artic circle
 

anyone ever drive to the artic circle?

No, but I drove to the International Date Line once...

I drove to Circle K for a cup of coffee...

Noone. LOL

ROTFL!

yes, we did

You asked about artic circle. So my answer is, no we did not drive to artic circle but we drove to Arctic Circle

We did, but it was in Finland. Does that count?

Okay, everyone's had their little laugh at anitas' expense.

You can drive on two different roads in North America that extend past the Arctic Circle. In Alaska, it's the Dalton Highway, aka the Haul Road, which was built to support the North Slope oil activities and pipeline. In Canada, the Dempster Highway extends past the AC to Inuvik, NWT.

Both roads are uppaved and have minimal services available. In the case of the Haul Road, the route can best be described as dusty, boring and buggy. There's a marker at the Arctic Circle, otherwise there's not much point in it. Haven't been on the Dempster but believe it's pretty similar. In Alaska and probably Canada, rental car companies are not fond of their vehicles being taken on those roads, due to tire and glass damage. Pack a spare tire or two, make sure the comprehensive on your insurance policy is paid up, by a flagon of Deet, and off you go...

Personally I'd much prefer crossing the Arctic Circle sitting with a glass of champers in business class on a British Airways or Virgin Atlantic 747, or taking the Norwegian Coastal Steamer, but YMMV.

I conclude Anitas was asking a real, although mis-spelled, question; and, since I actually have driven north of the Arctic Circle on the Dalton Road, I figure I'd answer it.

You can do this drive, but be aware of the hazards. It is gravel and dirt north of the Yukon River. The road was built entirely with private funds, solely for the purpose of allowing trucks to get to the Prudhoe oil fields. Thus the main users are huge trucks, driving at speeds I didn't feel comfortable driving in my sub-compact. I can't blame them if they feel I am getting in their way by driving on this road; so get expect any sympathy from them as they pass, or assistance if you run into trouble.

And note this about getting into trouble: if your car breaks down, or you need medical attention, or you end up stuck off the road; the nearest PHONE might be 200 kilometers away. And DON'T count on your cell phone. And you don't want to hear about the cost of a tow on this highway.

If you're renting a car, note that driving on the Dalton voids the contract; even if you have damamge waiver, an accidnt on this road means you've bought them a new car.

There's not much scenerry up there; the thrill is in the sense of isolation. If your idea of fun is to go places where people don't normally go; this is the palce. But, other than that, the risks of going probably outway what you end up seeing.

I didn't even know the Arctic circle was in the US! Wow. I learn something new every day on here.

If you don't want to worry about a rental car, try this company:

http://www.alaskasarctic.com

We did the Prudhoe Bay Adventure with them a few years ago - they drive you up in a van northbound (& you ceremoniously cross the Arctic Circle) & you fly back to Fairbanks at the end. I thought it was a fun and interesting adventure & well worth the money. Scenery, history, a tour of the oil fields. Staying overnight in Coldfoot the first night was a blast (went for a night hike by the Koyokuk River); crossing the Brooks Range was neat. And - you don't have to worry about the driving or any of the logistics.

I think Princess may run similar tours as well, but this one is nice because it is just a small group.