SDFA01 Arctic Circle Adventure Tour

end: Fairbanks
map/image selection: Map
Code: SDFA01

SDFA01 Arctic Circle Adventure Tour

Join our Arctic Circle Van Tour and experience the famous northern arctic region above the Arctic Circle. The Dalton Highway slices through northern Alaska from Livengood, crossing the Arctic Circle to the oil fields of Prudhoe Bay. Built in 1974 as the service road for the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, the highway is not to be taken lightly. It's a mostly gravel thoroughfare often ruled by 18-wheelers. Services are few, and signs warn of everything from steep grades to avalanches. However, the signs say little of the road's chief attribute: some of North America's most dramatic scenery. The 414-mile road from Livengood to Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, carves a path through forest and tundra, crosses the Yukon River, traverses the towering Brooks Range, and passes over the North Slope to end at the Arctic Ocean. Your guided tour includes the overnight in Coldfoot. The hotel is rustic by urban standards, the hotel is clean and each room has a private bath, a luxury in the wilderness.

Booking Request Inquire A Trip

Itinerary
Prices & Dates
Attractions & Add-ons
Accommodation
Rental Car
Map
Information
Reviews

Fairbanks ( Overnight: Fairbanks )

Welcome to Fairbanks - the "Golden Heart City". You are invited to explore the local gold rush history, its vibrant traditional native cultures as well as abundant wildlife and fantastic scenery. This morning you may visit the renown Alaska University Museum featuring Alaska's natural history best collection, Alaskaland or take an authentic sternwheeler on a scenic 20-mile roundtrip cruise down the Chena and Tanana Rivers. Guided van tour along the Dalton Highway or flightseeing tour to the Arctic Circle is super popular choice for experiencing the Arctic Circle and Yukon River. Enjoy a bush mail plane flight or a flightseeing trip to Fort Yukon to understand as well as experience how the Gwich'in Athabascan Natives live in "Bush" Alaska.

Fairbanks – Coldfoot / Arctic Circle ( Travel Distance: 260 miles | Overnight: Coldfoot )

Your guided tour departs Fairbanks early morning in a comfortable van. Travel along the remarkable Trans Alaska Pipeline as you follow the Dalton Highway, the solitary land route of Alaska's Arctic wilderness. Visit the Arctic Circle Trading Post in Joy and traverse the mighty Yukon River. Marvel at the beauty of the northland's most famous waterway and learn of the River's storied past. A favorite stretch of the highway for many falls between the Yukon River and Arctic Circle, where you encounter tundra and taiga, with evocative granite outcrops around Finger Mountain. Cross the Arctic Circle in ceremonious fashion and receive the Arctic Circle Certificate.

Coldfoot / Arctic Circle – Flight to Fairbanks ( Overnight: Fairbanks )

Depart for an adventurous guided van tour into the Brooks Range to Atigun Pass. This is the northernmost pass in the world that is kept open year-round. Then we head into the Brooks Range, where sky-stabbing spires of bare rock tower over 7,000 feet. As the road drops, it skirts the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, home to caribou and the nesting ground for millions of migratory birds. An impressive 158 species have been recorded in the region, and many birds can be seen along the highway, from songbirds to flocks of migrating waterfowl to shorebird and raptors. Return to Coldfoot mid afternoon. Fly back to Fairbanks with eagle views of the remarkable Trans Alaska Pipeline. Included: Brooks Range Sightseeing Tour

Fairbanks

Spend the morning relaxing or doing your favourite outdoor activities. If time allows visit the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center in downtown Fairbanks. The center showcases a number of free exhibits showcasing Interior Alaska’s people, wildlife, landscapes and seasons. Enjoy free films and programs on Alaska’s natural and cultural history. Transfer to the airport or optional tour extension.

Rates in US $ / per Person

Comfort Hotel Category	Single	Double	Triple	Quad	Child
May 20 - May 31	$1334	$956	$881	$819	$755
June 1 - August 21	$1334	$956	$881	$819	$755
August 22 - September 23	$1743	$1315	$1301	$1239	$755

First Class Hotel Category	Single	Double	Triple	Quad	Child
May 20 - May 31	$1469	$1023	$908	$826	$755
June 1 - August 21	$1469	$1023	$908	$826	$755
August 22 - September 23	$1878	$1382	$1328	$1246	$755

