Chena Hot Springs Day Tour in Fairbanks
Fairbanks, United States

Chena Hot Springs Day Tour

Outty Ranking 72 4.8 · 279 traveler reviews8 hoursFrom $250

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September 2026

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Adults

Age 13 and over

2

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Age 12 and under

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From, per person$250
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Outty Ranking

72/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.8/5

Based on 279 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Chena Hot Springs Day Tour worth booking?

Chena Hot Springs Day Tour is a 8-hour experience in Fairbanks, United States, from $250 per person. It scores 72 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 279 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
72 / 100
Rating
4.8/5 (279)
Duration
8 hours
From
$250 per person

Sit back, relax, and take in the scenic Alaskan landscape as you're transported 60 miles east of Fairbanks to the famous Chena Hot Springs Resort. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled—you may spot moose, foxes, or even b

What you get

    About this experience

    Sit back, relax, and take in the scenic Alaskan landscape as you're transported 60 miles east of Fairbanks to the famous Chena Hot Springs Resort. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled—you may spot moose, foxes, or even beavers in their natural habitat. Start your visit with a tour of the Aurora Ice Museum, home to stunning ice sculptures made from over 1,000 tons of ice and snow. Feeling adventurous? Try an optional Appletini in a hand-carved ice glass (21+, not included). Then, soak in the resort’s natural hot springs, explore scenic trails, or tour the greenhouse and geothermal energy facilities. Hungry? The on-site restaurant offers fresh Alaskan seafood and produce (meal not included). Before returning to Fairbanks, stop by the gift shop for locally made souvenirs. PLEASE NOTE: You are eligible for a full refund up to 7 days before your tour.

    What's included

    Included

    • Hotel pick-up
    • Hotel drop-off
    • Driver/guide
    • Admission to the Ice museum and Hot Springs
    • Transportation to/from Chena Hot Springs

    Not included

    • Gratuities
    • Food and drinks (restaurant and cafe/snack bar is available at the location.

    What you'll see and do

    1. Chena Hot Springs Resort

      After arriving at the resort, you'll be taken to the restaurant for a bite of lunch where you can sample some home grown Alaskan fare (optional and not included in price). Enjoy a hot or cold beverage at the bar or don your bathing suit and head to the hot springs. The revitalizing mineral water soothes muscles with its warm temperatures of 106 degrees F (41 degrees C) year-round. Stay in the hot springs, or hit one of the many trails around the resort in the chance you might see wildlife, or just enjoy the beauty of Alaska's great outdoors. You can also take an optional tour of the resort's greenhouse and geothermal plant to learn more about how the resort is generating its own electricity and aiming to be more self-sustaining.

      300 minutes here · Admission included

    2. Aurora Ice Museum

      After arriving at Chena Hot Springs Resort, you'll enjoy a tour of the Aurora Ice Museum and marvel at the cool sculptures carved out of ice. You can also indulge in an Appletini served in a hand-carved ice glass (not included in price and photo ID required). Then check out the activities available or take a stroll in the expansive grounds. You will be shown to our table in the restaurant where you can enjoy some lunch and hot or cold beverages (optional and not included in price). Spend the rest of the afternoon soaking in the healing waters of the hot springs or wandering the surrounding trails enjoying Alaskan nature. Rejoin your group around 4pm and return to Fairbanks, keeping an eye out for wildlife and stunning scenery along the way.

      45 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 8 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Alaska Wild Lights

    Know before you go

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • If going in the hot springs, you will need a bathing suit. You may also wish to bring rubber shoes and a towel. Towels are available at a cost of $5.
    • Lockers are available and take 2 quarters (50 cents). A change machine is on-site if required.
    • Photo ID is required to purchase an Appletini in the Ice Museum or other alcoholic beverages in the restaurant/bar.
    • Children under 18 and pregnant guests are not allowed in the outdoor rock pool, but may use the indoor pools.
    • Our vans are not wheelchair accessible. However, we have enough room for a foldable one and the Hot Springs are wheelchair accessible. Please contact us before booking.
    • Children must be accompanied by an adult.
    • Cancellation for a full refund is possible if the minimum capacity is not reached or due to dangerous road conditions.
    • Every guest must sign a waiver before any tour so they clearly acknowledge the inherent risks of wilderness travel, assume responsibility for their own safety, and confirm they are medically able to participate.

