Chena Hot Springs plus Aurora Chase Tour

Planning a winter trip to Alaska, especially around Fairbanks, often means chasing the elusive Northern Lights. This Chena Hot Springs plus Aurora Chase tour promises a blend of relaxation and adventure — soaking in natural hot springs during the day and hunting for the Aurora borealis at night. While I haven’t tried it myself, I’ve looked into what travelers are saying and what it offers, and it seems like a balanced experience for those wanting a bit of everything in one day.

What really caught my eye about this tour are the knowledgeable guides — their science-based Aurora explanations and help with photography make it feel personal and educational. Plus, the on-site access to Chena Hot Springs and its amenities offers a relaxing break amid the cold, which is a nice touch. On the flip side, a consideration is the limited bathroom facilities during the Aurora chase, and the tour’s reliance on weather conditions for Aurora visibility. This tour is best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive, easy-to-organize experience that mixes relaxation with potential Aurora sightings.

If you’re someone who values a small group, attentive guide, and a mix of daytime and nighttime activities, this tour could fit the bill. It’s also ideal if you’re traveling without a vehicle and prefer everything planned out. However, if you’re seeking a private or more flexible experience or have mobility concerns, you might want to explore other options.

Key Points

• All-in-one experience: Combines a relaxing visit to Chena Hot Springs with a dedicated Aurora chasing adventure.
• Small group size: Max of 7 travelers, offering personalized attention and less crowding.
• Expert guidance: Guides provide Aurora science explanations and photography help, enhancing your chances of capturing the lights.
• Inclusions: Hot springs access, snacks, hot cocoa, and professional photos add value.
• Weather-dependent: Aurora sightings are not guaranteed, and the experience depends heavily on clear skies.
• Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchairs unless special arrangements are made; icy conditions may pose challenges.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Starting the Day: Pickup and Drive to Chena Hot Springs

The tour kicks off around 3:00 pm, with pickup from your Fairbanks lodging — a real perk if you’re staying nearby, saving you the hassle of transportation. The drive to Chena Hot Springs takes you through scenic Alaskan landscapes, with plenty of opportunities to pause for photos or wildlife spotting. The low-to-the-ground vehicle, designed to hold up to six people, makes entering and exiting straightforward — though keep in mind it’s not wheelchair accessible unless you make special arrangements. The journey sets a relaxed tone, and guides are usually friendly and eager to share tidbits about local flora, fauna, and geology.

Chena Hot Springs: A Relaxing Oasis

Once at the resort, you’re free to explore for 3 to 6 hours. This part of the tour is arguably the highlight — soaking in natural geothermal waters while surrounded by snow and, hopefully, glimpses of the Northern Lights overhead if the weather cooperates. The hot springs are known for their warm, mineral-rich waters, perfect after a chilly day outside.

During your time there, you can visit the Ice Museum and Ice Hotel, which are pretty cool (pun intended) attractions showcasing intricate ice sculptures and themed rooms. If you’re into wellness, massages are available but need to be booked ahead — worth planning if you want some extra pampering. The resort also has a restaurant and deli, so grabbing a warm meal or a hot drink is easy before heading back out into the night.

Aurora Chase: The Nighttime Adventure

After enjoying the springs, the tour guides will start the Aurora chase. This part is where the magic of Alaska’s night sky unfolds. The guides always include an Aurora discussion, explaining the science behind this enchanting phenomenon. It’s fascinating and helps set expectations because Aurora sightings are never guaranteed — they depend on solar activity, cloud cover, and other weather factors.

The small vehicle makes for a cozy experience, and the guides are good at helping with photography. Whether you’re using a phone or a camera, they’ll give tips to optimize your shots. Plus, you’ll get five edited Aurora photos as part of the package, which is a nice bonus if you want to remember the night.

Prepare for outside waiting, sometimes for extended periods, so dressing warmly is essential. Since bathroom facilities are usually outside during the chase, you should plan accordingly — the tour notes that there might not always be access during this part. That said, the guides add extra fun perks or surprises based on conditions, which can make the night feel special regardless of whether you see the Aurora or not.