What’s included

2 Nights Comfort OR First-Class Accommodation in Fairbanks

1 Basic Overnight at Coldfoot

Hotel and State Taxes

Fairbanks Airport & Hotel Transfers

Escorted Van Tour Fairbanks - Coldfoot

Brooks Range Sightseeing Tour

Flight Coldfoot - Fairbanks

Tour Documentation

Sightseeing Information

Tour Departures

Daily from May 20th – September 15th

Fairbanks: Riverboat Discovery Sternwheeler Cruise

If you've ever read Mark Twain you know of his days as a riverboat captain. Did you know that Jack London was a riverboat pilot as well? Here's your chance to experience the adventure these renowned writers enjoyed as you cruise aboard the authentic sternwheeler riverboat Discovery II, rated the number one boat tour in North America. Enjoy a lively narration as you view a trapper's cabin, log homes, and a bush pilot performance. Visit the home of four time Iditarod champion Susan Butcher, as you pass Trail Breaker Kennels along the Chena River. Learn first hand about kennel life and the challenges that go into making a champion dogsled team. You'll make a stop at the historic site of a Chena Indian village to see native crafters in action and to learn abut Native Alaskan hunting and fishing at an Athabascan Fish Camp.

More Details & Pricing

Accommodation

First Class Hotel Category (**** Hotels & Lodges)

First Class Hotels tend to provide additional amenities such as on-site restaurant, Lounge, Bar, Fireplace Seating, Fitness Facility, Swimming Pool / Hot Tub etc. All First Class Hotel Rooms are of higher category and are always equipped with a private bathroom. Most of these Category Hotels are normally located in prime downtown locations or within national parks. These include larger hotel chains are for example: Marriott Hotels, Sheraton, Westmark Hotels, Princess Hotels and Lodges, Clarion Suites, Comfort Inn & Suite. The larger hotel chains are only available in Anchorage and Fairbanks. In case of non-availability of a larger hotel chain, we prefer to book locally owned Premium Hotels / Deluxe Cabins or Cottage for our clients. Please note that First class accommodation may not be available in small locations and in such cases we will then book the best available accommodation.

Comfort Hotel Category (*** Hotels, Motels & Lodges)

Comfort Hotels offer a good amount of essential guest services and are located in downtown locations and/or in/near national park areas. All Comfort Hotel Rooms are provided with private bathroom facilities. Example larger hotel chains for Comfort Hotel Category are: Holiday Inn, Howard Johnson, Guesthouse Inn, Ramada Inn, High Country Inn. As you might be aware, that these hotel chains are not available throughout Alaska. In such cases or/and when we feel that Alaskan owned hotels & lodges offer a better experience, we go with that choice. Cabins and Cottages also considered in this category to make your experience even more ‘Alaskan’. We ensure that all the Cabins & Cottages have a private bath to make your stay comfortable.

Rental Car

We have compiled a list of car rental categories that fit Alaska trips and are suitable for various budgets, trip durations, as well as group sizes. Please ask us for the category that best fits your requirements.

Mid Size Car (included - part of the tour package / additional day $150)

Generally, midsize cars measure between 180 to 195 inches in length but can vary depending on specific models. Mid-size cars, also commonly known as intermediate or standard cars, are four-door sedans that are more spacious than compact cars while still being fuel-efficient. They can fit 3 or sometimes 4 bags depending on the model. They feature more interior space compared to compact cars and offer comfortable seating for four to five passengers.

Sample Models: Toyota Corolla, Chevrolet Cruze, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Forte, Mazda 3, Nissan Sentra, Toyota Matrix, Toyota Prius Hybrid or similar

Sample Features: 4 Doors - 5 Passengers - 1 Large Suitcase, 2 Small Suitcase –Air-Conditioning - Automatic Transmission

Full Size Car (upgrade $8 per day / additional day $160)

Full Size cars are what many people would describe as large cars. A full-size car typically refers to a vehicle that offers more extensive interior space, comfort, and power compared to smaller vehicles such as compact or midsize cars. These cars usually have larger dimensions, including length, width, and height. They commonly feature roomy interiors with ample seating for five or more passengers along with expanded trunk capacity for luggage or cargo. Historically, full-size cars were synonymous with large sedans boasting V8 engines and body-on-frame construction. While this has changed over time due to evolving industry trends and technological advancements, what remains consistent is the emphasis on spaciousness, comfort, and performance these vehicles provide.

