Arctic Circle Tour FAQ

The day itself

How long is an Arctic Circle tour?

Most tours take 12 to 16 hours, and the aurora versions run up to 17 to 18 hours, returning between 1 and 4 a.m. The BLM’s figure is five hours each way to the sign under good conditions, before any stops. Every tour’s length and return time is in our how long guide.

What will I see on the way?

Typical stops are a Trans-Alaska Pipeline viewpoint, the Yukon River bridge at milepost 56, Finger Mountain’s windy ridge and the Arctic Circle sign itself. The landscape changes from boreal forest to open tundra as you climb. Our stop-by-stop itinerary walks through each one.

Are meals included?

Usually not. Most tours stop at Yukon River Camp, where you buy lunch or dinner; Alaska Safari Sultan Tours, for example, allows a 50-minute dinner break there, paid on site. 1st Alaska Tours’ northern lights trip is the exception, with sandwiches, snacks and hot drinks included, and several operators provide snacks and water.

Do I get an Arctic Circle certificate?

On most tours, yes: nine of the twelve tours we cover mention one in their listing. Self-drivers can pick one up at the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center in downtown Fairbanks. Details are in our certificate guide.

Are there toilets along the way?

Yes, mostly outhouses at waysides, including accessible pit toilets at the Arctic Circle sign. Northern Alaska Tour Company says its longest stretch between stops is two hours, and its larger coaches have a restroom on board.

Aurora

Will I see the northern lights on an Arctic Circle tour?

Possibly, but nobody can promise it. Operators say plainly that the aurora is not guaranteed and that there is no refund for clouds. Explore Fairbanks says the aurora is visible on an average of four out of five nights when the sky is clear and dark enough. Our Arctic Circle and northern lights guide explains the odds.

When is aurora season in Fairbanks?

Explore Fairbanks gives the season as August 21 to April 21. The University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute says the best viewing is usually between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m., which is why aurora tours drive home late. See the northern lights tours page.

Seasons and weather

How cold does it get on a winter Arctic Circle tour?

Fairbanks averages a January low of −17°F, and lows near the Arctic Circle commonly reach the −20s to −40s°F, with windchills to −70°F on the Dalton. Dress in layers and bring mittens, warm boots and a hat that covers your ears. Our what to wear guide has the full list.

Will I see the midnight sun at the Arctic Circle?

Only on or around June 21. On that date the sun does not set at the Arctic Circle, and on or around December 21 it does not rise. On other dates the day is long or short but ordinary. The summer tours page covers the light in June and July.

What is the best time of year for an Arctic Circle tour?

Summer brings long daylight and wildflowers on the tundra, and winter brings snow, the aurora and serious cold. The two seasons overlap only from late August, when BLM notes frosty nights and the first northern lights. Compare them in our winter vs summer guide and the best time to visit guide.

Practicalities

Is Fairbanks in the Arctic Circle?

No. Fairbanks lies at about 64.8° North, roughly 140 air miles south of the Arctic Circle and about 200 road miles from the sign. Our Fairbanks to Arctic Circle guide covers the route and distance.

Can I drive to the Arctic Circle myself?

Yes, the Dalton Highway is a public road, but it is rough and mostly gravel, and most rental agreements prohibit it. Fuel on the way is only at Yukon River Camp, and there is almost no cell coverage. Our self-drive vs tour guide compares both.

Can children come on an Arctic Circle tour?

Yes, within each operator’s age rules. 1st Alaska Tours takes children from 5, Alaska Wild Lights does not recommend under-10s, and Midnight Sky Adventures requires guests to be 15 or older. Read our Arctic Circle tour with kids guide.

Is there cell service at the Arctic Circle?

No. The BLM says coverage is limited from milepost 28 of the Elliott Highway until just outside Deadhorse, and there is no reception at the Arctic Circle Wayside. Tell family you will be offline for the day.

Can I stay overnight near the Arctic Circle?

Yes. Yukon River Camp at milepost 56 has rooms, Coldfoot Camp 60 miles north of the sign offers lodging year-round, and the BLM’s Arctic Circle Campground sits just uphill from the sign in summer. Most visitors base themselves in Fairbanks; see where to stay in Fairbanks.

Ready to book?

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