Fairbanks’ premier hot springs experience centers on Chena Hot Springs Resort, a unique thermal oasis in the Alaskan wilderness. The geothermal pools offer year-round soaking at 106°F, perfect after a day of winter adventures. We love their 6-hour evening tours, which smartly combine hot springs relaxation with Aurora viewing opportunities. The complete package includes visits to the impressive Aurora Ice Museum and reliable shuttle service from Fairbanks.
The resort’s naturalist guides share fascinating insights about geothermal activity and the Northern Lights phenomenon while guests unwind in mineral-rich waters. Though the facilities could use some updating, the authentic Alaskan experience and potential Aurora sightings make it worthwhile.
Let’s explore our favorite hot springs tours in Fairbanks.
Key Points
- Chena Hot Springs Resort offers a premier spa and hot springs experience in Fairbanks, providing access to geothermal pools and the Aurora Ice Museum.
- Tours to Chena Hot Springs range from 6 to 10 hours, with various pricing options and personalized group sizes to enhance the experience.
- Visitors can enjoy muscle-soothing benefits of the thermal pools, with amenities like swimwear, towels, and water shoes available on-site.
- Northern Lights viewing is a key attraction, with evening tours designed to maximize the chances of witnessing the Aurora Borealis.
- While generally positive, some reviews mention concerns about cleanliness and crowding, suggesting the need for facility updates to improve overall guest experiences.
Northern Lights and Chena Hot Springs Tour From Fairbanks
The Northern Lights and Chena Hot Springs Tour from Fairbanks offers visitors an enchanting opportunity to experience the natural wonders of Alaska.
This 6-hour tour takes guests to the Chena Hot Springs Resort, where they can soak in hot mineral springs, hot tubs, and an indoor pool.
The tour also includes a guided visit to the Aurora Ice Museum and the chance to witness the mesmerizing northern lights.
With a maximum of 14 travelers, the tour provides a personalized experience.
While some reviews have noted issues with pricing and overcrowding, many guests praise the knowledgeable guides and the incredible natural beauty on display.
Read our full review: Northern Lights and Chena Hot Springs Tour From Fairbanks Review
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From Fairbanks: Chena Hot Springs Northern Lights Tour
From Fairbanks, the Chena Hot Springs Northern Lights Tour offers visitors an enchanting opportunity to experience two of Alaska’s natural wonders.
This 10-hour tour includes pickup from select Fairbanks hotels, a guided visit to the Aurora Ice Museum, and free time to swim in the Chena Hot Springs. Participants may also enjoy dinner at the hot springs and try to view the mesmerizing Northern Lights around midnight.
While the tour is priced at $235 per person and may sell out quickly, it allows travelers to enjoy the region’s geothermal and astronomical attractions.
However, Northern Lights visibility isn’t guaranteed, and the changing facilities at the hot springs may be crowded.
Read our full review: From Fairbanks: Chena Hot Springs Northern Lights Tour Review
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Chena Hot Springs Tour
The Chena Hot Springs Tour offers visitors a chance to experience two of Alaska’s natural wonders – geothermal hot springs and the mesmerizing Northern Lights.
With a 94% traveler recommendation and a Badge of Excellence, this tour provides an accessible and affordable way to explore the Chena Hot Springs, including the Ice Museum and outdoor rock pool.
The tour includes hotel pick-up, transportation, admission fees, and a knowledgeable guide.
While the hot springs are wheelchair accessible, certain restrictions apply for children and pregnant guests.
Guests consistently praise the relaxing atmosphere, informative guides, and enjoyable experiences, though some note concerns about pool cleanliness.
Read our full review: Chena Hot Springs Tour Review
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From Fairbanks: Chena Hot Springs Day Tour
Discover the natural wonders of Chena Hot Springs with this day tour from Fairbanks. Priced from $190 per person, this 8-hour small group tour offers pickup, admission to the hot springs and ice museum, and a geothermal energy tour.
Soak in the healing waters, explore the Aurora Ice Museum, and learn about renewable energy projects. While food and drinks are excluded, guests can dine at the resort’s restaurant.
