The 5 Best Northern Lights Hot Springs Tours in Fairbanks

1.Northern Lights & Chena Hot Springs Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,278 reviews · 10 hours (approx.) · from $250Our pick

Travel from Fairbanks to Chena Hot Springs with a small group of up to 14. Tour the Aurora Ice Museum, reserve dinner, soak in 106°F mineral water, and search for the aurora with guides such as Tyler, Savvy, Shannon, and Gina. Hotel pickup and resort admission are included.

“When I went to purchase my tickets the credit card I used was declined (problem with credit card company) and Viator just cancelled my reservation, did not give me the option to use another card. Then when in Alaska they called to say they had no vans to pick us up but did make arrangements with another company which was great because had it not been for the guide we had we would not have known what to do when we got there. Chena Hot Springs had no one there to explain anything. The staff person in the ice museum acted as if he did not want to be there,…”

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2.Northern Lights and Chena Hot Springs Night Tour from Fairbanks

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 115 reviews · 10 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $240

Ride from Fairbanks to Chena Hot Springs with a driver-guide such as Ed, Paul, Jake, or Randy. Visit the Ice Museum, soak in the rock lake pool or indoor pool, and wait for the aurora until about 2 a.m. The group is limited to 12 people.

“We had a wonderful time and our guide was excellent! He was very kind and informative. The springs were very relaxing. You have to take off your shoes in the lobby, so I would suggest bringing flip flops or some type of shower shoes, or else you have to walk from the pool house lobby and through the locker rooms barefoot. The description for this tour says the ice museum is closed until Summer 2024, but it is open. Admission to the ice museum is not included in the price of this tour, and you can buy tickets online before going.”

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3.Spectacular Hot Spring Experience with Northern Lights

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 70 reviews · 8 to 10 hours (approx.) · from $245Top rated

Spend an evening at Chena Hot Springs Resort with guides such as Tony, Chris, Savvy, Gina, Donnie, and Kevin. You’ll visit the Ice Museum, soak in indoor and outdoor pools, enjoy optional dinner, and chase the Northern Lights from Fairbanks. Pickup, water, admission, and locker quarters are included.

“Our guide, Tony was personable, easy-going and knowledgeable. The hot springs were relaxing and calming. Though we didn't see the Northern Lights from Chena Hot Springs, we saw an amazing display on our 56 mile trek back to town. Tony pulled over so that ww could capture the images and assisted us so that we could really enjoy the experience. Kudos to him for his patience and kindness!”

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4.Chena Hot Springs Northern Lights Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 59 reviews · 10 hours · from $240

Travel from Fairbanks in a small group to Chena Hot Springs for the Aurora Ice Museum, a long soak in the outdoor springs, and a late-night aurora watch. Guides such as Joe, Ryan, Daniel, and Ed are praised for clear explanations and flexible light-chasing.

“Ash was an awesome tour guide. He was personable, entertaining and we very much enjoyed the tour, even if the northern lights didn’t cooperate.”

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5.Chena Lake: Aurora Borealis Viewing & Ice Fishing Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 7 reviews · from $239Best value

Spend five hours at Chena Lake Recreation Area ice fishing from a heated cabin while watching for the Aurora Borealis. Your guide provides gear, cocoa, reindeer sausage, and a fish cookout. Guides Riley and Cody have been praised for clear instruction and keeping the evening moving.

“Amazing! It was an incredible opportunity and our guide Riley was great with information and creating an overall experience. Definitely recommend”

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