Top 5 Arctic Circle Drives from Fairbanks: A Real Review

Okay, so you’re thinking about driving from Fairbanks, Alaska, up to the Arctic Circle? It’s something of a cool adventure, no doubt, and something you won’t soon forget, a bucket list item that can be scratched off with just one heck of a ride. What to know more? Explore Arctic Circle tours from Fairbanks. But how do you pick the perfect one? I mean, really, that’s what we are digging into today: the five best, original Arctic Circle drives setting out from Fairbanks, weighing up what makes them special, and hopefully pointing you in the right direction for your own Alaskan escapade, kind of!

What to Consider Before your Arctic Circle Drive

Before you even get excited about packing your bags, you have to think about what it actually means to drive up to the Arctic Circle from Fairbanks. Very important is it that the road isn’t just any old road, the Dalton Highway (also called Highway 11), it’s mainly a haul road that’s used by truckers taking supplies up to the oil fields in Prudhoe Bay. A good portion of it isn’t paved, either, which, you know, may be hard on some cars, really something to note. Book your Arctic Circle adventure today. So, too it’s worth thinking about the time of year, because in winter, it’s going to be really cold, the days are short, and the drive will be harder, kind of a winter wonderland for only a select few, if that. And during the summer, things might get kind of muddy. The moral of the story is simply to think about how to be prepared, or how you will prep for it!

Also, bear in mind that there won’t be the convenience of just pulling over at every mile because you see that gas stations and services are pretty rare after you leave Fairbanks. It’s very essential, that your vehicle is in good shape, you bring extra fuel, and pack a lot of the things you would need for the trip, even spare tires and tools. So it is important that accommodation needs to be booked well in advance for that all your stay are planned. Be prepared to face varying road conditions, construction and very limited cellphone reception in your chosen journey.

1. The Standard Arctic Circle Tour

Usually, now, when people talk about an “Arctic Circle tour” from Fairbanks, they mean a bus tour up the Dalton Highway. These trips often take about 12 to 15 hours, basically making it a very long day. Very standard this bus stops include a visit to the Arctic Circle sign (naturally!), a trip across the Yukon River, and usually a look at the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, things to keep the adventure rolling! Find the best Arctic Circle tour for you. Typically you won’t get many frills but it is something that hits all major high-points of a real Arctic trip.

A big bonus here is that you, generally speaking, don’t have to drive yourself, a very welcomed idea. You’re free to enjoy the views and also listen to a guide as they fill your mind with interesting information on the landscape and the pipeline and whatnot. Very, the buses are fairly comfy and often equipped with restrooms. All that said, it might feel like a bit of a whistle-stop trip and so might not be great if you love a casual approach to your journeys. Even more, some might argue that being confined to a bus doesn’t offer a real feeling of ‘adventure’, in that case, the road trip is probably the better call for you.

2. The Fly-Drive Combo

For a completely different angle, think about a fly-drive combo tour! Yes, that exists. Usually what happens is, it goes a little something like this: You will fly one way (typically up to the Arctic Circle) and then you would drive the other direction, that way, that can maximize everything that comes into the entire view that it offers you for all points! Maybe even more the flying segment cuts a ton of travel time. I guess. So, too, you’re getting unique views of the Alaskan landscape that, obviously, you couldn’t otherwise see from the road, almost like taking one journey for 2 times! Check out fly-drive Arctic Circle packages.

This could be, I mean, something you’d go for, basically, if you value your time and if you have a thing for spectacular views, naturally. This thing might be costing more than that of a regular bus tour, anyway, which is something you need to balance! Keep in mind that weather can play a major deciding role on flying days and times which may just result to flexibility for that kind of activity to thrive on some occasions. Overall, it will become the trip for people for whom it is all about efficient exploring.

3. The Self-Drive Adventure (Rent-a-Car)

Are you an adventurous kind of person? Then maybe a self-driving adventure could be something you’re more likely interested in. That said. Before signing a deal on just any rental car, make sure the rental company will actually allow you to take the car on the Dalton Highway! Because here’s the tricky part. Very tricky is it when lots of companies forbid it due to all the road conditions involved. If they do give it the thumbs up, inspect that your vehicle has all the things you need for it: really good tires, an emergency kit, and all spare things. Rent a car for your Arctic Circle drive.

What’s cool in regards to this option is this is a totally on-your-own schedule thing, I guess. This would then make room for you to stop at anything you want and spend a great amount of time exploring anywhere. Even more the flexibility and feeling-of-doing-it-on-your-own factors cannot be overstated! Make sure though that it has all of the homework prepared regarding the route, make all bookings beforehand, and remain updated with road and weather reports before you start driving. But for people who do like getting totally free and in-charge? So, a rental is the thing!

4. Guided Small Group Tours

For anyone who loves the idea of a group dynamic but find themselves wanting a more intimate tour vibe, maybe a guided small-group tour of things might just hit your mark. Typically, these outings utilize things like vans or SUVs, which would then result to more cozy environments where there are just chances for a few extra conversations. Maybe it should be even noted here, so, that because you’re travelling in small vehicles, they can reach places big buses just couldn’t touch! Very nice this thing will mean seeing very unique photo ops, and places tourists mostly never experience, right. Join a guided small group tour.

You see. It’s also a win, very good really, because the guide will give attention to personal needs. Maybe also to mention about that is you could possibly find out more in-depth info on all that you’re seeing as tour guides will share cool anecdotes along the routes to visit, cool right! Because the pricing for something will normally just come a little above that on standard big-bus rides it would be more advisable that individuals find good mid way involving both convenience and all in adventure for a very cool overall adventure.

5. The Motorcycle Ride

Now then, here is something for something way extreme. Perhaps. As the road surface can go very inconsistent and unpredictable, riding a motorcycle to the Arctic Circle it’s really for something skilled, adventurous riders, probably just those with like super-expert skills! Before just thinking about something like this, assess how great your skill will come to playing during off-roads or tricky road-surfaces that happen with those sorts of trips because the Dalton Highway could suddenly throw-up any obstacle out there! Oh gosh, remember it could all take place up in the face in the wind too – just to consider everything safely before attempting it! Plan your motorcycle adventure.

There’s something. That there can be nothing at all close in comparison with that with the total sense concerning the open exposure that anybody receives when they happen going from Arctic Circle routes via motorcycle at hand just providing all with something absolutely uncomparable or unique compared just side anything any other way to move, truly that’s going that way something memorable and very special just be highly conscious as something like preparation can just simply determine the real success for those entire endeavours – making yourself ready through anything can definitely prove helpful especially anytime soon! Now let get going up there so it won’t be very regrettable that any rider came without precautions there!