NORTHERN LIGHTS & CHENA HOT SPRINGS

Chena Hot Springs is a year-round natural geothermal resort located 60 miles northeast of Fairbanks, Alaska. Our Northern Lights & Chena Hot Springs tour combines two of Alaska’s most iconic winter experiences: soaking in natural hot springs under the stars and hunting for the aurora borealis across Interior Alaska’s dark skies. This evening tour departs Fairbanks around 4:00 – 4:30 PM (depending on your pickup location), travels to Chena Hot Springs Resort for dinner and hot springs access, then returns through remote areas perfect for northern lights viewing, arriving back in Fairbanks around 2:00 AM.

What is Chena Hot Springs?

Chena Hot Springs Resort is a natural geothermal hot springs resort in the Chena River Valley, 60 miles from Fairbanks. The resort maintains outdoor hot springs pools year-round, powered by underground geothermal activity that creates naturally heated mineral water between 90°F and 110°F. Chena Hot Springs is one of Alaska’s premier attractions, combining therapeutic hot springs bathing with unique winter experiences like the Aurora Ice Museum, geothermal greenhouse tours, and exceptional northern lights viewing opportunities.

The resort’s history dates back to 1905 when prospectors discovered the hot springs. Today, Chena Hot Springs operates as a sustainable resort using geothermal energy to power facilities, heat buildings, and grow produce in Alaska’s challenging climate. The Aurora Ice Museum, maintained year-round at 25°F inside a permanent structure, showcases intricate ice carvings including chandeliers, sculptures, and an ice bar serving apple martinis in ice glasses.

Chena Hot Springs’ remote location 60 miles from Fairbanks provides minimal light pollution, making it an excellent location for aurora borealis viewing during winter months when geomagnetic activity peaks.

Why Combine Northern Lights with Chena Hot Springs?

This tour offers the ultimate Alaska winter experience by combining two bucket-list activities in one evening. Chena Hot Springs’ remote location away from city lights provides excellent northern lights viewing opportunities both at the resort and during the return drive to Fairbanks. The experience of soaking in 100°F+ natural mineral water while surrounded by snow and sub-zero temperatures, then hunting for dancing aurora borealis displays across dark Alaska skies, creates unforgettable memories.

Alaska Wild Lights holds a dedicated reservation at Chena Hot Springs Resort, ensuring guaranteed access even during peak season when the resort reaches capacity. Our guides monitor solar activity forecasts and weather conditions throughout the evening, adjusting northern lights viewing locations based on real-time aurora activity and cloud cover.

The combination tour maximizes your Alaska winter experience by efficiently using evening hours when northern lights are most active while also providing time to enjoy Chena Hot Springs’ unique amenities including the Aurora Ice Museum, geothermal-heated facilities, and natural mineral hot springs pools.

What’s Included in Your Northern Lights & Chena Hot Springs Tour

Included:

• Round-trip transportation from Fairbanks hotels
• Admission to Aurora Ice Museum
• Access to outdoor hot springs pools at Chena Hot Springs
• Professional guide with northern lights expertise
• Northern lights hunting during return drive
• Approximately 10-hour tour (4:00 PM – 2:00 AM)
• Climate-controlled vehicle with aurora viewing stops

Not Included:

• Dinner at Chena Hot Springs restaurant (available for purchase)
• Towel rental
• Swimsuit (we recommend you bring your own)
• Aurora Ice Museum ice glass apple martini 
• Optional geothermal renewable energy tour

What to Bring:

• Swimsuit (required – swimsuits available for purchase onsite)
• Towel (bring your own or rent on-site)
• Waterproof sandals or water shoes
• Warm winter clothing for northern lights viewing (hat, gloves, jacket)
• Cash or card for dinner and optional activities

Northern Lights & Chena Hot Springs Tour Timeline

4:00 PM – 4:30 PM Hotel Pickup: Pickup begins at Fairbanks hotels. Your guide introduces the evening’s activities and discusses northern lights forecast and viewing expectations.

4:30 PM – 5:30 PM – Scenic Drive to Chena: Enjoy the 60-mile drive through Chena River Valley as daylight fades. Your guide shares stories about Alaska life, Chena Hot Springs history, and the science behind aurora borealis. Watch for wildlife including moose along the route.

5:30 PM – 7:00 PM – Arrival & Ice Museum: Arrive at Chena Hot Springs Resort and tour the Aurora Ice Museum (30 minutes). Marvel at hand-carved ice sculptures maintained at 25°F year-round. Optional ice glass apple martini available for purchase.

7:00 PM – 9 PM – Dinner Time: Dinner is available for purchase at the resort’s restaurant. The restaurant offers hearty Alaska cuisine including local options. Alternatively, bring snacks if you prefer not to purchase dinner.

