Alaska Wildlife Guide: Northern Lights & Chena Hot Springs Tour

Alaska Wildlife Guide offers one of the most popular winter tours in Interior Alaska: the Northern Lights & Chena Hot Springs experience. This evening excursion brings travelers to Chena Hot Springs Resort, home to natural geothermal hot springs, the world-famous Aurora Ice Museum, and some of the region’s most reliable aurora borealis viewing conditions. Guests can explore year-round ice sculptures, soak in outdoor mineral pools, and join expert guides for dedicated northern lights hunting—all in a single unforgettable night.

Scenic Journey to Chena Hot Springs Resort

The tour begins with hotel pickup in Fairbanks and a 90 minute drive through the Chena River Valley, a corridor known for moose sightings, pristine forests, and minimal light pollution. Throughout the trip, knowledgeable guides share insights into Alaska’s wildlife, geothermal history, aurora science, and local culture. As daylight fades, the route sets the perfect backdrop for an immersive evening of hot springs relaxation and northern lights viewing under Alaska’s expansive winter skies.

Explore the Aurora Ice Museum

Upon arrival, guests enjoy a guided visit to the Aurora Ice Museum, the world’s largest year-round ice environment. Maintained at a constant 25°F, the museum features hand-carved ice sculptures, chandeliers, an ice bar, and frozen art created by world-renowned ice carvers. Optional apple martinis served in handcrafted ice glasses are available for purchase.

Soak in Natural Geothermal Hot Springs

From there, unwind in the resort’s natural geothermal hot springs, where 100°F+ mineral water flows from deep underground—creating a rejuvenating, surreal winter experience as you soak beneath the stars surrounded by snow.

Exclusive Benefit: As part of your tour, Alaska Wildlife Guide is the only operator with a guaranteed, dedicated reservation at the Chena Hot Springs restaurant, ensuring you have reliable dinner access even during peak season when the resort is fully booked.

Northern Lights Viewing & Guided Aurora Hunting

As night falls, the focus shifts to Alaska’s most iconic winter spectacle: the Northern Lights. Depending on aurora activity, you may see the lights dance directly above the hot springs or during dedicated stops on the return journey to Fairbanks. Our guides monitor real-time forecasts to position you for the best viewing opportunities. The drive back provides additional chances to photograph the aurora across dark Alaska skies—an unforgettable finale to a truly once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Why Travelers Choose Alaska Wildlife Guide

Alaska Wildlife Guide has become one of Interior Alaska’s most trusted tour operators, known for delivering bucket-list experiences with exceptional professionalism and care. For more than a decade, travelers from around the world have turned to the company for northern lights hunting, Chena Hot Springs excursions, Arctic Circle adventures, and small-group tours that highlight the region’s unique landscapes and culture. With over 5,000 guest reviews and a 4.8 average rating, Alaska Wildlife Guide has earned its reputation through highly trained guides, real-time aurora forecasting expertise, and meticulous attention to the details that turn a tour into a lifelong memory. Whether guests are soaking in natural hot springs beneath the stars or chasing the aurora across remote Alaska backcountry, the company’s commitment to reliability, safety, and heartfelt hospitality ensures every traveler leaves with an unforgettable Alaska story.

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 (recommend you bring your own)
• Aurora Ice Museum ice glass apple martini
• Optional geothermal renewable energy tour

What to Bring

• Swimsuit (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