Go On Alaska Tours To See The Northern Lights!

Seeing the Northern Lights in Alaska is a bucket list item for many people. Fortunately, Alaska’s Aurora Season runs from August through April, which gives you plenty of time to plan your trip! One of the best places to go in Alaska for tours of the Northern Lights is Fairbanks. Fairbanks's location near the Arctic Circle makes it an ideal destination for witnessing the spectacular natural phenomenon of the Aurora Borealis.

Fairbanks sits directly under the Aurora Oval and is a hot spot for the geomagnetic activity that produces the Auroras in the night sky. This makes it one of the best places in the world to witness the mesmerizing dance of the Northern Lights. Fairbanks is a great place to see the Northern Lights for two other reasons: one, the city has minimal light pollution so you can see the Aurora from popular points without straying too far from the city and two, it is an excellent jumping-off point for Northern Lights viewing tours in the Far North.

Where Can I See The Northern Lights Near Fairbanks?

Fairbanks is a great base camp for a Northern Lights viewing tour. Suppose you start your arctic adventure in this city. In that case, there are a variety of tour companies that can offer you exclusive tour packages that incorporate Northern Lights viewing opportunities with fun, daytime activities. These tour packages often include accommodations in cozy lodges or glass igloos for an unforgettable Arctic experience. 

One of the most popular tours from Fairbanks for Aurora Chasers is the Northern Lights and Chena Hot Springs Tour from Fairbanks. What makes this tour so special? Well, soaking in an ancient mineral spring while watching the Northern Lights in the night sky, for starters! Not to mention the amenities offered by this luxurious resort are available to both day visitors and overnight guests. Guests can enjoy activities such as dog sledding and ice fishing to truly immerse themselves in the beauty of the Far Northern wilderness.

A Rustic Getaway In The Far North

With its location just south of the Arctic Circle, Chena Hot Springs Resort offers visitors the perfect opportunity to take in the Northern Lights. The springs were discovered in 1905 by two gold miners, but are now the location of a year-round resort that can easily be reached by car if you are driving from Fairbanks. The trip will take you an easy 65 miles South of Fairbanks, past the Chena Springs Recreation Area, and then into the resort itself. Chena Hot Sprints is known for its natural mineral hot springs, but also for its aurora-viewing. Chances are, if you go on Alaska tours for the Northern Lights, you may end up here!

In addition to the amazing Aurora-viewing opportunities that are available at Chena Hot Springs Resort, there are many outdoor activities that guests can enjoy. From snowshoeing and dog sledding in the winter to hiking and canoeing in the summer, visitors to the resort can truly immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Alaska throughout the year.  Of course, visitors can also relax in the resort's natural hot springs or pools – or even take advantage of a massage at the hotel’s spa!

When Should I Visit Chena Hot Springs?

March is a great month to reserve your Northern Lights and Chena Hot Springs tour from Fairbanks. The Aurora will intensify around the equinox months of September and March, so planning your trip to sync up with that date could make for a spectacular experience! March is also a great time to visit because you still will have plenty of snow to take part in traditional winter activities, but at the same time, the temperatures are milder than in December or January. Perhaps the only downside to visiting Alaska in March to see the Northern Lights is that the days begin to grow longer this month, meaning that you will have to stay up a bit later to see the Northern Lights. But that’s a small price to pay for such an amazing sight!

Take An Easy Day Trip From Fairbanks

If a day trip to Chena Hot Springs Resort fits your schedule, you can reserve a spot with a local tour company. Many companies offer hotel pick-up and drop-off, so all you have to do is get ready for a fun-filled day at the resort and a jaw-dropping night of Aurora-watching. Here are a few of the activities available to you on a day trip to Chena Hot Springs:

• Brrr! Discover hand-carved ice sculptures at the on-site Aurora Ice Museum. When you are done touring the frozen masterpieces, relax at the museum’s Ice Bar with a frozen appletini.
• After your museum visit, soak in the resort’s outdoor springs or relax poolside or in a hot tub!
• Enjoy dinner at the resort before a night of Aurora viewing.
• Take a quick nap in the resort lounge or hang out with other Aurora chasers in the Activity Lounge before your late-night adventure!
• Get geared up for the chilly outdoors. If the conditions are right for an Aurora sighting, your guide will take you to one of the best viewing areas at the resort.

Book A Multi-Day Package At Chena Hot Springs

Those who want to relax and savor the experience of a Northern Lights and Chena Hot Springs Tour from Fairbanks are in luck! The resort is a quick drive from Fairbanks, but if you do not have a car you can easily arrange for a resort shuttle to pick you up in Fairbanks! This makes planning a mini getaway within your Alaska tour a fun option for solo travelers or families.

The hot springs at the resort draw tourists from all over the world. There are two natural outdoor springs, both with an average outdoor temperature of 106 degrees F. So no matter how chilly it is outside, you’ll be cozy during your soak. Many visitors to the resort will opt for a late-night soak so that they can watch the Aurora dance across the sky from the luxury of the springs!

In addition to being a hotspot for Northern Lights activity, Chena Hot Springs and Resort features some of the best hiking, canoeing, public-use cabins, and fishing in the area. This privately owned, year-round resort hosts Aurora viewers during the late summer and winter months but is also a great place to visit during Alaska’s spring and summer seasons for a relaxing getaway.

A Unique Alaskan Experience

If you go to Alaska on tours of the Northern Lights, consider building in time for a trip to Chena Hot Springs. This side trip will allow you to experience the magical combination of the aurora borealis dancing across the night sky and a relaxing soak in the soothing natural hot springs. Whether you go for the day or plan a multi-day adventure, a Northern Lights and Chena Hot Springs tour from Fairbanks is an experience you don’t want to miss!