
Fire and Ice tour hot springs northern lights
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 76 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Fire and Ice tour hot springs northern lights worth booking?
Fire and Ice tour hot springs northern lights is a 9-hour experience in Fairbanks, United States, from $250 per person. It scores 77 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 76 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 77 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (76)
- Duration
- 9 hours
- From
- $250 per person
Soak. Glow. Dream. Your evening begins with a scenic drive from Fairbanks into Alaska’s wilderness to Chena Hot Springs Resort. Upon arrival, enjoy time at the famous Ice Museum, featuring glowing ice sculptures and frozen artistry. Afterward, guests may choose to dine at the resort restaurant (optional; food and drinks not included) skip dinner to enjoy extended soak time. Guests who bring snacks or choose light options will have more time in the hot springs. Relax in the outdoor mineralrich hot springs under open sky surrounded by steam, forest, and stillness. After your soak, we’ll travel to prime Aurora viewing locations to give you the best chance to witness the Northern Lights. While the aurora cannot be guaranteed, your guide will closely monitor conditions and share local knowledge and stories throughout the night. Pick-up is 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.
What you get
About this experience
Soak. Glow. Dream. Your evening begins with a scenic drive from Fairbanks into Alaska’s wilderness to Chena Hot Springs Resort. Upon arrival, enjoy time at the famous Ice Museum, featuring glowing ice sculptures and frozen artistry. Afterward, guests may choose to dine at the resort restaurant (optional; food and drinks not included) skip dinner to enjoy extended soak time. Guests who bring snacks or choose light options will have more time in the hot springs. Relax in the outdoor mineralrich hot springs under open sky surrounded by steam, forest, and stillness. After your soak, we’ll travel to prime Aurora viewing locations to give you the best chance to witness the Northern Lights. While the aurora cannot be guaranteed, your guide will closely monitor conditions and share local knowledge and stories throughout the night. Pick-up is 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.
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
Not included
- Dinner
What you'll see and do
Chena Hot Springs Resort
Soak. Glow. Dream. Your night begins with a scenic drive from Fairbanks into Alaska’s wilderness, where steaming Chena Hot Springs await. Slip into the mineral-rich waters as snow falls around you, then step inside the world-famous Ice Museum to admire glowing ice sculptures (and maybe sip a cocktail from an ice glass). Before or after your soak, you’ll also have the option to dine at the resort’s local restaurant — a cozy spot to enjoy hearty Alaskan dishes, warm drinks, and laughter with fellow travelers. Afterwards, we’ll head to prime spots to watch the Aurora Borealis dance across the Arctic sky. While the Northern Lights are a natural wonder and can’t be guaranteed, your guide will give you the best chance to witness them — and share the legends, science, and stories behind the glow. Even on rare nights when the aurora hides, you’ll still experience one of Alaska’s most iconic evenings: hot springs, ice art, good food, and star-filled skies in the heart of the Last Frontier.
8 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Fairbanks
Please park near pharmacy entrance far side corner of parking lot. We will call you once there and pull up to your location. Our guide will have proof of bussiness located on them and will greet you.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Please park near pharmacy entrance far side corner of parking lot. We will call you once there and pull up to your location. Our guide will have proof of bussiness located on them and will greet you.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- AK Bucket List Tours
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 75 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Food and drink
6 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
75 verified traveler reviews for Fire and Ice tour hot springs northern lights. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Amazing experience
Absolutely wonderful tour! Gina is so knowledgable and fun to hang out with. She has great connections as well with all the locals. Hot springs, ice museum, and dinner were all amazing. Saw moose and a Canadian lynx on the way there. She stopped and let us take pictures of everything we wanted. We were able to relax and enjoy our first night in Alaska. The clouds did not cooperate, but she talked to us about how to find the lights for our remaining time here. But, they finally popped out a few hours after we got back to our air bnb! Fabulous host, she took tons of pictures and made sure our entire evening was smooth, answered all questions, and gave us tips for the springs, the museum (get the martini!!), and we can't wait to come see her again.
via Tripadvisor
Had a blast on Chema Hot Springs tour
Gina was the bomb giggity. She was super friendly and super knowledgeable. She explained the entirety of the outing, told us what to expect and didn't over promise. She knows ths area so well...she told us in advance where we would have a good chance of seeing wildlife and right on cue wildlife showed up Saw momma moose and calf, beaver fox, and a lynx. She got great pictures and video to share. She never rushed us, and we never felt rushed. She entertained us with stories as we drove and continued to make sure we were comfortable along the way. She offered recommendations for dinner that were spot-on. The tour itself was a blast. The ice house the hotsprings and the search for the northern lights were all enjoyable. I'd highly recommend Gina and her company. Any tour booked with her is well worth your time and money
via Tripadvisor
Great experience!
Ice Museum and Hot Springs are a not to be missed experience. Guide Chris shares many personal insights of living in Alaska to make the trip interesting. Unfortunately, rain clouds blocked view of Northern Lights.
via Viator
Great visit to the hot springs and more
Gina stepped in when our tour companies booked with didn’t show up. We were a bit hostile as we waited an hour for our guide. Gina quickly out us at ease with her sweet personality. We had a great time at the hot springs. Toured the ice museum with her and got our wonderful appletinis! Then plenty of time to soak in the hot springs after an amazing dinner. Gina gave us recommendations on the menu so we had the scallops. Although we didn’t see northern lights she explained how she looks for activity and tried hard to find some. We loved her knoweledge for the area and were excited that she was going to be our guide the next day for the North Pole trip.
via Tripadvisor
Unforgettable even without the northern lights sighting
Gina our tour guide was amazing. She's very informative and helpful throughout the whole tour. Gina Brayden and Chris treated my mom and I with extra care from taking photos to adding some background story or a certain exhibit in the ice museum. She even reserved us seats for dinner and hold us seats inside the ice museum. It was an unforgettable experience , too bad we couldn't see the aurora borealis but we will plan better next time.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for such a thoughtful review! It truly means the world to us to hear that you, your mom, and your family felt so well cared for throughout your experience. We love being able to add those little personal touches—whether it’s helping with photos, sharing an extra story, finding a special exhibit, or simply making sure you’re comfortable and taken care of.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 9 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 27
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by AK Bucket List Tours, who run 6 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 62.7.
See everything AK Bucket List Tours runsWhy this scores 77
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Fire and Ice tour hot springs northern lights: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Fairbanks.
How much does Fire and Ice tour hot springs northern lights cost?
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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 Fire and Ice tour hot springs northern lights take?
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Plan for about 9 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 Fire and Ice tour hot springs northern lights worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 77 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 76 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Fairbanks, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Fire and Ice tour hot springs northern lights?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Fire and Ice tour hot springs northern lights suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 9-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Fire and Ice tour hot springs northern lights?
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Around 27 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?
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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 9-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Fire and Ice tour hot springs northern lights 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?
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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 Fire and Ice tour hot springs northern lights?
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Included: Private transportation. Not included: Dinner. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Fire and Ice tour hot springs northern lights include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 19 listed pickup locations in and around Fairbanks. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Fire and Ice tour hot springs northern lights 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 Fire and Ice tour hot springs northern lights?
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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 Fire and Ice tour hot springs northern lights wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Fire and Ice tour hot springs northern lights if the weather is bad?
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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 Fire and Ice tour hot springs northern lights?
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Across 76 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, food and drink, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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