Arctic Circle Full-Day Adventure from Fairbanks
4.5
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About
Visit the Arctic Circle and explore Alaska’s vast wilderness on a full-day guided tour from Fairbanks. Take walks along the Yukon River and above the tree line on Finger Mountain, pass by part of the massive Trans-Alaska Pipeline, and take a commemorative photo at the iconic Arctic Circle sign. You won’t miss a thing when you travel along the Dalton Highway with a guide who shares commentary about the region’s history and landscape.
Lowest price guarantee
Ages 5-99, max of 14 per group
Duration: 12–15 hours
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
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Highlights
- Look for moose, fox, and bear while hiking Finger Mountain
- Stop to see the Yukon River and Trans-Alaska Pipeline
- Cross the Arctic Circle and snap a souvenir photo there
- Learn more about Alaska’s wildlife and history from your guide
- Bottled water
- Driver/guide
- Hotel pickup (selected hotels only)
What's not included- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
- Start your day with pickup at your Fairbanks hotel in the early morning. From there a comfortable van takes you along the Dalton Highway. Pause at the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, one of the planet's biggest crude oil pipelines, and then stop at a rustic truck stop for breakfast. Next, continue across the Yukon River to Finger Mountain, where you hike a high plateau with sweeping views. Upon arrival at the Arctic Circle, have your photo taken in front of the Arctic Circle sign, and receive your official Arctic Circle certificate. Venture back across the Yukon River and stop for a look around the riverbank. Purchase dinner at Yukon Camp and stop in the tiny town of Joy to visit the Alaska Arctic Circle Trading Post. Expect to return to Fairbanks around 10pm after a long day that showcases the magic of remote Alaska.
- Start:Multiple pickup locations offered.Pickup details
- We pick up from all major hotelS in town, not Airbnb or private residences. All other locations we ask to meet up at one of the pick-up hotels.
Hotel pickup offeredDuring checkout you will be able to select from the list of included hotels.End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 10606P2- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travelers can participate
- A minimum of 4 people to operate the tour
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience 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
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 14 travelers
- All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 10606P2
From
$270.00
per adult
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Itinerary
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- sherylg7820 contributionsCrazy Stories!Wendy was a great tour guide with fantastic story telling of her own experiences and the lifestyle of Alaska. I was fortunate to have her as our tour guide :)Written September 15, 2024
- sherylg7820 contributionsSimple FunMuriel was a great tour guide! She was very well informed with plenty of outstanding experiences and memories living in Alaska.Written September 15, 2024
- nehat7440 contributionsAurora viewing tour with WendyThe views were amazing and we took a lot of pictures.. I would highly recommend to friends and family. Thank you for the lovely time.Written September 14, 2024
- Footprints231820200 contributionsGlad we did this tour!We did the northern lights tour at the yurts with Ryan. He was knowledgeable and friendly. He made the tour nice for all. We were able to get remarkable pictures! Thanks Ryan!Written September 12, 2024
- Companion189864549180 contributionsIt was a de-LIGHT-ful nightWe were picked up by Ryan on time and had an informative drive out to the property. Ryan and Rebecca brought a beautiful husky, Hershey, to visit us which was very nice while we waited for the lights to appear. We didn't have to wait long for the light show to begin and we had plenty of opportunity to take memorable photos. We understood that it depended on the weather and luck was on our side. Thankyou for a night to remember.Written September 12, 2024
- Roving436990069250 contributionsWaste of $ and time!Total rip off! They don’t cancel the tour even when it’s 100% rain and cloud cover! You will be stuck in a yurt for 4 hours without viewing anything but rain and they don’t care. Terrible business model and waste of money and sleep. Don’t waste your $. Have the hotel give you a call if they are visible- and it’s free!Written September 11, 2024
- Y1465EHcarlose0 contributionsAbsolutely worth it!Every detail of the plan was very well organize, punctuality and guidance on timing, activities to do and so on made our experience in Chena Hot Springs unforgettable. Joe the driver is the best, so friendly and always ready to support.Written September 8, 2024
- Fearless5714250 contributionsWonderful service; great Alaskan hospitality.Brittney was FANTASTIC! She was very friendly & informative along the route. She stopped along the way & offered to stop anywhere else we needed. Great service. Highly recommend.Written September 7, 2024
- merny890 contributionsAmazing lights in a comfortable yurt.Ryan was our guide and once he got us set up in the Yurt he brought in 2 of his sled dogs for entertainment until the lights started. The Aurora Borealis was amazing and with the heated Yurt you could take a break and warm up with warm drinks and cookies. I would definitely recommend this trip.Written September 5, 2024
- nataliemL7353QM0 contributionsWould definitely recommendTrenton was the best tour guide! He knew the best spots to find fish and he was so helpful and informative. Not only did I learn how to fish (and catch my first fish ever) but we learned so much about Fairbanks and the wildlife. I would definitely recommend!! He also brought homemade snacks which was so kind of him to do. Would do another tour with this company :) thank you for making our trip to Alaska so much fun!Written September 5, 2024
