Spectacular Hot Spring Experience with Northern Lights in Fairbanks, United States
Fairbanks, United States

Spectacular Hot Spring Experience with Northern Lights

Outty Ranking 77 4.9 · 86 traveler reviews10 hoursFrom $231
Instant mobile ticketSpots available today

Outty Ranking

77/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.9/5

Based on 86 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Spectacular Hot Spring Experience with Northern Lights worth booking?

Spectacular Hot Spring Experience with Northern Lights is a 10-hour experience in Fairbanks, United States, from $231 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 86 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 (86)
Duration
10 hours
From
$231 per person

Discover the Chena Hot Springs Resort with our expert guides who will ensure you enjoy every amazing amenity safely. If the northern lights grace the sky, our guides will lead you to the best vantage points for breathtaking photos. You won’t miss a moment—our guides will capture the aurora's beauty and share those stunning images with you. Join us for an unforgettable experience where adventure meets expert guidance!

What you get

    About this experience

    Discover the Chena Hot Springs Resort with our expert guides who will ensure you enjoy every amazing amenity safely. If the northern lights grace the sky, our guides will lead you to the best vantage points for breathtaking photos. You won’t miss a moment—our guides will capture the aurora's beauty and share those stunning images with you. Join us for an unforgettable experience where adventure meets expert guidance!

    What's included

    Included

    • 50 cents for your locker
    • Bottled water
    • Entry to the Hot Springs swimming area
    • Admission to the Ice Museum

    Not included

    • Dinner
    • Gratuities

    What you'll see and do

    1. Chena Hot Springs Resort

      -Friendly guides will pick you up from your hotel/B&B, and return you there at the end of the excursion. -Journey: Enjoy a scenic 1.5 hour drive to Chena Hot Springs Resort. Hot Springs Experience: -Relax in the therapeutic hot springs. -Marvel at the starry sky and, hopefully, the northern lights. Ice Museum Access: -Explore the famous Ice Museum with stunning ice sculptures. -Capture unforgettable photos. Dining Option: -Savor a true Alaskan dining experience at the on-site restaurant (meal not included). -Gift shop offers keepsakes and smaller snack portions. Join us for a memorable evening filled with relaxation and exploration!

      75 minutes here

    2. Chena Hot Springs Resort

      Upon your arrival at the resort, you'll receive your tickets for admission to the spectacular Ice Museum—an experience you simply cannot miss! Curated by renowned ice sculptors, this enchanting museum showcases breathtaking artistry crafted entirely from ice. Your guided tour of the Ice Museum lasts approximately 45 minutes, and the admission is included in your tour package. As you explore, you’ll be captivated by the intricate sculptures and the mesmerizing atmosphere. Don’t forget to visit the unique Ice Bar, where you can enjoy refreshing Appletini. Be sure to purchase your beverages at the activity center before heading over to the museum for an unforgettable experience. Must bring your ID if you intend to buy drinks.

      45 minutes here · Admission included

    3. Chena Hot Springs Resort

      After your captivating exploration of the Ice Museum, it's time to indulge in the rejuvenating experience of the Hot Springs swimming area. Here, you can immerse yourself in the natural hot springs, known for their therapeutic benefits, while also enjoying access to both indoor and outdoor hot tubs and a refreshing indoor pool. It's the perfect setting for a truly relaxing Alaskan escape! For your visit, please remember to bring a towel, appropriate swimwear, and shower shoes for the locker room. If you happen to forget any of these essentials, don’t worry—convenient rental and purchase options are available at the resort. **Pro Tip**: You'll need 2 quarters for the lockers in the changing area if you wish to lock up your belongings. Your guide will provide quarters if needed.

      120 minutes here · Admission included

    4. Fairbanks

      Once we're done exploring the Ice Museum, relaxing in the refreshing hot springs and dining on some amazing Alaskan cuisine the rest of the evening will be centered around finding the best vantage points to experience the northern lights.

      4 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

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

    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 14 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Tour Fairbanks

    Know before you go

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Service animals allowed
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • The resort is not wheel chair accessible.

    Photos

    Spectacular Hot Spring Experience with Northern Lights in Fairbanks, photo 2Spectacular Hot Spring Experience with Northern Lights in Fairbanks, photo 3Spectacular Hot Spring Experience with Northern Lights in Fairbanks, photo 4Spectacular Hot Spring Experience with Northern Lights in Fairbanks, photo 5Spectacular Hot Spring Experience with Northern Lights in Fairbanks, photo 6Spectacular Hot Spring Experience with Northern Lights in Fairbanks, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 85 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    8 mentions

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

    Knowledge and storytelling

    4 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Food and drink

    4 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Organization

    2 mentions

    Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    Good for families

    2 mentions

    Reviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.

    Pace and timing

    2 mentions

    Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.

