Chena Hot Springs Day Tour
Active
8h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Sit back, relax, and take in the scenic Alaskan landscape as you're transported 60 miles east of Fairbanks to the famous Chena Hot Springs Resort. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled—you may spot moose, foxes, or even beavers in their natural habitat.
Start your visit with a tour of the Aurora Ice Museum, home to stunning ice sculptures made from over 1,000 tons of ice and snow. Feeling adventurous? Try an optional Appletini in a hand-carved ice glass (21+, not included).
Then, soak in the resort’s natural hot springs, explore scenic trails, or tour the greenhouse and geothermal energy facilities.
Hungry? The on-site restaurant offers fresh Alaskan seafood and produce (meal not included). Before returning to Fairbanks, stop by the gift shop for locally made souvenirs.
Available options
Chena Hot Springs Tour
Pickup included
What's included
Hotel pick-up
Hotel drop-off
Driver/guide
Admission to the Ice museum and Hot Springs
Transportation to/from Chena Hot Springs
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
After arriving at the resort, you'll be taken to the restaurant for a bite of lunch 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.
Stay in the hot springs, or hit one of the many trails around the resort in the chance you might see wildlife, or just enjoy the beauty of Alaska's great outdoors.
You can also take an optional tour of the resort's greenhouse and geothermal plant to learn more about how the resort is generating its own electricity and aiming to be more self-sustaining.
2
Stop 2
After arriving at Chena Hot Springs Resort, you'll enjoy a tour of the Aurora Ice Museum and marvel at the cool sculptures carved out of ice. You can also indulge in an Appletini served in a hand-carved ice glass (not included in price and photo ID required).
Then check out the activities available or take a stroll in the expansive grounds. You will be shown to our table in the restaurant where you can enjoy some lunch and hot or cold beverages (optional and not included in price).
Spend the rest of the afternoon soaking in the healing waters of the hot springs or wandering the surrounding trails enjoying Alaskan nature.
Rejoin your group around 4pm and return to Fairbanks, keeping an eye out for wildlife and stunning scenery along the way.
What's not included
Gratuities
Food and drinks (restaurant and cafe/snack bar is available at the location.
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.5
44 reviews
5★
31
4★
6
3★
6
2★
1
1★
0
Tripadvisor
4.8
219 reviews
5★
197
4★
16
3★
1
2★
3
1★
2
Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
If going in the hot springs, you will need a bathing suit. You may also wish to bring rubber shoes and a towel. Towels are available at a cost of $5.
Lockers are available and take 2 quarters (50 cents). A change machine is on-site if required.
Photo ID is required to purchase an Appletini in the Ice Museum or other alcoholic beverages in the restaurant/bar.
Children under 18 and pregnant guests are not allowed in the outdoor rock pool, but may use the indoor pools.
Our vans are not wheelchair accessible. However, we have enough room for a foldable one and the Hot Springs are wheelchair accessible. Please contact us before booking.
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Cancellation for a full refund is possible if the minimum capacity is not reached or due to dangerous road conditions.
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.
The tour group has a standing reservation in the restaurant at the resort for lunch. It is not mandatory dining and is not included in the price. You are welcome to bring your own food, drinks and/or snacks.
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/Tripadvisor so please remember to check your message for your pick up time.
Please note we require a minimum number of bookings to run this tour. If we do not meet minimum capacity, you will be offered a refund or an alternative date for the tour.
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
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
United States Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
Alaska Time Zone (AKT, UTC-9)
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Fairbanks is generally safe for tourists, but it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions, especially in the winter.
Important Precautions:
- • Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night
- • Dress appropriately for the weather and activities
- • Carry bear spray when hiking or camping in the wilderness
Getting there
By air
- Fairbanks International Airport • 5 miles (8 km) from city center
By train
Fairbanks Depot
By bus
Fairbanks Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
The bus system is affordable and convenient for getting around the city. Buses run on a regular schedule, but service may be limited in the winter.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike
Neighborhoods
Downtown Fairbanks
College Area
Chena Ridge
Day trips
Denali National Park
120 miles (193 km) • Full day
Denali National Park is home to North America's tallest peak and offers stunning landscapes, wildlife viewing, and outdoor activities.
Arctic Circle
115 miles (185 km) north of Fairbanks • Full day
The Arctic Circle is a symbolic line of latitude that marks the northernmost point where the sun is visible at the winter solstice.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
250 miles (402 km) southeast of Fairbanks • Overnight
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is the largest national park in the United States and offers stunning landscapes, wildlife, and outdoor activities.
Festivals
World Ice Art Championships • March
Midnight Sun Festival • June
Fairbanks Fur Rendezvous • February
Pro tips
- Visit in the summer to experience the midnight sun and enjoy outdoor activities
- Book accommodations and tours in advance, especially during peak seasons
- Dress in layers, as the weather can change quickly, especially in the winter
- Try local cuisine, including fresh seafood and Alaskan specialties
- Be bear aware and carry bear spray when hiking or camping in the wilderness
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
