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Arctic Circle and Northern Lights Dalton Highway Tour

34 Reviews 4.91 out of 5 stars Based on 34 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers | Fairbanks, USA
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 39 (24) days in advance.

13 to 14 hours (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

Journey north from Fairbanks along the Dalton Highway, one of the most remote and northerly roads accessible by vehicle, to the Arctic Circle. You’ll spend the day moving deeper into Alaska’s far north as forest thins and the landscape opens into wide valleys and tundra.

We make several scenic stops at viewpoints for photos and short walks throughout the day, including time at the Arctic Circle sign (66°33′N).

On the return, the late-night drive is timed for prime aurora viewing hours, with a chance to see the northern lights. Your guide uses real-time aurora forecasts to choose the best stops and timing.

This is primarily a road-based experience with short, easy walks and ongoing commentary from your knowledgeable Alaskan guide.

Non-smoking tour. Guests must be 15 or older. Groups limited to 6 guests in a new 11-passenger van fully outfitted for Arctic conditions, with guaranteed window seats, an unhurried pace, regular breaks, and flexibility, plus snacks, water, & hot drinks.

What's Included

  • Ample, flexible stops for photos, fresh air, and short walks along the route
  • Transportation in a comfortable, fully winter-equipped AWD van
  • Pickup and drop-off from hotels and Airbnbs within Fairbanks and North Pole
  • Dinner Lunch/dinner is not included. You may bring your own food to eat at the Yukon River Camp or order from their restaurant for our main meal stop around 4-5 PM
  • Appropriate winter clothing and cold-weather gear
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Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point
Pickup details

Pickups around Fairbanks generally take place between 11:15-12:00 PM. Your exact pickup time and location will be confirmed no later than 4 PM the day before your tour; please be ready 5 minutes early. Pickup is within the Fairbanks/North Pole area; contact us in advance if you’re outside city limits to see if we can accommodate your location.

What To Expect

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Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Alyeska Pipeline Viewing Point

A world-famous engineering landmark running alongside the route, with roadside viewpoints and photo stops along the way.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

James Dalton Highway

One of the world’s most remote and northerly highways, stretching from the forests north of Fairbanks into Alaska’s vast far-north country. We'll stop for photos at the James Dalton Highway sign before we travel the first 115 miles along the Haul Road to the Arctic Circle sign (tour does not proceed all the way to Coldfoot as may be displayed on TripAdvisor's itinerary map for this stop)
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Yukon River Camp

A scenic stop at the Yukon River, where we cross the only bridge on the Dalton Highway. Guests have time to warm up indoors, enjoy dinner, and step outside for photos overlooking this vast Interior Alaska waterway.
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45 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Finger Mountain (pass by)

A high-country wayside with sweeping tundra views, where the landscape begins to feel distinctly northern.
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BLM Arctic Circle Monument Sign

A classic roadside stop at the Arctic Circle marker for photos and a brief break before turning south.
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30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Show 4 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • No cigarette smoking at any point during the tour, including stops. Cigarette odor carries back into the van. Vaping is allowed only well away from other guests and the vehicle — never inside.
  • This tour is not recommended for anyone with serious health conditions, including back problems or other conditions that could be aggravated by an extended day of sitting and travel on a remote, often rough industrial road far from services and immediate medical care.
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Arctic Circle and Northern Lights Dalton Highway Tour?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (AKST).This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

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Activity code: C-5619204P3

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.91
34 reviews

Average 4.91 out of 5 stars based on 34 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
31
4 stars
3
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 39 (24) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • Ample, flexible stops for photos, fresh air, and short walks along the route
  • Transportation in a comfortable, fully winter-equipped AWD van
  • Pickup and drop-off from hotels and Airbnbs within Fairbanks and North Pole
  • Snacks, bottled water, and hot drinks (teas, hot chocolate, coffee)
  • Small-group experience (maximum 6 guests) with a guaranteed window seat
  • Experienced local guide with live commentary
  • DinnerLunch/dinner is not included. You may bring your own food to eat at the Yukon River Camp or order from their restaurant for our main meal stop around 4-5 PM
  • Appropriate winter clothing and cold-weather gear

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • No cigarette smoking at any point during the tour, including stops. Cigarette odor carries back into the van. Vaping is allowed only well away from other guests and the vehicle — never inside.
  • This tour is not recommended for anyone with serious health conditions, including back problems or other conditions that could be aggravated by an extended day of sitting and travel on a remote, often rough industrial road far from services and immediate medical care.
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers

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