Original Arctic Circle Drive from Fairbanks

Recommended by 96% of travelers

Fairbanks, USA

Great choice

5+ bookings last month.

16 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Overview

Travel the famous Dalton Highway on this 16-hour Arctic Circle drive. Visit the Yukon River, stop by the Arctic Circle Trading Post, and get views of the tundra landscape. Learn about life in rural Alaska through your guide's commentary; departure from a meeting point in Fairbanks.

Fully narrated tour by a local, professional guide
Small-groups make for a more intimate experience
Soak in the views over the arctic tundra and Yukon River
Depart from a convenient meeting point in Fairbanks

What's Included

All taxes, fees and handling charges
Driver/guide
Live commentary on board
Local guide
Professional guide

The listed price does not include a parking fee, payable at the time of tour check-in.
Food and drinks
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

3820 University Ave S, Fairbanks, AK 99709, USA
This is located on the East Ramp Airport, the small plane side of the airport. All guests need to call and reconfirm their tour departure/check in time 24 - 48 hours prior to departure.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Operating hours
.6:30 am

Itinerary

James Dalton Highway

12 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Yukon River

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Arctic Circle Trading Post

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

BLM Arctic Circle Monument Sign

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
Not wheelchair accessible
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Most travelers can participate
Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them board and disembark
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately

Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund
This tour is conducted in a 25 passenger motor coach or 15 passenger van depending on the number of guests traveling. The coach does have a restroom on board to be used between stops or at stops that don't have a restroom. If we are not traveling on the coach we will be stopping approximately every 2 hours for a restroom break -- which are outhouses along the Dalton Highway.
We encourage guests with any questions on limited mobility and this adventure to contact us and speak directly about the tour and what your needs are to see if they can be met.
CHECK IN TIME - Check in opens at 5:45AM and closes at 6:00AM for this tour. Guests not here by 6:00AM risk missing this tour.
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 26 travelers

Supplied by

Cancellation Policy

This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Featured review

Margaret_B

The driver Paul was very informative. I learned so much from him. The scenery, there are no words to describe how beautiful it is. The Dalton road is an experience that I will not forget. Reaching the Arctic circle was very special! I would recommend this tour.

Reviews

4.8

based on 208 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Dave's Crew of Explorers

Lorraine_K, Sep 2025

Alaska does Not control the Weather. It was raining and of course a muddy road the entire tour. Tour bus about half full. Stops along the highway were Awesome & colorful terrain, viewing the pipeline, even in the rain. The Yukon River stop/camp was so welcoming with delicious food. Narrative Dave spoke was Awesome, history shared. I was told to expect our seats to be rotated on 3 contacts with this Wonderful Tour, yet that option never happened. I would have Loved to experience 1 of the 4 coveted front row seats. We all paid the same money. However, I tipped well, although a traveler wanted to send a check. Really ? Please Plan Ahead. These folks work Very Hard. Many Thanks for this Experience.

Response from Host, Oct 2025

Thank you so much for taking time to share your experience with others and with us. We are so glad you enjoyed your trip and that you understand weather will be part of the experience -- which this fall really was part of the journey. Plus, thank you for sharing about the seat rotation - this is important as sometimes guides think guests will do it on their own, especially when the coach is not full - and we need to have information to share with them that it is an expectation of the guests and us. So thank you for sharing and caring. Best wishes for a great winter!

Great experience

Bryan_Y, Aug 2025

The trip was handled by a very knowledgeable guide who knew the areas and their history well. His leadership made the trip a great learning experience alongside the beautiful views.

Response from Host, Sep 2025

Thank you for joining us on the Original Arctic Circle Drive Adventure. so glad you enjoyed the journey.