- mns060 contributionsFairbanks Summer City TourThis tour was OK. More time at the Museum of the North would have been nice, in place of the Santa Claus House which was kind of cheesy. Seeing the pipeline up close was great. Also I would have enjoyed walking around the Morris Thompson center on my own and at my own pace rather than having to follow Muriel and have her slowly tell me exactly what I could have read on each placard. She was kind of dull as a tour guide although I'm sure she's a lovely person - just not very enthusiastic.Written September 3, 2024
- Explore519030554100 contributionsExcellent excursionWe had an amazing evening of beautiful skies, Aurora Borealis did not disappoint. Jake, I believe, was our guide. He was very informative, funny, and down to earth. Idaho and Hershey came in to visit and keep us company we were able to come in from the cold and warm up in the yurts.Written September 3, 2024
- L2483KVyvonnec0 contributionsGreat TourThis was one of the best tours we’ve ever taken. The tour guide was amazing. She was extremely knowledgeable, funny and informative.Written September 1, 2024
- ltdan_o0 contributionsFar better than expectedThis tour was far better than I had anticipated. Jake was our driver and did a great job. He was flexible with the group and stayed in some areas longer than others as the group wished. It was a good day!Written August 29, 2024
- D3355KUcarolg0 contributionsFrom Alaskan history to pictures with Santa.My husband and I had a wonderful time on our tour with Brittney. Our 1st stop was the O of A museum of the north. Since we had limited time she walked us through the museum and showed us what she felt were the most interesting and unique items. Such an amazing place. Our second stop was a large animal reserve. Here we saw Muskox and Caribou. So cool to see them up close. Our final stop was North Pole, Alaska and a very overwhelming Christmas store. I loved every second in that store. Brittney shared a lot of information about the Fairbanks area and her life there. Great tour.Written August 25, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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swaffordde
Clarksville, TN102 contributions
The office is great but Jeff the driver if you want to live don’t get on the bus. He doesn’t want to do this tour he rather be home, he doesn’t know the route so not sure of the stops. But driving is horrible 70 MPH around a wet 35MPH curves, sliding across mud in the rain. Racing down hills on dirt roads at 70 crossing a solid yellow line going 70 to pass a camper already speeding. Slinging the passengers around to where the seatbelt hitting the windows almost break them. This was the worst experience of my life. Scared and out of cell phone range there is not a thing you can do but hope you survive. It was to be a nice peaceful ride in Alaska on our first day of vacation but this wasn’t the experience we received. And with the bad weather the windows were muddy if you could or wanted to look out the window at top speed while you held on to the seat or pole in front of you, you couldn’t. All around he should not be a driver on the road as no one is safe.
Written August 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
After your email we reviewed the bus data that showed the average speed was 41mph with a top and top speeds on the straight sections of paved road were 60mph. We did contact the rest of the group to verify any issues and found that everyone else had a good time and felt that the guide drove safely.
Written August 30, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Shariq Rashid
9 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
I have booked a 3 days tour from 1st Alaska Tours from 9/28 - 9/30.
Bad Experience : On 9/30 we had a trip to the Arctic Circle. The van which was sent to us was in a bad condition compared to the one which we got earlier and compared to another vehicle which was driving along that day. Also, there were already 6 people in the van which we got and including us it made us 8 people. We were picked up at the end so we had to sit at the last row of the van which was very uncomfortable. It was a 12 hours long drive with bad road conditions. This was a very uncomfortable ride which resulted in severe back and neck pain for me. Also, there was van stuff which was kept on the floor of the last row.
I think the 1st Alaska tour should not have given a poor condition van and should not have allowed people to sit on the last row of the van which are generally bumpy knowing the condition of the road. How do you expect people to sit there ? This was in-human, 1st Alaska tour should have limited number of guests OR should have provided an extra vehicle.
On complaining about this at the start of the tour, I was given an
option to cancel the tour and take a refund but this was not possible since i was coming from out of state for the 3 day tour with 1st Alaska tour. Also the guide/driver that day was very rude. I wont recommend Artic Circle tour.
Good Experience : The other 2 tours - Aurora Viewing Lodge and Chena Hot Springs were good. Nick and Jo the guides were good.
Bad Experience : On 9/30 we had a trip to the Arctic Circle. The van which was sent to us was in a bad condition compared to the one which we got earlier and compared to another vehicle which was driving along that day. Also, there were already 6 people in the van which we got and including us it made us 8 people. We were picked up at the end so we had to sit at the last row of the van which was very uncomfortable. It was a 12 hours long drive with bad road conditions. This was a very uncomfortable ride which resulted in severe back and neck pain for me. Also, there was van stuff which was kept on the floor of the last row.
