Chena Hot Springs plus Aurora Chase Tour in Fairbanks, United States
Fairbanks, United States

Chena Hot Springs plus Aurora Chase Tour

Outty Ranking 53 5.0 · 4 traveler reviews10 hoursFrom $290
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Outty Ranking

53/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 4 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Chena Hot Springs plus Aurora Chase Tour worth booking?

Chena Hot Springs plus Aurora Chase Tour is a 10-hour experience in Fairbanks, United States, from $290 per person. It scores 53 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 4 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
53 / 100
Rating
5/5 (4)
Duration
10 hours
From
$290 per person

This is a visit to Chena Hot Springs for a day visit plus an Aurora Chase on the way back to Fairbanks. Getting to the Springs Resort and the aurora chase is via a Vehicle that holds up to 6 people, is low to the ground, and is easy to enter and exit. This tour can NOT accommodate wheelchairs unless special arrangements are made. Please advise us with any mobility issues, the ground can be icy. Please note that there is no guarantee of indoor plumbing for bathroom breaks being available during the aurora chase portion. This tour operates regardless of temperature, please dress accordingly.

What you get

    About this experience

    This is a visit to Chena Hot Springs for a day visit plus an Aurora Chase on the way back to Fairbanks. Getting to the Springs Resort and the aurora chase is via a Vehicle that holds up to 6 people, is low to the ground, and is easy to enter and exit. This tour can NOT accommodate wheelchairs unless special arrangements are made. Please advise us with any mobility issues, the ground can be icy. Please note that there is no guarantee of indoor plumbing for bathroom breaks being available during the aurora chase portion. This tour operates regardless of temperature, please dress accordingly.

    What's included

    Included

    • Transportation from all lodgings within Fairbanks or North Pole area within 25 miles from airport.
    • Simple snacks and makings for hot cocoa or instant coffee or tea are provided
    • Extra fun perks and surprises will be added based on the weather conditions
    • Aurora Discussion always included, learn the science behind this enchanting phenomenon.
    • Photography Portraits with the Aurora 5 edited photos with the tour at discretion of photographer
    • Help with Photography (cell phone or camera) included in every tour.
    • This tour includes a round-trip drive to Chena Hot Springs from Fairbanks, plus a Full Aurora Chase.

    Not included

    • Gratuities
    • Entrance fees
    • Admission fees
    • Alcoholic beverages

    What you'll see and do

    1. Chena Hot Springs

      We will leave Fairbanks mid-afternoon and drive to Chena Hot Springs, leaving plenty of time to stop along the way for scenery photos, and look for wildlife. Once we get to the Hot Springs Resort, you are free to enjoy the Springs, visit the Ice Museum and Hotel, take the Geothermal Tour, and enjoy their property. There are also massages available, though they need to be booked far in advance. A restaurant and deli are also available on site. You will have approximately 3-6 hours to enjoy on site amenities before we venture off the property and back towards Fairbanks on your Aurora Chase.

      360 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.

    Options you can book

    • Chena Hot Springs plus Aurora Chase Tour

      Pickup included

    • Add-On Activity Passes

      Hot Springs Day Pass and Ice M: Choose this option for a hot springs pass and towel. Plus a ticket to the Ice Museum (drink not included). Pickup included

    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 6 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Wandering Alaska LLC

    Know before you go

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Please advise if your party has children under 12 years old.
    • Please note that while all ages are welcome, very young children may have a difficult time in extreme cold for a full night, if you have questions please let us know ahead of time.
    • Please contact us about any specific mobility issues and we will do our best to accommodate.
    • Regarding restroom facilities, This tour goes to remote areas of Alaska, most of which is without plumbing, and bathroom breaks are generally outside, though the Resort itself has restrooms.
    • The Aurora Borealis is a natural phenomenon and cannot fully be predicted. We do NOT guarantee aurora sightings!
    • We do our best to track the live data constantly being reported by NOAA and NASA.
    • The aurora is visible in Fairbanks 9 out of 10 nights from August through April when it's dark outside, at night. Some shows are faint, others are great! Thick clouds are the only thing that fully prevents viewing.
    • Tours are NON refundable unless we cancel for weather or other circumstances from our end. However: We will gladly RESCHEDULE you to another date if needed, and if/when we have availability. This includes rescheduling for any reason on your end, and all tours can be rebooked for a full year out from your original tour date. Please inquire for any additional questions or details.

    Photos

    Chena Hot Springs plus Aurora Chase Tour in Fairbanks, photo 2Chena Hot Springs plus Aurora Chase Tour in Fairbanks, photo 3Chena Hot Springs plus Aurora Chase Tour in Fairbanks, photo 4Chena Hot Springs plus Aurora Chase Tour in Fairbanks, photo 5Chena Hot Springs plus Aurora Chase Tour in Fairbanks, photo 6

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 4 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    4 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Photo opportunities

    1 mention

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Pace and timing

    1 mention

    Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.

