For travelers eager for a chance to see the northern lights, this high-latitude tour is a worthwhile adventure. The full day includes a one-hour flightseeing trip to Coldfoot, and a guided ground tour back south on the Dalton Highway.
A chance to see the northern lights.
The tour starts on a small plane bound for the remote Arctic village of Coldfoot. If you're traveling in the fall, the tundra burns with autumn color. The view in winter is stark white, frosty blue, and cold grey. Both scenes are astounding in their own ways. The route runs above the marshes and rivers of the Yukon-Tanana uplands, before reaching its destination 60 miles north of the Arctic Circle.
After landing at the quiet Coldfoot airport, the group is met by their driver-guide for the return ground tour. The guide makes stops to see the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, the famed Arctic Circle sign, and other points of interest on the way. The Arctic Circle Trading Post in Joy, Alaska, makes for a comfortable base to look for the Aurora Borealis as it waves its luminous way through the polar night sky. After a few hours of potential viewing, the trip concludes back in Fairbanks.
Arctic Circle Aurora Fly/Drive Adventure guests spend one hour flying to Coldfoot, 12 to 13 hours on a guided driving tour back to Fairbanks, and two to three hours at the Arctic Circle Trading Post for potential aurora viewing. As with all weather phenomena, the Aurora Borealis may or may not be visible, but this is an excellent time of year to see them. Guests must check in at the tour operator office at least 60 minutes prior to tour departure.
As with most of Alaska, the weather above the Arctic Circle can be unpredictable. If you're traveling in the fall, dress in layers and take a warm jacket. In the winter wear a hat, gloves, boots, and a very warm outer layer. Bring a camera, extra camera batteries, binoculars, and snacks. Because the trip goes into remote locations, bring essential medications as well.
Accurate passenger weight is required for aircraft weight and balance. Guests are limited to 5 to 10 pounds of additional luggage per person. Alaska's Arctic is true wilderness. Although rare, weather or mechanical factors can result in multi-hour delays. Medical facilities, communication, and transportation infrastructure are limited. Travelers to this region should be in reasonable health and physical condition.
The Arctic Circle Aurora Fly/Drive Adventure departs from the tour operator terminal on the east ramp of the Fairbanks Airport. The tour operator provides return shuttle rides to Fairbanks hotels for a small fee.
Arctic Circle Aurora Fly/Drive Adventure
3820 University Avenue
Fairbanks, AK 99709
Here are the rates and operating dates for this product. Remember, we have a lowest price guarantee for nearly everything we sell.
There is no child rate for this service, and it is not recommended for younger children.
| Dates | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|
| 2/1/24 (Th) to 2/9/24 (F)2/1/24 (Th) to 2/9/24 (F) | Adult: $569.00 | Child: $569.00 |
| 2/10/24 (Sa) to 3/31/24 (Su)2/10/24 (Sa) to 3/31/24 (Su) | Adult: $609.00 | Child: $609.00 |
| 4/1/24 (M) to 4/21/24 (Su)4/1/24 (M) to 4/21/24 (Su) | Adult: $569.00 | Child: $569.00 |
| 8/21/24 (W) to 9/18/24 (W)8/21/24 (W) to 9/18/24 (W) | Adult: $549.00 | Child: $549.00 |
| The rates above are subject to change without notice. | ||
Departure times and locations are listed below. Click on a link for an interactive map.
| Depart | Location |
|---|---|
| Depart: 1:00 PM | Location: Northern Alaska Tours Office |
Select a departure below to see current availability. If your desired date is sold out (red) we will do our best to find an alternative, but we may not be able to accommodate your request.
"The staff was knowledgeable and friendly both on the plane and the drive back. Mainly went for Aurora and got to see them."
~Paul from Alabama~
