Northern Lights & Chena Hot Springs Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights
- Relax in the warm waters of Chena Hot Springs
- Explore the unique Aurora Ice Museum
- Enjoy a scenic drive through Alaskan wilderness
- Capture stunning photographs of the night sky
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Round-trip transportation from Fairbanks
- Admission to Chena Hot Springs Resort
- Access to Aurora Ice Museum
- Meals and beverages
Important information
Know before you book
- Tour availability is subject to weather conditions; check forecasts before booking
- Confirm the tour schedule and meeting point upon booking
- Be prepared for limited cell service in remote areas
Know before you go
- Dress warmly in layers to stay comfortable in cold temperatures
- Bring a camera with a tripod to capture the Northern Lights
- Ensure your phone is fully charged for photos and emergencies
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair Accessible
Good to know
- 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.
- Every guest must sign a waiver before any tour so they clearly acknowledge the inherent risks of wilderness travel, assume responsibility for their own safety, and confirm they are medically able to participate.
Traveler reviews
Bad parts and good parts
Our guide was prompt and very friendly. She was very knowledgeable of the area. The Hot Springs staff was friendly and fun. The ice museum was great! We did not like the restaurant. We did not like that we were reserved for 1 table with everyone on our bus. This allowed the restaurant to add gratuity to our table. The waitress was horrible. She forgot multiple drinks and sides. She couldn't even split the check. Then tried to convince us that we were all "pretty much" paying the same. A party of 5 and 2 couples. Yes we all had an adult drink but some had appetizers. The bills were not the same! The price of this tour should involve food. But not until the restaurant on site gets it together. I ordered the smoked bird. It was literally 4 pieces of Costco turkey lunch meat with a slice of gouda for $20. We were all prepared to pay these prices when we came to Alaska. And I have no problem doing so for good food. The hot springs were great! We enjoyed them. I would not do this tour again due to how much it costs for what you get.
Nice location but not good for Aurora chasing
Chena Hot springs was lovely with the fall colors and the springs refreshing and relaxing. The tour and the ice house was mediocre, made for large tourist crowds selling their food and merchandise. After the hot springs we went for maybe 30 minutes driving to find a place to view the aurora, but when asked questions about the Aurora Borealis it was evident the driver knew very little about it and was going through the motions to find a close viewing spot that was obviously clouded out. I don't blame the driver who was very sociable, but the company for not educating their staff. Take a small group tour for viewing the Aurora.
Hot Springs great, but not sure if worth the drive or money if the aurora isn’t visible.
The guide, Sara, was a good driver But those of us in the back of the van couldn’t hear anything she said. Her excuse was that we were in a rental van, not the normal one, so she didn’t have a mic. The drive from Fairbanks to Chena Hot Springs was supposed to be around an hour, but it was approx 1 hr 45 mins. Needless to say, it was kind of miserable sitting in back with the forest of trees thick beside the road on both sides. When we got to the CHS, we had to keep asking where and when we were to meet up. The ice museum was really neat, although crowded. The hot springs were awesome. However no aurora due to clouds. So that was disappointing but couldn’t be helped by anyone. Was it worth the money without seeing the Aurora? Maybe. Sara did make several stops on the way back to Fairbanks and got out to check to see if anything was happening, so she gets an A for effort!
Wouldn’t recommend
Guide did not initiate any conversation. Meanwhile had a great conversation at the end and f the night with a guide from another group. Disappointing that you arrive,have to wait 45 min to do the ice museum and there is nothing to occupy your time soon a rainy day. Was under the impression from our travel agent that you watched the lights from the hot springs but no just pulled off to the side of the road so either watch from van or be exposed to the elements. Not worth the time or money
Excellent trip for aurora viewing
Extremely enjoyable. Dylan, our tour guide had tremendous patience and he knew exactly where to locate the northern lights. We got to see them. Yeah!