Northern Lights and Chena Hot Springs Night Tour from Fairbanks

Thinking about a night under the stars in Alaska? If chasing the Northern Lights sounds like your kind of adventure, this Northern Lights and Chena Hot Springs tour offers a well-rounded package. It promises a blend of quirky ice art, soothing thermal pools, and the chance to see the aurora borealis in one evening.

Whether you’re after a memorable experience or a chance to relax after a day of exploring, this tour covers a lot of ground — quite literally.

What we particularly like about this trip is the thoughtful combination of activities: a visit to the Fairbanks Ice Museum for some cool (literally) ice sculptures and chandeliers, followed by an evening soaking in mineral-rich hot springs. And if the weather cooperates, you’ll get a prime shot at witnessing the Northern Lights dancing overhead.

The tour is priced at $245 per person, which is a reasonable ask considering the length and variety of experiences packed into a 10.5-hour evening.

One potential consideration is that Northern Lights sightings depend heavily on Mother Nature’s mood. Several reviewers pointed out that cloudy weather can make Aurora viewing a gamble, but the experience of the hot springs and ice museum still makes this a worthwhile outing.

This tour generally suits travelers who enjoy a mix of cultural sights, outdoor relaxation, and the thrill of a natural light show — but be prepared for the possibility of a cloudy night.

This experience made our article of We Rank The 15 Best Spa & Hot Springs Experiences In Fairbanks.

Key Points

• Diverse activities: Combining ice art, hot springs, and aurora viewing provides great value.
• Knowledgeable guides: Many reviewers praise guides for their enthusiasm and insights.
• Weather dependency: Aurora sightings are never guaranteed; cloudy nights can limit visibility.
• Ideal for relaxed travelers: The hot springs and museum visits make it perfect for those wanting a leisurely, scenic evening.
• Group size: Limited to 12 travelers, ensuring more personal attention.
• Timing and duration: The long night ensures ample opportunity to see the lights or enjoy the amenities.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect

Departure from Fairbanks at 5:00 pm
The tour begins with a scheduled pickup from your hotel (if you’re staying at one of the selected hotels). This early start gives you plenty of time to settle in and get comfortable with your guide. The van ride out of town, which averages about an hour and a half, is often praised for being scenic — expect views of snow-covered landscapes and maybe some wildlife if you’re lucky.

First stop: the Fairbanks Ice Museum
Arriving at the Ice Museum around 6:45 pm, you’ll get an hour-long guided tour. Here, you’ll see hand-sculpted ice art, chandeliers, and ice bars. Many guests find it surprisingly fun and photogenic, as one reviewer noted: “The ice museum was fun, and we got to relax in the hot springs afterward.” Some reviews mention that the ice museum is not crowded if you go early, making it an enjoyable, unrushed experience.

Hot Springs at Chena Resort
Next, around 8:00 pm, you’ll head to the Chena Hot Springs. This rustic yet comfortable lodge offers both outdoor mineral pools and indoor options. Many travelers rave about the warmth and clarity of the hot springs, describing them as “soothing” and “relaxing,” especially under the starry sky, if the weather allows. If you’re 18 or older, you can also enjoy soaking in the Rock Lake Pool — some reviews mention it’s smaller than expected, but still a highlight for most visitors.

Northern Lights Waiting Game
As midnight approaches, the focus turns to Aurora hunting. The tour guides, often praised for their local knowledge and weather awareness, will try to position you for the best chance to see the lights, sometimes making stops at multiple spots. One reviewer appreciated how the guide “stopped by a few other places so we could have another view,” which underscores how flexible and attentive guides try to be. Keep in mind, sightings are weather-dependent — a cloudy night can mean disappointment, but even in those cases, the experience of the hot springs and the ice museum still makes it worthwhile.

Return to Fairbanks
The tour wraps up around 4:00 am, with drop-offs back at your hotel. While the late hours might seem tough, most travelers find the experience worth staying out late for, especially if you’ve never seen the Northern Lights before.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The $245 price covers quite a bit: hotel pickup and drop-off, the guided ice museum tour, access to the hot springs, and the chance (but not guarantee) of seeing the Aurora. The ticket includes the admission to the hot springs, which some reviews highlight as a key value — soaking in mineral waters under the night sky is unforgettable.