Sample Models: Chevrolet Impala, Toyota Camry, Kia Elantra, Buick LaCrosse or similar

Sample Features: 4 Doors - 5 Passengers - 2 Large Suitcase, 2 Small Suitcase –Air-conditioning - Automatic Transmission - Adjustable Steering - Cruise Control

Standard Size SUV (upgrade $55 per day / additional day $210)

SUVs (short for sport or suburban utility vehicles) are good-sized vehicles with a rugged look, set higher off the road than normal cars. In an SUV, the description of “standard” generally refers to the size of the SUV. The standard SUV is larger than the intermediate or compact versions. These full-size models are more powerful, like a truck, and they are usually more equipped to handle a wider variety of terrains and road conditions as well. In addition to being powerful, their size also means that they typically have more seating capacity than the smaller SUVs. They can seat more passengers and have more cargo space for transporting luggage and equipment.

Sample Models: Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Explorer, Nissan Pathfinder, Kia Sorento, Mazda Cx-9, Toyota 4 Runner or similar

Sample Features: 4 Doors - 5 Passengers - 3 Large Suitcase, 2 Small Suitcase – Air-conditioning - Automatic Transmission

Premium SUV (upgrade $170 per day / additional day $325)

A favorite of weekend warriors and full-time adventurers, this sturdy SUV rental boasts versatile interior and strong performance. A premium SUV is a high-quality, extra-large sport utility vehicle made to seat 7 or 8 passengers in three rows of seating. They also have powerhouse engines and room for plenty of cargo. The result is a smooth and spacious ride. Premium SUVs are suitable for different types of terrain and great for all types of travelers and occasions. Book from this vehicle group to enjoy a safe, strong, family-friendly SUV with extra space and premium features. The following models included in the premium SUV vehicle group will make you happy to hit the road.

Sample Models: Ford Expedition, Chevrolet Suburban, Toyota Sequoia or similar

Sample Features: 4 Doors - 5 Passengers - 3 Large Suitcase, 2 Small Suitcase – Air-conditioning - Automatic Transmission

Mini Van (upgrade $90 per day / additional day $250)

This roomy mini van is your ticket to family adventures and travel memories on your next rental. More spacious than a full-size car, and with better gas mileage than an SUV, a minivan is a 7-passenger van that provides unbeatable comfort and convenience. By providing leg and luggage room, configurable seating and storage layouts, easy in-and-out, competitive fuel efficiency, and high-performance drive—all without sacrificing style—minivans accommodate every kind of group outing, from lengthy family vacations to quick business trips. Did somebody say “road trip”?

Sample Models: Toyota Sienna, KIA Sedona or similar

Sample Features: 4 Doors - 7 Passengers- Air-conditioning - Automatic Transmission

12 Passenger Van (available on request)

Choose a 12-person passenger van so that no one gets left behind on your road trip or vacation. Instead of trying to coordinate a car pool; save time, resources, and gas money by putting everyone together in one clean and comfortable van. You'll find each passenger has much more leg room.

Sample Models: Chevrolet Express or similar

Sample Features: 3 Doors –10 to 12 Passengers- 6 Large Suitcases - Air-conditioning - Automatic Transmission

Information

Customizing Tours

All of our tours are flexible and you can add, modify or exchange nights in destinations to suit your timetable and preferred routing. Thus, sometimes it will be necessary to observe ferry schedules, national park opening/closing dates etc. to match certain dates and/or departures. Please check also each itinerary online.

Included Services

Please refer to the appropriate tour page for a listing of included services. Our service generally includes the rental car, accommodation, applicable local taxes, ferry trips as scheduled, sightseeing as per itinerary, a detailed tour description, highway or road logs. Not included are: Meals, tunnel tolls, gasoline, entrance fees, additional sightseeing tours. The rental of a compact car (automatic) is always included in our flexible self drive tour packages. Additional rental days or upgrade to a Mid and Full Size Car, Mini Van or Sport Utility Vehicles (4x4) are available. The displayed upgrade rental rates are always per car (not per person) - and of course for the total length of the tour package. Our advertised rates include all local taxes, licensing fee, airport fee, road tax and unlimited mileage. Rental Car insurance is not included as most US guests can use their own private insurance. A valid driver license and a valid major credit card are mandatory for all individual vehicle rentals and/or tour packages including vehicle rentals. Driving on gravel roads/highways is at own risk. The rental car insurance is void on the following highways Denali Highway, Dalton Highway, Top of the World Highway, Taylor Highway, McCarthy Road, Dempster Highway and all other gravel roads. You will be responsible for any damages. Drivers have to be more than 25 years of age. Contact us if you are below 25 years of age.

