Traveling to Alaska in winter offers the promise of snow, silence, and the elusive spectacle of the Northern Lights. If you’re considering a guided tour combining iconic sights like Chena Hot Springs and the Aurora Ice Museum, this experience might just be worth your time and money.
It’s a well-rated, full-day adventure designed for those eager to see the Aurora Borealis, relax in mineral waters, and explore some of Fairbanks’ best attractions—all in one go.
What we love about this tour is its balance: you get a detailed visit to the Ice Museum, a soak in the soothing hot springs, and the potential to witness the Northern Lights, all with knowledgeable guides keeping the experience engaging. The second highlight? The small group size—limited to 14—means a more personal, flexible experience.
On the flip side, the tour’s reliance on nature means the Aurora’s appearance isn’t guaranteed, which might be a disappointment if you’re set on seeing the lights no matter what.
This tour suits travelers who appreciate a mix of cultural sights, relaxation, and natural beauty. If you’re a first-timer in Alaska or someone who wants a comprehensive evening of winter fun, it’s a solid choice. Now, let’s unpack what makes this experience tick and how it could fit into your Alaskan adventure.
Key Points
- Authentic experiences include visiting the stunning Aurora Ice Museum and soaking in the natural mineral waters of Chena Hot Springs.
- Guided tours with expert guides enhance the experience, offering insights and making the journey informative and fun.
- Northern Lights viewing is a major highlight, but it’s weather-dependent; guides will do their best to find the best vantage points.
- Small group size ensures personalized attention and a more relaxed atmosphere.
- Value for money is high, considering the inclusions like transportation, museum visits, and hot springs access.
- Flexibility with bookings and cancellations allows you to plan confidently, with full refunds available if needed.
- Practical tips include bringing swimwear, towels, and cash, plus being prepared for late-night hours and cold outdoor conditions.
A Deep Dive into the Experience
This tour begins with a hotel pickup within Fairbanks or North Pole, making it a seamless start for most travelers. The 60-mile (97 km) journey out to Chena Hot Springs is comfortably done in a climate-controlled vehicle, with guides often engaging guests with stories and facts about Alaska’s wildlife and landscape. Keep your eyes open for moose, beavers, or fox along the way—these are common sightings that add a touch of wildlife magic to your trip.
Once you arrive at Chena Hot Springs Resort, the first stop is the Aurora Ice Museum. Built with over 1,000 tons of ice and snow, this museum is a surreal blend of art and engineering. It features ice sculptures by world-renowned artists and a bar where you can sit on a caribou-hide-covered stool and sip an appletini (if you choose to indulge in this optional treat). Many reviews highlight how the museum’s artistry makes it feel like stepping into a different world—an icy wonderland that’s worth your time even if you’re not typically into ice art.
Next, you’ll be led to a cozy table in the resort’s restaurant for a meal or beverages, though these are not included in the tour price. Some guests mention the food as being mediocre and the service a bit slow, but others appreciate the chance to warm up and refuel before heading to the mineral waters.
The highlight for many is the hot springs—a natural marvel that’s open year-round. The waters are a relaxing 106°F (41°C), and soaking under the stars while the cold Alaskan winter surrounds you is a memory many travelers cherish. You can choose indoor bathing or outdoor soaking in the hot tub, which offers a unique chance to view the auroras if they appear. The mineral waters are believed to have healing properties, and many reviewers say they leave feeling refreshed and relaxed.
As the evening progresses, the guides frequently scan the sky for Aurora activity. If the auroras are active, guides may take you to different vantage points, sometimes further north, to maximize your chances of seeing those iconic green or purple ribbons dancing across the sky. One reviewer shared that their guide even tried to find less light-polluted spots for a better view, which is great to hear because it shows the effort to make the experience special.
The return journey kicks off around midnight, with some guides making stops along the way to look for more Northern Lights. Expect to be back in Fairbanks between 2 am and 3 am, depending on your hotel location. Although the Aurora viewing is weather-dependent and can’t be guaranteed, most guests seem to agree that the guides do their best to maximize the chances.
What’s Included and What’s Not
You’ll find the value of this tour lies in its comprehensive nature and the inclusions: pickup from your hotel, admission to the Ice Museum, and access to the hot springs. The price of $215 per person reflects this, especially considering the transportation, guides, and multiple activities.
However, food and drinks at the resort’s restaurant are not included, and you might want to budget some extra cash for meals, beverages, or souvenirs. Towels are available for a small fee, and lockers are inexpensive—handy if you want to store your belongings while soaking.
Flexibility is a key feature here—cancellation is free if you notify 24 hours in advance, and booking allows you to reserve without immediate payment. Small groups make for a more intimate experience, with most reviews praising guides for their knowledge, friendliness, and tireless effort to find the Northern Lights.
