From Fairbanks: Chena Hot Springs Northern Lights Tour

If you’re dreaming of catching the Northern Lights and soaking in some of Alaska’s most inviting hot springs, this tour offers a compelling way to do both in one night. Starting from Fairbanks, the 10-hour experience takes you about 60 miles north to the famed Chena Hot Springs Resort, where natural thermal waters and a whimsical Ice Museum await. For $245 per person, with hotel pickup included, it’s a well-rounded option for travelers eager to combine natural beauty, innovative energy projects, and a sprinkle of adventure.

What we love about this tour is how it balances the thrill of chasing the Aurora Borealis with the comfort of soaking in warm springs and exploring the quirky Ice Museum. The guides — praised for their warmth, enthusiasm, and knowledge — help make the experience memorable, whether or not the lights show up. The cozy small-group setting also means more personalized attention.

A possible consideration: since the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, there’s no guarantee they’ll make an appearance. If you’re visiting during a period of high solar activity, your chances improve. The timing, from late afternoon to early morning, means you’ll be awake through the night — which is part of the charm, but not ideal if you prefer early bedtimes.

This tour suits travelers who love natural wonders, are comfortable with late nights, and want a comprehensive experience that combines culture, relaxation, and a touch of Alaska’s wild side. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast wanting tips on capturing the lights or an explorer eager to see the famous Ice Museum, this trip has something for you.

Key Points

• Balanced Experience: Combines natural beauty with unique indoor attractions like the Ice Museum and geothermal springs.
• Expert Guides: Local guides are praised for their enthusiasm, knowledge, and ability to make the tour enjoyable, whether or not the lights appear.
• Flexible and Convenient: Hotel pickup and drop-off make logistics easier, with a small group size for more personalized service.
• Educational and Eco-Forward: The resort’s energy projects, including the low-temperature binary geothermal power plant, add an interesting local context.
• Late Night Adventure: Expect to stay out until around 2~3am, making it suitable for night owls but less so for early risers.
• Variable Aurora Viewing: As with all Northern Lights tours, the weather and solar activity influence the likelihood of witnessing the Aurora—it’s a natural phenomenon, after all.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Complete Look at the Tour Experience

The Journey Begins – Pickup and Transportation

Your evening starts with hotel pickup in Fairbanks around 4 to 5 pm, whisking you roughly 60 miles north to the Chena Hot Springs Resort. The comfortable transportation, typically in a small group of no more than 10, keeps things intimate and allows for relaxed conversation and insider tips from your guides.

The drive itself is a scenic prelude; as you leave the city behind, you’ll see the expansive Alaskan wilderness stretch out, often illuminated by the glow of the setting sun or the moon if the skies are clear. The bus ride is a good opportunity to get some initial questions answered or simply settle in with warm drinks if provided.

First Stop: The Ice Museum

Once at the resort, your first highlight is the Ice Museum, a true Arctic marvel. Built entirely from transparent blocks of ice, this building features hand-crafted chandeliers, sculptures, and even an Ice Bar where you can peek into an icy world.

The guides often share stories about the craftsmanship involved and the sustainable aspects of the museum, which is maintained through innovative refrigeration. During reviews, travelers frequently mention how fun and quirky this stop is. One visitor noted, “The ice museum was fun, but the hot springs were amazing.” It’s a chance to appreciate the artistry of ice carving and take some memorable photos in a setting that feels like stepping into a fairy tale.

Soaking in the Geothermal Springs

At around 8 pm, you’ll move on to the hot springs pool. The resort’s use of Alaska’s first low-temperature binary geothermal power plant is a point of pride, reflecting their commitment to sustainability.

Expect to spend at least two hours soaking in the naturally heated waters, which are reputed for their relaxing qualities. Many reviews emphasize how calming and warm the springs are, perfect after the chilly outdoor activities. One traveler mentioned, “The hot springs have been amazing,” and others appreciate the clarity of the water and the mountain views that often surround the springs.

The resort also offers a restaurant and bar, where you can purchase food and drinks, adding a social element to your soak. The hot springs are at least as much about relaxation and comfort as about sightseeing — a vital part of the experience, especially after a long day of travel.

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Preparing for the Night Sky – Aurora Hunting

As late as 12 midnight, you move outside to scan the night sky for the Aurora Borealis. Guides are attentive, often sharing tips on how to photograph the lights or simply encouraging guests to take in the spectacle.

The Northern Lights are unpredictable but spectacular when they appear. Many reviews mention how guides like Joe, Ed, and Randall worked hard to find the best viewing spots, even driving to different locations if needed. For example, one guest noted, “Randall made sure we could see the lights — he drove us to a different location.”

