Chena Hot Springs & Ice Museum Day Tour
Relax in natural hot springs and explore the Aurora Ice Museum on a full-day escape.
From$230/ person
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Discover what we've curated for you
Relax in natural hot springs and explore the Aurora Ice Museum on a full-day escape.
Discover what we've curated for you
8 hours
Up to 5 People people
Guide, Ice Museum entry, Pool pass
Escape the city and unwind at Chena Hot Springs Resort on a full-day tour. Soak in mineral-rich pools, visit the Aurora Ice Museum, and enjoy a scenic drive through Alaska's wilderness.
Children under 18 are not permitted in the outdoor rock pool; they may use the indoor pool and hot tub with adult supervision. Minimum guest numbers apply. Bring a swimsuit; towels and lockers are available at the resort for a fee.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure. Private tours and groups of 8+ require 30 days’ notice for a full refund. Tours may be canceled for minimum numbers, dangerous weather, or emergencies. No-shows are non-refundable and a 15-minute pickup waiting policy applies. Online booking fees are non-refundable.
Pick up is available to those staying in hotels and vacation rental properties across North Pole and Fairbanks within city limits.
The guides here consistently steal the show. Travelers rave about personalities like Guy, Kendall, Jessica, Jodi, and Gina who bring Alaska to life through storytelling, local knowledge, and genuine passion for the land. These aren't just drivers getting you from point to point—they share poems about rivers you cross, play fascinating podcasts about Alaskan life, and draw on personal experiences to make long journeys fly by. The Arctic Circle tour is particularly popular, with guests appreciating the many photo stops, historical insights, and the guides' skill navigating challenging road conditions on the Dalton Highway. The Northern Lights tours operate from a cozy lodge with indoor warmth and outdoor fire viewing, plus games and snacks to pass the time. Here's the reality check though: nature doesn't guarantee a show. Several reviewers mention cloudy nights or conditions that prevented sightings, and one frustrated guest points out that rain, snow, or a full moon will likely mean no aurora. The guides do chase clear skies when possible, but weather is unpredictable. If you book, understand you're paying for the experience and expertise, not a guaranteed light display. The vans can apparently get uncomfortably hot in back seats too.
Had the tour on 9/25/25. It is a long day but the scenery and breathtaking views are well worth it. Our guide, Guy was outstanding. He pointed out all the great spots on our stops. Stopped at the remote Yukon River Camp about halfway to the Arctic circle for lunch got some great photos there thanks to Guy. He did make the long drive from Fairbanks as pleasant as possible especially playing the podcasts from Dark Alaska Nights. That was very interesting listening to the actual stories from people living there. Getting to the Arctic Circle sign we spent a very appropriate amount of time there for plenty of pictures. On the way back we stopped a couple times to view the aurora and what a view we did get. On top of all of this it was a challenging drive as the weather went from rain to snow to finally dry above the Yukon River. The Dalton Highway was a bit muddy for quite a bit. Guy was extremely careful and got us there and back safely even in the challenging changing conditions.
Rick J
October 7, 2025
Had the tour on 9/25/25. It is a long day but the scenery and breathtaking views are well worth it. Our guide, Guy was outstanding. He pointed out all the great spots on our stops. Stopped at the remote Yukon River Camp about halfway to the Arctic circle for lunch got some great photos there thanks to Guy. He did make the long drive from Fairbanks as pleasant as possible especially playing the podcasts from Dark Alaska Nights. That was very interesting listening to the actual stories from people living there. Getting to the Arctic Circle sign we spent a very appropriate amount of time there for plenty of pictures. On the way back we stopped a couple times to view the aurora and what a view we did get. On top of all of this it was a challenging drive as the weather went from rain to snow to finally dry above the Yukon River. The Dalton Highway was a bit muddy for quite a bit. Guy was extremely careful and got us there and back safely even in the challenging changing conditions.
Rick J
October 7, 2025