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Chena Hot Springs and Northern Lights Tour

Excursion Overview

Fairbanks to Chena Hot Springs: Aurora Borealis Adventure

Experience one of the most popular tours in the Fairbanks area with a visit to the world-famous Chena Hot Springs Resort, where guests can relax in naturally heated mineral pools year-round. The resort features two options: an indoor hot tub open to all ages and an adult-only outdoor soaking pool, both offering a unique way to enjoy Interior Alaska’s freezing temperatures while wearing a bathing suit. This tour also includes a guided visit to the Aurora Ice Museum, home to over 1,000 tons of ice and snow sculpted into intricate works of art, kept at a chilly 25°F (parkas provided).

The Chena Hot Springs Aurora Tour combines relaxation with adventure, offering one of the best locations in Alaska for viewing the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). Guests travel approximately 60 miles from Fairbanks via round-trip scenic transportation and can optionally enjoy a meal at the resort’s restaurant featuring locally grown vegetables and Alaskan seafood (dinner not included). While the Aurora cannot be guaranteed, the tour runs during peak viewing season, giving travelers the best chance to witness this breathtaking natural phenomenon in all its glory.

Things You Need to Know

Inclusions:

  • Pick up/drop off from within the city limits of Fairbanks or North Pole
  • Admission to the Hot Springs
  • Entrance to the Aurora Ice Museum
  • Professional guide with Northern Lights expertise for Aurora hunting during the return drive

Requirements:

  • Bathing suit, bath towel, shower slippers (if needed), and 50 cents for the locker (2 quarters)
  • Valid photo ID is required if you plan to purchase alcohol
  • Any meals purchased at the resort’s restaurant are not included in the tour price
  • Children under 18 and pregnant guests are not allowed in the outdoor hot springs but may use the indoor pool
  • The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon; their presence cannot be guaranteed, and refunds will not be issued if they are not visible

Duration: 9-10 hours (Roundtrip from Fairbanks area hotel or Airbnb.)

  • 30 minutes - Hotel pickup
  • 1 hour - Transportation to Chena Hot Springs Resort
  • 1.5 hours - Arrive at Chena Hot Springs Resort and explore the Ice Museum
  • 2 hours - Optional dining (if you would prefer not to purchase dinner at the resort, you can bring your own snacks)
  • 2.5 hours - Swim, soak, and search for the Northern Lights
  • 1 hour - Depart Chena Hot Springs for Aurora hunting
  • 1 hour - Scenic stops along the drive back to Fairbanks for Aurora viewing
  • 30 minutes - Return to local hotel

Meeting Instructions:

  • Hotel or Airbnb pick-up from within Fairbanks or North Pole city limits. Fully detailed instructions are included on your finalized ticket vouchers.

ADA Accessibility of Tour:

  • This tour is limited mobility accessible. Only folding wheelchairs are allowed due to the size of the van/bus. Please advise us in advance if you have any special requirements in relation to mobility issues.

Refund Policy:

  • You may cancel for any reason up to seven (7) days prior to the date of the tour for a full refund.
  • Please see our Refund Policy Page for complete details.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Aurora Borealis is a natural phenomenon, and its presence cannot be guaranteed on any specific date. Refunds will not be issued if the Northern Lights are not visible. On average, the Aurora is visible in the Fairbanks area four out of five nights during the viewing season.

Yes, bring your own swimsuit. Swimsuits are available for purchase at the resort. Towels can be rented on-site for $5, or bring your own. We recommend bringing your own towel for convenience.

No, dinner at Chena Hot Springs restaurant is not included but is available for purchase. Alternatively, bring snacks if you prefer not to purchase dinner.

Often times you can. During strong aurora activity, northern lights are visible directly from the outdoor hot springs pools at Chena Hot Springs. This creates a unique experience of watching aurora borealis displays while soaking in 100°F natural mineral water surrounded by snow.

You will spend approximately 4-5 hours at Chena Hot Springs Resort, including time for Aurora Ice Museum tour, dinner, and hot springs soaking.

No, guests are not required to visit the Ice Museum or join the group for the dinner reservation. You are welcome to explore Chena Hot Springs at your leisure.

 

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$250.00

Best Price Guarantee!

$250.00

Duration: 9-10 hours

Best Price Guarantee!

Duration: 9-10 hours



Adult (18+): $250.00

Child (0-17): $215.00

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