
Northern Lights & Arctic Circle Tour
Traveler rating
4.6/5
Based on 997 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Northern Lights & Arctic Circle Tour worth booking?
Northern Lights & Arctic Circle Tour is a 12-hour experience in Fairbanks, United States, from $363 per person. It scores 71 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 997 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 71 / 100
- Rating
- 4.6/5 (997)
- Duration
- 12 hours
- From
- $363 per person
Embark on an unforgettable adventure from Fairbanks to the Arctic Circle, traveling one of the world’s most remote roads through Alaska’s breathtaking wilderness. With an expert local guide leading the way, you’ll explore stunning natural landmarks, learn about the iconic Trans-Alaska Pipeline, & witness the magic of the Northern Lights. This 12 to 14-hour guided tour offers an immersive small-group experience in the comfort of a climate-controlled van. Along the way, enjoy storytelling, scenic stops, & a deeper connection to the untamed beauty of Alaska. PLEASE NOTE: You are eligible for a full refund up to 7 days before your tour.
What you get
About this experience
Embark on an unforgettable adventure from Fairbanks to the Arctic Circle, traveling one of the world’s most remote roads through Alaska’s breathtaking wilderness. With an expert local guide leading the way, you’ll explore stunning natural landmarks, learn about the iconic Trans-Alaska Pipeline, & witness the magic of the Northern Lights. This 12 to 14-hour guided tour offers an immersive small-group experience in the comfort of a climate-controlled van. Along the way, enjoy storytelling, scenic stops, & a deeper connection to the untamed beauty of Alaska. PLEASE NOTE: You are eligible for a full refund up to 7 days before your tour.
What's included
Included
- Local guide
- personalized Arctic Circle Certificate
- Hotel Pickup & Drop-Off (within Fairbanks city-limits)
- Tea and coffee
Not included
- Gratuities
- No Gluten-Free or Vegan Lunch Options Available
- Cold-Weather Gear
What you'll see and do
Alyeska Pipeline Viewing Point
With sweeping views of mountains and valleys, you will see the Trans-Alaskan Pipeline System (one of the largest pipeline systems in the world), transporting thousands of gallons of oil from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez, up close.
15 minutes here
A quick stop to allow guests to purchase souvenirs & a slice of the market's famous pie(s).
20 minutes here
Enjoy the journey across the Yukon River, as you catch a glimpse of the wildlife that inhabits Sub-Arctic Alaska. Meals available for purchase.
30 minutes here
Upon reaching the Arctic Circle, you will be met with glorious views, presented with your personalized Arctic Circle Certificate, and the opportunity to photograph the aurora borealis.
30 minutes here
James Dalton Highway
A quick stop at the Dalton Highway Sign to allow guests to take photos and enjoy the scenery. You will then travel the remote Dalton Highway to the Arctic Circle Campground (mile 115).
15 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 8 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Alaska Wild Lights
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Adult pricing applies to all travelers. We do not recommend this tour for children under the age of 10 years due to safety concerns
- Please dress appropriately. The temperatures can reach extreme conditions during the winter month and we recommend to dress in layers.
- Please note that the Northern Lights are a natural occurrence and therefore cannot be guaranteed! (no refund possible)
- The weather conditions are in no way predictable in our area and we will not offer a refund in the case of too many clouds.
- Exact schedule and itinerary of stops are subject to change based on daily conditions and Northern Lights activity on the day of your tour.
- There is a possibility of cancellation due to dangerous weather and/or road conditions. If this occurs, an alternative date or full refund will be offered.
- Type of transportation: climate controlled van
- The group size is limited to 8 people for each passenger van.
- Customers are strongly encouraged to rotate seats at least a few times on the tour to give each person the opportunity of having a different view.
- This tour requires being able to enter and exit our van with limited assistance. Please contact us if you have any concerns about mobility.
- Every guest must sign a waiver before any tour so they clearly acknowledge the inherent risks of wilderness travel, assume responsibility for their own safety, and confirm they are medically able to participate.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 990 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
990 verified traveler reviews for Northern Lights & Arctic Circle Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Milo was...
Milo was exceptional—knowledgeable, friendly, and incredibly helpful throughout the entire experience. We were fortunate to witness a breathtaking aurora dancing across the sky and even captured the magical moment on video. This made my birthday truly unforgettable, Thank you, Milo! 🌌✨
via Viator
Disappointed
Not very good, coming to see the Auroras, because of the whether not been able to see them disappointed and you guys knew there was almost 0 chance of see in them and not cancel the tour, also over price, and vehicles need to be upgraded for the long ride and rough terrain
via Tripadvisor
Great tour, great guide, no lights - not for lack of trying!
Jessica was a fantastic tour guide for our trip. Very knowledgeable and willing to answer any and all questions. She took great care of OC us and the drive truly wasn’t bad (though long). She made every effort to find the lights on the way back but the weather did us in.
via Tripadvisor
Thank you Alaska Wild Lights
WOW! Thank you Alaska Wild Lights for the Awesome Trip with the most amazing guides who were very friendly, kind, knowledgeable, and passionate about the Aurora's. We got the most amazing picutres of the Aurora's and making it to the Arctic Circle was incredible. If you like adventure, and seeing some of the most beautifuly landscapes & skyscapes on the planet, I HIGHLY encourage you to take this trip!
via Tripadvisor
Excellent Tour
Our guide was Milo -A++++++. His knowledge and enthusiasm were quite evident during our adventure. I highly recommend this tour and with Milo, you’d be in great hands. I’m sure the other tour guides are great as well. We too lots of great shots of the Northern lights on our trip. My wife and high are extremely pleased.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 12 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 349
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Alaska Wild Lights, who run 8 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 68.3.
See everything Alaska Wild Lights runsWhy this scores 71
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Northern Lights & Arctic Circle Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Fairbanks.
How much does Northern Lights & Arctic Circle Tour cost?
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Prices start at $363 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 & Arctic Circle Tour take?
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Plan for about 12 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 & Arctic Circle Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 71 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 997 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 & Arctic Circle Tour?
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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 & Arctic Circle Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 12-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Northern Lights & Arctic Circle Tour?
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Around 349 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 12-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Northern Lights & Arctic Circle Tour 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 & Arctic Circle Tour?
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Included: Local guide; personalized Arctic Circle Certificate; Hotel Pickup & Drop-Off (within Fairbanks city-limits); and Tea and coffee. Not included: Gratuities; No Gluten-Free or Vegan Lunch Options Available; and Cold-Weather Gear. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Northern Lights & Arctic Circle Tour include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 30 listed pickup locations in and around Fairbanks.
What languages is Northern Lights & Arctic Circle Tour 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 & Arctic Circle Tour?
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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.
Is Northern Lights & Arctic Circle Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: This tour requires being able to enter and exit our van with limited assistance. Please co. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Northern Lights & Arctic Circle Tour 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 & Arctic Circle Tour?
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Across 997 reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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