I think the 1st Alaska tour should not have given a poor condition van and should not have allowed people to sit on the last row of the van which are generally bumpy knowing the condition of the road. How do you expect people to sit there ? This was in-human, 1st Alaska tour should have limited number of guests OR should have provided an extra vehicle.
On complaining about this at the start of the tour, I was given an
option to cancel the tour and take a refund but this was not possible since i was coming from out of state for the 3 day tour with 1st Alaska tour. Also the guide/driver that day was very rude. I wont recommend Artic Circle tour.
Good Experience : The other 2 tours - Aurora Viewing Lodge and Chena Hot Springs were good. Nick and Jo the guides were good.
Written October 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are sorry to hear you feel you had a bad experience. The van that you took to the Arctic Circle was the same Van you had on the previous tour that you stated was in good shape and comfortable. All our vans are in great shape as we daily maintain and detail each vehicle. As far as your experience I do not think we could have done anything else to make you happy on this trip your van was a 12-passenger van that had 8 people in it and you had the whole back row to yourself as you told us your wife wanted to sit up front, so we made the arrangements for her to sit up with the guide. We do have a lot of equipment in the van as it is a long trip and we need to be prepared for anything but if something was in your way if you asked, I'm sure the guide would be happy to move it out of your way. Also, after you delayed the tour on multiple stops by trying to get on a different van that was already full, we offered to take you back and you wanted to continue. We have been doing this for over 20 years going to the Arctic Circle and have great reviews this trip it is an amazing opportunity to go where most never venture out to. Unfortunately, we cannot make everyone happy, but we do our best to give a great experience and memories that will last a lifetime.
Written October 3, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kathi C
2 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Communication with 1st Alaska Tours was very easy with calling, emails and sending a message to them once you have your confirmation email. Ryan was our very personable driver/guide. He called us right before pickup time to let us know he was on the way. He arrived on time. Ryan was an excellent, cautious driver who made us feel safe while traveling. He has over the road truck driving experience which made us even more confident in his ability. Ryan has a happy, helpful disposition ; a very nice young man. He was able to give us some history of Alaska, Dalton Highway, the Alaskan Pipeline etc. He kept us informed with stops and what to expect when we arrived. Unfortunately, it was cloudy and rainy on our trip so we were unable to see the Northern Lights. It was a long trip from Fairbanks to the Artic Circle. We left at 1:00 pm and arrived back to our hotel at 3:30. All in all, it was a nice beginning to our Alaskan adventure. Thank you, Ryan for a job well done ! The Canupp family
Written September 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul R
3 contributions
Mar 2024 • Friends
At the start, It took 1 hour to pickup 14 people. Then, driver stopped at Costco for gas before starting the tour.
Uncomfortable bench seats no headrest. Bus was like a hotel shuttle with bench seating. Other artic circle tours had comfy seats with back support in sprinter vans
Tour said there would be hot drinks but it never happened
Bathroom stops sometimes 4 hours in between. Not bad for me but some of the ladies were not happy with hanging it out in 2 degree weather.
No listed itinerary for the trip so no idea what was going to happen and when. driver not helpful so we stopped drinking water because we never knew when the next bathroom break would be.
Tour took 16 hours when it was billed as 14.
Not good sightseeing trip as we only saw 2 birds
Didn't see aurora but that's not the company's fault
Uncomfortable bench seats no headrest. Bus was like a hotel shuttle with bench seating. Other artic circle tours had comfy seats with back support in sprinter vans
Tour said there would be hot drinks but it never happened
Bathroom stops sometimes 4 hours in between. Not bad for me but some of the ladies were not happy with hanging it out in 2 degree weather.
No listed itinerary for the trip so no idea what was going to happen and when. driver not helpful so we stopped drinking water because we never knew when the next bathroom break would be.
Tour took 16 hours when it was billed as 14.
Not good sightseeing trip as we only saw 2 birds
Didn't see aurora but that's not the company's fault
Written March 20, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for the review, our pickups are from 12-1:00 and it all depends on how meany hotels we need to go to. This tour is a 400-mile round trip, so we do top off our vehicles after pickups before we head out and we have extra gas onboard as well. Our bus has plenty of room and the seats are comfortable, we have these busses set up for that road. We do not use the Sprinter van's as they might look fancy but do not handle the road conditions well. Bathroom breaks very with the longest one being around 2 hours and after that every 45 minutes or so depending on road conditions if there was a situation that they had to bypass a bathroom stop it was due to the area not being plowed. We always stop at every chance to use the restroom. Most of the bathroom breaks are in outhouses but that is due to being 200 miles away from everything. This Tour takes around 14 hours but if road conditions are bad it can take longer, and we encourage our guides to take their time and ensure the safety of our guests above all else. Wildlife is wild so there are no guarantees on what we will see but when we see something we make sure to stop and allow for plenty of pictures.
