Chena Hot Springs & Northern Lights: Soak and watch aurora

Soak in steaming hot springs, then step into an ice museum and hunt for aurora overhead

This evening activity from Fairbanks combines three distinct experiences: a scenic drive to Chena Hot Springs Resort in Alaska's wilderness, time soaking in outdoor mineral-rich pools under open sky, a visit to the Ice Museum to see glowing ice sculptures, and aurora viewing at prime locations with a guide who shares local knowledge throughout the night. The guide monitors conditions closely to give you the best chance to witness the Northern Lights, though aurora cannot be guaranteed. Pickup runs between 4:30–5:30 PM depending on weather. Return is as late as 2:00 AM, with flexibility to stay out later if the Northern Lights are especially strong.

Step-by-step itinerary

Evening hot springs and northern lights

• Drive from Fairbanks to Chena Hot Springs
• Soak in mineral-rich hot springs
• Visit Ice Museum and see ice sculptures
• Optional dining at resort restaurant
• Watch Aurora Borealis at prime locations
• Return to Fairbanks late at night

The experience

The evening starts with a drive from Fairbanks into Alaska's wilderness, heading toward Chena Hot Springs Resort. You'll slip into the outdoor mineral-rich pools as snow falls around you: the water steams in the cold air while forest and stillness surround the springs. The soak is the centerpiece, and how long you spend there depends on your choice: you can dine at the resort restaurant beforehand and shorten your soak time, or skip dinner to extend it. Either way, you're soaking under open sky with no roof, no walls, just the Alaskan night.

Between the hot springs and aurora viewing, you'll tour the Ice Museum, where glowing ice sculptures and frozen artistry fill the space. The museum is famous enough that many travelers come to Chena Hot Springs just for it, so you get to see it as part of the same evening. If you want, you can order a cocktail served in an ice glass. A small detail that makes the moment stick. Food and drinks at the resort are optional and not included in the tour price, so you control what you spend there.

After the soak and the museum, your guide will drive you to prime aurora viewing locations. The Northern Lights cannot be guaranteed (they're a natural phenomenon that depends on solar activity and cloud cover), but your guide monitors conditions closely throughout the night and will move to the best spots as conditions shift. You'll hear the science and the local stories behind the glow while you wait and watch. Pickup happens between 4:30–5:30 PM depending on weather, and you can return as late as 2:00 AM. If the aurora is especially strong, there's flexibility to stay out even longer.

What’s included

• Private transportation from Fairbanks to Chena Hot Springs Resort and back.
• entry to the Ice Museum with its glowing ice sculptures.
• time soaking in the outdoor mineral-rich hot springs.
• a live guide in English who leads the aurora viewing and shares local knowledge and stories throughout the night.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 17:00Last departure this season: 30 Apr 2027

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Under 5: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 24

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 19 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by AK Bucket List Tours

Is this one for you?A nine-hour evening means this tour takes up your whole night, so plan to rest during the day or accept that you'll be awake from late afternoon through the early morning hours. The flexibility to stay out past 2:00 AM if the Northern Lights are strong is built in, but it also means you won't return to Fairbanks until very late, or very early, depending on how you count it.

Traveler reviews

4.91★★★★★★★★★★

76 verified traveler reviews

5 ★70

4 ★5

3 ★1

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 12 years). Under 5: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's included in the Chena Hot Springs tour from Fairbanks?

The tour includes private transportation from Fairbanks to Chena Hot Springs Resort, time in the outdoor hot springs, entry to the Ice Museum, and a guide who leads the aurora viewing portion of the night. Meals and drinks at the resort restaurant are optional and cost extra.

Can I spend as much time as I want soaking in the hot springs?

Your soak time depends on whether you choose to dine at the resort restaurant. If you skip dinner or bring snacks and eat light, you'll have extended time in the pools. If you dine at the restaurant, your soak time will be shorter, but you still get to experience the mineral-rich water under the open sky.

Is the Northern Lights viewing guaranteed on this tour?

The Northern Lights cannot be guaranteed because they depend on solar activity and weather conditions. Your guide will monitor conditions throughout the night and move to prime viewing locations to give you the best chance to witness them. Even if the aurora doesn't appear, you'll still experience the hot springs, ice sculptures, and star-filled skies.

What time does the tour pick me up and when do I return?

Pickup is between 4:30–5:30 PM depending on weather conditions. Return is as late as 2:00 AM, with flexibility to stay out later if the Northern Lights are especially strong, so plan for a full evening and night.