
At the Yukon River Bridge, travelers can capture images of the flowing river with the surrounding wilderness in the background.
Further north, scenic overlooks provide panoramic views of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, a marvel of engineering cutting through the rugged Alaskan landscape.
Wildlife sightings, such as caribou, moose, or bears, also present exciting photographic moments.
The guide ensures guests maximize these chances, helping them frame the best shots.
With the guide’s expertise, guests return with stunning photos memorializing their Arctic Circle adventure.
Comfort and Safety Considerations
Considering the remote and rugged terrain of the tour, the operator prioritizes guest comfort and safety throughout the experience.
The small group size ensures personalized attention, and the comfortable transportation provides a smooth ride along the Dalton Highway.
The small group size ensures personalized attention, and the comfortable transportation provides a smooth ride along the Dalton Highway.
The tour caters to adult participants and excludes children under 9, as well as individuals with mobility issues or back problems, out of an abundance of caution.
Guests are advised to dress warmly and wear waterproof shoes to brave the Arctic climate.
The operator guarantees a full refund if the tour is canceled due to insufficient attendance, putting guest satisfaction first.
Customer Testimonials
How do past guests describe their experiences on the Northern Lights and Arctic Circle Tour?
According to reviews, the guides consistently receive high praise for their knowledge and friendliness. Travelers also highlight the tour’s safety and comfort during transportation.
Guests appreciate the personalized service and efforts to maximize their chances of seeing the Aurora Borealis.
With an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 85 reviews, this Fairbanks tour earns strong customer satisfaction.
Reviewers like Jessica make memorable experiences thanks to their expertise and accommodating nature.
Ask Away
What Kind of Food and Beverages Are Provided During the Tour?
The tour provides sandwiches, snacks, and hot beverages to participants. This helps keep guests fueled and comfortable during the long excursion through the remote Alaskan wilderness in search of the Northern Lights.
Can I Bring My Own Snacks and Drinks?
Yes, you can bring your own snacks and drinks on the tour, though the tour already includes sandwiches, snacks, and hot beverages. Bringing additional items is permitted to supplement the provided food and refreshments.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
The tour does not offer an option to extend the duration. It’s a set 14-hour tour with a fixed itinerary. Guests can’t customize the length or add extra activities beyond what’s included in the standard package.
Are Any Entry Fees or Permits Included in the Tour Price?
The tour price includes a certificate for crossing the Arctic Circle, but there are no additional entry fees or permits mentioned. The tour provides transportation, snacks, and an English-speaking guide to navigate the experience.
Can I Request a Private or Customized Tour Experience?
Private or customized tours may be available upon request, though additional fees may apply. Travelers should contact the tour operator directly to inquire about personalized tour options and pricing.
Final Words
This tour offers a unique opportunity to experience the breathtaking beauty of the Arctic. Travelers can marvel at the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, cross the Arctic Circle, and search for the mesmerizing Northern Lights. With comfortable transportation, meals, and knowledgeable guides, this adventure provides an unforgettable way to explore the rugged Alaskan landscape and create cherished memories.
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