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10 hours
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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, fox, 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. 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.
PLEASE NOTE:
You are eligible for a full refund up to 7 days before your tour.
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.
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.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Aurora Ice Museum
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.
Chena Hot Springs Resort
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.
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
Gratuities
Resort Restaurant Meal Cost
Towels
Select a pickup point
Pickup included
1,321 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
599macarenaz,Mar 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Amazing experience! Totally recommend , the tour guy was really nice and friendly, the place is beautiful! You are in the hot spring with -30C is just unbelievable
SalukiAdventurer,Mar 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
We had hoped to see some moose on the ride up, and were not disappointed. We saw about a dozen in all. Our guide, Ryan, was happy to stop so we could get photos from the van. It was one of many ways he made the trip a big hit. We especially enjoyed his stories about hunting and fishing in Alaska, and took away some recommendations for a future trip. The Ice Museum was interesting. There weren’t many sculptures but the ones on display were intricately carved and the Appletinis were a unique treat. We really enjoyed dinner at the resort’s restaurant and then took a dip in the hot springs. The locker room was crowded, but getting in and out of the springs was easier than anticipated. It was a bit brisk, to be sure, but manageable to scurry up the 20-foot ramp to grab your towel and get inside. No auroras for us that night, but we definitely had fun.
Kimberly A,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
This was an incredible excursion and an absolute MUST if you're visiting Fairbanks! We had dinner at the on‑site restaurant; the standout dish by far was the Clam Chowder (so delicious!)—the rest of the menu was just okay. But the Hot Springs? Absolutely AMAZING. Some of our best photos from the entire trip came from capturing the auroras at Chena Hot Springs and even on the drive back to the lodge. It was such a magical experience. If you’re in Fairbanks, do not skip this. 10/10 recommend!
102krysd,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Our tour guide, Blake, was fantastic! He is incredibly knowledgeable about the Fairbanks area and knew exactly where to find the best aurora viewing spots. The van was comfortable, and we felt very safe with his driving throughout the night. Chena Hot Springs was a highlight—the Ice Museum is a neat stop, and dinner at the restaurant was delicious. Soaking in the hot springs is an absolute must-do experience, and it’s a prime location for the lights. We saw an amazing light show. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Alaska!
Chriselda D,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
Our tour guide, Blake, was fantastic! He is incredibly knowledgeable about the Fairbanks area and knew exactly where to find the best aurora viewing spots. The van was comfortable, and we felt very safe with his driving throughout the night. Chena Hot Springs was a highlight—the Ice Museum is a neat stop, and dinner at the restaurant was delicious. Soaking in the hot springs is an absolute must-do experience, and it’s a prime location for the lights. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Alaska!
DAVID R,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Excellent experience for the family. 3rd time visiting and plan to visit again soon.

Culture45744474331,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Staff at ChenaHot springs were helpful. Our host w/AWL (Dylan) was very accommodating- many q&a’s, patience w/straddlers, and made multiple stops to view the aurora on the back to our hotels for the group to get THE aurora photo shot :-)
ladyv0l,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
We got to experience the lights directly over the springs and saw a beautiful display of the lights. Our guide was awesome and her knowledge of the lights helped us stay in a spot until the lights came out in full force.

654kailint,Mar 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
The Chena hot spring and northern lights experience was mesmerizing. The van came on time to pick up our group and we had a wonderful 10 hours tour with Gavin as our tour guide. He's experienced and thoughtful, filling the trip to Chena with anecdotes and history of Fairbanks. We had a high density Aurora borealis night, and got back with loaded photos of all the great moments!




Ashley C,Mar 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
Dylan gets 5 stars for pulling over multiple times and finding great spots to see the Aurora. We even got to see the colors with our naked eye not just pictures. The tour was worth it for us! The only con was the transport van wasn’t very warm; we were chasing the lights in negative 22 weather so a warm vehicle would have been much appreciated.
Operated by Alaska Wild Lights