Long drive to Arctic Citcle

Karen_Y, Aug 2025

Long drive on Dalton Highway to get to Arctic Circle from Fairbanks. A fair few stops of interest including the pipeline sanction Camp Rver cafe. The drive is about 800 miles in total there anbd back and takes over 14-15 hours. At the Arctic Circle there is only marker sign but it is a bucket list item to tick off. You receive certificates for going the Arctic Circle

Response from Host, Sep 2025

Thank you for joining us for what we do call a full day -- we don't like any surprises so we are glad you were aware of the full day and that you enjoyed it. Thank you.

Great Trip

Doug_P, Aug 2025

Wonderful. It’s a long day/trip but Paul was great. He made the day very special. A lot to see and to take in.

Response from Host, Sep 2025

Thank you for recognizing Paul as part of the experience. The region is wonderful (a bit biased) but the guides can also help make the experience. Thank you,

It was a VERY bumpy ride...

Deborah_M, Jul 2025

It was a VERY bumpy ride but all in all we're glad we went. Loved the little ceremony at the Artic Circle. You really ought to warn people about the size of those sandwiches at Yukon River - WOW - and it was really good too, we were still so full that when we got back for dinner we asked them to pack our dinner up to go - had it for lunch today - still really tasty. Thank you Paul for a good trip, you know a lot about the Native Americans and the Salmon but I really learned more about how big fires are handled. That was a good learning experience.

Response from Host, Aug 2025

Thank you for joining us on the Arctic Circle Drive Adventure. And for sharing your experience with others. So glad you enjoyed your time out with us.

A long day spent well!

Satvik_S, Jul 2025

A 16-17 hour long day experience which was informative, enjoyable and highly memorable. Around 13 are spent on the road which is highly scenic, though largely gravel but not too uncomfortable. The remaining time is about experiencing Alaskan wilderness on foot at multiple stop points including lunch and dinner breaks. Our tour guide Jermey was phenomenal - courteous, knowledgeable and very safe, and his ongoing commentary through the day kept us engaged. Several good stops for photography and selfies, and complete disconnect (no cell coverage) made it special. A day well spent!

Response from Host, Aug 2025

Thank you for taking the time to share with others about your experience on the Arctic Circle Drive Adventure. Yes, truly an unplugged experience without cell service!!!!! So glad you found it a day well spent. Thank you!

Though trip took long 17...

Ginomol_M, Jul 2025

Though trip took long 17 years we enjoyed every bit of it. Tim was our guide and he was so informative.

Response from Host, Aug 2025

Thank you for joining Tim on your Arctic Circle Drive Adventure. It is a full day (16 - 17 hours / not years . smile), we are so glad you enjoyed it.

Lots of time sitting in a non moving bus

Mark_S, Jul 2025

Lots of time sitting in a non moving bus . Take the shorter tour . Was told to be there before 6. Tour left at 7:30. Missed my prepaid breakfast at my hotel to sit and wait for an hour and a half . Not cool .

Response from Host, Aug 2025

Thank you for joining us.....without context (I don't know when you travelled) I can't provide any information as to why you would not have left until 7:30 AM. The Original Arctic Circle Drive Adventure is scheduled to depart at 6:30 AM and check in is open 5:45 AM - 6;00 AM. Again, without looking at the date in question, I can't confirm why you would not have left until 7:30 AM. You are right, that isn't cool if there is no communication and will have hoped the Guest Service coworkers working on the day you traveled would have explained why there was a delay. Was it a mechanical and they were waiting for a working vehicle? As you saw our terminal is quite small, they may have invited guests to take a seat on the coach so that everyone could have a seat. And if the coach is just there we always say guests can get on and off while waiting. (as we often board before all guests are there since we don't have enough seats inside the terminal) Again, I would be happy to look into this for you if there was no explanation as to why you were delayed - you would need to call the office and see if they can look up the day of your departure for notes. Thank you Kathy

Sitting on top of the world

John_C, Jun 2025

So Awesome, would definitely recommend because it's a once in a lifetime experience when you're visiting Fairbanks to be able to venture north to the Arctic Circle

Response from Host, Aug 2025

Thank you for making us a part of your Alaska Adventure!

