Northern Lights and Chena Hot Springs Night Tour from Fairbanks
4.5
Full view
LIKELY TO SELL OUT*
Northern Lights and Chena Hot Springs Night Tour from Fairbanks
By 1st Alaska Tours
Recommended by 92% of travelers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
Combine two natural phenomena—plus a man-made marvel—on a tour that includes Northern Lights hunting and a visit to the Chena Hot Springs and Fairbanks Ice Museum. While waiting up to catch the Northern Lights can be difficult to do on your own, by starting the tour with other activities, it is a breeze to stay up until midnight for the Northern Lights portion of the tour.Â
from per adult
$226.00
from per adult
$226.00
Lowest price guarantee
Ages 5-99, max of 12 per group
Duration: 11h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
English
Highlights
- Enjoy a night of soaking in thermal pools and watching the Northern LightsÂ
- Hotel pickup and drop-off lets you avoid driving Alaska’s roads at night
- A guide takes you to an ideal Northern Lights viewing location
- Get a drink (your own expense) at the ice museum’s hand-carved ice bar
- Driver/guide
- Live commentary on board
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only)
- Entry/Admission - Chena Hot Springs Resort
What's not included- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
- Gratuities
- Dinner
- Departure details
- Traveler pickup is offered.
- We pick up from all major hotel in Fairbanks, not Airbnb nor private residences. All other locations please contact us for meet up point.
- Hotel pickup is offered. View the hotel list on our checkout page to see if yours is included among the pickup points.
Return details- Returns to original departure point
- Not wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 10606P6- Minimum age is 5-year-old and older.
- Please note the Aurora is a natural occurrence. We can NEVER guarantee that guests will see the aurora.
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Chena rock lake pool only allows age 18 and older.
- Most travelers can participate
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
- All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.
- What you can expect during your visit
- Guides required to regularly wash hands
- Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
Community- Safety precautions are provided by the property and are not checked by Tripadvisor for accuracy.
- How much is Northern Lights and Chena Hot Springs Night Tour from Fairbanks?
- Northern Lights and Chena Hot Springs Night Tour from Fairbanks price starts from $226.00. Discover and book Northern Lights and Chena Hot Springs Night Tour from Fairbanks on Tripadvisor
- What is the Northern Lights and Chena Hot Springs Night Tour from Fairbanks cancellation policy?
- Northern Lights and Chena Hot Springs Night Tour from Fairbanks cancellation policy: All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties. Discover and book Northern Lights and Chena Hot Springs Night Tour from Fairbanks on Tripadvisor
- Which company provides Northern Lights and Chena Hot Springs Night Tour from Fairbanks?
- Northern Lights and Chena Hot Springs Night Tour from Fairbanks is hosted by 1st Alaska Tours. Read reviews, discover additonal experiences or contact 1st Alaska Tours on Tripadvisor. Discover and book Northern Lights and Chena Hot Springs Night Tour from Fairbanks on Tripadvisor
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 10606P6
Itinerary
- You'll get picked upSee departure details
- 1Chena Hot Springs ResortStop: 8 hours - Admission includedOnly 60 miles from Fairbanks, this world renowned resort offers a day of rest and relaxation in the historical location discovered by natives and early miners. Enjoy the mineral hot springs in a beautiful natural setting and experience the dancing of the northern lights. The world’s largest year-round Ice Museum is your first stop at Chena Resort.Read more
- You'll return to the starting point
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator.
lindajZ3605UD
00This was the most phenomenal experience.
Beginning with Jeff who picked us up from our hotel and took us to a Yurt where we watched them pick out the dogs a…
CharlesC722
00Great experience...great value.
Just had a wonderful city tour with a great local guide, Joe. He arrived early to meet us with a big smile, big hea…
wllclub
00Great experience
We had a great experience. Our guide was great and I learned a great deal about dog sledding along with beautiful v…
E7547WOdebrac
00Excellent job!
