chena hot springs day tour from fairbanks

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Chena Hot Springs Summer Day Tour

Relax in indoor and outdoor natural pools and visit the year-round ice museum..

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Home » City-Based Day Tours » Fairbanks » Chena Hot Springs Summer Day Tour

Day Tour Details

What's included:.

• Roundtrip transfer from/to Fairbanks
• Ice Museum and Geothermal tours
• Admission to hot springs
• All taxes and fees

What's Not Included:

Alcoholic beverages at the ice bar in the Ice Museum, meals, and towel rental for the hot springs.

We made it home and I want to say that your service was excellent. Our trip was fantastic. I certainly will refer any of my friends to you should they be interested in really seeing Alaska. Thank you for making our trip one of our greatest vacations ever.

Brad | Minnesota

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Chena Hot Springs Day Tour

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• Chena Hot Springs Northern Lights Tour

Soak up the Alaska winter experience.

• Things to Do in Fairbanks

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Rates & dates, departure times, availability.

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Staying cozy is key to enjoying Alaskan in its colder seasons, and this tour ensures you will thanks to a long evening soak at the Chena Hot Springs. The tour begins with a two-hour drive from Fairbanks. There are gorgeous fall colors to see along the way in August and September, and a serene snowscape in February and March. In both seasons it's quite common to spot moose, too.

The setting has a magical feel.

Upon arrival at Chena you'll be treated to a guided tour of the Aurora Ice Museum before heading to the resort's hot springs. There's a geothermal indoor pool, but it's worth braving the chill for a soak in the resort's Rock Lake. Shimmering frost makes the air sparkle, and natural ice formation give the setting a magical feel.

Thoroughly warmed, the rest of the night is dedicated to northern lights hunting. The Chena Hot Springs area has an ideal combination of dark skies and higher northern latitude that offers you the best opportunity to see the aurora if it is active. The tour ends with a return to Fairbanks area hotels around 4 AM.

The Chena Hot Springs Northern Lights Tour takes guests 60 miles outside of Fairbanks. During the 11-hour tour guests take a guided ice museum tour and enjoy plenty of free time to soak, swim, and await the northern lights. Food and beverages are available to purchase from the onsite restaurant. Meals are not included in the tour price.

What to Bring

Bring swimwear, sandals, and a towel. Bring cash (or quarters) to make change for lockers at the springs and towel service if needed. For potential northern lights viewing, bring warm layers, a hat, and gloves as needed for the conditions. Extra camera batteries are highly recommended.

Special Instructions

The outdoor hot springs is limited to adults ages 18 and above. Guests under 17 are allowed in the outdoor deck hot tub and indoor pool with adult supervision. The outdoor hot spring pool averages 106 degrees.

Transfers & Meeting Points

The tour operator picks up from most Fairbanks area hotels.

Here are the rates and operating dates for this product. Remember, we have a lowest price guarantee for nearly everything we sell.

Departure times and locations are listed below. Click on a link for an interactive map.

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Select a departure below to see current availability. If your desired date is sold out (red) we will do our best to find an alternative, but we may not be able to accommodate your request.

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Quick Facts

• Duration 11 Hours
• Departs 4:30 PM
• Operating Dates From 2/1/2024 to 9/30/2024
• Activity Level Active

What's Included

• Admission to ice museum and hot springs.
• Prime northern lights viewing location.
• Roundtrip transportation from Fairbanks.
• Tour narration by driver/guide.

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Year Round Activities

Aurora ice museum    .

CHENA HOT SPRINGS RESORT   is home to the world’s largest year-round ice environment, the Aurora Ice Museum! It was created from over 1,000 tons of ice and snow, all harvested at the resort. The museum was completed in January 2005 and stays a cool 25° Fahrenheit (-7° Celsius) inside. Keeping the museum icy cold in the heat of summer comes from the patented absorption chiller, the first of its kind in the world used for this purpose! Parkas are available free of charge to use during your tour. 

Our Aurora Ice Museum Tour last for 45 minutes, we meet at our activity center 5 minutes before your tour, the guide will take you to the  Aurora Ice Museum building and give you instructions before entering. You will be able to pick up a parka before you enter. It is 25 degrees Fahrenheit year round! Your guide will go over some of the icon sculptures and interesting facts for about 15 minutes, after that you ar free to take pictures or join us at our ice bar if you purchased your Appletini served in an ice glass. 

Chena Kennel Tour    

Your guide will teach you about the sport, sharing knowledge and answering any questions you may have. You will be introduced to some amazing Alaskan Huskies, learn about this fascinating breed, and tour a working mushing kennel of over 50 dogs.

The educational visitor center is a great place to warm up in the cool winter months, or to get a break from the sun during the sunny summer months. You will walk away from this tour with an abundance of dog mushing knowledge.