A long day, but worth it!

Molly_D, Sep 2024

Really special to be able to cross the Yukon river and drive up the Dalton Highway to the arctic circle. Suzanne shared lots of information throughout the day and the day was broken up in to lots of chunks so it didn't feel as long as it was! Walk at finger mountain was also really nice, seeing the difference in plants in the tundra.

Response from Host, Sep 2024

Thank you for joining Suzanne on your Arctic Circle Drive Adventure -- our original experience on the Dalton Highway. We are so glad you enjoyed it and that time didn't seem quite as long. Thank you.

Wow to the Artic Circle Drive

Margaret_M, Sep 2024

The Original Artic Circle Drive was great! Our guide Paul was a great driver who was personable and very knowledgeable. He gave us a good running commentary without boring us. Loved the little extra touches at Artic Circle sign. It was well worth the time and cost!!!

Response from Host, Sep 2024

Thank you for joining us on your Arctic Circle Drive Adventure. So glad you enjoyed it and felt it was worth your time and cost - we really appreciate that note.

Driving North to the Arctic Circle.

Alexander_V, Sep 2024

The most amazing was driving for about 12 hours and hardly seeing anyone signs of civilization except for the oil pipeline and couple of trucks passing by.

Response from Host, Sep 2024

Wow, thank you so much for saying your time with us was amazing. We really appreciate not only that you joined us but that you are sharing with others about your experience. Thank you.

Awesome

NiranjanBabu_Y, Aug 2024

Drive was excellent, Tour Service is On time and safe. Our Guide Dan is the best person ever i met as a travel guide

Response from Host, Sep 2024

We are so glad you enjoyed your time out with us on your Arctic Circle Drive Adventure. Thank you.

Excellent experience

Karen_C, Aug 2024

Tim was an excellent guide. His informative stories were great because we learned so much more about the area.

Response from Host, Aug 2024

Thank you for taking the time to share with others about your experience with Tim on the Arctic Circle Drive Adventure. Happy Fall!

Awesome—Not to be missed!

Susan_M, Jun 2024

Exceptional from start to finish, from the checkin process to drop off. Knowledgeable and personable Avery was our guide, making our day feel very special. Long & bumpy but definitely not a trip to be missed! Highly recommend this adventure.

Response from Host, Jul 2024

Thank you so much for taking the time to review your adventure with Avery. We are so glad you enjoyed it.

Hold on to your hat but worth it

Pamela_J, Jun 2024

Avery was an excellent guide. Very knowledgeable and personable. It's a very long and bumpy ride but her demeanor on the challenging road was comforting.

Response from Host, Jul 2024

Thank you so much for joining Avery on your Arctic Circle Drive Adventure. So glad you enjoyed it and the sharing Avery did as a guide. Thank you.

Great driver

Pat_D, Jun 2024

The driver/guide was very good and had a lot of stories. The ride itself was painful! The bus had no shocks (which could happen after 1 trip) and I had to take Tylenol a couple times to deal with the physical discomfort.

Response from Host, Jul 2024

Thank you for joining us on the Original Arctic Circle Drive Adventure and recognizing the safety and sharing of the guide. Best wishes for a bright summer.

Adventure

Zhuoyuan_C, Jun 2024

The trip was very long and tiring but our guide & driver Paul was very helpful and nice. We even touched the permanently frozen soil in Alaska.

Response from Host, Jul 2024

Thank you for joining Paul on your Original Arctic Circle Drive Adventure.

Great Trip to the Arctic Circle

Thomas_D, Sep 2023

The scenery was stunning. JJ was a great guide. We learned a lot about Alaska and the arctic. The bus is comfortable and navigated the muddy, steep road well. The weather was damp and rainy but not terribly cold.

Well worth doing.