Advance Reservation

If you travel during the high season from the middle/end of June until the end of August we recommend booking as early as possible to avoid disappointments with sold out situations in highly frequented national parks and gateways - because the northern tour season is very short. The same applies in/around national holidays. Any hotel accommodation, rentals cars and ferry space must be definitely booked well in advance. Thus, tour operator such as our company may still have space on a short notice. Accordingly it is well worth to contact us.

Travel Month

The last two weeks of May, June and September are perfect months for a vacation in the Land of the Midnight Sun. The weather is usually stable and sunny with almost 24 hours of daylight. July and August are prime travel months and are obviously very busy.

Emergency Assistance

You can contact us in case of an emergency. We have a dedicated 24/7 helpline available for our guests.

Available Room Occupancy / Bed Configuration

Single: A room assigned to one person. Room with one bed (double, queen, king size)

Double: A room assigned to two people. Room with two double/queen beds or a king size bed.

Triple: A room assigned to three people. Room with two double/queen beds

Quad: A room assigned to four people. Room with two double/queen beds The maximum occupancy per room is four. Please request if you require a roll-a-way bed.

We can arrange our self drive tours including 2 rooms and 1 rental car if your group is larger than 4.

Bed and Breakfast (B&B) Option

We can substitute the overnight in a hotel with the overnight in a Bed and Breakfast. In this case breakfast is included. The rate of the first class / comfort hotel class will remain the same. We can only exchange some of the hotels since B&B’s are not available in all locations.

Northern Lights Observation

Because of the long daylight hours it is uncommon to see the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) displays from mid May until mid August. The Aurora occurs mainly during the fall / winter months from September – April. Please refer also to our winter touring program.

VISA / Identification

The Visa/entry requirements do change frequently. Please check requirements on the appropriate government pages. We are unable to take any responsibility for such information however you will definitely need your passport to cross the US/Canadian Border. Please ask us if your self drive tour enters Canada.

Travel Insurance

We strongly encourage you to purchase travel insurance to cover: cancellation fees associated with an outing as well as airfare or other nonrefundable expense in the event you need to cancel a trip; medical expenses incurred on a trip; and the cost of a possible medical evacuation from a trip, canceled flights due to weather. We have made arrangements with our trusted travel insurance provider for you to purchase a comprehensive travel insurance plan. Please contact us for details

Jeff, CA: We very much enjoyed the overnight tour to the Arctic Circle. We left early and headed north in very comfortable small coach bus. We saw a moose and her calf with in the first hour. As moved north, we saw more and more of the Alaska Pipeline. We stoped often and very scenic places. We crossed the artic circle and travelled to Coldfoot. Not being from Alaska, we constantly got surprised by Alaska "towns". Not too much north of Fairbanks except beautiful views, wildlife, culture and more culture. We flew back to Fairbanks as part of the trip and took in the beautiful landscape from above five thousand feet.

Road Trips

Road Trips A - H

From Anchorage

From Fairbanks

From Skagway

From Haines

Road Trips J - W

From Juneau

From Whitehorse

From Whittier

Railroad Tours

Alaska Railroad All

From Anchorage

From Fairbanks

From Seward

From Whittier

Rail Combo Tours

Railroad & Self Drive Combo

From Anchorage

From Fairbanks

From Haines

From Juneau

Rail Combo Tours S-W

From Skagway

From Seward

From Whittier

Railroad & Motorcoach Combo Tours

From Anchorage

From Fairbanks

From Seward

From Whittier

Speciality Tours

Speciality Tours List One

Escorted Group Tours

Culture & Heritage Tours

Speciality Tours List Two

Bear Viewing Lodges

National Park Lodges

Activities

Activities A - G

Activities G - K

Activities S - W

Winter

Winter Tours

Northern Lights Tours

Northern Lights Railroad Tours

Iditarod Tours

Winter Self Drive Tours

Winter Activities

SDFA01 Arctic Circle Adventure Tour

SDFA01 Arctic Circle Adventure Tour

Itinerary

Prices & Dates

Attractions & Add-ons

Accommodation

Rental Car

Map

Information

Reviews

Fairbanks ( Overnight: Fairbanks )

Fairbanks – Coldfoot / Arctic Circle ( Travel Distance: 260 miles | Overnight: Coldfoot )

Coldfoot / Arctic Circle – Flight to Fairbanks ( Overnight: Fairbanks )

Fairbanks

Rates in US $ / per Person

What’s included

Tour Departures

Fairbanks: Riverboat Discovery Sternwheeler Cruise