Ryan did an excellent job making our tour very interesting. He was friendly and entertaining. The tour covered inte…
610PS
00Well worth the long day
It was a long day, but well worth it, and most importantly we’d do it again. In summary: Picked up at the hotel a…
raoftx
00Amazing!
Joe our guide shared so many stories of growing up in AK. Pictures of moose in his backyard etc and shared knowledg…
Arthur L
00Comfortable trip to Aurora
It is comfortable, but pick up at hotel. Safe road trip, kudos to Joe! Aurora was not strong, still the tour was fu…
A8398MIchristinas
00Incredible Experience
Eliza was amazing!!! This was an incredible experience from start to finish- highly recommend to anyone who wants t…
vhuynh2011
00Knowledgeable Safe driver with Experience
Ryan is a great guide, he made sure we were all comfortable and was a great driver taking us up and down the Dalton…
laj0nnab
00The Artic Circle and Northern Lights Tour
We had such a wonderful experience on the Artic Circle and Northern lights tour. We had Ryan as our tour guide he w…
suchablessing
00Excellent Experience! Exactly as Advertised!
We had THE BEST time ice fishing and viewing the Aurora Borealis with our two tween kiddos under the tour guide of …
Kelly Y
00Wonderful
Wonderful hospitality and kindness from everyone. We had a great time and loved it. From start to finish everything…
12SueD
00What a Rush!
What an awesome experience! Dog mushing at night atop the Alaska Pipeline and into the silent, snowy woods, the onl…
X3050SJrichardc
00Amazing Alaska Tour
My family joined muliple Alaska tours from 1st Alaska Tours in Feb 2023. We were greeted by friendly tour guide, J…
V933QUsabrinaw
00Ryan
Ryan was awesome. Very knowledgeable and very careful on the icy roads. Would definitely recommend this tour.
More to explore in Fairbanks
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
40 reviews
Excellent
32
Very good
5
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
2
Rachel
2 contributions
Mar 2023
Five stars for the tour with Joe. He was very knowledgeable, drove safely, and taught me a lot about Alaska life! We could keep our bags in the van and come get them whenever we wanted. Joe kept watch all night for the northern lights, and would go find all of us to let us know when to come see them. Unfortunately it was overcast that night, so we couldn't even see stars, but Joe drove by a stopping spot on the way home to see if anything was more clear (it wasn't). Everyone on the tour (me included) voted to leave just after midnight, so we did. (Aside: The clouds cleared around 3am, and I ended up taking a taxi to a park in Fairbanks and saw a great show, so don't give up!)
The tour includes the ice museum, which is meh (though the apple martini in the ice glass was a fun experience). The locker rooms at the hot springs were kinda dirty, and there was a lot of slippery moss and some random rocks inside the pool, but overall it was a good experience to hang out there for a few hours. The restaurant at Chena Hot Springs was a little pricey, but the vegetables were fresh and delicious (they grow them in a greenhouse on the property). The tour includes use of the activity center while waiting for the northern lights. The activity center was just a big room with some chairs and tables, but it was nice to be inside out of the cold.
Overall, Joe was great, and I met some wonderful people on the tour. The price is definitely worth it to have someone experienced drive you around (we saw so many cars in ditches) and chase the lights. Good luck!
The tour includes the ice museum, which is meh (though the apple martini in the ice glass was a fun experience). The locker rooms at the hot springs were kinda dirty, and there was a lot of slippery moss and some random rocks inside the pool, but overall it was a good experience to hang out there for a few hours. The restaurant at Chena Hot Springs was a little pricey, but the vegetables were fresh and delicious (they grow them in a greenhouse on the property). The tour includes use of the activity center while waiting for the northern lights. The activity center was just a big room with some chairs and tables, but it was nice to be inside out of the cold.
Overall, Joe was great, and I met some wonderful people on the tour. The price is definitely worth it to have someone experienced drive you around (we saw so many cars in ditches) and chase the lights. Good luck!