Fall & Spring Activities

Aurora viewing tour.

WHEN YOU ARE IN SEARCH OF AURORAS, WE HAVE THE TOUR! APPROX. 5 HRS – $80 P/P *MUST BE 6 YEARS OLD OR OLDER What is included with the tour?

Round-trip transportation from our resort to Charlie Dome

Warm yurt to wait for auroras at the top of Charlie Dome

Warm gear is included with this tour

Hot Chocolate

Dog Training Tour  

You will ride on our side by side and the dogs will still pull you but this assures we are not going to get stuck and dogs can get help if needed. This tour is for our shoulder seasons like ends of March to late May and from mid October to mid December depending on how much snow we get.

Summer Activities

• Single rider 
• 45 minute tour 

Guided tour around our Monument Creek trail for 45 minutes, enjoy the scenery and the thrill of our summer trails. 

Side x Side ATV Tour    

 Take a scenic ride around the Monument Creek trail! 

 Stops for sightseeing and picture taking opportunities.

Horseback Rides

There is no better way to view the beauty of our peaceful and scenic trails at Chena Hot Springs Resort than on horseback. Our well trained and quiet natured horses will delight everyone, from the first time rider to the well seasoned horseman. Half hour and hour rides available. Close toed shoes required. Riders must be over 4.5 feet tall, and less than 245 pounds to ride. HORSEBACK RIDING IS ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST EXCITING ACTIVITIES, AS WELL AS BEING ONE OF THE BEST WAYS TO EXPLORE NEW LANDSCAPES

Dog Cart Ride  

Throughout the sunny, snow less summer months, guests can experience the traditional winter Alaskan sport of dog mushing. Guests get to witness a team of working Alaskan Huskies hooked up to a dog cart in the same fashion as is done in the winter time; however, in place of the snow sled, a custom built wheeled cart is used! Enjoy the 1 and 1/2 mile trail ride!

THE CHENA SLED DOG KENNEL OPERATES YEAR ROUND, OFFERING GUESTS A TRULY ALASKAN ADVENTURE DURING ANY SEASON.

Winter Activities

Dog sled tour  .

During the snowy winter months, guests get a truly authentic taste of dog mushing. Our friendly, experienced guides take you gliding along our serene 1.5 mile trail, in one of our locally hand built traditional freight sleds which holds up to four guests. Sharing the sled with other guests may be necessary. After the ride, you’ll have a chance to take a photo with these amazing dogs or warm up in our visitor’s center.

Snowmachine Tour

You don’t have to be an experienced snowmobiler to book this ride. This popular 45 minute tour is perfect for adventurous people looking for a thrill during their Alaskan adventure. Riders will enjoy scenic views of our resort through our well kept Monument Creek trail. The tour is restricted to single drivers, no passengers are allowed. This experience will make you fall in love with Alaska. Helmets are mandatory and provided. Complimentary parkas, snow pants and our unique bunny boots are available if needed.

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Snowy peaks and hot springs: A Fairbanks-Denali-Anchorage road trip

Most of Alaska can be rugged and impenetrable by car, but the 360-mile road trip between the state's largest cities of Anchorage and Fairbanks is a breeze.

As you drive the well-maintained George Parks Highway, you'll visit the breathtaking wilderness of Denali National Park — home to the highest mountain peak in North America — and the spirited small town of Talkeetna.

Fairbanks and Anchorage lay claim to a couple of the best museums in the state. Plus, they offer easy access to nature, whether your passion is hiking, kayaking, biking or fishing.

You can easily continue your journey south from Anchorage through the alluring natural scenery of the glacially sculpted Kenai Peninsula.

Southcentral Alaska road trip planning

The main stops on this scenic journey are at roughly two-hour intervals along two of the state's principal thoroughfares: the George Parks Highway and the Glenn Highway (closer to Anchorage). The mostly two-lane (and four-lane in and around Fairbanks and Anchorage) roads are labeled Highway 3 and Highway 1, respectively, on maps. Alaskans never speak of highway route numbers, so refer to them by their proper names to avoid receiving blank stares from locals.

Although there are very few towns on the northern stretch of this route, you'll rarely be more than 40 miles between gas stations. Keep your tank above a quarter full, and you'll be fine. Wildlife, including moose and bears, are commonplace; stay alert, stick close to posted speed limits and heed "animal crossing" signs. Cell service is spotty north of Talkeetna, so download maps in advance.

Car rentals are expensive in Alaska during the high season (late spring to early fall). One-way, one-week rentals in Fairbanks and Anchorage start around $1,500. The price drops by as much as 50% if you pick up and drop off at the same location, so consider adding an extra day to this trip to return to where you started. Without stops, the drive between Anchorage and Fairbanks is six hours.

