We booked the ‘Northern Lights and Chena Hot Springs Tour from Fairbanks’ through Viator and had a great experience. My husband and I flew into Fairbanks for a quick weekend get-away in January and wanted to do as much as possible, with the Chena Hot Springs and viewing of the Northern Lights being on our list. We don’t have any experience driving in the snow so this tour was perfect since it includes hotel pick-up and drop-off. The tour is owned and operated by Alaska-Wildlife-Guide and Ricky was our tour guide. He is retired from the military, have lived in Fairbanks for some time, and had a plethora of knowledge and stories about Fairbanks. Upon booking the tour, I read that it may not run if there weren’t enough people in the group. When Ricky arrived at our hotel, he informed us that we were the only two on the tour so we had a nice private tour. We’re so grateful that the tour still went on since we only had 48 hours there. Ricky provided us with all of the details and tips about the Aurora Ice Museum and Chena Hot Springs. While we were enjoying our time at the resort, Ricky was tracking the Northern Light activity so he could alert us when they appeared. After we toured the Ice Museum, had dinner, and enjoyed the hot springs, Ricky took us to the best viewing spots to see the Northern Lights. The forecast predicted above average northern light activity and we were able to see some lights. The lights weren’t as bright as we hoped but if we were to stay up until 3AM with Ricky, we would’ve probably seen more vivid lights. We were very sleep deprived so we called it an early night (headed back around 1:30AM). We had an amazing time and highly recommend this tour for those on a time crunch. We cannot thank Ricky enough for the great experience! Tips for the hot springs: The store at the hot spring sells bathing suits for men and women, slippers, and towels (we forgot to bring our bathing suits). Also, don't forget to bring bath towels, shower slippers, 50 cents for each locker (in quarters). For the Ice Museum, don't forget to bring a picture ID if you’d like to purchase the cocktail inside.

Suzy was an awesome guide: tons of info and lots of laughter. Magical New Yers Eve: ice museum and appletinis in ice glasses, snowing outside, over to excellent dinner, hot springs were amazing e with the fireworks timed perfectly, finished with three amazing stops on the tour van ohoto auroas. Suzy helped all of us with our various cameras and did some heart stopping shots herself, which she shared. A fabulous trip. And, Viator reps on the phone were personable and knowledgeable. Very impressed over all.

While the tour was exactly as described I felt the price was to high for what it covered. Our tour director and driver was Bob. He went to every effort he possibly could to make it a wonderful experience. He went all out to help us (my sister and I are Seniors), carried things for us, stayed with us the entire time. I realize it would have been different had there been more people on the tour, but he was wonderful. Our main reason for being here was the Northern Lights, but that goal was not to be. I am not sorry we took this tour, but would not take it again.

Clark, our tour guide, very informative on the area, assisted and answered all of our inquiries. We lucked out with a great night of viewing the Northern Lights. The Hot springs was well worth it as well.

A great evening at Chena Hot Springs! We visited the reindeer on the property, went into the Ice Museum had an appletini- yum, dinner at the restaurant, and a dip in the hot springs. The water was hotter than I expected, so could only stay in for about 15 minutes. Our tour guide, Ricky, was great. He provided lots of information on the area and wildlife. It was a cloudy night so we were not able to see the aurora but Ricky made many stops along the way back just in case the lights were visible. Thank you for a great evening!

This tour is awesome, particularly the hot springs! The ice museum is pretty neat, although it's rather small. The on-site restaurant serves a really good meal too. Our driver was super friendly and even joined our group for dinner at the restaurant.

Fabulous trip! Chena hot springs and the ice museum were great. Our tour guide was fun and informative.
Due to weather, no aurora sighting - folks need to know that it just doesn't always work out.
More time to play in the hotsprings with the snow coming down.

Spellbound Aurora
Nothing much to shout about the hot springs in Chena as compared to the Blue Lagoon in Iceland or I couldn't have seen much as I only arrived after sunset at approximately 1815hrs, total darkness.

Mediocre changing facilities but it was relatively affordable, only cost a quarter per use and a new quarter got to be inserted after each opening.

However, the facilities provided for the watching of aurora was excellent with 2 indoor waiting areas, an activity room and an aurora watching room besides the outdoor, and was an excellent night when I visited on November 17th, managed to see it twice in one night, simply awesome.

The tour price paid was inclusive of admission to the Ice Museum and the hot springs, excluding the Appletini served in ice glass at the Aurora Bar in the former. The Appletini would have cost USD 15.

The restaurant served good food with efficient service.

Unfortunately, didn't manage to visit the Dog Kennel as it was closed at 1600hrs.

A guide, William is an expert for this trip. During winter do not rent a car unless you are living snow and ice country,

I love the Chena hot spring very much, since I had little chances to experience such superb outdoor hot springs in the US. Ricky was a great tour guide, he had a lot of interesting stories to share on the car, and he led us to encounter some lovely wildlifies, such as Moises.