    Traveler reviews

    85 verified traveler reviews for Spectacular Hot Spring Experience with Northern Lights. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    82
    4 star
    2
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    1
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    Natalia_W · October 2026

    Chena hot springs tour exceeded expectations

    Tony was great. He made us feel like the tour was with great friends or family. His knowledge of local history was great. We enjoyed it so much that we are schedule another tour with the organization.

    via Viator

    michael_a · October 2026

    The adventure filled the...

    The adventure filled the day. The trip from fairbanks to chena was worth the price of admission. Beautiful sights. Lots of wildlife...moose, fox, beaver, swan. Even a lynx. The hot springs were excellent. The restaurant on the property served some delicious food. The ice house was very cool (pun intended) and the apple martini was a nice touch. Didn't really see the northern lights, but not for a lack of trying by Gina, our tour guide. The clouds won this trip, but I would hesitate to try again with Gina behind the effort. Highly recommend!

    via Viator

    X2699URmichaela · October 2026

    Excellent way to spend an evening

    Really enjoyed the tour. It really scratched a lot of my Alaskan itches. From the time we were picked uo to the time were dropped off,everything was done with our comfort and enjoyment in mind. The ride to chena hot springs was interesting. Thanks to our guide, we managed to see A Lot of wildlife. Moose with a calf,fox, beaver, swans, and a lynx. Cool stuff. When we got to Chena, we went through the ice house and had a tasty appletini. Dinner there was excellent. The hot springs were everything we had hoped...hot! Through all of this we were not rushed...we could take our time and enjoy everything. Afterwards we headed out to search for the northern lights. Our guide went above and beyond to find our elusive quarry, but the clouds wouldn't cooperate. All in all, an excellent adventure, one i would highly recommend.

    via Tripadvisor

    Camper17121224186 · August 2026

    Great experience!!!

    Had an amazing experience. It was our first time getting into hot springs and glad that it was through this tour. Hot springs experience was beautiful with dark skies and stars above us while we were soaking in warm water and decent amount of lighting. It was not too crowded or not loud and was a pleasant experience. The changing rooms were not too bad, but i think that’s normal as I haven’t been to many swimming pools so not sure what to expect. We also visited the Ice museum which was really interesting and enjoyed my experience there. Unfortunately we didn’t get to see the northern lights due to cloud coverage that night though the guide made a few stops to make it happen. The guide kept the party size small which was a good idea. The guide shared valuable insights into Alaskan culture and lifestyle and was very fun to talk to and easy to coordinate during the entire trip. He gave clear instructions and detailed description of what to expect at every stop. If not for the guide, we wouldn’t have enjoyed those long drives into wilderness after sunset during the trip. We were so happy with the experience that, for months afterward, we found ourselves sharing the stories our guide told us with everyone we knew

    via Tripadvisor

    Tina_M · April 2026

    Tony Chena Hot Springs

    Our driver Tony was a hoot. He kept us entertained on the trip and also shared us was cool information about Alaska and living in Alaska.. We had overcast skies but he kept monitoring the weather and got us to a clearing in the clouds just in time to catch the northern lights. It was a wonderful trip and he made it a pleasure.

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    10 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $231 to $255
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    30
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Tour Fairbanks, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 57.4.

    See everything Tour Fairbanks runs

    Why this scores 77

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

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)91
    Review evidence (18% weight)61
    Booking momentum (14% weight)55
    Value for money (12% weight)93
    Listing quality (10% weight)70
    Local standing (8% weight)64
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Spectacular Hot Spring Experience with Northern Lights: questions travelers ask

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

    How much does Spectacular Hot Spring Experience with Northern Lights cost?

    +

    Prices start at $231 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 Spectacular Hot Spring Experience with Northern Lights take?

    +

    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 Spectacular Hot Spring Experience with Northern Lights worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 77 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 86 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 Spectacular Hot Spring Experience with Northern Lights?

    +

    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 Spectacular Hot Spring Experience with Northern Lights suitable for kids and families?

    +

    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 Spectacular Hot Spring Experience with Northern Lights?

    +

    Around 30 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 Spectacular Hot Spring Experience with Northern Lights 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.

    What is included in Spectacular Hot Spring Experience with Northern Lights?

    +

    Included: 50 cents for your locker; Bottled water; Entry to the Hot Springs swimming area; and Admission to the Ice Museum. Not included: Dinner; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Spectacular Hot Spring Experience with Northern Lights include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 25 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 Spectacular Hot Spring Experience with Northern Lights offered in?

    +

    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 Spectacular Hot Spring Experience with Northern Lights?

    +

    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 Spectacular Hot Spring Experience with Northern Lights wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and The resort is not wheel chair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Spectacular Hot Spring Experience with Northern Lights 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 Spectacular Hot Spring Experience with Northern Lights?

    +

    Across 86 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Spectacular Hot Spring Experience with Northern Lights.

    Pick your date