DIY versus an organized tour

For road trip fans, exploring Southcentral Alaska by car is a joy. You can go at your own pace, choose cozier and quirkier restaurants and accommodations, and pull off to snap a photo of a moose or bald eagle at whim.

The vast majority of visitors to this part of the state travel by way of a glass-domed or picture-window train tour on the scenic Alaska Railroad, a luxury motor coach tour or some combination of the two. All major cruise lines with itineraries that start or end in Whittier or Seward offer these as pre- or post-trip excursions, typically spanning two to five days.

You can also book these trips directly through popular companies like Alaska Tours (from $1,759 per person, double occupancy, for five nights by motor coach and train) or directly through the Alaska Railroad . The latter offers several packages that cover Anchorage, Denali and Fairbanks, usually in combination with Seward or Whittier (from $3,795 per person, double occupancy, for seven nights by train).

Given the steep cost of rental cars and hotels in summer, you won't save money traveling on your own versus taking a group tour. The prices are similar for comparable levels of comfort. But a do-it-yourself road trip is easy to plan thanks to this region's tourism-friendly infrastructure. So, if you prefer the freedom of hitting the open road at your own pace, free from a group, an independent road trip is the right option.

Budgeting your time

At a brisk pace, you can see the major attractions on this trip in five days and four nights. For a more relaxing experience, allow a week.

Getting to Fairbanks or Anchorage

This itinerary begins in Fairbanks, the largest city in the upper half of the state. You could also drive it in reverse, beginning in Alaska's largest metropolis, Anchorage.

Fairbanks International Airport (FAI) is served by most major airlines, with direct flights at least once daily from northern and western Lower 48 hubs. Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) offers many more flights and connections, including several direct international routes.

The best months to visit central Alaska

The best and only practical time period for this trip is mid-May through early October. There are great reasons to visit Fairbanks and Anchorage in winter — like seeing the northern lights and watching dog-sled races — but road-tripping isn't one of them. Driving conditions can be hazardous during this time, and services in or near Denali National Park are extremely limited in winter.

You'll encounter the biggest crowds and steepest hotel rates from mid-June through Labor Day, but this is also when you're likely to experience the best weather. You'll find partly sunny skies with some rain possible; temperatures are mild, with average highs in the 60s. Fairbanks in mid-June can be a lot of fun when you experience the true midnight sun. All summer, the region's long days provide more time to hike and avoid driving in darkness.

Fairbanks to Denali National Park

Alaska's second-largest city (with a population of around 32,000), Fairbanks is a friendly, slightly sprawling expanse of gently undulating woodland. It's bisected by the snaking Chena and Tanana rivers. The city is about 120 miles south of the Arctic Circle, and it's the first large community visitors reach when driving to Alaska from Canada via the legendary Alaska, or Alcan, Highway.

Visit the sleek, contemporary Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center downtown. As with any visitor center, you can pick up brochures and ask the staff for sightseeing advice. However, the building also contains a superb (and free) museum about human and natural history. Walk through the series of life-size dioramas that touch on Native Alaskan culture, local flora and fauna and archaeology. Then, go outside to the walking path flanking the Chena River to snap a selfie beneath the Moose Antler Arch, fashioned from more than 100 antlers.

Then, stroll west along the river and then south a couple of blocks into the heart of downtown and grab breakfast or lunch at the locally beloved Crepery or dinner at refined Lavelle's Bistro .

The city's other must-see attraction is the Museum of the North , set in a striking, angular building on the hilltop flagship campus of the University of Alaska Fairbanks. The museum's great draws are the natural history exhibits — which depict seals, caribou and a gruff-looking, nearly 9-foot-tall grizzly bear.

Don't overlook the excellent gallery on the second level: It's filled with works by generations of Alaskan artists. As you climb the staircase, behold the 42-foot-long skeleton of a bowhead whale on one side and the vast panoramas south toward the Tanana River Valley and Alaska Range through the window. The museum shop has an exceptional collection of Alaskan-made art and crafts.

For a different perspective on the landscape, book a three-hour narrated cruise on the Riverboat Discovery , a vintage stern-wheeler that plies the Tanana and Chena rivers. The Tanana Valley Farmers Market — open Wednesday and Saturday in summer — is worth a stop for its bounty of local foods and crafts.

The Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum also stands out. It holds more than 70 vehicles inside — many of them rare. They nearly all date to the pre-1940s and have been meticulously restored. Beside the cars is an equally impressive trove of period fashion, with photos of intrepid adventurers driving their early autos across the formidable Alaskan landscape, often through mountains of snow, on the walls. It's inspiring material for your road trip through the Last Frontier.

The drive to Denali National Park is a straight shot about 120 miles down George Parks Highway. Immediately southwest out of town, the road climbs steadily into the hills before dipping about 60 miles later to cross a dramatic bridge over the Nenana River, where it enters the larger Tanana.