The Guide Experience and Tour Atmosphere
From the reviews, guides stand out as one of the most praised aspects. They’re described as knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and committed to making the trip memorable. One reviewer noted that their guide had a microphone, which made it easier to hear facts and stories during the drive. Another mentioned how their guide, Gina, went above and beyond, not only making the trip fun but also helping them take good photos of the Aurora.
The small group setting—limited to 14 people—fosters a relaxed atmosphere. Many guests mention how guides personalized the experience, answered questions thoroughly, and made the long night feel less like a tour and more like a shared adventure among friends.
The museum itself, with its impressive sculptures and ice carvings, is described as magical. Walking through the ice art feels like stepping into a fairy tale—an experience that’s both beautiful and fleeting, since the sculptures melt away with the seasons.
The hot springs provide a different kind of magic. Soaking outside in mineral waters while the cold winter air surrounds you is an experience that’s difficult to match elsewhere. Some reviews mention that the waters are warm enough to relax muscles and ease tension after a day of travel or sightseeing.
Viewing the Northern Lights
While many reviews rave about the chance to see the Aurora, it’s important to remember that it’s an act of nature—unpredictable and sometimes elusive. Guides do their best, taking you to optimal spots and adjusting plans based on the forecast. Several guests reported spectacular displays, while others appreciated the effort guides made, even if the lights didn’t appear.
One reviewer noted that their guide still made the trip worthwhile by taking them to beautiful locations for photos, even when the Aurora was cloudy. Another shared that a guide tried to find less light pollution for a better view, which can make all the difference.
More Great Tours NearbyPractical Tips for Travelers
- Bring swimwear and a towel if you plan to soak in the hot springs—towels are available for a small fee.
- Dress warmly—layer your clothing, as outdoor viewing can be chilly, especially late at night.
- Cash is handy for tips, towel rentals, or souvenirs.
- Be prepared for late hours—the tour can run until 3 am, so plan your sleep schedule accordingly.
- Photography: Guides often assist with camera settings, but bring a tripod if you want professional-quality photos of the Aurora.
- Children under 18 can enjoy the indoor pool but are not permitted in outdoor hot springs, so consider this if traveling with family.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This experience is perfect for adventurous travelers who want a well-rounded evening combining culture, nature, and relaxation. It suits first-timers to Alaska, as guides provide plenty of context and stories. If you’re eager to see the Northern Lights but also appreciate the charm of local hot springs and ice art, this tour ticks multiple boxes.
Remember, a good sense of patience is necessary—the Aurora is unpredictable, but the guides’ efforts often pay off. It’s also a great choice if you’re interested in a more personalized experience, thanks to the small group size.
Final Thoughts
The Fairbanks: Northern Lights and Chena Hot Springs Tour offers a thoughtfully curated mix of natural beauty, cultural highlights, and relaxing comfort. It packs in a lot for the price, with knowledgeable guides, unique sights, and the chance to see the Aurora. Even if the Northern Lights decide to stay hidden, the visit to the Ice Museum and the soothing waters of Chena Hot Springs ensure a memorable night.
If you’re looking for an authentic, value-packed way to experience a true Alaskan winter, this tour deserves serious consideration. It’s particularly well-suited for travelers who want a manageable length, expert guidance, and a balanced mix of adventure and relaxation.
Fairbanks: Northern Lights and Chena Hot Springs Tour
FAQ
Is pickup included? Yes, the tour includes pickup from hotels within Fairbanks or North Pole city limits, making it convenient to start your evening without extra hassle.
Can I cancel if my plans change? Absolutely. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you flexibility if travel plans shift unexpectedly.
What should I bring? Pack your passport or ID, driver’s license, swimwear, towel, water, and some cash for tips or extras. Dress warmly—layers are essential for outdoor activities.
Will I see the Northern Lights? The Aurora is unpredictable and depends on weather and solar activity. Guides will do their best to find a good viewing spot, but sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Are children allowed? Children under 18 can enjoy the indoor pool but are not permitted in the outdoor hot springs, so plan accordingly for families.
How long is the tour? The full experience lasts about 10 hours, with return times between 2 am and 3 am, depending on your hotel location and Aurora activity.
Is food included? No, meals and drinks at the resort are extra. You might want to budget for dinner or snacks, especially if you prefer a sit-down meal during your trip.
This tour offers a charming way to experience Alaska’s winter spectacle, blending natural beauty, local culture, and relaxation. Whether or not the Northern Lights cooperate, it’s a memorable journey into the heart of Alaskan winter magic.
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