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No trip to Alaska is complete without the opportunity to experience the wilderness, the Northern Lights, Mount Denali, and the Arctic Circle.
Enter through time The Arctic Circle is an experience worth visitingthe best way to do it is with an aerial tour that combines stunning views with a seamless journey into this pristine wilderness.
Sometimes called the Gateway to the Arctic, Fairbanks is an ideal place to start your tour. Traveling by air from Fairbanks is cheaper than traveling from Anchorage, and you can take a driving tour for a fraction of the cost of traveling by air.
The Arctic Circle is located at 66 degrees 33' north latitude, approximately 200 miles by road or 140 miles by air from Fairbanks.
At the summer solstice (around June 21st/22nd), areas above the Arctic Circle will experience the “midnight sun” and 24 hours of continuous sunshine.
During the winter solstice (around December 21st/22nd), the sun will not rise and the Arctic will experience 24 hours of twilight or darkness.
The further away you are from the Arctic Circle, the longer the duration of daylight or darkness in summer and winter.
In this guide, I’ll show you what makes Arctic Aviation the best choice for exploring the Arctic Arctic Circle from Fairbanks And why air travel should be on your Alaska bucket list, so get ready Itinerary – experience.
Arctic Circle Overview:
- Price starting from:
- $499-$1500 /per person
- period:
- 12-13 hours
- Departure time:
- 1:00 pm
- date:
- May 21 to August 20, 2025
Tour overview
arctic air tours It started with the tour company picking us up from our hotel, Pike's Lodge, which was about a 20-minute drive from the airport.
When we arrived at the Northern Alaska Tours office for our Arctic Circle flight/driving tour, the check-in process was quick and easy.
you will need a Valid driving license,read privacy policy, Valid major credit card This will check you in.
After checking in, they provided us with your itinerary information for the day. we will take small plane Head to Coldfoot for lunch and have time to explore this little outpost before driving back to Fairbanks.
Along the way, we’ll stop in the tundra and have dinner at Yukon River Campground, the perfect spot to stretch out and take in the remote surroundings and natural beauty. arctic trading post.
We visited the rugged Dalton Highway and the Yukon River, and visited the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, where we received Official Arctic Circle Expedition Certificate
Now that the official introduction to the Arctic Circle is out of the way, let’s get real about the return trip. Those roads are rough. I had the great idea to bring my laptop because I thought it would be a way to be more productive and get some work done on the 8+ hour drive back to Fairbanks.
Well, that didn't happen. The Arctic Circle is so remote that there is no Wi-Fi and even mobile phones cannot be used. I was off the grid and completely isolated, which may sound peaceful, but honestly, potholes are a different story.
I'm not exaggerating when I say they are as big as craters. Every time I try to put my head against the window, I get a headache from the bounce of the window. Mostly gravel avenues.
sleep? Forget it. But despite the bad road conditions, our tour guide was great. He was very knowledgeable and shared great stories about Alaskan history, the remarkable Trans-Alaska Pipeline, and the mighty Yukon River, which really helped pass the time.
Be prepared for a few hours of deathly silence, save for the hum of the bus and the occasional bump to keep you company.
Our next stop was the iconic Arctic Circle sign, where we jumped out of the car to take photos and officially commemorate the moment of crossing this legendary line.
After taking a few photos and admiring the distant views, we headed to Yukon River Campground for dinner along the famous Dalton Highway, famous for its ice road truckers, but not before we Stop by the stunning Arctic tundra.
Now, this place is actually in the middle of nowhere, so don't expect a five-star dining experience, but it was just what I needed after a long day.
The restaurant is basic but warm, the food is decent and the bathrooms are clean (a big plus in such a remote location!).
I had the chili, which was hearty and comforting. They also have burgers, salads, tea and sodas – nothing fancy, but just right.
They also provide Hot drinks Things like tea and coffee can help keep you warm in cold weather.
When we checked in earlier in the day they gave us meal vouchers which we handed over to get our food. It's simple but satisfying, and after hours of bumpy roads, having a hot meal in a clean space feels like a luxury.
Comprehensive postal trade store
Next up was the Wildwood General Post and Trading Store, our last stop before the long drive back to Fairbanks.
We were scheduled to stay until 4am, which gave us the perfect opportunity to rest and hopefully witness the Northern Lights in all their glory.
The store was a cozy place with games to pass the time, hot cocoa to keep us warm, and comfy couches to relax on while we waited for the aurora to appear.
The experience would be better if you relaxed with some hot cocoa, but I'm not going to lie. Now, I'm ready to head back to the hotel and lie down in a warm bed, but not before I receive my official Arctic Circle certificate.
I've had enough of the Dalton Highway.
Popular travel:
car rental
No, on most Arctic Circle tours you cannot rent a car to return from the Arctic Circle. These roads, especially the Dalton Highway, are extremely remote and rough and can be dangerous for those unfamiliar with the area.
Most Arctic Circle flight and driving tours, such as those offered by Arctic Airlines and Northern Alaska Travel Companyproviding return guided transportation.
These tour operators use specially equipped tourist vehicles driven by experienced tour guides who are familiar with rough road conditions.
If you plan to travel to the Arctic Circle alone, 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 best to check with the rental company and consider guided tours for a safer and more convenient experience, as compact car rentals are prohibited on the Dalton Highway.
in conclusion:
When we finally got back to Fairbanks after a long night at the Wildwood Trading Post, I was grateful that I had experienced the Arctic Circle Flying and Driving Tour because I knew that very few people would fly over the Arctic Circle .
Yes, the drive was long—more than eight hours without Wi-Fi, bumping over some of the roughest roads I've ever experienced.
The food along the way was simple and nothing fancy, but it kept us warm and energized.
Despite the challenges, the experience is worth it, experiencing Alaska wildlife, migratory birds and dog sledding arrive extraordinary wilderness of Northern Hemisphere.
(Dog Sledding – Available December 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 crossed it off my bucket list.
mine Favorite stretch of highway It's tundra. It was so cool to walk and jump around on the soft grass.
I made incredible memories (and tons of photos) that I will cherish for the rest of my life.
travel insurance
Having travel insurance is crucial when planning a trip to the Arctic Circle, especially when taking part in trips to remote areas such as Arctic Circle flights and driving tours.
The Arctic is extremely isolated, probably not the safest place, Therefore, access to medical facilities is limited, so it is crucial to be prepared for any eventuality.
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Did My Fairbanks Arctic Circle Tours give you all the information you need to plan a trip of a lifetime through the Arctic Circle, tundra, and northern lights to help you make your decision?
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