
Northern Lights and Arctic Circle Trip from Fairbanks
Traveler rating
4.6/5
Based on 183 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Northern Lights and Arctic Circle Trip from Fairbanks worth booking?
Northern Lights and Arctic Circle Trip from Fairbanks is a 14-hour experience in Fairbanks, United States, from $330 per person. It scores 64 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 183 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 64 / 100
- Rating
- 4.6/5 (183)
- Duration
- 14 hours
- From
- $330 per person
On this full-day trip from Fairbanks, you'll acquire plenty of bragging rights for friends back home as you cross the Arctic Circle and (hopefully) see the Northern Lights. Take in the landscape of Alaska's unspoiled wilderness while enjoying comfortable transport and narration from a guide. A light meal and hotel transport are included.
What you get
About this experience
On this full-day trip from Fairbanks, you'll acquire plenty of bragging rights for friends back home as you cross the Arctic Circle and (hopefully) see the Northern Lights. Take in the landscape of Alaska's unspoiled wilderness while enjoying comfortable transport and narration from a guide. A light meal and hotel transport are included.
What's included
Included
- Hot drink
- Driver/guide
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off (at all major hotels in town)
- Sandwich and sweets
- Live commentary on board
Not included
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Alyeska Pipeline Viewing Point
Get a close up view of the famous pipeline and learn interesting facts about the engineering and building period.
20 minutes here
BLM Arctic Circle Monument Sign
Have your picture taken at Arctic Circle and receive your Arctic Circle Certificate.
45 minutes here
Yukon River
Walk right to the edge of Alaska’s most famous river.
30 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 60 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
Autumn Arctic Circle w/ Aurora
Travel the famous Dalton Highway on your way to the Arctic Circle. Watch for the majestic Northern Lights to make an appearance, while you enjoy beautiful scenery, Alaskan history and short hikes. Pickup included
Winter Arctic Circle w/ Aurora
Travel the famous Dalton Highway on your way to the Arctic Circle. Watch for the majestic Northern Lights to make an appearance, while you enjoy beautiful scenery, Alaskan history and short hikes. Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 12 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- 1st Alaska Outdoor School
Know before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Vegetarian option is available; please advise at time of booking if required
- A minimum of 4 people to operate the tour
- Please dress for varying weather conditions
- Please note: Aurora Borealis / Northern Lights is a natural phenomenon and can not be guaranteed. There is NO refund if the Aurora Borealis / Northern Lights can not be seen.
- Only allow age of 5+ to participate
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 183 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Value for money
5 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Photo opportunities
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
183 verified traveler reviews for Northern Lights and Arctic Circle Trip from Fairbanks. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
October on the Dalton Highway
The earlier comments ensured we knew what to expect and brought extra food to eat. Sasha was our tour guide and driver. He knew all the answers to all our questions and allowed for detours, such as to see the Alaskian Oil Pipeline up close. The drive was long and unfortunately the weather was overcast, so we were unable to see them. Overall, it still a great adventure.
via Tripadvisor
Emphasize how long the...
Emphasize how long the day is and how much it is worth it! There are plenty of stops for bathroom breaks and photo ops. Vista's are gorgeous and standing at the Artic Circle is a fantastic memory.
via Viator
It is a very long and...
It is a very long and bumpy road , it was beautiful to see but a very long day. We got to see the lights at several stops.
via Viator
Arctic Circle and Chasing Aurora
We had an amazing experience. We will give it a 10/10. Our tour guide , Tanner Klaus, was funny and entertaining. He was also very patient . The trip to the Arctic Circle was quite an experience.It was our first time to travel that long, on a rough and dirt road but we had so much fun because of Tanner. Every bumps on the Dalton Highway was like a roller coaster ride LOL. He was very patient and we can tell that he really likes what he does.He also has a very good eye for the Aurora. We had 2 great sightings of it and what a way for us to cap the night. The trip was all worth it and we will recommend it to our friends. Thank you Mr. Klaus for giving us an experience of a lifetime! —-Mario and Marie
via Tripadvisor
A trip of a Lifetime
Danielle was our guide and without him we would never have got to see the best aurora of our life time. Driving through the Dalton highway, amidst all the chaotic road bumps around midnight, Danielle kept an eye out for the aurora and every time there were lights we stopped. The final dance of the northern lights happened around 1:30 am and what a dance it was. Thanks to him and 1st Alaska tours for this wonderful memory.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 14 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 64
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by 1st Alaska Outdoor School, who run 23 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 53.0.
See everything 1st Alaska Outdoor School runsWhy this scores 64
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Northern Lights and Arctic Circle Trip from Fairbanks: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Fairbanks.
How much does Northern Lights and Arctic Circle Trip from Fairbanks cost?
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Prices start at $330 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Fairbanks usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Northern Lights and Arctic Circle Trip from Fairbanks take?
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Plan for about 14 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Fairbanks is not rushed.
Is Northern Lights and Arctic Circle Trip from Fairbanks worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 64 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 183 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Fairbanks, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Northern Lights and Arctic Circle Trip from Fairbanks?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is Northern Lights and Arctic Circle Trip from Fairbanks suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 14-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Northern Lights and Arctic Circle Trip from Fairbanks?
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Around 64 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Fairbanks can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Fairbanks and add a light layer if any part of the 14-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Northern Lights and Arctic Circle Trip from Fairbanks start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Fairbanks within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Fairbanks?
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Fairbanks is the aurora capital of interior Alaska: heated viewing lodges, late-night chase tours, Arctic Circle day drives up the Dalton Highway, dog sledding and summer riverboat cruises. On Outty we rank every Fairbanks experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Northern Lights - Aurora with FREE Photos - Arctic Night Tours, Dog Sledding and Mushing Experience in North Pole, Fairbanks Ice Fishing Expedition in a Heated Cabin with Fish Cookout. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Fairbanks?
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Late August to April for aurora, June to August for midnight-sun river trips. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Fairbanks?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Northern Lights and Arctic Circle Trip from Fairbanks?
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Included: Hot drink; Driver/guide; Hotel pick-up and drop-off (at all major hotels in town); Sandwich and sweets; and Live commentary on board. Not included: Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Northern Lights and Arctic Circle Trip from Fairbanks include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 17 listed pickup locations in and around Fairbanks. Be ready about 60 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Northern Lights and Arctic Circle Trip from Fairbanks offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Northern Lights and Arctic Circle Trip from Fairbanks?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
What happens to Northern Lights and Arctic Circle Trip from Fairbanks if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Northern Lights and Arctic Circle Trip from Fairbanks?
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Across 183 reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, value for money, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
What booking options are available for Northern Lights and Arctic Circle Trip from Fairbanks?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Autumn Arctic Circle w/ Aurora, Winter Arctic Circle w/ Aurora. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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