An Alaska travel experience would not be complete without an opportunity to experience firsthand the wilderness, Northern Lights, Denali, and none other than the Arctic Circle.
Crossing into the Arctic Circle is a bucket-list experience, and the best way to do it is with an air tour that combines breathtaking views with a seamless journey into this pristine wilderness.
Fairbanks, sometimes called a gateway to the Arctic, is an ideal spot to embark on a tour. A fly-in tour from Fairbanks is less expensive than one from Anchorage, and you can take a driving tour for a fraction of the cost of a fly-in trip.
The Arctic Circle is located at 66 degrees 33 minutes north latitude, about 200 road miles or 140 air miles from Fairbanks.
On the summer solstice (around June 21/22), locations above the Arctic Circle experience the “midnight sun” with 24 hours of continuous daylight.
On the winter solstice (around December 21/22), the sun does not rise to rise, and locations in the Arctic experience 24 hours of twilight or darkness.
The farther north you travel from the Arctic Circle, the longer this period of daylight or darkness lasts during the summer and winter seasons.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through what makes Air Arctic the best option for exploring the Arctic Circle from Fairbanks and why an air tour should be on your Alaska bucket list, so get ready to schedule – experience.
Arctic Circle Overview:
- Prices Starting at:
- $499-$1500 / per person
- Duration:
- 12-13 hours
- Departure times:
- 1:00pm
- Dates:
- May 21 – August 20, 2025
Tour Overview
Arctic Air Tour Company was started by the tour company picking us up right from our hotel, Pike’s Lodge, which was about a 20-minute drive to the airport.
When we arrived at the Northern Alaska Tour Company office for our Arctic Circle Fly/Drive Tour, the check-in process was quick and easy.
You will need a valid driver’s license, read the privacy policy, valid major credit card which will check you in.
After checking in, they provided us with your itinerary information for the day. We’d be flying a small plane to Coldfoot for lunch, with time to explore this small outpost before starting the drive back to Fairbanks.
Along the way, we’d stop at the tundra and then the Yukon River Camp for dinner, a perfect spot to stretch and take in the remote surroundings and the Arctic Circle Trading Post.
We toured the rugged Dalton Highway and the Yukon River and viewed the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, where we received an official Arctic Circle adventure certificate
Now that the official introduction to the Arctic Circle is over let’s get real about the drive back. Those roads are rough. I had this grand idea of bringing my laptop, thinking I’d be productive and get some work done during the 8-plus-hour drive back to Fairbanks.
Well, that didn’t happen. The Arctic Circle is so remote that there’s no Wi-Fi, and you can’t even use your phone. I was off the grid, completely disconnected, which might sound peaceful, but honestly, the potholes were another story.
I’m not exaggerating when I say they were as big as craters. Every time I tried to rest my head against the window, I got a headache from all the bouncing from the mostly gravel thoroughfare.
Sleep? Forget about it. But despite the road conditions, our tour guide was a gem. He was super knowledgeable and shared fascinating stories about Alaska’s history, the remarkable trans-alaska pipeline, and the mighty Yukon River, which really helped pass the time.
Just be prepared for hours of dead silence, with nothing but the hum of the bus and the occasional jolt to keep you company.
Our next stop was the iconic Arctic Circle sign, where we hopped off the bus to take pictures and officially mark the moment of crossing this legendary line.
After snapping a few photos and soaking in the remote beauty, we headed to Yukon River Camp for dinner along the famed Dalton Highway, known for its ice road truckers, but not before making a pit stop at the amazing Arctic Tundra.
Now, this place is literally in the middle of nowhere, so don’t expect a five-star dining experience, but it was exactly what I needed after a long day.
The restaurant is modest, but it’s warm, the food was decent, and the bathrooms were clean (a big plus in such a remote location!).
I had chili, which was hearty and comforting. They also had burgers, salad, tea, and sodas—nothing fancy, but it hit the spot.
They also offered hot drinks like tea and coffee to help keep you warm from the frigid temperatures.
When we checked in earlier in the day, we were given meal vouchers, which we handed over to get our food. It was simple but satisfying, and after hours of bumpy roads, a hot meal in a clean space felt like a luxury.
General Post Trading Store
Next up was the Wildwood General Post Trading Store, our final stop before the long drive back to Fairbanks.
We were scheduled to stay until 4 a.m., giving us the perfect chance to rest and, hopefully, witness the Northern Lights in all their glory.
The store was a cozy spot, offering games to pass the time, hot cocoa to keep us warm, and comfortable sofas to relax on while waiting for the Aurora to make its appearance.
Unwinding while sipping hot cocoa made the experience a little better, but I won’t lie. By now, I was ready to return to my hotel and be in my warm bed, but not before I received my official Arctic Circle Certificate.
I had enough of the Dalton Highway for one trip.
Popular Tours:
Rental Car
No, you cannot rent a car to drive back from the Arctic Circle on most Arctic Circle tours. The roads, particularly the Dalton Highway, are extremely remote and rough and can be dangerous for those unfamiliar with the area.
Most Arctic Circle Fly & Drive tours, such as those offered by companies like Arctic Air and Northern Alaska Tour Company, provide guided transportation for the drive back.
These tour operators use specially equipped tour vehicles driven by experienced guides who are well-versed in the harsh road conditions.
If you’re planning to travel independently to the Arctic Circle, you’ll need to rent a car in Fairbanks. However, most rental companies do not allow their vehicles to be driven on the Dalton Highway due to its challenging terrain and potential for damage.
It’s always best to check with the rental company and consider guided tours for a safer and more convenient experience because, again, the rental of a compact car is forbidden on the Dalton Highway.
Conclusion:
As we finally made our way back to Fairbanks after the long night at the Wildwood Trading Post, I was thankful I had experienced the Arctic Circle Fly and Drive tour because I understood very few people would get to fly over the Arctic Circle.
Yes, the drive was long—over eight hours without Wi-Fi, bouncing around on some of the roughest roads I’ve ever experienced.
The food along the way was simple and not fancy, but it kept us warm and fueled.
Despite the challenges, the experience was worth it, from experiencing Alaskan wildlife, migratory birds, and dog sledding to the remarkable wilderness of the Northern Hemisphere.
(Dog Sled – available Dec 15 – March)
From the breathtaking views of the Arctic tundra to watching the Northern Lights dance across the sky, I can now say I’ve crossed the Arctic Circle and checked it off my bucket list.
My favorite stretch of the highway was the Tundra. It was really cool walking and bouncing around on the spongy grass.
I left with incredible memories (and plenty of pictures) that I’ll cherish for a lifetime.
Travel Insurance
When planning a trip to the Arctic Circle, especially on remote tours like the Arctic Circle Fly & Drive, having travel insurance is essential.
The Arctic region is extremely isolated and might not be the safest place, so access to medical facilities is limited, making it crucial to be prepared for any unexpected situations.
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Did my Fairbanks Arctic Circle tour provide you with all the information you need to plan the trip of a lifetime across the Arctic Circle, Tundra, and the Northern lights to help you decide?
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