Requiring only a swimsuit and ID, this tour is great for adults, though children and expecting mothers have some restrictions.
With an overall 4.3/5 rating, this tour provides an enjoyable and informative experience in Fairbanks’ best natural spa.
Read our full review: From Fairbanks: Chena Hot Springs Day Tour Review
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Chena Hot Springs Day Tour From Fairbanks
This day tour from Fairbanks offers a chance to explore the natural wonders of Chena Hot Springs. Guests can marvel at life-sized ice sculptures during a guided tour of the Fairbanks Ice Museum.
Then, they’ll have several hours to relax in the soothing thermal pools at Chena Hot Springs, known for their muscle-soothing properties.
The tour includes round-trip transportation from select Fairbanks hotels, as well as a knowledgeable driver/guide.
While most travelers can participate, the tour isn’t recommended for pregnant individuals or those with serious medical conditions.
With a maximum of 12 travelers, this day trip provides an intimate and unique Alaskan experience.
Read our full review: Chena Hot Springs Day Tour From Fairbanks Review
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Full Day Ice Museum and Chena Hot Springs Tour
A full-day adventure exploring the Ice Museum and Chena Hot Springs awaits visitors to Fairbanks.
This €198.88 tour includes roundtrip pickup, a guided tour of the Ice Museum’s ice bar and chandeliers, and a visit to Chena Hot Springs.
Here, guests will learn about geothermal energy and enjoy the rejuvenating hot springs, powered by Alaska’s first low-temperature binary geothermal plant.
While dining at the Chena Hot Springs restaurant is optional, the highlight is the chance to relax in the soothing waters.
With an English-speaking guide, this 7-hour tour offers a memorable Alaskan experience.
Just remember to bring swimwear, a towel, and flip-flops.
Read our full review: Full Day Ice Museum and Chena Hot Springs Tour Review
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Northern Lights and Chena Hot Springs Night Tour From Fairbanks
Embarking on a night adventure, travelers to Fairbanks can enjoy the captivating Northern Lights display and the rejuvenating Chena Hot Springs.
The Northern Lights and Chena Hot Springs Night Tour offers a comprehensive experience, with a knowledgeable guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, and the chance to view the Aurora Borealis.
While the natural occurrence of the Northern Lights can’t be guaranteed, the tour operator monitors forecasts to maximize viewing opportunities.
At the Chena Hot Springs, guests can relax in the warm, soothing waters, though the ice museum and dining experiences may vary in quality.
Read our full review: Northern Lights and Chena Hot Springs Night Tour From Fairbanks Review
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Chena Hot Springs Round Trip Tour
For travelers seeking a rejuvenating retreat in Fairbanks, the Chena Hot Springs Round Trip Tour offers a convenient and immersive experience.
Priced from €211.86 per person, the tour includes a 1-hour 20-minute journey each way and 4 hours at the resort, where visitors can enjoy the hot springs, optional ice museum, and potential activities like dog sledding and snowmobiling.
With a 4.5-star rating from 15 reviews, the tour is operated by Vip Northern Lights Tours and features friendly, knowledgeable guides.
Travelers should come prepared with their own towels and water shoes and prioritize visiting the ice museum before soaking in the hot springs to make the most of their visit to this unique Alaskan destination.
Read our full review: Chena Hot Springs Round Trip Tour Review
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Hot Springs Aurora Viewing Dream in Alaska
Travelers seeking a truly immersive Alaskan experience can embark on the Hot Springs Aurora Viewing Dream in Alaska tour. This 7-hour excursion takes visitors to the Chena Hot Springs Resort, located just 60 miles from Fairbanks.
Guests can soak in the natural hot springs, admire the northern lights, and explore the resort’s ice carving museum. The tour includes hassle-free transportation, warm clothes, and towels.
While aurora visibility isn’t guaranteed, the location is known for its excellent viewing opportunities. Reviewers praise the knowledgeable guides and the overall organization of the experience, though some note the need for facility updates.
Priced at $258 per person, this tour offers a unique chance to take in Alaska’s natural wonders.