Written March 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Samantha R
4 contributions
Dec 2022
This was an amazing excursion! Kirk was our guide and we could not have asked for a better tour guide. He knew the ins and outs and best times to do everything to ensure we were able to be in position to see the northern lights. When we got to the Chena Springs and Ice Museum, he put our names down for dinner reservations so we were able to enjoy the museum while waiting for a table. He made sure everyone was good and had everything we needed and gave tips on how to navigate the different events going on. Because he put our names down for dinner we didnt have to wait long after the ice museum. After we finished the hot springs he took us to the most perfect location to see the northern lights. We couldn't have asked for a better viewing location. He took pictures for us and made sure we were able to stay warm in the van when needed a break from outside. He was informative and we trusted his expertise. Thankfully we were able to see an amazing show! From the ice museum to the chena springs to the northern lights viewing this was a perfect excursion and would highly recommend to anyone interested in going to Fairbanks.
Written January 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Radha U
1 contribution
Dec 2022 • Family
Jeff was very friendly and took care of our party. He was willing to stay as long as we wanted. And made it wonderful experience
Enjoyed the Hot Springs and were lucky to catch the lights. They came on brighter as we got on the road. And Jeff pulled over and stopped to let all of us get a good view and some good pictures.
Some feedback on the Chena Resort itself, the Ice museum is kind of underwhelming and the locker rooms are not clean , no maintenance at all. The staff at the resort have a lack luster attitude. And the visitors center cafe closes by 11, although they are still a lot of visitors past 12 waiting for the lights.
They get a lot of visitors and don’t seem to care too much.
Enjoyed the Hot Springs and were lucky to catch the lights. They came on brighter as we got on the road. And Jeff pulled over and stopped to let all of us get a good view and some good pictures.
Some feedback on the Chena Resort itself, the Ice museum is kind of underwhelming and the locker rooms are not clean , no maintenance at all. The staff at the resort have a lack luster attitude. And the visitors center cafe closes by 11, although they are still a lot of visitors past 12 waiting for the lights.
They get a lot of visitors and don’t seem to care too much.
Written January 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Divyesh P
Jacksonville, FL1 contribution
Unfortunately we weren’t able to see the Northern lights because it was cloudy and snowing that day but nonetheless we had fun and had a very enriching experience thanks to our guide Ed. He was very friendly and knowledgeable about the phenomenon and explained us in detail what are they and how they appear. Anything you need to know about Alaska and the lights, Ed is your guy!
The hot springs were so good and relaxing even in cold Alaska.
The Ice museum was spectacular and you can see for yourself the amazing level of craftsmanship of the ice sculptures.
The hot springs were so good and relaxing even in cold Alaska.
The Ice museum was spectacular and you can see for yourself the amazing level of craftsmanship of the ice sculptures.
Written November 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
john316v
Ozark, AL7 contributions
Oct 2022
My wife and I went on this tour October 2nd. It was awesome! We stayed at an Air BnB, so we had to be picked up at a local hotel. The van was right on time and things only got better from there. I really wish I could remember our guide's name, but she was super sweet and knowledgeable. We go to the hot springs in with time to look around before going to the ice museum. Our guide also got the names of anyone that would be dining at the restaurant at that point. The ice museum was very interesting, and the appletini was great. We were then able to basically go straight into the restaurant and eat because our guide had put our names down already. After that, the hot springs we great...and the northern lights decided to show up early. We were actually sitting in the springs when they came in. We got a few pictures and then hurried to get dressed and go to a better spot to view the lights on the van. Our guide was as excited as we were. We went to a couple of spots and got great pictures of the lights. It was truly a great experience!
Written October 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
kristi
Carlsbad, CA2 contributions
Joseph was a wonderful guide that provided great information about Alaska and the surrounding areas. We loved the whole experience. The ice museum was fascinating and we loved the hot springs. The restaurant had fantastic food that was very good for everyone and the price was very reasonable.
