Northern Lights at Chena Hot Springs

Chena Hot Springs in Fairbanks, Alaska, offers a unique opportunity to witness the captivating Northern Lights. Visitors can soak in the natural hot springs while marveling at the vibrant auroras dancing across the night sky. Vip Northern Lights Tours provides a personalized experience, ensuring an intimate setting for guests to fully appreciate this natural wonder. With a maximum of six travelers, the tour includes a hot springs pass, coffee or tea, and admission to the Ice Museum – a truly memorable evening awaits.

This experience made our article of Fairbanks’s 15 Top Spa & Hot Springs Experiences (With Prices).

Contents show

Key Points

Chena Hot Springs in Fairbanks, Alaska is a popular destination for viewing the Northern Lights, with tours provided by Vip Northern Lights Tours.
The tour package includes a hot springs pass, coffee/tea, and admission to the Ice Museum, offering a comprehensive Northern Lights experience.
The tour is limited to a maximum of 6 travelers, ensuring a personalized and intimate experience.
Pickup is available from hotels or accommodations, making it convenient for travelers to access the tour.
Northern Lights sightings are not guaranteed due to the natural phenomenon, but the tour give you the best opportunity for viewing.

Location and Provider

Chena Hot Springs is located in Fairbanks, Alaska, USA, making it a popular destination for travelers seeking to experience the Northern Lights.

The tour is provided by Vip Northern Lights Tours, offering a comprehensive package that includes a hot springs pass, coffee/tea, and admission to the Ice Museum.

With a maximum of 6 travelers, the tour provides a personalized experience. Pickup is available from hotels or accommodations, ensuring a seamless start to the adventure.

The tour’s scheduling, from 7:00 PM onwards, maximizes the chances of witnessing the mesmerizing Northern Lights display.

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Fairbanks

Pricing and Booking Details

The tour costs $220.00 per person. Booking details are straightforward – you’ll receive confirmation at the time of booking, though the tickets are non-refundable.

The maximum group size is 6 travelers, making it an intimate experience. A few key things to know:

Pickup is available from your hotel or accommodation
The tour includes a pass to the Chena Hot Springs, as well as entry to the Ice Museum
Coffee and/or tea are also provided as part of the package

Maximum Participants and Pickup

This tour keeps the group size small, with a maximum of 6 travelers. The intimate setting allows for a more personalized experience and ensures everyone has ample opportunity to enjoy the northern lights and hot springs. Pickup is available from hotels or accommodations, making it easy to get to the starting point. Check out the details in the table below:

| Pickup Location | Pickup Time | Pickup Address |

| — | — | — |

| Downtown Fairbanks | 6:45 PM | 123 Main St, Fairbanks, AK 99701 |

| Chena Hot Springs Resort | 7:00 PM | 17600 Chena Hot Springs Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99712 |

| North Pole | 6:30 PM | 125 St. Nicholas Dr, North Pole, AK 99705 |

| Fairbanks International Airport | 6:15 PM | 6450 Airport Way, Fairbanks, AK 99709 |

| University of Alaska Fairbanks | 6:45 PM | 1790 Yukon Dr, Fairbanks, AK 99775 |

Included Features

The tour package includes a Hot Springs Pass, granting access to the renowned Chena Hot Springs.

Enjoy access to the renowned Chena Hot Springs with the included Hot Springs Pass in this tour package.

Guests can also enjoy complimentary coffee and/or tea to keep them warm during the chilly evening.

Plus, the Ice Museum fee is covered, allowing visitors to explore this unique frozen attraction.

These included features enhance the overall experience, providing a well-rounded tour that caters to travelers’ needs.

The tour’s inclusions ensure guests can fully enjoy the natural wonders of Chena Hot Springs and the captivating beauty of the Northern Lights.

Schedule and Accessibility

When does the Northern Lights tour at Chena Hot Springs begin? The tour starts at 7:00 PM. This timing is perfect for catching the evening aurora displays.

However, it’s important to note that the northern lights are a natural phenomenon, so sightings can’t be guaranteed.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps. Pregnant travelers are also not recommended to join.

Despite these accessibility limitations, most travelers should be able to participate. Just keep in mind the logistics when booking your spot, as the tour has a maximum of 6 travelers.

There's plenty more to explore in Fairbanks

Reviews Summary

Although the Northern Lights tour at Chena Hot Springs has received a relatively small number of reviews, the overall rating provides an insightful glimpse into customer experiences.

The tour received an average rating of 3.7 out of 5 stars based on 3 reviews. The breakdown is as follows:

0 five-star reviews
0 four-star reviews
0 three-star reviews
0 two-star reviews
0 one-star reviews

While one reviewer expressed disappointment, the tour provider clarified that northern lights sightings aren’t guaranteed due to the natural phenomenon.

Another reviewer praised the professionalism of the guide and the unique ice museum experience.

Customer Experiences

Two of the three reviews provide a more detailed look into customer experiences with the Northern Lights tour at Chena Hot Springs. One reviewer expressed disappointment, stating the tour was primarily a ride to Chena Hot Springs without a proper northern lights experience. The host clarified that sightings are not guaranteed as the northern lights are a natural phenomenon. However, another reviewer praised the tour guide, Tony, for his professionalism and local insights, expressing a desire to give a higher rating. A third reviewer highlighted the unique experience at the ice museum, particularly enjoying the romantic atmosphere of the ice bar.

| Reviewer | Sentiment | Feedback |

| — | — | — |

| Reviewer 1 | Negative | Disappointed by lack of northern lights experience |

| Reviewer 2 | Positive | Praised tour guide’s professionalism and insights |

| Reviewer 3 | Positive | Enjoyed the ice museum and its romantic atmosphere |

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Typical Weather Conditions During the Tour?

The weather during the tour can vary, but guests should expect cold temperatures typical of Alaska’s winter climate. Warm winter gear like hats, gloves, and thermal layers are recommended to stay comfortable throughout the evening’s activities.

How Long Does the Northern Lights Viewing Typically Last?

The duration of northern lights viewing can vary greatly, as it’s a natural phenomenon. On average, the lights may be visible for 1-2 hours, though they can sometimes linger for longer. Sightings are not guaranteed, as the aurora’s appearance depends on solar activity.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour if the Northern Lights Appear Later?

The tour doesn’t offer an extension option if the northern lights appear later. However, the host clarifies that sightings aren’t guaranteed as the northern lights are a natural phenomenon. Guests should plan accordingly and be prepared for any potential delays or changes in the viewing schedule.

What Amenities Are Available at the Chena Hot Springs Resort?

The Chena Hot Springs Resort offers several amenities for visitors, including natural hot springs, an ice museum with an ice bar, and coffee/tea services. Guests can relax in the therapeutic waters and explore the unique ice sculptures on-site.

Can I Purchase Additional Activities or Souvenirs During the Tour?

Customers can likely purchase additional activities or souvenirs during the tour. The tour includes an Ice Museum fee, but there may be opportunities to purchase other items or experiences on-site at Chena Hot Springs Resort.

The Sum Up

Chena Hot Springs offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights while soaking in the soothing hot springs. With a personalized tour, cozy amenities, and a maximum of six travelers, it’s the perfect way to experience this natural wonder in an intimate setting. Don’t miss the chance to create unforgettable memories at this Alaskan gem.