    Photos

    Chena Hot Springs Day Tour in Fairbanks, photo 2Chena Hot SpringsChena Hot Springs Day Tour in Fairbanks, photo 4Chena Hot Springs Day Tour in Fairbanks, photo 5Chena Hot Springs Day Tour in Fairbanks, photo 6Chena Hot Springs Day Tour in Fairbanks, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 279 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    7 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    2 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Traveler reviews

    279 verified traveler reviews for Chena Hot Springs Day Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    242
    4 star
    23
    3 star
    7
    2 star
    5
    1 star
    2
    Sort
    Roam31155 · August 2026

    Chena Hot Springs with Milo

    What a great way to spend our first day in Alaska! Our guide, Milo, was wonderful. He answered all our questions and provided a tremendous amount of info about Fairbanks, other tours and restaurant suggestions. We thoroughly enjoyed the experience at the hot springs, ice museum, geothermal and garden tours plus a delicious lunch at the resort.

    via Tripadvisor

    margaretv527 · August 2026

    Great for young adults

    My 2 college age kids booked this excursion at the last minute at the end of camping trip to Denali. It exceeded their expectations. They enjoyed all aspects - the ice museum, hot springs, and dog kennel tour (this was an add on). Pickup/dropoff was at the door of their hotel. Dillon was a great host/guide.

    via Tripadvisor

    Loreneromero · July 2026

    I highly recommend Alaska Wild Lights

    Alaska Wild Lights was awesome. Our guide was John Kane, he was wonderful. He had helpful information and really made us feel the "love" of the area. The ice museum area was fun, but bathing in the hot springs made the entire trip for me.

    via Tripadvisor

    Lori_H · July 2026

    Great Day, but up early

    Great day, loved the springs, ice museum, trails and dog kennels, They emailed us they were picking us up at 7 am and it was actually. They were very apologetic about it. But who wants to wake up and waste two hours of vacation. Their office doesn’t open til 9 am and the voicemail was full. If you have tours starting at 7am, someone should be available via chat. I feel like we should have gotten a small compensation, a discount off a future excursion or something. I guess I will go back to Expedia. Dylan was great through and this tour gives you enough time to fully enjoy and appreciate the area. Other tours available would be very rushed.

    via Viator

    Mark_C · July 2026

    Great day

    A full day of activity. Highly recommend. Our driver (John) was excellent!! The ice museum was excellent and the hot springs was unbelievable!!!!

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    8 hours
    Free cancellation
    Non-refundable
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    98
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Why this scores 72

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)85
    Review evidence (18% weight)77
    Booking momentum (14% weight)73
    Value for money (12% weight)74
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)56
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)0

    Chena Hot Springs Day Tour: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Fairbanks.

    How much does Chena Hot Springs Day Tour cost?

    +

    Prices start at $250 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Fairbanks usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Chena Hot Springs Day Tour take?

    +

    Plan for about 8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Fairbanks is not rushed.

    Is Chena Hot Springs Day Tour worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 72 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 279 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable food & drink in Fairbanks, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Chena Hot Springs Day Tour?

    +

    No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.

    Is Chena Hot Springs Day Tour suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Chena Hot Springs Day Tour?

    +

    Around 98 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Fairbanks can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Fairbanks and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Chena Hot Springs Day Tour start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Fairbanks within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Fairbanks?

    +

    Fairbanks is the aurora capital of interior Alaska: heated viewing lodges, late-night chase tours, Arctic Circle day drives up the Dalton Highway, dog sledding and summer riverboat cruises. On Outty we rank every Fairbanks experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Northern Lights - Aurora with FREE Photos - Arctic Night Tours, Dog Sledding and Mushing Experience in North Pole, Fairbanks Ice Fishing Expedition in a Heated Cabin with Fish Cookout. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Fairbanks?

    +

    Late August to April for aurora, June to August for midnight-sun river trips. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Fairbanks?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

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