Written August 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
roxieskitchen
San Francisco, CA17 contributions
Eliza was a wonderful guide. She made it a very comfortable outing, explains the best ways to time all the activities. We really enjoyed the hot springs and dinner. We made friends and really enjoyed listening to others journeys. It was a perfect evening catching some low light auroras and Eliza did everything she could to try and make the illusive northern lights visible to all.
Written February 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Winston M
Monterey Park, CA1 contribution
Mar 2022
Josh was a lifesaver literally. We were stranded as a result of car accident involving many cars, and he went out of his way to rescue my family including my little toddler. There was another car blocking the way that crashed even later on, and he proceeded to tow it to the side, to prevent future accidents. He helped moved all our luggage that was stuck there and was able to take us to the nearest place at Chena springs hotel. We were very shaken up, but the entire people in the shuttle were patient and so understanding of our plight. From when I stayed in the shuttle, I could tell he is a great tour guide, but most of all an even better human being. He was kind, personable with the whole tour group, and quick to act in an emergency. Based on his character, I wouldn't hesitate to have him as a tour guide, knowing that he's a safe driver, he was reassuring, and he'll help you when you need it.
Written March 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Fabian A
4 contributions
Feb 2021 • Solo
All the review its about our tour guide Joe, he was beyond special with me and my wife, we went in a solo trip to chena hotsprings and Aurora view tour, and Joe was amazing, he was always aware to make us feel the best way possible, respectful and always in the best mood. He let us know the entire time that the tour was all about us and to make sure to let him know anything we wanted or needed. About the tour, the hot springs are amazing, even in the freezing cold of the night, and the Aurora’s gave us the best show our eyes ever saw.
If Joe is reading these. Thanks a lot friend. God bless you and your wife.
If Joe is reading these. Thanks a lot friend. God bless you and your wife.
Written February 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Danita and Sean
Eatontown, NJ3 contributions
Mar 2021 • Couples
Absolutely loved our experience with this company. The ice museum was a treat to look at. The highlight of my day was going in the snow cat to see the northern lights. Which we got to do that very night that we tried. The Hot Springs are very relaxing and enjoyable worth staying a few days.I would recommend this company the northern light tour the Hot Springs etc.
Written March 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lorena R
Mexico City, Mexico59 contributions
Excuse me, can you pick me up at my Airbnb in downtown Fairbanks for the tour?
Randy
Chicago, IL
Hi,
I'm wondering if we are not leaving at hotel but some Airbnb place, would you guys still pick me up? Or do l need to meet you
somewhere? lf so,do u have a place for me to park my car?
Anna
Huntley, IL
Do you actually need a tour to see the northern lights? Can you just rent a car and drive to an open area and see them?
Why is this priced at $200? The entrance for the museum is $15, and another $15 for the hot springs. How much does it cost to take 1 person in a 9/10 seater shared Van to the resort from Fairbanks? $170? Really?
Coolnurselady
1 contribution
I cannot answer your question as I am here doing research.....so you have actually helped me see how crazy expensive it is to book a 'tour'.....maybe we'll just book a hotel in Fairbanks & find a local to take us sightseeing & tip really well !
Joyce T
Miami, Florida, United States4 contributions
Is the first week in December a good time to go and see the northern lights?
Not sure about that, but if you will be renting a car don't even think of taking this tour. You can go to the resort on your own, and pay $30 for the museum and the hot springs. The lights viewing area is free. This is just a money looting tour. If you won't be having a car, consider taking other cheaper tours.
Travelmore373
Perth, Australia2 contributions
Which month is the best to see the lights, Thanks
Travelmore373
Perth, Australia2 contributions
Thanks for your help. We were definitely not there at the right time. Even though they suggested we might see them.
Liz A
Yonkers, NY
what hotels are included in the pick up/drop off?
I think all hotels in Fairbanks. But, if you will be renting a car don't even think of taking this tour. You can go to the resort on your own, and pay $30 for the museum and the hot springs (15 each). The lights viewing area is free. This is just a money looting tour. If you won't be having a car, consider taking other cheaper tours.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
