Some Alaska travelers set their sights on a fascinating journey to a very distinct destination and a truly unique adventure in Alaska: visiting the Arctic Circle. For context, to be fair, most Alaska visitors rarely get north of Fairbanks, located in the heart of Alaska’s Interior. But about 400 rough road miles north of Fairbanks other intrepid folks will find the Arctic Circle. Getting there is an ambitious accomplishment (it takes time and logistical planning) but is an incredibly memorable and inspiring journey that transports you into the deepest of Alaska’s wilderness, remote landscapes, natural beauty, and history.
Dreaming of a truly off-the-beaten-path Alaska experience? Forget just going to Fairbanks – some awesome folks head way north to the Arctic Circle! It takes some planning, but trust us, it’s an unforgettable trip into the real Alaskan wilderness.
How to Get Your Arctic On
The Arctic region can be very unforgiving. We highly recommend traveling via an organized tour for safety and ease of mind. Tours up to the Artic offer a few cool ways to reach the Arctic Circle:
- Fly! Take a scenic flight for a quick and amazing view.
- Bus Tour: Relax and let someone else do the driving on a guided tour.
- Fly & Drive Combo: Get the best of both worlds!
The road north is mostly for big trucks heading to and from the oil fields. But the sights? Totally worth it! On a driving segment of a tour up to the Arctic you’ll see:
- Old Gold Rush spots
- The impressive Trans Alaska Pipeline
- Loads of wildlife (bears, moose, caribou, and more!)
- Wild rivers, like the famous Yukon
- Stunning Alaska scenery – forests, mountains, and wide-open tundra
Why make the trip to Alaska’s Arctic Circle?
Why Make the Arctic Circle Trek?
Here are five reasons to add this to your Alaska must-do list:
#1: Epic Photo & Bragging Rights!
Crossing the Arctic Circle? That’s a story few get to tell! It’s not as easy as reaching other famous lines on the map, especially since driving can be tricky. But hey, that’s part of the adventure! For some great ways to experience this, check out the Arctic Circle tours offered on alaskatours.com, like the Arctic Circle Fly and Drive for a mix of air and road travel, the Arctic Circle Air Adventure for a stunning flightseeing trip, and the Arctic Circle Summer Drive Adventure if you prefer a guided road journey during the warmer months.
When you get there, you’ll see a cool wooden sign marking the spot. Time for that brag-worthy photo! Many tours even give you a certificate to prove you were there.
Arcitc Circle flightseeing tours from Fairbanks.
Arriving at the Arctic Circle is both exciting and unceremonious – exciting because you’ve actually made it, and unceremonious because this grand “circle” is marked by a big wooden sign, albeit a really cool carved one complete with that shows the circle passing over Alaska. This is the perfect place for a photo opp of a moment you’ll never forget, and many companies will even supply you with a frame-worthy certificate recognizing your Arctic Circle visit.
#2: A True “Only in Alaska” Experience!
Whether you fly or drive, the trip is beautiful. Keep your eyes peeled for amazing wildlife and incredible views right after you leave Fairbanks. You’ll see the Yukon River, reminders of the Gold Rush, and the Trans Alaska Pipeline. From huge mountains to endless rivers and lakes, this trip is pure Alaska wilderness. Reaching the Arctic Circle is just the finale!
Alaska Muskox: An “Only in Alaska” highlight! (Austin Blackwell)
#3: Maybe Catch the Magical Northern Lights!
Visiting in winter? It gets dark and cold up north, but there’s a huge perk – the Northern Lights! Near the Arctic Circle on a clear winter night, you’ve got a great chance to see them dance. Being so far from city lights means they’re often brighter and more colorful. Want to see them? Alaskatours.com features options like the Arctic Circle Northern Lights Fly/Drive and the Arctic Circle Northern Lights Overnight Adventure for a chance to witness this unforgettable spectacle.
Experience the Northern Lights near the Arctic Circle
#4: Feel the Friendly Vibe of Coldfoot, Alaska
Want to experience a real small Alaska town? Coldfoot, about 60 miles north of the Arctic Circle, is the only place to grab food and lodging along the highway. It can be super cold in winter (it’s one of the coldest spots in Alaska!), but it’s also a fantastic place to see the Northern Lights and enjoy winter activities.
While Coldfoot offers simple, container-style lodging as part of a guided experience rather than a standalone stay, it’s a memorable stop on many of our Alaska Tours Arctic Circle adventures. You get a real taste of remote Alaska. So, while we don’t book individual stays there, if exploring the Arctic and experiencing a place this f
Coldfoot Camp
#5: A Milestone on the Road to Prudhoe Bay
For the really adventurous, the Arctic Circle is a stop on the way to Prudhoe Bay, the very end of the road and a hub for Alaska’s oil industry. The Dalton Highway or a flight will take you to Deadhorse, a remote spot with tundra as far as you can see. You’ll likely spot more wildlife here. And if you make it all the way to the Arctic Ocean, why not dip a toe in (if you dare!)? If you’re on a guided tour, getting to the ocean is usually easier. Solo travelers might need special permission. And hey, watch out for polar bears! Now that’s a story to tell!
Alaska Tours Arctic Circle Sample Tour Map
No matter how you want to explore the Arctic Circle, the Alaska Tours team is here to help with all the details. So, come on up and make your own Arctic adventure happen!