Fairbanks: Northern Lights and Chena Hot Springs Tour

Traveling to Alaska in winter offers the chance to witness some of the most spectacular natural phenomena and unique hot springs experiences. This 10-hour tour to Chena Hot Springs and the Aurora Ice Museum is a popular choice for those eager to combine a relaxing soak with the thrill of spotting the elusive Northern Lights. With a solid 4.6-star rating from over 110 reviews, it’s clear many travelers find this tour offers a blend of memorable sights, engaging guides, and genuine relaxation.

What we particularly like about this tour is its comprehensive approach: not only do you get to soak in mineral-rich waters and explore striking ice sculptures, but the chance to chase the Aurora Borealis feels like a once-in-a-lifetime experience. That said, the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, so their appearance can’t be guaranteed. If you’re someone who loves a mix of nature, cultural sights, and cozy comfort, this tour could be perfect. However, it’s best suited for travelers comfortable with late nights and a variety of activities in one day.

Key Points

All-in-one experience combining hot springs, an ice museum, and aurora viewing.
Knowledgeable guides add depth and local insights, making the trip more engaging.
Flexible options for viewing the Aurora, with multiple vantage points depending on conditions.
Good value for money considering the inclusions—admissions, transportation, and guided tours.
Limited group size (up to 14 people) for a more personalized experience.
Potential for weather-dependent disappointment, as the Northern Lights are an act of nature.

Detailed Review of the Fairbanks Northern Lights and Chena Hot Springs Tour

How the Day Unfolds

This tour begins with a hotel pickup within Fairbanks or North Pole, typically around mid-morning, giving travelers plenty of time to settle in before a 10-hour adventure. The transportation is comfortable, with a small group size (limited to 14 participants), meaning you’re not just another face in a crowd. The drive out to Chena Hot Springs is approximately 60 miles (97 km), which makes for a scenic, relaxed journey. Keep your camera ready—there’s a good chance you’ll spot wildlife such as moose, beaver, or fox along the way, adding a touch of wilderness to your trip.

The Aurora Ice Museum

One of the first highlights upon arrival is the guided tour of the Aurora Ice Museum. Built from over 1,000 tons of ice and snow, this museum is a true winter wonderland. It features impressive ice sculptures, crafted by world-renowned ice carvers, which are not only artistic but also quite intricate. The museum has an ice bar where you can sit on a caribou-hide-covered stool and perhaps indulge in an appetini served in a hand-carved ice glass—an optional experience, not included in the tour price but highly recommended for a fun photo.

Visitors consistently praise the museum for its craftsmanship and atmosphere. According to reviews, guides like Gina and Laura went above and beyond, sharing fascinating facts and making the visit both educational and entertaining. As one reviewer notes, “Gina made our trip unforgettable,” highlighting how good guides can elevate even a sightseeing stop into a memorable experience.

Lunch and Relaxation

Post-museum, you’ll be shown to a restaurant table where you can opt for a meal and hot or cold beverages (not included). While some travelers found the dinner to be “mediocre and took too long,” the opportunity to enjoy local fare or just relax indoors is appreciated. The timing here is flexible enough to ensure you’re well-fueled before heading to the hot springs or Aurora viewing.

Soaking in Chena Hot Springs

The highlight for many is the hot springs, where the mineral waters hover at a cozy 106°F (41°C) year-round. You can soak outdoors under the stars or enjoy the heated indoor pool, depending on the weather and your preference. Travelers like Rebecca have described the springs as “worth all the money,” emphasizing how relaxing and revitalizing these waters are—perfect after hours of travel and outdoor exploring.

Towels are available for an extra $5, and locker access costs just $0.50, giving you the option to keep your belongings secure while you soak. For those traveling with children, note that kids under 18 can use the indoor pool but are not permitted in the outdoor hot springs—something to consider if you’re traveling with family.

Aurora Viewing

The main event—the Northern Lights—begins after dark. Guides like Kathy and Gina often take extra steps to maximize your chances of seeing the aurora, such as driving to less light-polluted areas or making additional stops along the route, especially if the aurora is active. The reviews highlight that some guides are very committed, with one reviewer stating, “Kathy is a great Aurora Hunter & she made sure we saw them.”

However, it’s important to remember that aurora sightings are weather-dependent. Overcast skies or snow can obscure the lights, and in some reviews, guests expressed disappointment after a cloudy night. Guides do their best, but nature is unpredictable.

Return and Additional Stops

You’ll head back to Fairbanks around midnight to 1 a.m., with some guides making additional stops for more aurora viewing if the conditions are favorable. Expect to be dropped at your hotel between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m.—a late night, but one packed with memorable sights and experiences.

Inclusivity and Extras

This tour includes admission to the ice museum, hot springs access, and hotel pickup, making it fairly comprehensive. Food and drinks at the resort are not included, so bring cash if you want to purchase beverages or snacks. Towels and lockers are optional extras but inexpensive, adding convenience.

Pricing and Value

At $230 per person, this experience strikes a balance between affordability and quality. The cost covers transportation, guided tours, and admissions, which would be hard to replicate independently. Considering the multiple activities packed into one day—ice museum, hot springs, and potential aurora viewing—many guests feel the price offers good value. The small group size further enhances the experience, making it more intimate and personalized.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for adventure seekers who want a blend of relaxation, cultural exploration, and awe-inspiring nature. It’s perfect for first-time visitors to Fairbanks wanting a comprehensive, guided experience that minimizes planning and maximizes chances of seeing the Aurora Borealis. Travelers who enjoy learning from knowledgeable guides and don’t mind late nights will find this tour both fun and rewarding.

While it’s suitable for most, families with children under 18 should note that outdoor hot springs are off-limits to minors, which might influence the choice if traveling with younger kids. Also, those who prefer guaranteed Aurora sightings might want to temper expectations, as this is a natural display beyond anyone’s control.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup from within Fairbanks and North Pole is included, but note that pickup is not available from the airport.

How long is the drive?
The drive to Chena Hot Springs is approximately 60 miles (97 km), offering a scenic journey that might include wildlife sightings.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, driver’s license, swimwear, towel, water, and cash for extras. Towels and lockers are available for purchase.

Can children participate?
Children under 18 aren’t permitted in the outdoor hot springs but can use the indoor pool.

What is the best time to see the Northern Lights?
The tour runs on winter evenings when aurora activity is most likely, but sightings can’t be guaranteed due to weather conditions.

Are meals included?
No, food and drinks at the resort are optional and not included in the tour price.

What’s the group size?
Small groups, limited to 14 participants, ensuring more personalized attention from guides.

How long is the entire experience?
The tour lasts approximately 10 hours, with return around 2-3 a.m., depending on conditions and stops.

Is it worth the price?
Given the inclusions, the opportunity for multiple activities, expert guides, and the memorable sights, most travelers find it offers good value for the money.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a well-rounded taste of what makes Alaska in winter so special. Combining relaxation in mineral-rich hot springs with the thrill of chasing the Northern Lights, plus an artistic ice museum, creates a genuinely memorable day. The experience is especially suited for curious travelers who enjoy a mix of cultural sights and natural wonders, and who appreciate the support of knowledgeable guides.

While the unpredictability of the aurora can be a minor disappointment, the many other highlights—including the stunning ice sculptures and warm mineral waters—make this tour worth considering. The small group setting, flexible options, and thoughtful planning ensure that most guests walk away feeling they received excellent value and a taste of authentic Alaska.

If you’re ready for an adventure that combines eye-popping scenery with cozy comfort, this could be the perfect addition to your trip to Fairbanks.