Written March 22, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Greg L
Hopkinsville, KY1 contribution
Sep 2021 • Couples
By far, the best part was seeing the northern lights. Tips would include bringing layers of warm clothing. Josh was an outstanding guide. He was knowledgeable, helpful and patient. I never once felt rushed on this tour as I have on others.
Written September 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Discover41201474167
1 contribution
Jul 2024 • Family
We took the day tour to the arctic circle. We had a group of 10 people in our minibus. The bus driver/tour guide was nice and friendly. However it was the most noisiest and bumpy ride ever in my life ever! The ford mini tour bus appeared to be poorly maintained and was extremely noisy inside making a rickety rackety noise on even small bumps on the road. The dalton highway is mostly unpaved (about 60-70% unpaved) full of potholes and they provided us with the one of the worst and nosiest vehicles in which to take the 12 hr ride to the arctic circle and back. We did enjoy seeing the Yukon river and taking pictures of the arctic circle signboard. The tour company should provide a better maintained and more comfortable minibus to tourists in the future.
Written July 27, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rufina R
2 contributions
Jun 2021 • Solo
Trip was great. Driver Joe picked up on time. Gave us lots of information on the drive and stopped anytime we asked for pictures. I was traveling solo, yet never felt lonely. The beauty of Alaska is amazing. Thanks Joe!😁
Written June 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bolson3505
Everson, WA4 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
We really enjoyed our full day with Ryan!!! He was very informative, considerate, and helpful. We were able to sight some northern lights and visited some very interesting places! He also had great conversations with my husband who was reminiscing his day driving semi during oil pipeline ear! Thanks Ryan!😁
Written November 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rochi0201
Dallas, TX25 contributions
It was a really good trip. Joseph was excellent. It is a long drive, but we had many stops so you don’t feel the time. Excellent views and things to learn. A little bumpy road. I would recommend it to every one who travels to Fairbanks.
Written May 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sudha R
10 contributions
Oct 2021
We had Shawn as our driver to theArctic circle it was snowing heavily and part of the roads were in bad shape He was a very good and careful driver Has keen eyes to spot wildlife
Despite the poor road conditions, he made our trip pleasant and stopped often for breaks
When we got to the arctic circle le sign, the clouds cleared, stopped snowing and the sun emerged
That was the best chance for us to view the northern lights
Unfortunately Shawn refused to stay , as we were supposed to go back to the lodge in Fairbanks where it was snowing , to view the northern lights
Jason the owner was really very understanding. He agreed to refund part of the amount .
I will recommend this trip highly in spite of the poor condition the weather.
Appreciated the owner with a compassionate attitude
Despite the poor road conditions, he made our trip pleasant and stopped often for breaks
When we got to the arctic circle le sign, the clouds cleared, stopped snowing and the sun emerged
That was the best chance for us to view the northern lights
Unfortunately Shawn refused to stay , as we were supposed to go back to the lodge in Fairbanks where it was snowing , to view the northern lights
Jason the owner was really very understanding. He agreed to refund part of the amount .
I will recommend this trip highly in spite of the poor condition the weather.
Appreciated the owner with a compassionate attitude
Written October 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
saber si sale un tour desde Achorage al Polo Norte y si hay helicoptero y cuales son los precios y el tiempo que dura.
Written February 17, 2019
si hay un tour que salga de Anchorage, al polo norte ,cuanto cuesta y si. hay helicoptero para ir al puro polo o avionta cual es el precio y cuanto tiempo para el 25 026 de mayo 2019
Written February 17, 2019
Is lunch available somewhere along route? We are both Gluten Free (medically; not fad or diet) & must be careful.
Written December 29, 2018
I am gluten free, but not celiac. I don't have a bad reaction to gluten, but I do have some reaction. I recommend you take food with you. Most of what's available is sandwiches and pie, etc. Not GF.
Written March 19, 2019
Where is the drop-off after tour? Back at hotel? Thank you for any/all info!
Written December 28, 2018
Only to select hotels. You'd have to call the company to see what hotels they drop off at.
Written January 15, 2019
Hi, we are thinking of doing this before our cruise. How much hiking is involved? Would love to go to the Arctic Circle but a little nervous about the hiking :) Thanks! Cheryl
Written October 31, 2018
Very little walking on the frequent stops. You can choose to walk around or stay near bus. Easy for any age. The bus is a bumpy ride though if that makes a difference.
Written November 24, 2018
We will be going to Barrow. Is it worthwhile to also do the Arctic Circle tour?
Written May 8, 2018
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
