Chena Hot Springs Day Tour

From$220
8 hours
Fairbanks, USA

About this activity

Enjoy a full-day excursion from Fairbanks to Chena Hot Springs Resort, featuring natural hot springs, the Aurora Ice Museum, and scenic Alaskan landscapes.

Highlights

  • Relax in natural hot springs
  • Explore the Aurora Ice Museum
  • Enjoy scenic Alaskan landscapes
  • Experience unique ice sculptures
  • Learn about local geothermal energy

Full description

Escape to the serene Chena Hot Springs Resort, just a short drive from Fairbanks, Alaska. Immerse yourself in the rejuvenating natural hot springs, renowned for their therapeutic properties. Explore the Aurora Ice Museum, a stunning display of ice sculptures and art. Along the way, enjoy picturesque Alaskan landscapes, including dense forests and rugged mountains. This day tour offers a perfect blend of relaxation, art, and natural beauty, making it an unforgettable Alaskan experience.

Included / Excluded

  • Round-trip transportation from Fairbanks
  • Access to Chena Hot Springs Resort facilities
  • Guided tour of the Aurora Ice Museum
  • Meals and beverages

Itinerary

1

After arriving at the resort, you'll be taken to the restaurant for a bite of lunch where you can sample some home grown Alaskan fare (optional and not included in price). Enjoy a hot or cold beverage at the bar or don your bathing suit and head to the hot springs. The revitalizing mineral water soothes muscles with its warm temperatures of 106 degrees F (41 degrees C) year-round. Stay in the hot springs, or hit one of the many trails around the resort in the chance you might see wildlife, or just enjoy the beauty of Alaska's great outdoors. You can also take an optional tour of the resort's greenhouse and geothermal plant to learn more about how the resort is generating its own electricity and aiming to be more self-sustaining.

Duration: 5 hoursAdmission: YES
2

After arriving at Chena Hot Springs Resort, you'll enjoy a tour of the Aurora Ice Museum and marvel at the cool sculptures carved out of ice. You can also indulge in an Appletini served in a hand-carved ice glass (not included in price and photo ID required). Then check out the activities available or take a stroll in the expansive grounds. You will be shown to our table in the restaurant where you can enjoy some lunch and hot or cold beverages (optional and not included in price). Spend the rest of the afternoon soaking in the healing waters of the hot springs or wandering the surrounding trails enjoying Alaskan nature. Rejoin your group around 4pm and return to Fairbanks, keeping an eye out for wildlife and stunning scenery along the way.

Duration: 45 minAdmission: YES

Important information

Know before you book

  • Confirm the tour departure time and location in advance.
  • Be aware that meals and beverages are not included in the tour price.
  • Understand that the tour duration is approximately 8 hours, including travel time.

Know before you go

  • Wear comfortable swimwear and bring a towel for the hot springs.
  • Consider bringing a camera to capture the ice sculptures and scenic views.
  • Check the weather forecast and dress in layers to stay comfortable throughout the day.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Accessibility

  • Stroller Accessible

Good to know

  • If going in the hot springs, you will need a bathing suit. You may also wish to bring rubber shoes and a towel. Towels are available at a cost of $5.
  • Lockers are available and take 2 quarters (50 cents). A change machine is on-site if required.
  • Photo ID is required to purchase an Appletini in the Ice Museum or other alcoholic beverages in the restaurant/bar.
  • Children under 18 and pregnant guests are not allowed in the outdoor rock pool, but may use the indoor pools.
  • Our vans are not wheelchair accessible. However, we have enough room for a foldable one and the Hot Springs are wheelchair accessible. Please contact us before booking.
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Cancellation for a full refund is possible if the minimum capacity is not reached or due to dangerous road conditions.
  • Every guest must sign a waiver before any tour so they clearly acknowledge the inherent risks of wilderness travel, assume responsibility for their own safety, and confirm they are medically able to participate.

Traveler reviews

4.8
274 reviews
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Dillon was a tremendous, knowledgeable and helpful driver and guide. He went out of his way to ensure we were happy

The whole experience was well managed and adapted to our requirements. The hot springs were delightful, which were only surpassed by a sighting of a female moose with 2 young, in tow

Jey_VJul 6, 2026VIATOR

Lots of fun!

Loved the ice museum and drinking an appletini out of a glass made from ice. Hot springs warm and relaxing. Drive from Fairbanks was beautiful and we saw two moose. Special shoutout to our driver Ripley, who was fantastic!

Carol_GJul 3, 2026VIATOR

Hot Springs

It’s a full and beautiful trip! Saw sled dogs, blk bear and moose! Ice house great and so was the apple martini, greenhouse tour great! We loved the hot springs, we found our spot!

MARTHA_MJun 24, 2026VIATOR

Great experience. Hot springs was enjoyable. It was too warm so ice museum was closed but we were refunded for Fee

The guide was friendly and knowledgeable making the day very enjoyable. A good time. Enjoyed! Fun time.

Elizabeth_AJun 5, 2026VIATOR

Great first day tour! Easy to get to and relaxing.

It was awesome! We had the whole place to ourselves being it was one week before season. The hot spring and ice house were cool.

Nomad05333893722May 30, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Additional information

If going in the hot springs, you will need a bathing suit. You may also wish to bring rubber shoes and a towel. Towels are available at a cost of $5. Lockers are available and take 2 quarters (50 cents). A change machine is on-site if required. Photo ID is required to purchase an Appletini in the Ice Museum or other alcoholic beverages in the restaurant/bar. Children under 18 and pregnant guests are not allowed in the outdoor rock pool, but may use the indoor pools. Our vans are not wheelchair accessible. However, we have enough room for a foldable one and the Hot Springs are wheelchair accessible. Please contact us before booking. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Cancellation for a full refund is possible if the minimum capacity is not reached or due to dangerous road conditions.