Hot Spring and Northern Lights Photography Tour

If you’re planning a trip to Fairbanks, Alaska, and want a balanced mix of nature, culture, and photography, the Hot Spring and Northern Lights Photography Tour offers a compelling package. This guided adventure takes you beyond the city lights, into the wilderness where the Aurora dances overhead, and includes a relaxing soak in mineral-rich hot springs. With a price tag of around $225 and lasting about eight hours, it promises a full evening of memorable sights and experiences.

What we particularly like about this tour is its combination of authentic Alaskan activities, like soaking in hot springs and viewing ice art, with the added bonus of guided photography lessons—making it ideal for both photo enthusiasts and travelers seeking genuine local experiences. The hassle-free pickup and drop-off at your hotel means less time fussing with logistics and more time enjoying the sights.

One point to consider is that, like all Aurora tours, Northern Lights sightings are never guaranteed, especially since their appearance depends on weather and solar activity. That said, the tour’s approach—covering over 120 miles into areas with little light pollution—maximizes the chances of a spectacular show. This tour is best suited for those who appreciate a mix of outdoor adventure, cultural sights, and social comfort.

Key Points

• Location: Fairbanks, Alaska, with a focus on avoiding light pollution
• Duration & Price: About 8 hours for $225, offering good value for a full night experience
• Highlights: Aurora viewing, hot springs soak, ice art, local dinner, and photography tips
• Group Size: Limited to just 12 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience
• What’s Included: Transportation, hot springs, ice art viewing, dinner, and Aurora chasing
• What to Bring: Towels for the springs (not included), water, warm clothes, and a camera

What to Expect on This Tour

Starting Out: Pickup and Introduction

The tour begins with a pickup at your Fairbanks hotel, making the process simple and stress-free. The small group size—maximum of 12—means you won’t be lost in a crowd. Your guide, often praised for their knowledge and easygoing manner, will brief you on the plan for the night. Expect a comfortable ride into the wilderness, away from the city’s light pollution, where the magic of the Northern Lights is most likely to be visible.

Ice Art Championships & Local Culture

One of the first stops is to admire the stunning sculptures created during the World Ice Art Championships. As some reviews highlight, the ice carvings are genuinely impressive—“most beautiful ice curving I ever see,” as one traveler noted. The ice art offers a colorful and artistic contrast to the natural wonders ahead, and it’s a great way to kick off the evening with a bit of local culture.

Dinner in Fairbanks

Next, the tour includes a stop at a local restaurant for dinner. Many travelers find this a welcome break, and the reservation process is handled for you, saving you time and effort. While dinner isn’t included in the price, the pre-arranged reservation means you won’t waste valuable Aurora-watching time waiting for a table. Expect a hearty Alaskan meal or local specialties, setting you up for the long night ahead.

Soaking in Hot Springs

After dinner, you’ll head to the Chena Hot Springs, where soaking in the mineral-rich waters is a highlight. The hot springs are described as “awesome” and “very relaxing”—a perfect way to unwind after a chilly day. The water temperature feels just right, especially after the cold outdoors, and many reviews mention how soothing it is, especially under the starlit sky. Keep in mind, towels aren’t provided, so bringing your own or renting one is advisable, and remember to remove jewelry before entering the water.

Aurora Borealis Viewing & Photography Tips

The tour’s main draw is the chance to see the Northern Lights, and many travelers have been thrilled with their luck—“we saw the white northern lights” and even enjoyed multiple sightings. The guide’s expertise in Aurora chasing and photography techniques is often praised, with travelers noting impressive advice on how to capture the lights.

However, it’s worth mentioning that Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon; if the weather doesn’t cooperate—or if solar activity is low—you might only get a glimpse or miss them entirely. The tour covers over 120 miles in the hopes of optimal viewing, which significantly improves your chances.

