Travel to Alaska's Arctic | Explore Fairbanks Alaska (2024)

FAQs

How do I get to the Arctic Circle from Fairbanks, Alaska? ›

Northern Alaska Tour Company offers several tours that transport visitors to the Arctic Circle. You can fly, drive, or do a combination of the two, depending on your travel preference and how much time you have.

Many visitors who come to Fairbanks want to rent a vehicle and try and drive the Dalton Highway to cross the Arctic Circle on their own. This is only recommended, if you have a vehicle specifically equipped for the conditions and are an experienced driver, especially on winter roads.

The Arctic Circle's wilderness is profound, even by Alaska standards, making crossing into it a must-do for a complete experience in the Last Frontier. A single road enters the Arctic Circle. It's the Dalton Highway, a wide but rough gravel road built alongside the trans-Alaska oil pipeline in the 1970s.

Best Time to Visit Fairbanks

If you're looking for daylight and warm temps, the best time to visit is June through August, when summer is in full swing. Temperatures can get up into the 80s and it doesn't get completely dark for 70 days straight, from May 17 – July 27.

If you book an Arctic expedition with Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic, shorter trips to the region can range from $7,000 to $17,000 while more epic voyages that span up to 24 days will range from $18,000 to $45,000.

Fairbanks is known as The Golden Heart of Alaska. While there are many reasons to visit Fairbanks, perhaps the number one reason people come to the city is to view the world-famous northern lights.

Three days give you ample time to immerse yourself in the local culture, explore natural wonders, and even tackle some adventures. However, if you find yourself with more time, consider it a bonus. Fairbanks is an underrated gem with many attractions in and around the city.

Rovaniemi (62,667) in Finland is the largest settlement in the immediate vicinity of the Arctic Circle, lying 6 km (4 mi) south of the line. Salekhard (51,186) in Russia is the only city in the world located directly on the Arctic Circle.

Anchorage and Fairbanks are both ideal gateways for exploring Alaska. Anchorage offers coastal views and national park access, while Fairbanks is known for Northern Lights and Arctic exploration. Deciding which to visit first depends on your priorities – national parks and wildlife or a chance to see the aurora.

Many of our travelers have shared that the best way to visit the Arctic is on an expedition cruise—they believe it's the most rewarding, safe, and hassle-free way of visiting the Arctic Circle and its surrounding areas. If you are considering a trip, you might not want to wait too long.

Do people stay in Arctic Circle? ›

Answer and Explanation: Yes, Inuit people of Greenland and Canada as well as numerous other people groups have lived in the Arctic for up to the last 20,000 years. These people survive mostly on a diet of meat supplemented with some summer berries and other vegetation.

The best time to visit the Arctic is between June and September, during the high summer. The sea ice begins to break up to allow access to cruising vessels and temperatures are between 37°F and 45°F. Wildlife also becomes more active at the start of the season before their annual migration.

Fairbanks. With a Walk Score of 51, Fairbanks is considered somewhat walkable. It is almost as walkable as Atlanta and more walkable than Las Vegas. If you choose to spend all or part of your Fairbanks vacation on foot, choose the Westmark Fairbanks Hotel & Conference Center as your start and end destination.

Most die-hards chase the aurora from 10pm to 3am, and you should too. It's also possible to see the lights earlier in the evening or during early morning hours. For the very best chances, pull an all-nighter.

The aurora season in Fairbanks extends from September through April, though winter is the best time to visit due to darker skies. Perfect viewing conditions consist of a new moon, clear skies, and high auroral activity.

Also, distances are vast and roads are few. In Greenland, there is only one road that connects between two towns. Otherwise, all travel between towns and cities is done by boat, helicopter, or plane. The easiest way to get to the Arctic Circle is by flying to your Arctic Circle cruise departure port.

Answer and Explanation: Fairbanks is located just under 65 degrees latitude, which puts it south of the Arctic Circle.

Gates of the Arctic is a wilderness park, with no roads or trails into the park lands, so visitors must fly or hike into the park. Access to the park begins in Fairbanks, Alaska.