What Travelers Are Saying

A key highlight from recent reviews is how knowledgeable and enthusiastic the guides are. One reviewer mentioned: “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.” This shows that guides genuinely try to maximize your chances and make the experience memorable.

Another reviewer called it a “wonderful experience,” emphasizing the value of the expert guidance and the overall effort to track Aurora activity using data from NOAA and NASA. The small group size (max 7 travelers) seems to make it feel personalized rather than rushed, which many travelers appreciate.

Price and Value

At $285 per person, this tour is on the higher side, but it includes quite a bit — transportation, hot springs access, expert Aurora guidance, photography help, and five edited photos. When you consider that many standalone activities in Alaska can cost similar, the package feels like reasonable value, especially for a full-day experience with the added thrill of potentially seeing the Northern Lights.

The fact that it operates regardless of temperature is also a plus. You’ll be dressed for the cold, and guides are used to Arctic conditions — this is Alaska after all. Just keep in mind that the success of the Aurora chase depends on weather and solar activity, so flexibility and patience are part of the deal.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal if you want a balanced mix of relaxation and adventure with knowledgeable guides who genuinely care about giving you a good shot at seeing the Aurora. It suits travelers who appreciate small group sizes, professional photography tips, and the convenience of all-in-one planning. It’s also good for those who are okay with outdoor waiting in potentially cold conditions and don’t have mobility issues that require wheelchair access.

If you’re traveling with kids under 12, be aware that the cold and late-night nature might be challenging for younger children. Also, if you’re highly sensitive to weather variability or need guaranteed Aurora sightings, this might be less suitable.

Final Thoughts

This Chena Hot Springs plus Aurora Chase tour offers a harmonious blend of relaxing geothermal soaking and the thrill of Aurora hunting, guided by friendly, knowledgeable experts. The small group size and inclusion of photos and insights make it a memorable, value-packed experience, especially if you’re curious about the science behind the Northern Lights.

While it doesn’t promise sighting every night, the effort and planning behind this tour make it a solid choice for anyone wanting a comprehensive Alaskan night and day adventure. Perfect for travelers who want to maximize their chances of Aurora viewing while enjoying some of Alaska’s most iconic natural sights during the day.

If you’re after a well-organized, friendly, and immersive experience that balances comfort with adventure, this tour could be a great addition to your Fairbanks itinerary.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, transportation from all lodgings within Fairbanks or North Pole area within 25 miles from the airport is included. The drive to Chena Hot Springs and back is part of the package.

How long does the entire tour last?
Expect the tour to last approximately 10 to 14 hours, starting around 3:00 pm with pickup, and returning late at night after the Aurora chase.

Can I participate if I have mobility issues?
The tour cannot accommodate wheelchairs unless special arrangements are made. The ground can be icy, so mobility considerations are important.

Are meals or drinks provided?
Snacks, hot cocoa, and instant coffee or tea are included, but there’s no mention of a full meal. The resort has a restaurant and deli where you can buy food.

What if I don’t see the Aurora?
Since Aurora sightings are weather-dependent, the tour does not guarantee viewing. Guides do their best to track Aurora activity, but cloud cover or lack of solar activity can mean no show.

Is there a cost for photography equipment?
Yes, camera and tripod rentals are available at extra cost if you want professional-grade photos beyond the five included edits.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly, as the outdoor portions can get very cold, especially waiting outside during the Aurora chase.

Are children allowed on this tour?
Most travelers can participate, but very young children might struggle with the cold or late hours. It’s best to advise the tour provider if you’re traveling with kids under 12.

Can I cancel or change the booking?
This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed. However, if weather conditions cause cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

In all, this tour looks like a well-rounded way to experience Alaska’s natural wonders, especially if you’re after the iconic Aurora borealis combined with a relaxing soak in hot springs. Just keep your expectations flexible, pack warmly, and enjoy the ride.