Extras like dinner are not included, but you can purchase food and drinks on-site. Some reviews mention that the restaurant at Chena Resort is good but can have long waits. Alcoholic drinks are available for purchase, which can be nice after hours of cold waiting.

Note: The tour is limited to 12 travelers, a small group size that helps keep things intimate and allows guides to give more personal attention.

The Experience: Pros and Cons from Travelers’ Perspectives

Positive feedback often highlights guides like Ed, Zack, and others for their knowledge, friendliness, and sense of humor. Many reviewers mention that guides make the trip memorable — from sharing interesting facts about the Aurora, bears, or other wildlife, to helping with camera settings for night photography.

The ice museum is generally well received — a surprising highlight for many, with one reviewer calling it “fun” and picturesque. The hot springs also get rave reviews, with travelers describing the experience as “incredible,” “so relaxing,” and “the best time I ever had.” The warmth of the water and the starry sky create an almost surreal atmosphere.

However, not all experiences were perfect. Several reviewers noted disorganization. For example, one felt the tour was “not very organized,” with guides disappearing or leaving travelers to figure things out. The pool area at Chena was described as “small” and “disappointing” by some, although others found the hot springs to be a highlight regardless.

The Aurora viewing can be unpredictable. Many travelers mention cloudy skies preventing sightings, which is a reminder that chasing the Northern Lights is always a gamble. Still, guides do their best to maximize your chances, making stops at locations with the clearest skies.

Transportation and Group Size

The comfortable van transport is usually appreciated for its smooth ride and scenic routes. Pickup is available from selected hotels, which simplifies logistics. The small group size (max 12) ensures a more relaxed, personalized experience — no big bus to get lost in or noisy crowds.

Price and Value

At $245, this tour offers a good value considering the combination of activities, transportation, and guides. The ice museum, hot springs, and Aurora hunt together create a comprehensive experience that’s hard to replicate on your own. Some reviews hint that the experience is worth the cost, especially given the expert guidance and convenience of having everything organized for you.

While you can’t guarantee a sighting of the Northern Lights (and some nights can be cloudy or rainy), the tour’s design maximizes your chances, and the other activities — especially soaking in the warm springs — make the trip worthwhile even if Aurora remains elusive.

Final Thoughts: Is It Right for You?

This tour shines for travelers who enjoy a relaxed but engaging evening. If you’re curious about ice art, love soaking in warm waters under the stars, and want a decent shot at witnessing the Aurora Borealis, this trip hits the mark. It’s especially suitable if you prefer a small group setting and appreciate guides who know the area well.

However, if your primary goal is a guaranteed Aurora sighting, remember the weather can be unpredictable, and no tour can promise clear skies. It’s also worth noting that dinner is not included, so plan accordingly if you want a full meal before or after.

In short, this tour offers a well-rounded, authentic Alaskan experience — combining natural beauty, quirky local attractions, and the chance to unwind in thermal waters. It’s a solid choice for those seeking a memorable night and are comfortable with some variability in the Aurora forecast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see the Northern Lights on this tour?
While many travelers do see the Aurora, sightings depend on weather conditions. Guides will try to find clear skies, but nothing is guaranteed because the Aurora is a natural phenomenon.

Is the ice museum included in the price?
No, admission to the Ice Museum is not included in the $245 price. You can buy tickets online, and the tour includes a guided visit, which last about an hour.

What should I wear to stay warm?
Dress in very warm layers, including thermal underwear, insulated jackets, hats, gloves, and warm boots. Many reviews emphasize the cold waiting outside for the Aurora, so being prepared is key.

How long is the hot springs visit?
You’ll have about an hour to soak in the waters, which many find incredibly relaxing. Remember, the pool at Chena is for 18+ only, and some reviews mention it’s a bit smaller than expected.

What time does the tour start and end?
Departure from Fairbanks is at 5:00 pm, and you’ll return around 4:00 am. It’s a long night, but many find it worth the effort.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are provided at selected hotels, easing logistical worries for travelers staying nearby.

To sum it up, this tour is a thoughtfully curated experience that offers a taste of everything Alaska has to offer at night — from icy artistry to natural thermal baths and the elusive Northern Lights. Perfect for those who value comfort, a bit of adventure, and local insights, it stands as a memorable way to spend an evening in the Far North.