Fire & Ice: Chena Hot Springs, Ice Museum + Aurora Adventure
Description
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.
Tour Options
Itinerary
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.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Your experienced guides will personally pick you up and drop you off at your hotel (or a nearby meeting point if outside city limits). Pickup time will be confirmed after booking — please be ready 10 minutes early so we can start your Alaska Bucket list Adventure. Out of respect for all guests, your guide can only wait up to 10 minutes past the scheduled pickup time before moving on to the next stop. Missed pickups are considered a no-show and are non-refundable. Your guide will stay in good communication on any changes due to weather.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- 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
Reviews(56)
So glad we went with this tour. Seeing Northern lights was incredibly magical and requires a ton of patience / attention. This was a dream for my wife and I and if you're looking for a great excursion, I highly recommend this tour group. Gena and her team provided exceptional service. We ended up renting a car and were able to follow her around Fairbanks to find the best viewpoints for lights. She was on top of everything and gave it her 100% to make sure all of us had a good time. Not only was she patient and nice, but she was also very quick to make decisions allowing us to get where we need to be at the right time. She is very transparent but will go above and beyond to give you and your family a great time. We were lucky enough to see the lights but even if we didn't, the adventure of driving around was exhilarating. She works tirelessly and long hours but she does not show it... her hard work deserves so much praise and cannot explain how much it means to my wife and I. I just want to say I've gone to Iceland for 10 days in November, 5 days in Finland and a few in Norway but never saw the lights.. I had low expectations and honestly if it wasn't for Gena, we might have had the same luck. She knew all the hot spots and was genuinely so happy for us when we got to see it. It was truly a dream come true.
The tour was great from start to finish. Our guide was Gina and she was amazing! She was so kind, so informative, and just overall so pleasant
Thank you so much for this sweet review! While the aurora didn’t appear, I’m so happy you still had a wonderful experience. It was a pleasure having you, and I truly appreciate your support!
A fantastic experience. From the ice museum, the thermal waters of Chena Springs and the hunting of the auroras boreales. Gina excellent guide, guided us in various places for the experience of experiencing the northern lights. I recommend everyone who can.
Muito obrigada pelas suas palavras tão gentis isso significa muito para mim. Fico muito feliz que você tenha aproveitado toda a experiência, desde o Museu de Gelo até as águas termais e, claro, a magia da aurora boreal. Foi um prazer enorme ser sua guia e fazer parte desse momento especial. Desejo muitas outras aventuras para você e espero recebê-lo(a) novamente no Alasca!
Gina is the best! She never rushed us and made sure we had plenty of time for touring the Ice Museum, dinner, and a swim in the hot springs. Afterwards, she was an expert in driving to remote, secluded spots to see the aurora. She was very attentive…and fun! You won’t find a better guide…professional, enthusiastic, and caring!
Our experience was fantastic! Our guide Gina was very knowledgeable and took time out of the tour to show us special sightings like moose and great aurora viewings! Hot springs, ice museum, and dinner were fantastic too. Would definitely recommend the trip if you have time.
Regina from AK bucket list arranged the tour . Her group was filled up. She went out of her way to make arrangements for us with other group. Not only she made arrangements she followed after that to make sure that we were all taken care of. Only a caring person would do that. I would wholeheartedly recommend her and her company any day.
Loved the tour with Gina. She picked us up at our house, made sure we saw a moose, and was very informative. Very helpful at the springs, then on the way home found the perfect place at the perfect time for thedancing northern lights!!! So glad we didnt have to drive to Chena Hot Springs too, on that long icy road. Would totally do it again. Loved Gina!! AK bucket list tours.
Our guide made sure we had the best views of the northern lights, Moose sights and very knowledgeable about the outdoors. Also the entire trip was fun and our guide was always very responsible while driving. Would definitely recommend for anyone . Thank so much for the amazing Northen light secret spot for viewing the best northern lights show.
Gina at AK Bucketlist, provided for us that perfect experience! She and her tour guy friends chased the most amazing Auroras which was directly overhead. It was beyond my every expectation! How awesome. We enjoyed Chana hot springs, what a unique experience. Frozen hair and hot water over 100 degrees. The only thing that could have improved the experience would have been a nice glass of wine. Thought enjoyed.it. Gina was awesome!
Gina was an amazing tour guide! Very informative, kind, helpful and fun to be with. She was also a good driver. She and Chris calculated the right time and place to see an wonderful display of the northern lights. We would highly recommend AK Bucket list tours.
