Fairbanks, Alaska offers a unique opportunity to experience the enchanting natural wonders of the region. The Northern Lights and Chena Hot Springs Tour provides a 10-hour adventure, exploring the scenic beauty and geothermal delights that draw visitors from around the world. While the chance to witness the elusive Northern Lights adds an element of excitement, the tour’s diverse lineup of attractions ensures an unforgettable Alaskan experience regardless of nature’s celestial display.

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Key Points

This tour offers a 10-hour journey from Fairbanks or North Pole to the Chena Hot Springs Resort, including a guided tour of the Aurora Ice Museum.
Guests have the opportunity to enjoy an appletini served in a hand-carved ice glass and relax in the year-round hot springs at 106°F (41°C).
While Northern Lights viewing is possible, it is not guaranteed, but the tour has received a rating of 4.6/5 from 105 reviews.
Dining options are available at the Chena Hot Springs Restaurant, offering hearty meals and local specialties, as well as a snack bar and grab-and-go market.
The tour provides pickup from hotels in Fairbanks or North Pole, and guests should bring essential items like a passport or ID, swimwear, and cash.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The "Fairbanks Northern Lights and Chena Hot Springs" tour is priced from Kč 5,290 per person and lasts 10 hours.

It includes pickup from hotels in Fairbanks or North Pole, a 60-mile journey to Chena Hot Springs, and a guided tour of the Aurora Ice Museum.

Though dinner and appletinis are optional, visitors can relax in the hot springs year-round.

Northern Lights viewing is possible, but not guaranteed.

Towels, lockers, and accessibility for children vary.

With a 4.6/5 rating from 105 reviews, the tour offers knowledgeable guides, convenient transportation, and good value.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour includes a 60-mile (97 km) journey from Fairbanks or North Pole to the Chena Hot Springs Resort.

A 60-mile journey from Fairbanks or North Pole to the Chena Hot Springs Resort is included in the tour.

Guests can explore the Aurora Ice Museum, featuring over 1000 tons of ice and snow. They’ve the option to enjoy an appletini served in a hand-carved ice glass, though this isn’t included in the tour price.

Dinner and beverage options are available at the resort, also not included. Visitors can relax in the hot springs, which maintain a temperature of 106°F (41°C) year-round.

The tour provides opportunities to view the Northern Lights, with possible stops for additional viewing.

Attractions and Activities

One of the main highlights of the tour is the guided exploration of the Aurora Ice Museum.

Featuring over 1000 tons of ice and snow, visitors can marvel at the intricate ice sculptures and even enjoy an appletini served in a hand-carved ice glass.

After the museum visit, guests can relax in the year-round hot springs, where the water temperature stays a toasty 106°F (41°C).

For those seeking a unique culinary experience, the resort offers dinner and beverage options.

Of course, the main draw of the tour is the opportunity to view the captivating Northern Lights, with stops made for optimal viewing.

Dining and Refreshments

While exploring the Chena Hot Springs Resort, visitors can indulge in a variety of dining and refreshment options.

The resort offers casual dining at the Chena Hot Springs Restaurant, where guests can enjoy hearty meals and local specialties.

Guests can enjoy hearty meals and local specialties at the Chena Hot Springs Restaurant’s casual dining.

There’s also the opportunity to sip on an appletini served in a hand-carved ice glass, for an added touch of excitement.

For those seeking a quick bite, the resort features a snack bar and a grab-and-go market.

With a range of dining choices, visitors can fuel up before or after soaking in the resort’s famous hot springs.

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Relaxation and Rejuvenation

Visitors to the Chena Hot Springs Resort can relax and rejuvenate in the resort’s famous hot springs, which maintain a year-round temperature of 106°F (41°C).

The hot springs offer a soothing escape from the chill of the Alaskan outdoors. Guests can also:

Explore the Aurora Ice Museum, featuring intricate ice sculptures and the option to enjoy a hand-crafted appletini served in an ice glass.
Dine on delicious meals and beverages available at the resort’s dining facilities.
Bask in the natural beauty of the Alaskan landscape, with the potential to witness the mesmerizing northern lights.

Northern Lights Viewing

Why do visitors eagerly await the opportunity to witness the captivating northern lights during this Fairbanks tour? The tour offers the best chance to see the stunning natural phenomenon.

As darkness falls, the group may make additional stops to maximize their chances of viewing the mesmerizing aurora borealis. Guides provide insights into the science behind the lights and share tips on how to photograph the display.

While sightings aren’t guaranteed, the tour’s timing and location in Fairbanks, a prime northern lights viewing area, increase the likelihood of experiencing this breathtaking natural wonder.

Amenities and Accessibility

Towels are available for $5, and visitors can access lockers in the hot springs for $0.50.

Key amenities and accessibility details include:

Children under 18 aren’t permitted in the outdoor hot springs, but an indoor pool is accessible.
Guests should bring their passport or ID, driver’s license, swimwear, towel, water, and cash for any additional purchases.
Pickup isn’t provided from the airport, but it’s included from hotels within Fairbanks or North Pole city limits.

Customer Feedback and Ratings

According to the reviews, customers have been highly satisfied with this Northern Lights and Chena Hot Springs tour, rating it an impressive 4.6 out of 5 stars based on 105 reviews.

The guide and transportation received even higher praise, earning 4.9/5 and 4.7/5 respectively. Customers highlighted the knowledgeable guides, delicious food, and spectacular Northern Lights viewing.

While the value for money was rated 4.3/5, most agreed the tour offered an excellent experience.

Although the Northern Lights appearance isn’t guaranteed, this Fairbanks adventure seems to consistently delight visitors seeking a memorable winter escapade.

Ask Away

Can I Extend My Stay at Chena Hot Springs Resort?

Yes, visitors can extend their stay at Chena Hot Springs Resort. The tour includes a visit to the resort, but travelers can choose to stay longer and enjoy the amenities, such as the hot springs, on their own.

Is Transportation Provided for the Entire Trip or Just To/From the Resort?

The tour includes pickup from hotels within Fairbanks or North Pole city limits and transportation to and from the Chena Hot Springs Resort. However, transportation is not provided for the entire duration of the stay at the resort.

Are Any Dietary Restrictions or Preferences Accommodated on the Tour?

The tour doesn’t mention accommodating dietary restrictions or preferences. However, there are dining options available at the resort where customers can purchase food and beverages to suit their needs.

What Is the Policy for Bringing Personal Items Into the Hot Springs?

Guests can bring their own towels, but locker access costs $0.50. Personal items like swimwear are permitted, and the indoor pool is accessible for children under 18 who aren’t allowed in the outdoor hot springs.

Can I Store My Luggage During the Tour if I Have a Late Flight?

The tour doesn’t provide luggage storage services. However, the resort offers lockers at the hot springs for $0.50 where you can store smaller personal items during your visit. Check with the resort staff about any luggage storage options.

Final Words

The Fairbanks: Northern Lights and Chena Hot Springs Tour offers a captivating Alaskan adventure. Visitors can marvel at the Aurora Ice Museum‘s intricate sculptures, indulge in the soothing hot springs, and savor delectable dining options. While Northern Lights viewing is possible, the tour’s appeal extends beyond this natural phenomenon, providing a well-rounded and rejuvenating experience in the heart of Alaska.