The Fairbanks: Northern Lights and Chena Hot Springs Tour offers an exceptional opportunity to explore the natural wonders of Alaska. Combining the mesmerizing beauty of the Aurora Ice Museum with the soothing waters of Chena Hot Springs, this 10-hour adventure promises an unforgettable experience. While the northern lights cannot be guaranteed, the tour maximizes viewing opportunities, ensuring an enchanting encounter under the Alaskan sky. With expert guides and a small group size, this tour caters to nature enthusiasts seeking to enjoy the region’s captivating landscapes and thermal attractions. The opportunity to witness the Aurora Borealis and indulge in the therapeutic hot springs creates a unique blend of adventure and relaxation.
Key Points
- This Fairbanks tour offers a 10-hour experience to explore the Aurora Ice Museum and relax in the Chena Hot Springs, with the opportunity to view the northern lights.
- The tour includes hotel pickup, a guided visit to the Aurora Ice Museum, and access to the 106°F (41°C) healing waters of Chena Hot Springs.
- Participants can enjoy optional appletinis served in hand-carved ice glasses and purchase dinner and beverages at the resort, not included in the tour price.
- The tour aims to maximize the chances of witnessing the northern lights, although their appearance is not guaranteed and depends on weather conditions.
- The tour has received an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 from previous customers, with positive feedback on the professionalism and friendliness of the guides.
Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview
- Experience Highlights
- Itinerary Details
- Important Information
- Customer Reviews
- Guided Tour of Aurora Ice Museum
- Relaxation at Chena Hot Springs
- Northern Lights Viewing Opportunity
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for This Tour?
- Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks to the Hot Springs?
- Is There a Locker Room or Changing Area Available at the Hot Springs?
- How Long Does the Northern Lights Viewing Session Typically Last?
- Do I Need to Book the Optional Appletini in Advance?
- Recap
- More Spa & Hot Springs in Chena Hot Springs
- More Tours in Chena Hot Springs
- More Tour Reviews in Chena Hot Springs
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Chena Hot Springs we have recnetly reviewed
Tour Overview
The Fairbanks: Northern Lights and Chena Hot Springs Tour offers a comprehensive 10-hour experience, priced from €210.70 per person, with a group size limited to 14 participants.
This English-language tour includes hotel pickup within Fairbanks or North Pole city limits and provides a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.
Visitors can explore the Aurora Ice Museum, featuring over 1000 tons of ice and snow, and relax in the healing 106°F (41°C) waters of Chena Hot Springs.
While the tour provides an opportunity to witness the northern lights, their appearance is not guaranteed.
An optional appletini served in a hand-carved ice glass is available for an additional cost.
Here are more great tours and experiences we've reviewed in Chena Hot Springs
Experience Highlights
Guided tour of the Aurora Ice Museum, featuring over 1000 tons of ice and snow, provides visitors with a unique and awe-inspiring experience.
Relaxation in the healing waters of Chena Hot Springs, maintained at a soothing 106°F (41°C), offers a rejuvenating respite.
While the tour presents an opportunity to witness the captivating northern lights, their appearance remains subject to the whims of nature and cannot be guaranteed.
Optional activities include enjoying an appletini served in a hand-carved ice glass and indulging in dinner and beverages at the resort, though these are not included in the tour price.
Itinerary Details
The tour begins with pickup from the visitor’s hotel, followed by a 60-mile (97 km) journey to the Chena Hot Springs Resort.
Upon arrival, guests will embark on a guided tour of the Aurora Ice Museum, where they can marvel at the intricate ice sculptures and carvings.
After the museum visit, you will have time to enjoy dinner and drinks before indulging in the healing waters of the outdoor hot tub or indoor heated pool.
The tour concludes with the return to Fairbanks after midnight, with a possible stop along the way to observe the captivating northern lights, if conditions are favorable.
Important Information
Passport or ID, driver’s license, swimwear, towel, water, and cash are essential items to bring on this tour.
Children under 18 are not permitted in the outdoor hot springs, but they can access the indoor pool.
Pickup is not provided from the airport.
This tour offers a few important considerations:
Guests must be prepared for the chilly outdoor environment, as the Aurora Ice Museum and hot springs are located in a remote, snowy setting.
The unpredictable nature of the northern lights means their appearance cannot be guaranteed, though the tour maximizes the chances of a sighting.