If luck is on your side, you’ll witness shimmering green, purple, or even red streaks dancing across the sky — bright enough to read a newspaper if you get a good display. The experience is often described as otherworldly, and even those who don’t see the lights agree that the effort and the atmosphere make it worthwhile.

The Return Trip

Around 2 am, it’s time to head back to Fairbanks. The drive home offers a chance to reflect on what you’ve seen and experienced — the warm waters, the icy sculptures, and perhaps a fleeting glimpse of the Aurora. Expect to arrive between 3 and 4 am, so this is a late night, but one filled with stories to tell.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Fairbanks, plus access to the Ice Museum and the hot springs pool. You’ll also enjoy the fun of the ice sculptures and the relaxing soak, which are included in the price.

However, food and drinks at the resort’s restaurant are not included, so consider bringing some cash for snacks or beverages. Entry to the Ice Museum is also part of the package, but you might want to bring a towel and swimwear to maximize comfort at the springs.

Practical Tips

• Bring passport or ID for registration.
• Pack swimwear and a towel for the springs.
• Wear warm clothing — layers, gloves, and hats — as you’ll be outdoors at night.
• Bring cash for additional food or souvenirs.
• The tour is not suitable for children under 5, given the late hours and outdoor conditions.
• Be aware that you need to be 18 or older to enjoy the hot springs pool.

Authentic Voices: What Travelers Are Saying

Many travelers highlight the knowledge and friendliness of guides as a major plus. One review says, “Ash was an awesome tour guide, personable and entertaining,” while another mentions, “Joe was very warm, friendly, and shared a lot of Alaska’s stories.” It’s clear that personalized attention and enthusiasm go a long way.

Viewpoints about the Northern Lights vary, but most agree that the guides worked hard to find the best viewing spots. “Randall made sure we saw the lights,” one reviewer says, emphasizing that the effort guides put in can truly make or break the experience.

The hot springs consistently earn praise for their soothing warmth and stunning setting, with several reviewers saying, “The springs were amazing,” or “The hot springs are worth the trip alone.” The Ice Museum’s kitschy charm also gets high marks for adding a fun, visual element to the night.

A Few Words of Caution

Despite the many positives, some travelers note that weather conditions—cloud cover or lack of solar activity—can prevent the Aurora from appearing. It’s a reminder that all Aurora viewing is somewhat luck-based, and no tour can guarantee a sighting.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re the kind of traveler who loves combining natural wonders with cultural and technological insights, this tour hits all those marks. It’s ideal if you’re comfortable with late nights, enjoy relaxing in natural hot springs, and want a well-organized, small-group experience.

The mix of indoor activities like the Ice Museum, outdoor adventures viewing the Aurora, and the chance to learn about Alaska’s energy projects makes this a well-rounded outing. It offers enough flexibility for those who want to relax and soak, but also an active pursuit of one of nature’s most stunning phenomena.

However, if your main goal is a guaranteed Aurora sighting, bear in mind that it is a natural display, and weather can be unpredictable. This tour is best viewed as a carefully curated adventure with a chance to see the Aurora, not a certainty.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, the tour is not suitable for children under 5, mainly due to the late hours and outdoor conditions involved.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, swimwear, a towel, and cash for extras. Dress warmly in layers, including gloves and hats, as you’ll be outdoors at night.

What if I don’t see the Northern Lights?
Since the Aurora is a natural phenomenon, there’s no guarantee of visibility. The tour guides do their best to find a clear spot, but weather and solar activity are beyond their control.

Are hotel pickups available?
Yes, pickup and drop-off from major hotels in Fairbanks are included, but not from Airbnbs or private residences.

How long do I stay at the hot springs?
You can soak for at least two hours, which many find perfect for relaxing and warming up before heading out to search for the Aurora.

Is the Ice Museum included in the price?
Yes, the Ice Museum entrance fee is included, and it’s a fun, visually striking experience worth exploring.

What food options are available?
There is a restaurant bar at the hot springs where you can purchase food and beverages, but meals are not included in the tour price.

Can I book and pay later?
Yes, you can reserve your spot now and pay later, with cancellations allowed up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

For travelers seeking a full night of Alaskan adventure, this tour offers a rewarding blend of relaxation, cultural intrigue, and natural spectacle. The combination of hot springs, the Ice Museum, and the potential for a Northern Lights sighting makes it a compelling choice, especially if you’re eager to learn about the local vibe and innovative spirit.

While the Aurora’s appearance depends on luck, the guides’ efforts and the overall experience — warm waters, stunning ice sculptures, and insightful storytelling — ensure you’ll leave with memories worth savoring. Perfect for those who don’t mind a late night and want to experience the best of Alaska’s natural and human-made wonders in one go.

You can check availability for your dates here: