Traveling to Alaska in winter offers a unique chance to witness the elusive Northern Lights and experience the state’s famous natural hot springs. The Fairbanks: Northern Lights & Chena Hot Springs Tour from Alaska Wild Lights promises a full day of scenic beauty, fascinating ice art, and relaxing mineral waters—all wrapped up in a manageable 10-hour experience. It’s one of the more popular options for visitors wanting to combine culture, relaxation, and the thrill of Aurora hunting.
What makes this tour particularly appealing is the opportunity to visit the Aurora Ice Museum, a stunning showcase of ice sculptures and craft, and then unwind in the Chena Hot Springs, reputed for its healing mineral waters. The guided aspect, with small group sizes, enhances the personal touch—something many travelers appreciate. However, it’s worth noting that the success of the Northern Lights display depends heavily on weather conditions and aurora activity, so expectations should be realistic.
We love how this experience mixes scenic driving through interior Alaska with genuine culture and unique activities like the ice bar and ice sculptures. The guides’ knowledge and enthusiasm come through in reviews, making the journey as interesting as the sights themselves. Plus, the value for the overall package, especially when considering the included activities and the chance to see the Lights, seems quite fair. On the flip side, some travelers have found the food offerings and the ice museum to be underwhelming or overpriced—something to keep in mind if you’re a foodie or expect a gourmet experience.
This tour is best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive, well-organized day that balances sightseeing, relaxation, and aurora chasing, especially when time is limited. If you’re after a hassle-free way to enjoy some Alaska icons with knowledgeable guides, this is worth considering.
Key Points
- Balanced Itinerary: Combines scenic drive, cultural visits, relaxation, and aurora viewing tips.
- Professional Guides: Highly praised for their knowledge, enthusiasm, and extra effort to find the Northern Lights.
- Variety of Activities: Ice museum, hot springs, dining, and Aurora photography.
- Weather-Dependent: Aurora sightings are not guaranteed, but guides do their best to optimize chances.
- Value for Money: Many reviews highlight the tour’s good balance of activities for the cost.
- Comfort & Convenience: Small group size, hotel pickup, and experienced drivers make for a smooth experience.
The Itinerary in Detail
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Chena Hot Springs
Scenic Drive through Alaska’s Interior
The journey itself is a highlight. Traveling roughly 60 miles from Fairbanks, the bus winds through the snowy wilderness where moose, foxes, and beavers are common sights—if the wildlife cooperative. We loved the way the guides shared tidbits about Alaskan life and environment, making the drive as engaging as the stops. Travelers consistently praise the informative commentary, often delivered with a microphone, which helps everyone stay connected to the landscape and stories.
Aurora Ice Museum Tour
Your first stop is the Aurora Ice Museum, a true winter wonderland filled with amazing ice sculptures and the iconic ice bar. Walking through it feels like stepping into a frozen fairy tale. Well-carved ice art, illuminated softly, creates an almost surreal atmosphere. Several reviewers noted that walking through this artful display is like entering another world—”the ice sculptures felt like a magical experience,” as one said.
The ice bar is a unique feature where you can sip an Appletini in a hand-carved ice glass (for those over 21). This is a fun, memorable activity that adds a touch of whimsy to your day. However, not everyone might find the ice museum as impressive as expected—some found it smaller or less elaborate than anticipated, describing it as “cheesy” or underwhelming in reviews.
Dining & Rest at the Resort
After the museum, the tour includes an opportunity to dine at the resort restaurant, which emphasizes locally sourced produce. While the meal is not included, reviews suggest that the food is generally good, with some praising the delicious options and friendly service. One common tip is to bring cash or be prepared for the restaurant’s prices, which some found a bit steep or the food mediocre.
More Great Tours NearbySoaking in Chena Hot Springs
The highlight for many is the outdoor mineral hot springs, soaking beneath the starry sky. The experience of relaxing in naturally heated waters amid Alaska’s winter landscape is hard to match. Several reviews mention the blissful feeling of soaking in mineral waters after a chilly day. One reviewer noted, “The hot springs are so worth the visit,” highlighting how much this experience resonates with visitors.
It’s important to note, children under 18 cannot access the outdoor springs, but they can enjoy the indoor pool if traveling with family. Many travelers also appreciate bringing flip-flops or slippers to avoid cold or slippery floors, as one review points out. The clear night sky and potential for spectacular Aurora sightings make the outdoor soak even more memorable.