While dinner and beverages are available at the resort, these are optional and not included in the tour price.
More Great Tours NearbyCustomer Reviews
According to customer reviews, this tour of Fairbanks’ Northern Lights and Chena Hot Springs has an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 based on 52 reviews.
Reviewers praised the professionalism and friendliness of the guides, rating them 5 out of 5. The transportation was also highly rated at 4.5 out of 5.
However, the service received a slightly lower score of 3.7 out of 5. Customers highlighted the organized nature of the tour, with a 5 out of 5 rating for organization.
While the visibility of the northern lights is unpredictable, the overall tour experience was praised by reviewers, who appreciated the opportunity to visit the Aurora Ice Museum and relax in the Chena Hot Springs.
Guided Tour of Aurora Ice Museum
One of the key highlights of the Fairbanks tour is the guided tour of the Aurora Ice Museum, which features over 1,000 tons of intricate ice and snow sculptures. The museum showcases the remarkable craftsmanship of local artists, who have transformed the medium of ice into breathtaking works of art.
During the tour, visitors can admire:
-
Detailed ice carvings depicting scenes from Alaskan wildlife and culture
-
An impressive ice bar where guests can sip on specialty cocktails served in hand-carved ice glasses
-
Awe-inspiring ice chandeliers and sculptures that shimmer and glisten under the museum’s lighting
This one-of-a-kind experience provides a unique opportunity to appreciate the beauty and artistry that can be created with the frozen water of the north.
Relaxation at Chena Hot Springs
Visitors can indulge in the healing waters of the Chena Hot Springs, which are maintained at a soothing temperature of 106°F (41°C), as part of the tour experience.
The hot springs are known for their therapeutic properties and offer a chance to relax and unwind after exploring the Aurora Ice Museum.
Guests can choose to soak in the outdoor hot tub or take a dip in the indoor heated pool, both of which provide a tranquil and rejuvenating setting.
The hot springs visit is a highlight of the tour, allowing participants to fully enjoy the natural beauty and thermal wonders of the Chena Hot Springs Resort.
Northern Lights Viewing Opportunity
While the appearance of the northern lights cannot be guaranteed, the tour provides an opportunity for participants to potentially catch a glimpse of this natural phenomenon.
The timing of the tour, which extends into the late evening and early morning hours, increases the chances of witnessing the mesmerizing aurora borealis display in the night sky.
The tour itinerary includes:
-
Flexibility to make stops for northern lights viewing, depending on weather and geomagnetic conditions.
-
Knowledgeable guides who can interpret the activity and patterns of the aurora to enhance the viewing experience.
-
The possibility of seeing the northern lights from multiple vantage points, including the Chena Hot Springs Resort and along the journey back to Fairbanks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for This Tour?
The minimum age requirement for this tour is 18 years old. Children under 18 are not allowed in the outdoor hot springs, though they may have access to the indoor pool at the resort.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks to the Hot Springs?
Guests are generally allowed to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages to the hot springs, though certain restrictions may apply. It is recommended to check with the venue directly for their specific policies prior to arrival.
Is There a Locker Room or Changing Area Available at the Hot Springs?
Yes, Chena Hot Springs Resort offers a locker room and changing area for guests to use before and after enjoying the hot springs. Facilities include private changing rooms and lockers to store personal belongings.
How Long Does the Northern Lights Viewing Session Typically Last?
The duration of northern lights viewing sessions can vary greatly, as the appearance and behavior of the aurora borealis are highly unpredictable. Viewing opportunities may last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours, depending on the intensity and activity of the lights.
Do I Need to Book the Optional Appletini in Advance?
Based on the information provided, the optional appletini served in a hand-carved ice glass does not need to be booked in advance, as it is listed as an optional add-on not included in the tour price.
Fairbanks: Northern Lights and Chena Hot Springs Tour
“Ron and Gina were amazing and I learned a ton from them. they both worked really hard to make it a very special experience! highly recommend”
Recap
The Northern Lights and Chena Hot Springs Tour offers an immersive Alaskan experience.
Participants can explore stunning ice sculptures at the Aurora Ice Museum and unwind in the therapeutic Chena Hot Springs.
While northern lights sightings are not guaranteed, the tour maximizes viewing opportunities for an enchanting experience.
With small groups and expert guides, this tour caters to nature enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable adventure in Fairbanks.
You can check availability for your dates here: