Where to Book: the 5 Best Fairbanks Spa Experiences

1.Northern Lights & Chena Hot Springs Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,278 reviews · 10 hours (approx.) · from $250Our pick

Leave Fairbanks around 4 p.m. for Chena Hot Springs Resort with a guide such as Savvy, Jessica, Tyler, or Shannon. Tour the Aurora Ice Museum, eat dinner if you wish, soak in the 106°F springs, then search for the aurora on the resort grounds and along the return road. Pickup, transport, pool access, and museum admission are included.

“Our guide was the most informative about the Northern Lights and though it was great chances of seeing them, she could not control the weather. The sky became overcast and it began to snow. Bummer but she gave tips and offered plenty of info on how to see them on a clear night. She also shared knowledge about the Natives in Alaska along with some of their interpretations of the Lights. It was fun and exciting. The Aurora Ice Museum was amazing!! I didn't get in the hot springs but there was plenty to do in the Activity Center. On the way back to our hotels, we were able to…”

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2.Chena Hot Springs Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 264 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $210Top rated

Travel from Fairbanks to Chena Hot Springs in a small group of up to 14. Guides such as Jean, Ray, Gina, and Amanda share local stories along the drive. You’ll soak in the 106°F outdoor pool, tour the Aurora Ice Museum, and have time for lunch, trails, and optional geothermal exhibits.

“We had a great day at the hot springs. Our guide was a local who friendly and knowledgeable. Thx so much for a fun day”

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3.Chena Hot Springs Day Tour from Fairbanks

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 117 reviews · 6 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $200Best value

Travel from Fairbanks to Chena Hot Springs with an English-speaking driver-guide, stopping at the Fairbanks Ice Museum before soaking in the thermal pools. The six-and-a-half-hour trip includes hotel pickup, bottled water, live commentary, and an optional geothermal tour. Guides such as Ash, Paul, Joe, Jeff, and Ed have been praised for adding wildlife stops and colorful Alaska stories.

“Jeff, out your guide provided information on the area. He made a couple of detours showing us a beaver lodge and dam, plus a pretty lake. . He spotted a moose and stopped for additional viewing time. We were able to see the ice museum. Interesting place. If interested, you can drink martini from an ice martini glass. The hot springs were wonderful. Various temperatures and water guns. The water guns had cool water, very warm water, and with strong pressure with warm water that you could allow to hit your back. It was like getting a deep tissue massage. It felt magnificent. There is also a hot tub and…”

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4.Northern Lights and Chena Hot Springs Night Tour from Fairbanks

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 115 reviews · 10 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $240

Travel from Fairbanks to Chena Hot Springs for an evening of ice sculptures, mineral bathing, dinner on your own, and a long wait for the aurora. Guides such as Ed, Jake, Randy, Paul, and JT have made the ride especially enjoyable, but service at the resort can feel self-directed. Pickup is from major Fairbanks hotels, with groups limited to 12.

“Ed, our driver/guide was amazing! On the way there and while waiting for the Aurora, he told us about the source of the Aurora, interesting facts about bears, moose and caribu. Being a biologist, his explanations were great. As for the resort, the ice castle was closed due to some melting from the warm summer. There was a $21 tour to the ice bar, but missed it because we didn’t know. Bring your own towel if going into the hot springs, pool or hot tubs. If not, Pay $5 to rent one!! Food in the restaurant was good, but long wait. If you are having dinner, put your name in…”

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5.Spectacular Hot Spring Experience with Northern Lights

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 70 reviews · 8 to 10 hours (approx.) · from $245

Travel from Fairbanks to Chena Hot Springs for a hot soak, the resort’s Ice Museum, optional dinner, and an aurora chase. Guides including Tony, Chris, Savvy, Gina, and Kevin are praised for local stories, careful driving, photo help, and persistence when the lights appear late. Expect pickup, a small group, and a very late return.

“It was great & spectacular experience! Being a 1st timer here at Alaska, i can say that it was really an amazing tour.”

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