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Hot Spring and Northern Lights Photography Tour
The Hot Spring and Northern Lights Photography Tour offers visitors a chance to enjoy Fairbanks’ natural wonders. The tour takes guests to hot springs, an ice museum, and a geothermal power plant, followed by dinner and an opportunity to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights.
With a maximum of 12 travelers, the tour provides a personalized experience. Guests praise the knowledgeable guides, though some note the need for updates at the Chena Hot Springs facilities.
While Northern Lights visibility can be unpredictable, the tour aims to maximize viewing chances by traveling over 120 miles in prime areas. The tour provides a well-organized exploration of Fairbanks’ unique attractions.
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Chena Hot Springs Shuttle From Fairbanks
Chena Hot Springs Shuttle provides a convenient way for visitors to travel from Fairbanks to the renowned Chena Hot Springs, located about 60 miles away.
The shuttle offers round-trip service, picking up passengers from local accommodations starting at 10:00 am. Passengers can explore the hot springs and Ice Museum during their visit, with ample time to relax and enjoy the unique atmosphere.
The service is known for friendly, knowledgeable drivers, though some reviews note the need for improved vehicle cleanliness.
While the shuttle is a hassle-free option, some travelers feel the $140 per person cost is excessive, especially without additional inclusions like museum entry.
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Northern Lights at Chena Hot Springs
One of the major draws of visiting Chena Hot Springs is the opportunity to witness the captivating natural phenomenon of the Northern Lights.
While the tour doesn’t guarantee Northern Lights sightings, it does provide transportation to the hot springs, where guests can soak and potentially catch a glimpse of the mesmerizing aurora borealis.
The tour is priced at ₹19,091.44 per person and has a maximum group size of 6 travelers.
Although the experience isn’t wheelchair accessible and not recommended for pregnant individuals, most travelers can participate.
The overall customer reviews are generally positive, with some minor disappointments regarding the lack of a guided Northern Lights tour.
Read our full review: Northern Lights at Chena Hot Springs Review
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Half Day Tour to Chena Hot Springs From Fairbanks
Exploring the natural wonders of Chena Hot Springs is made easy with this half-day tour from Fairbanks. Visitors can enjoy the hot springs and ice museum, with pickup and drop-off services included.
The air-conditioned vehicle accommodates up to 14 travelers, though it’s not wheelchair accessible. Appletinis are available for purchase, but only for those 21 and older.
While the overall rating is 2.5/5 stars, one review noted a positive experience with the relaxing hot springs and safe transportation. However, another review reported disappointment due to a missed pickup.
Read our full review: Half Day Tour to Chena Hot Springs From Fairbanks Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food to the Hot Springs?
Most hot springs welcome guests to bring their own food and snacks to enjoy during their visit. However, it’s best to check with the specific location’s policies before arriving to ensure you’re following their rules.
Do the Hot Springs Have Accommodations for Large Groups?
Many hot springs offer group accommodations, though it’s best to check with the specific location. Some may have private pools, lodging, and other amenities suitable for larger groups looking to soak and relax together.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for Visiting the Hot Springs?
Most hot springs don’t have age restrictions, but it’s best to check with the specific location. Some may have rules for young children to ensure their safety in the hot water.
What Are the Dress Code Requirements for the Hot Springs?
The dress code for hot springs typically allows swimwear, though some may have clothing-optional policies. It’s best to check with each specific location for their requirements to ensure a comfortable and appropriate visit.
Do the Hot Springs Have Facilities for People With Disabilities?
The hot springs do have accessible facilities for people with disabilities. They feature ramps, handrails, and other accommodations to ensure a comfortable and safe experience for all visitors.
Recap
Fairbanks offers a range of incredible spa and hot springs experiences. Chena Hot Springs, located just outside the city, is a popular destination for its natural hot springs, stunning Northern Lights views, and array of tour options. Whether you’re looking for a day trip or an overnight adventure, Fairbanks provides plenty of opportunities to relax, rejuvenate, and learn about the beauty of Alaska’s natural wonders.