Northern Lights & Chena Hot Springs Tour
Overview
Available languages
10 hours
Mobile ticket
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.
Additional Info
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.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
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.
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
Gratuities
Resort Restaurant Meal Cost
Towels
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Northern Lights & Chena Hot Springs Tour
Pickup included
Reviews
1,246 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
So worth it!
Sarah M,,Dec 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Jessica was awesome! We had such a great time with an amazing view of the lights on the drive back from the hot springs. The springs and the ice museum were so cool and totally worth the experience!
Not Worth the $$$
Robert L,,Dec 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
3.00Not worth $250 per person. Subtract the fees for the Springs and Ice Museum, was $210 to be driven to and from the site. Very nice person, but we had a driver, not a guide. No interesting information offered of the area, history, Alaska, etc during the 1 hour drive each way. Very little on suggestions on how to have the best experience on site. Even if offered, couldn't hear it in the van. No guidance on where to watch for the lights on the Chena Springs property, if there was a viewing room, or any places on site to have the best chance to catch the lights. We know it is weather dependent, however, being provided guidance on how and where to have the best chance to see the lights on the property would enhance the possibilities. We were dressed for the cold and would have liked being able to patiently wait for the chance to see the lights. While the Springs experience was very nice, the ice museum was not much. Wouldn't have spent $20 per person to see the museum. While it would be spectacular to see the lights while enjoying the hot springs, reality is that the Springs generate lots of steam which pretty much interferes with viewing. This tour's way to hopefully see the lights is to "look for the lights while driving and try to find a place to pull over" to see them. With the windows in the van iced up, the riders could not look out the windows to try to help the driver and to see the lights for a place to stop. We had to rely on the driver (please note, nice person) to watch for them while also driving on snow packed roads. For those who have taken the road to the Springs and back, there are not a lot of areas to pull over safely with winter snow clogging road shoulders. We did get lucky. The driver saw the possibility of the lights and we were able to stop at an intersection to get out of the van and see the lights. However, that was lucky. It would have been nice to have a place to pull over somewhere where we could wait and observe. This tour was also impacted by a 2 hour delay in pickup. We understand the challenges of very cold weather. They are also a business based in a very cold weather environment and should be prepared. Additionally, while we started 2 hours late. It was clear the tour would end at 1145 PM when the Springs business closed. However, there were other groups showing up as we were leaving to have the chance to view the lights. Unsure why we weren't allowed to stay later to account for the 2 hour delay. Or, have the "guide" take us to a place on the way back to Fairbanks where we might see the lights. While we enjoyed the hot springs and did get the chance on the drive back to see the lights, it was at a road intersection and wasn't a very safe place to park for an extended time. Our suggestion: for anyone familiar with driving in snowy conditions, drive yourself and pay the $20 hot springs fee. Dress for the cold and ask the staff for best possible viewing spots on site. You can then control your time. Patience and some luck are the key to seeing the lights.
Great visit and seen some northern lights
anchirblue123,,Dec 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour guide very friendly and knowledgeable. Very accommodating. Hot springs were amazing. The food was great recommend the salmon burger and clam chowder. Would book again
Not just the hot spring...
Hao L,,Dec 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Shannon was an absolutely outstanding guide. As a local Fairbanks native, she is incredibly knowledgeable about the area, the weather, and the best ways to experience Alaska in its true form. She was always eager to help—not only us, but even a driver who had pulled over due to the heavy snow—showing genuine kindness and professionalism at all times. Most importantly, Shannon never got tired of searching for the perfect timing and locations to see the aurora. She stopped the vehicle multiple times, constantly adjusting plans to give us the best possible chances. Her dedication, patience, and passion truly set her apart. She is a true aurora chaser, and we couldn’t have asked for a better guide for this unforgettable experience. Highly recommended!
Chena hot springs amazing!
854mildredb,,Dec 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The Experience was so completely amazing and Savvy is super nice and kind tourist guide. We come in couple and we could share and meet other travelers, they was friendliest but we are very appreciate the tour with Savvy.
Hot springs in the extreme cold
koni k,,Dec 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The whole organisation was really good and the people were soo nice and they try their best to give you unforgettable moments... We enjoyed the Wildlife Preserve and Takhini Hot Spring tour and also we were very happy to see Aurora on our last night. The experience here will be unforgettable.
Best Tour I’ve Ever Been On!
teriquew2025,,Dec 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Savvy was an amazing tour guide. She was very knowledgeable about the aurora and really nice and outgoing. We got to see the northern lights on the way to the hot springs, and she immediately pulled over so we could take photos. 10/10 experience! I would book this tour a thousand times over again.
U will see the light as long as it is out she would stop and let u see
shinezuuns,,Dec 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was perfect! She would do anything for your comfort and If we see the Lights she would stop cuz she did fir us and even took amazing pictures that we can’t even take! Everything was amazing!
ありがとうサギーさん
230ayakom,,Dec 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a wonderful tour. Our guide, Savvy, was perfect. She shared information about Alaska and the auroras with a touch of humor.
Chena tour guide review
P9216AYstefanj,,Dec 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Very good and friendly, pulled over van to stop and see the lights. The Chena hot springs staff was very friendly as well.
From US$250.00
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Operated by Alaska Wildlife Guide LLC