Aurora Viewing & Photography Tips
After dark, the guides will point out the best spots for aurora viewing and offer tips on how to photograph the Lights. Many reviews commend the guides for their dedication and expertise in trying to find Aurora activity—even in cloudy or snowy conditions. Several travelers mention that even when they didn’t see the Lights, the guides still took them to beautiful vantage points and made the effort worthwhile.
It’s worth mentioning that the aurora’s visibility depends on weather patterns, cloud cover, and aurora activity—a reminder that witnessing the Lights is never guaranteed but largely about luck and timing.
Return and Final Aurora Opportunity
Your return trip to Fairbanks is just after midnight, with one last chance to spot the northern Lights along the way. This late-night component adds a bit of adventure, and many reviews mention how this part of the journey feels like a true aurora chase.
The Experience: Pros and Cons
What We Loved
Knowledgeable guides stand out as a major plus. Guests consistently praise their enthusiasm, storytelling, and willingness to go the extra mile to find clear skies. Many reviews mention guides like Gina, Jessica, and Kathy as making the experience memorable through their warmth and expertise.
The hot springs can be a real highlight, offering a relaxing, scenic soak under the open sky. This is not just about relaxation but about feeling connected to the wilderness.
The Ice Museum offers a unique visual spectacle—ice sculptures, an ice bar, and a chance to try a drink in a frozen glass are fun and memorable touches. The overall vibe is whimsical and distinctly Alaskan.
The variety of activities packed into the day delivers good value—visits to the ice museum, dinner, hot springs, and Aurora hunting—all in one trip.
Possible Drawbacks
The food at the resort isn’t considered gourmet, with some reviews describing it as mediocre or overpriced. If fine dining is your priority, you may be disappointed.
The ice museum can feel somewhat small or underwhelming, especially if expectations are high based on photos or descriptions.
Weather dependence is unavoidable; cloudy or snowy conditions can limit your chances of seeing the Aurora. However, guides do their best to optimize the experience.
Timing and organization seem well-managed overall, but some travelers wish they could spend more time in the springs or at the observation cabin, rather than rushing through the activities.
Who Would Love This Tour?
This experience is a good fit for travelers who want a balanced day of sightseeing, relaxation, and Aurora chasing without the hassle of planning multiple separate excursions. It suits those who value expert guides, cultural insight, and scenic activities. If you’re a family with older children (over 18 for outdoor springs), a couple seeking romantic winter adventures, or a solo traveler eager for a mix of fun and relaxation, this tour offers a worthwhile slice of Alaskan winter life.
Those looking for a luxurious, gourmet experience might find it a bit too practical or basic. Meanwhile, travelers with very high expectations for Aurora sightings should remember that nature’s show depends on weather and solar activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is transportation included?
Yes, pickup from your Fairbanks hotel is included, and the tour is conducted in a comfortable small group vehicle.
What should I bring?
You’ll want a passport or ID, driver’s license, swimwear, towel, water, and cash for extra expenses like food or souvenirs. Bringing warm clothing, including layers, is essential.
Can children join the outdoor hot springs?
Children under 18 cannot access the outdoor springs but can use the indoor pool if they wish.
How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts around 10 hours—from pickup in Fairbanks to return late at night.
What happens if I don’t see the Aurora?
Guides do their best to find clear skies and optimize viewing spots, but Aurora sightings are weather-dependent. Even if you don’t see the Lights, reviewers often still enjoy the ice museum, hot springs, and the journey itself.
Is the Ice Museum worth visiting?
Many find it charming and fun, but some feel it’s smaller or less elaborate than expected. It’s a quick stop that adds a cool photo opportunity but may not meet everyone’s expectations.
Final Thoughts
This tour offers a well-rounded introduction to some of Alaska’s most iconic winter attractions. The blend of scenic drives, cultural sites, and natural relaxation makes it a good choice for those short on time but eager to experience the essence of Alaska in winter. The guides’ knowledge and effort to find Aurora activity are often highlighted as one of the tour’s best features, making it a worthwhile adventure despite the unpredictability of nature.
For travelers who want an organized, enjoyable day that combines alpine scenery, cultural sights, and relaxing hot springs, this tour delivers. Just keep your expectations flexible regarding the Northern Lights—nature still rules the show. Whether you’re a photographer, a curious traveler, or simply looking to warm up in a winter wonderland, this trip is worth considering.
To sum it up, the Fairbanks: Northern Lights & Chena Hot Springs Tour balances value, variety, and authentic Alaskan charm. It’s best suited for those who appreciate guided experiences, scenic beauty, and a touch of adventure. If you’re after a smooth, fun, and memorable taste of Alaska’s winter wonderland, this tour can deliver—weather permitting, of course.
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