Additional Experiences: Ice Museum & Mushing Camp

Some reviews mention additional activities like visiting the Ice Alaska exhibition or an authentic Musher Camp, adding depth to the experience. While these may not be part of the core tour, they showcase the variety of options available in Fairbanks if you’re interested.

Analyzing the Value

At $225, this tour offers a lot in terms of experiences—transportation, access to hot springs, ice art viewing, dinner reservations, and guided Aurora photography. Travelers frequently comment on the value for money, especially considering how much is packed into one evening. The small group size ensures personalized attention, which is often a nice touch when you’re trying to capture the perfect Aurora shot or soak comfortably.

While you must bring your own towel for the springs, that small extra step isn’t a big deal given the overall convenience. Plus, with free cancellation and the possibility of rescheduling in case of poor weather, the tour offers flexibility in uncertain conditions.

Real Traveler Perspectives

Many reviews highlight the expertise of the guides—“very knowledgeable,” and “good time management”—which can make or break an experience, especially for first-time Aurora viewers or photography amateurs. The guides’ effort to maximize Aurora viewing opportunities and help with camera settings is repeatedly appreciated.

Some reviewers found the hot springs to be “a little tricky” due to poor lighting, but most agreed the experience was “awesome” and “relaxing.” Friends of the tour also point out the authenticity of the activities like visiting musher camps and viewing ice sculptures, which add an extra layer of genuine Alaskan charm.

Notable Criticism

One traveler was disappointed when no Aurora appeared; however, they acknowledged the unpredictability of nature and appreciated the overall experience. This honesty reminds us that, while the tour maximizes chances, the Northern Lights’ appearance is never guaranteed.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers wanting a full evening of Alaskan adventure—combining natural beauty, cultural activities, and photography lessons. It’s perfect for those who value small-group intimacy, professional guidance, and authentic local experiences. If you’re seeking a relaxed yet comprehensive night out that offers a good shot at witnessing the Aurora, this tour will suit you well.

It’s also suitable for families, couples, or solo travelers who appreciate a mixture of sightseeing, outdoor soaking, and photography, provided you’re prepared for late hours in cold weather.

Final Thoughts

The Hot Spring and Northern Lights Photography Tour offers a well-rounded, easy-to-book experience in Fairbanks. It balances the thrill of Aurora hunting with the comfort of hot springs and cultural sights like ice art. The knowledgeable guides, combined with the small group size, ensure you’ll receive personal attention and practical tips to photograph this elusive phenomenon.

While you can’t guarantee a Northern Lights show, the tour’s plan to cover extensive miles into pristine darkness makes it one of the better options available. It’s a solid choice for travelers who want a taste of true Alaskan wilderness combined with the chance to create lasting memories and photographs.

For those who want a memorable, authentic, and reasonably priced evening that combines natural wonder with cultural activities, this tour hits the mark.

FAQ

Is pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers hassle-free pickup and drop-off at your Fairbanks hotel, making it convenient and saving you time.

What’s the length of the tour?
It lasts approximately 8 hours, giving ample time to enjoy each activity without feeling rushed.

Do I need to bring anything?
Yes, bring a towel for the hot springs (not provided), water, warm clothes, and a camera to capture the Northern Lights.

Is there a limit on the group size?
Yes, the tour caps at 12 travelers, allowing for a more personalized experience.

Can I cancel if the weather looks poor?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, with options for rescheduling in case of bad weather.

Are Aurora sightings guaranteed?
No, as the Aurora is a natural phenomenon. The tour maximizes your chances by traveling into dark, low-light areas.

What kind of dinner is included?
Dinner isn’t included in the price, but the tour pre-sets reservations at a local restaurant, so you won’t have to wait or search for a meal.

Are children or service animals allowed?
Most travelers can participate, and service animals are permitted, making this tour accessible for many.

Overall, this tour offers a balanced, engaging night out in Fairbanks—perfect for those eager to see the Aurora, enjoy authentic Alaskan scenery, and learn some photography along the way.