Arctic Circle Winter Drive Adventure

About This Experience

This is Northern Alaska Tour Company's winter version of its Arctic Circle Drive Adventure. Guests check in at 9:00 am at the company's office on the East Ramp of Fairbanks International Airport and head north in a tour coach along the Elliott Highway, passing the Trans-Alaska Pipeline and stopping at the Arctic Circle Trading Post at Joy before the pavement ends at Livengood.

From there the Dalton Highway runs as a snow-packed gravel road to the Yukon River bridge at milepost 56, where the river below is frozen for much of the season. Food is not included; the tour stops at Yukon River Camp where meals can be bought, and the operator suggests bringing snacks or a thermos. North of the river the road climbs onto open tundra for a short walk in winter conditions before reaching the Arctic Circle wayside at milepost 115, where each guest receives an official Arctic Circle Adventure Certificate.

How much daylight you get depends on the date. In December the whole day can feel like one long twilight; by March the sun is up for most of the drive. The return to Fairbanks is after dark, around midnight. The operator is clear that this is not an aurora tour: the coach does not stay out to wait for the lights, and it offers a separate Arctic Circle Aurora Drive Adventure for that.

The tour is priced from $309 per person and holds a 4.9 rating from more than 160 Viator reviews. The booking on Viator is all sales final and there is no hotel pickup, so confirm your dates and transport to the East Ramp before you book.

Highlights

• Trans-Alaska Pipeline viewing stop on the snow-covered drive north
• Arctic Circle Trading Post at Joy on the Elliott Highway
• Yukon River crossing at Dalton Highway milepost 56, with the river frozen below the bridge
• Walk on the arctic tundra in winter conditions
• Arctic Circle sign at milepost 115 with the official certificate ceremony
• Return to Fairbanks after dark, around midnight

What's Included

• ✓ Professional driver-guide
• ✓ Live commentary on board throughout the day
• ✓ Official Arctic Circle Adventure Certificate
• ✓ Round-trip ground transportation from the operator's Fairbanks office
• ✓ Restroom stops at least every 2 hours

Not Included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Food and drinks (meals can be bought at Yukon River Camp)
• Parking fee at the check-in location, paid on the day

What to Bring

• Insulated parka, snow pants, warm hat, mittens and winter boots; the tour runs in all weather and stops are outdoors
• Camera and spare batteries kept warm in an inside pocket
• A thermos of coffee or tea and your own snacks
• Cash or card for meals at Yukon River Camp, the parking fee and gratuities
• Any medication you need during a 16-hour day

Good to Know & Caveats

• Winter season: Viator's calendar lists departures from September 19 to April 21.
• This is not an aurora tour. It is dark on the way back, but the coach does not stay out waiting for the lights; the operator sells a separate Arctic Circle Aurora Drive Adventure for that.
• Viator lists this tour as all sales final: there is no refund once you book.
• Check-in opens at 9:00 am and closes at 9:15 am at the operator's office on the East Ramp of Fairbanks International Airport, the small-plane side, under the Northern Alaska Tour Company sign. Guests arriving after 9:15 am risk missing the tour.
• You must reconfirm your tour 24 to 48 hours before departure.
• There is no hotel pickup; you make your own way to the airport East Ramp and pay a parking fee if you drive.
• Daylight varies a lot by date. In midwinter much of the day is in twilight or darkness, and the return to Fairbanks is around midnight.
• The longest stretch between stops is about 2 hours, and most stops have only an outhouse.
• Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be carried if the passenger travels with someone who can help them board and disembark.

Meeting Point

Northern Alaska Tour Company office on the East Ramp of Fairbanks International Airport; check in between 9:00 and 9:15 am.