Northern Lights & Chena Hot Springs Tour

Fairbanks , United States

Northern Lights & Chena Hot Springs Tour

Active

(1223 reviews)

10h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Embark on one of our most popular evening adventures to Chena Hot Springs Resort, a renowned Alaskan getaway just 60 miles from Fairbanks. Keep an eye out for moose, foxes, or beavers as you travel through the scenic interior.

Your night begins with a guided tour of the Aurora Ice Museum, home to stunning ice sculptures and the famous ice bar, where you can optionally enjoy an Appletini in a hand-carved ice glass (21+). Then relax with dinner or a drink in the cozy resort restaurant, featuring fresh, locally sourced produce (meal not included).

Afterward, soak in the outdoor mineral hot springs, a rejuvenating experience under the stars, or explore the snowy grounds while waiting for a chance to witness the magical Aurora Borealis. Your guide will point out the best spots for viewing and provide tips to make the most of the night.

Return to Fairbanks just after midnight, with a final chance to glimpse the aurora along the way.

Available options

Northern Lights & Chena Hot Springs Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Admission to the Aurora Ice Museum

Resort Pool-Passes (outdoor hot springs, hot tubs & swimming areas)

Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off Services

Local Guide

Standing Dinner Reservation

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

After being picked up, sit back, relax and enjoy the 60 mile (97 kms) journey out to Chena Hot Springs Resort. Keep a lookout for wildlife that might include a moose, beaver or fox.

Upon arrival, you’ll be given a guided tour of the Aurora Ice Museum, constructed of over 1000 tons of ice and snow. Marvel at magnificent ice-sculptures created by world-renowned ice carvers, sit at the ice bar on a caribou-hide covered bar stool or indulge in an appletini served in a hand-carved ice glass (optional-not included in price). You will then be shown to our table in the restaurant where you can enjoy some dinner and hot or cold beverages (optional and not included in price).

Rejoin your group a little after midnight and head back to Fairbanks. Your guide may make a few stops along the way for further aurora viewing if it is active.

Please note the aurora is an act of nature and it's appearance cannot be guaranteed.

Stop 2

After arriving at the resort, you'll be taken to the restaurant where you can sample some home grown Alaskan fare (optional and not included in price). Enjoy a hot or cold beverage at the bar or don your bathing suit and head to the hot springs. The revitalizing mineral water soothes muscles with its warm temperatures of 106 degrees F (41 degrees C) year-round. You can soak under the stars in an outdoor hot tub, or indoors in the heated pool.

When ready, join your expert guide for a small-group outing to view the Aurora Borealis. Your guide will lead you through one of the best places on earth to witness the green and purple illuminations loop across the night sky. Wait and witness the celestial wonder in the late evening, when viewing opportunities are the highest. The lights are also visible inside the cafe's Aurora Room, which serves as a comfortable and warm location for viewings.

Note: We can never guarantee the Northern lights sighting.

What's not included

Gratuities

Resort Restaurant Meal Cost

Towels

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.4

373 reviews

5★

266

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.7

850 reviews

5★

717

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Operates in cold weather conditions; please dress appropriately

Please don't forget to bring bathing suits, bath towels, at least 2 quarter for each locker and photo ID for purchases at the bar.

The outside rock pool is only allowed for adults 18 years and up. However, children are allowed in the inside pool.

Pregnant travelers are not allowed in the outside rock pool.

We have enough room for a foldable wheelchair. The hot springs are wheelchair accessible.

We can only pick up from inside the city limits of Fairbanks or North Pole. For other locations, you will need to go to an agreed location (eg Walmart), please contact our office to discuss if you are staying outside the city limits.

Water is not supplied for this tour. We recommending bringing a refillable water bottle.

Important notes

Please provide the provider with your accommodation location as soon as it its known so that they can prepare the pick up schedule for this tour. If you are uncertain if you can be picked up from your accommodation location please contact Alaska Wildlife Guide directly on +1 907 712 4529 (landline so no texts please) between 9am and 5pm Alaska time, Monday to Friday.

If you are planning on going in the hot springs, you will need a bathing suit, towel, 2 quarters (50 cents) for the lockers and photo ID if you wish to purchase an alcoholic beverage. We also recommend bringing a refillable water bottle.

The tour group has a standing reservation in the restaurant at the resort for dinner. It is not mandatory dining and is not included in the price. You are welcome to bring your own food, drinks and/or snacks.

Pickups will occur between 4pm and 5pm, depending on location. You will be contacted the day before your tour with your exact pick up time or a few days before if your tour is on a Monday so please ensure you provide a working phone number that you can be contacted on at the time of booking. If you do not hear from us, please check your voicemail as we will leave you a message. If your mailbox is not set up or is full we will send you either an email or message in Viator so please remember to check your message for your pick up time.

PLEASE NOTE that visibility of the northern lights (aurora) is not guaranteed. It is a natural phenomenon we have no control over and no refunds will be given if the aurora cannot be seen.

About Fairbanks

Fairbanks, located in the heart of Alaska, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, rich gold rush history, and unique subarctic climate. It's a gateway to extraordinary experiences like the Northern Lights, world-class fishing, and a vibrant arts scene. Fairbanks offers a blend of rugged wilderness and charming small-town atmosphere, making it a must-visit for adventurers and culture enthusiasts alike.

Top Attractions

Chena Hot Springs

A popular destination for soaking in natural hot springs, Chena Hot Springs is located about 60 miles northeast of Fairbanks. The resort offers a variety of activities, including aurora viewing, dog sledding, and ice museum tours.

Nature Full day Moderate to Expensive

Museum of the North

Located on the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus, this museum showcases the natural and cultural history of Alaska. Exhibits include wildlife dioramas, Native Alaskan artifacts, and contemporary art.

Museum 2-3 hours Moderate

Fairbanks Arctic Warfare Training Center

This historic site offers a glimpse into the military history of Fairbanks, with exhibits on the Arctic warfare training that took place during World War II and the Cold War.

Historical 1-2 hours Free to Low

Pioneer Park

A 44-acre park featuring historic buildings, museums, and recreational facilities. It's a great place to learn about Fairbanks' gold rush history and enjoy outdoor activities.

Historical/Entertainment 2-3 hours Free to Low

Mosquito Lake

A popular spot for fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The lake is home to a variety of fish species and is a great place to see moose, bears, and other wildlife.

Nature/Adventure Half day to full day Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Salmon

Freshly caught Alaskan salmon, often grilled or smoked, is a must-try dish in Fairbanks.

Main Course Gluten-free, high in protein

Reindeer Sausage

A local specialty made from reindeer meat, often served as sausage or in stews.

Main Course Gluten-free, high in protein

Bannock

A traditional Alaskan bread made with flour, water, and sometimes berries or other ingredients.

Bread Vegetarian, can be vegan if made without dairy

Akutaq

Also known as Eskimo ice cream, this traditional dish is made with whipped fat, berries, and sometimes fish or other ingredients.

Dessert Vegetarian, high in fat

Popular Activities

Hiking Dog sledding Snowmobiling Whitewater rafting Soaking in hot springs Scenic drives Wildlife viewing Visiting museums

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This is the best time to visit Fairbanks for outdoor activities, wildlife viewing, and enjoying the midnight sun. The weather is mild, and most attractions are open.

5°C to 25°C 41°F to 77°F