    Traveler reviews

    4 verified traveler reviews for Chena Hot Springs plus Aurora Chase Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    4
    4 star
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    3 star
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    2 star
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    1 star
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    Sort
    Meryl S · September 2025

    Great tour, successful chase!

    We had a great tour and chase with Lindsay! She really went out of her way to make sure we got to see the lights on our last possible night after we had three nights of solid cloud cover. She was so informative and helpful, I can’t say enough positive things. Highly highly recommend booking a chase tour!!

    via Tripadvisor

    cherylfI82KO · September 2025

    Great experience

    This tour was a wonderful experience. Lindsay is very knowledgeable and enthusiastic. We had a great time, and she found a lovely viewing spot for the Aurora, despite a generally cloudy day.

    via Tripadvisor

    johnfG9823OI · February 2025

    Great tour and company

    Lindsay, Shannon & Christy were great. I am a wheelchair user and thus have different needs when it comes to things like vehicles and terrain. Lindsay was fantastic during the planning stage. She was very prompt in responding to emails and ask questions regarding what I needed. She even put me in contact with a friend of hers who lives in the area and uses a wheelchair which was very helpful. For me, that is going well above & beyond expectations. The tour itself was also great. All three ladies were friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. They had extra gear on hand if anyone got too cold. All in all it was a great evening. I would highly recommend the gang at Wandering Alaska.

    via Tripadvisor

    RNCHICK · February 2025

    Unforgettable experience in Alaska!

    Searching for a tour company in Fairbanks during winter can be overwhelming. I was looking for one that can pick us up from our airbnb since we were staying 15 minutes outside Fairbanks and most tour company can only pick up guests within Fairbanks vicinity only. I messaged Lindsay and asked her if she can pick us up at our airbnb in which she promptly responded yes. We booked a combo tour with Lindsay which was Chena hot springs/Northern lights tour. The moment we met Lindsay, she was very knowledgeable about Alaska and its wildlife and northern lights. She took us to Chena hot springs and waited for us in the waiting area. We did not feel rushed. We really enjoyed our time at the hot springs and also the ice museum. Then when it was time to chase the northern lights, Lindsay took us to her secret spots where we witnessed the beauty of the northern lights lit above us with unobstructed views. That was such a magical moment! Lindsay was very knowledgeable and she knew where to find them. She is really passionate about her job and she takes good care of her guests. Lindsay really made our trip extra special!

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    10 hours
    Free cancellation
    Non-refundable
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $290 to $350
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    1
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Wandering Alaska LLC, who run 8 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 52.2.

    See everything Wandering Alaska LLC runs

    Why this scores 53

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

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)86
    Review evidence (18% weight)22
    Booking momentum (14% weight)11
    Value for money (12% weight)80
    Listing quality (10% weight)81
    Local standing (8% weight)55
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)0

    Chena Hot Springs plus Aurora Chase Tour: questions travelers ask

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

    How much does Chena Hot Springs plus Aurora Chase Tour cost?

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    Prices start at $290 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 plus Aurora Chase Tour take?

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    Plan for about 10 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 plus Aurora Chase Tour worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 53 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 4 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Fairbanks, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Chena Hot Springs plus Aurora Chase Tour?

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    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 plus Aurora Chase Tour suitable for kids and families?

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    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 10-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Chena Hot Springs plus Aurora Chase Tour?

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    Around 1 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 10-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Chena Hot Springs plus Aurora Chase Tour start and how do I get there?

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    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?

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    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?

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    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?

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    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.

    What is included in Chena Hot Springs plus Aurora Chase Tour?

    +

    Included: Transportation from all lodgings within Fairbanks or North Pole area within 25 miles from; Simple snacks and makings for hot cocoa or instant coffee or tea are provided; Extra fun perks and surprises will be added based on the weather conditions; Aurora Discussion always included, learn the science behind this enchanting phenomenon; and Photography Portraits with the Aurora 5 edited photos with the tour at discretion of photo. Not included: Gratuities; Entrance fees; Admission fees; and Alcoholic beverages. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Chena Hot Springs plus Aurora Chase Tour include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 28 listed pickup locations in and around Fairbanks. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Chena Hot Springs plus Aurora Chase Tour offered in?

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    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Chena Hot Springs plus Aurora Chase Tour?

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    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Chena Hot Springs plus Aurora Chase Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Please contact us about any specific mobility issues and we will do our best to accommodat. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Chena Hot Springs plus Aurora Chase Tour if the weather is bad?

    +

    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Chena Hot Springs plus Aurora Chase Tour?

    +

    Across 4 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.

    What booking options are available for Chena Hot Springs plus Aurora Chase Tour?

    +

    There are 2 options to choose from, including Chena Hot Springs plus Aurora Chase Tour, Add-On Activity Passes. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

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