9 PM – 11:30 PM – Hot Springs & Free Time: Enjoy up to 4 hours at Chena Hot Springs. Soak in outdoor natural mineral pools (90°F-110°F) while surrounded by snow. The contrast between hot water and cold air creates a magical Alaska winter experience. Watch for northern lights displays directly from the pools during high aurora activity nights. Time also available for greenhouse tour (optional), gift shop browsing, or additional resort exploration.

11:30 PM – 12:30 AM – Depart for Northern Lights Hunting: Depart Chena Hot Springs for return to Fairbanks. Your guide monitors real-time aurora forecasts and selects optimal viewing locations based on current northern lights activity and weather conditions.

12:30 AM – 1:30 AM – Aurora Viewing Stops: Multiple stops at dark-sky locations for northern lights viewing and photography. Your guide assists with camera settings for aurora borealis photography and provides education about the science behind the lights. Duration and number of stops depends on aurora activity levels.

2:00 AM – Return to Fairbanks: Drop-off at Fairbanks hotels. Tour duration approximately 10 hours total.

Note: Timeline is flexible based on northern lights activity. Strong aurora displays may result in extended viewing time. Guides prioritize guest experience while maintaining safe return schedules. 

Best Time to See Northern Lights at Chena Hot Springs

Prime Aurora Season: September through April

Chena Hot Springs offers excellent northern lights viewing opportunities throughout Alaska’s aurora season. The remote location 60 miles from Fairbanks provides dark skies with minimal light pollution, enhancing aurora visibility.

Peak Months (November – March): Winter’s extended darkness (18-22 hours of nighttime) provides maximum viewing windows. Northern lights are often visible from the hot springs pools themselves, creating the unique experience of aurora watching while soaking in natural mineral water. Clear, cold nights (-20°F to -40°F) often coincide with strong geomagnetic activity.

Shoulder Season (September-October, April): Fall and spring offer moderate temperatures (20°F-40°F) making outdoor activities more comfortable while still providing dark skies for aurora borealis viewing. September and March experience equinox aurora storms, producing spectacular displays.

Chena Hot Springs location beneath the aurora oval provides consistent viewing opportunities throughout the season. Our guides monitor forecasts and adjust viewing strategies based on real-time conditions.

Northern Lights & Chena Hot Springs Tour Frequently Asked Questions

What are my chances of seeing northern lights on this tour? Fairbanks, Alaska offers approximately 80-90% chance of seeing northern lights over a 3-night stay during winter months (November-March). Individual night probability varies based on solar activity, cloud cover, and weather. Our guides monitor forecasts and select optimal viewing locations to maximize success. Even on low-activity nights, the Chena Hot Springs experience alone makes this tour worthwhile.

Do I need to bring my own swimsuit and towel? Yes, bring your own swimsuit – swimsuits are available for purchase at the resort. Towels can be rented on-site for $5, or bring your own. We recommend bringing your own towel for convenience.

Is dinner included in the tour price? No, dinner at Chena Hot Springs restaurant is not included but is available for purchase. Alternatively, bring snacks if you prefer not to purchase dinner.

How cold is it during the northern lights viewing portion? Winter temperatures during aurora viewing range from -20°F to -40°F. Dress in layers with insulated winter jacket, warm hat, insulated gloves, and winter boots. The hot springs portion provides warmth, but outdoor northern lights viewing requires proper winter clothing. Hand and toe warmers highly recommended.

Can we see northern lights from the hot springs pools? Many times you can! During strong aurora activity, northern lights are visible directly from the outdoor hot springs pools at Chena. This creates a unique experience of watching aurora borealis displays while soaking in 100°F natural mineral water surrounded by snow.

How long do we have at Chena Hot Springs? Tours provide approximately 4-5 hours at Chena Hot Springs Resort, including time for Aurora Ice Museum tour, dinner, and hot springs soaking. Exact timing varies based on northern lights activity and group preferences.

What if northern lights aren’t visible? Northern lights are a natural phenomenon and visibility cannot be guaranteed. However, the Chena Hot Springs experience, Aurora Ice Museum, and scenic drive provide value regardless of aurora activity. Our guides make every effort to find northern lights when present, but weather and solar activity determine visibility.

Is this tour suitable for children? Yes, families are welcome. Children must be supervised in hot springs due to water temperature and depth. The tour runs late (until 2:00 AM), so consider whether children can handle the schedule. Children under 18 can use the indoor pool but are not permitted in the outdoor rock pool.

How physically demanding is this tour? This tour requires minimal physical activity. Guests must be able to enter/exit the vehicle and walk short distances. The hot springs pools have steps that may be challenging for guests with limited mobility. Contact us directly to discuss specific accessibility concerns.

Can I take photos of the northern lights? Yes! Bring a camera capable of manual settings. Our guides provide basic photography assistance including camera settings recommendations. Tripods are helpful but not required. Many guests successfully capture aurora borealis photos with modern smartphones.

Do I have to do all the activities at the resort? No, guests are not required to visit the Ice Museum or join the group for the dinner reservation. You are welcome to explore Chena Hot Springs at your leisure but most guests opt in to all activities with our guides to maximize their experience.