Margaret_B, Sep 2023

Response from Host, Sep 2023

Thank you for your recommendation of our Arctdic Circle Drive Adventure. Yes, it is a full day; however, we think a well worth way to spend the day out in Alaska's Arctic. Thank you.

A trip not to be missed.

Margaret_B, Sep 2023

Paul the tour guide was very informative and entertaining. The scenery was awesome. The weather changed though out the day, no snow. The Dalton road was memorable. I have now been to the Arctic circle 😊. An experience not to be missed.

Arctic Circle Drive

Robert_H, Sep 2023

Trip was an amazing experience and a great way to finish our many adventures visiting all 50 states. Our guide JJ is an absolute legend, really made the trip with her narration and back stories. Wow what a driver on the Dalton Hway. Take the trip and fingers crossed JJ is your tour guide. Cheers JJ all the best Carol and Rob H

Response from Host, Sep 2023

Dear Carol and Bob, Thank you so much for choosing us for your Arctic Circle Adventure and for taking the time to share with others about your experience. We appreciate your recommendation and wish you a bright fall.

Arctic Circle Tour - must do in Fairbanks!

scatcat75123, Aug 2023

I had high expectations for this tour, based on the reviews I read while planning my trip & I was not disappointed! It is a long, hard day and the road is very bumpy - but absolutely worth it!! We had a small group - only 9 of us. Paul was a fabulous tour guide & took excellent care of us! Lots of nice touches along the way - snacks, ceremony at the arctic circle, water & part-time photographer. We had a great group of travel companions & learned a lot! This was an amazing tour! I’ve booked through Viator all over the world & haven’t been disappointed yet!

Response from Host, Sep 2023

WHEW, thank you for letting us know we met your expectations. That is something we absolutely try to do. Thank you for sharing with others information about your experience and thank you for recognizing Paul for his talent as a guide. Best wishes for a bright fall.

A great trip with great people

DAVIDPETER_E, Aug 2023

Having the changing landscaped explained by someone who both knew about and loved the world we we’re experiencing. Very knowledgeable guide who lived in the land not just repeated statistics. Great stories and laughs all day. J.J as guide and driver was excellent. Thoroughly recommend this tour.

Response from Host, Aug 2023

Thank you for joining J.J. on the Original Arctic Circle Drive Adventure. We appreciate your recommendation and recognition of the talent J.J. has wen it comes to sharing Alaska's Arctic with our visitors.

Great adventure

Julie_I, Aug 2023

Excellent informative guide JJ brought everything on the tour to life. She is also a great photographer and took some great pictures of my husband and I.

Response from Host, Aug 2023

Thank you so much for sharing with others about your experience. Hope you have something wonderful planned to display your photos!

A LONG day that we're glad we did

William_S, Aug 2023

Driver/tour guide was Mel. She was great. The day was LONG and without her stories and cultural/history lessons it would have been rather boring. The scenery is pretty, but not so spectacular that you're holding your breath around each turn. Lots of little ammenities that made the trip nice - movies re: the pipeline, parks, gold mining, etc., snacks & cake at the Arctic Circle to celebrate, and the lunch/supper stop was better than expected given what sparce facilities are available. Once was enough, but we're glad we did it. We learned a lot.

Response from Host, Aug 2023

We are so glad you joined us as well. Thank you for taking the time to share with others how the full day is filled - there is more then just the long drive. Thank you again and best wishes for a great fall.

Not to be missed!

Marc_B, Aug 2023

The narration of what we were seeing as well as what we would have missed, made all the difference. Bumpy ride but wouldn't hesitate to take on this adventure again.

Response from Host, Aug 2023

Thank you for your recommendation. We appreciate you taking the time to share with others about your experience. Best wishes for a not so bumpy fall.

Just awesome

Leland_M, Aug 2023

Such a great experience or guide was just awesome would definitely recommend it to anybody The meals were good and the people were great We met people from our home state that we never seen or met before It was just a totally awesome time.