Pull off the highway for a quick look around Nenana village. Stop by the Historic Alaska Railroad Depot, walk along the river, and drop into rollicking old Moochers Bar for an Alaskan beer. It's a little less than an hour from Denali.

Optional side trip to Chena Hot Springs

Before leaving Fairbanks for Denali, consider making this one-hour side excursion in the opposite direction. About 60 miles northeast, Chena Hot Springs Resort is a funky and remote 440-acre resort run entirely on renewable geothermal energy. It's most popular for its indoor and outdoor soaking pools, and in winter, it's a magical viewpoint for the northern lights. It's a pleasure to soak in the two spring-fed pools, which maintain a temperature of 82 to 86 degrees.

At this tranquil property, you can explore the Aurora Ice Museum, book a sled-dog kennel tour or horseback ride, dine in the excellent geothermal greenhouse-to-table restaurant, sip appletinis out of ice goblets, and even spend the night in the simple but pleasant lodgings.

The drive here through mossy forests is super-relaxing until you spy a giant moose bathing in one of the roadside ponds. At this point, you'll want to (carefully) pull over and snap some photos from a safe distance. The odds of seeing these towering ungulates increase early or late in the day as you pass through Chena River State Recreation Area, within about 15 miles of the resort.

Where to stay near Fairbanks

Wedgewood Resort (rates start at $279 per night) is a comfortable option, a short drive from downtown but with a quiet parklike setting. (Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum is on the grounds.)

Close to the airport and set along a pretty expanse of the Chena River, Pike's Waterfront Lodge (rates start at $234 per night) has several distinctive amenities: an aromatherapy steam room and dry sauna, a theater showing films about the northern lights, a speakeasy-style billiards lounge and a very popular riverfront restaurant.

Chena Hot Springs Resort (rates start at $210 per night) has 86 hotel rooms, plus cabins and yurts. If you're not in a rush, it's worth spending a night here. The setting is magical.

Denali National Park to Talkeetna

As you approach Denali National Park from Fairbanks, you'll first pass through Healy, a diminutive, laid-back town with several lodging options and restaurants. It's far less commercial than the strip of eateries, tour businesses and hotels 10 miles farther south — just outside the park's main entrance — known as "Glitter Gulch."

Though convenient, Glitter Gulch teems with park visitors. However, it's home to Prospector's Pizzeria & Alehouse — a must-stop for outstanding pies piled with inventive ingredients and an exceptional list of Alaska craft beers.

Set aside a couple of days to explore Denali National Park . The vast majority of this 7,408-square-mile park is untrammeled wilderness, and there are just two ways to explore it in a vehicle.

The most popular way is to book a ride in one of the green school buses that plies Denali's 92-mile park road. Alas, in 2021, the massive Pretty Rock Landslide washed out this gravel byway at mile 43. Until a mammoth rebuilding project is completed around summer 2026, buses can travel only as far as mile 43; the gorgeous and hugely popular Eielson Visitor Center (at mile 66) is closed.

Your other option is to drive into the park, but private autos are permitted only as far as mile 15 of the park road, at the Savage River picnic area. Still, given that the scenery along these first 15 miles is arguably even more beautiful than on the additional 28-mile stretch accessible to park buses, driving your car is arguably the more enjoyable option. You can go at your own pace, and you're guaranteed a good view out your car window. Best of all, you don't have to scramble for a seat on a crowded bus.

The parking lot at Savage River can fill up, however, so try to go when it's less crowded (either early in the morning or late in the afternoon).

Whether you drive or take the bus, you should visit Savage River. From here, you can access two of the park's best hiking trails. The easy 1.7-mile round-trip Savage River Loop Trail meanders through a breathtaking river valley. Departing from the same trailhead, the moderately challenging Savage Alpine Trail (4.2 miles one-way or 6.5 miles as a loop) climbs about 1,500 feet over a craggy, wildflower-strewn ridge with astounding views before descending to Savage River Campground. From here you can flag down a bus or walk along the Park Road the final 2.3 miles back to where you started.

During your visit, you may glimpse the park's namesake 20,310-foot-tall peak. However, Denali has fickle weather, and the summit is often shrouded in clouds, even when it's sunny at Savage River. The park is about more than just the mountain, though. Near the park entrance, there's a lot to see around the main visitor center, including the sled-dog kennels at the park headquarters and several outstanding hikes. One of the best is the 4-mile round-trip jaunt to Horseshoe Lake.

For the most memorable views of the park, consider splurging on a flightseeing excursion. Several reputable outfitters offer this, like Healy-based Fly Denali and Talkeetna's K2 Aviation , one of Alaska's best and longest-running flightseeing companies.

K2's one- to two-hour tours fly directly over the park's awesome peaks and massive, blue-tinted glaciers, offering eye-popping, up-close views and (weather permitting) a great look at Denali Peak. For an extra charge, you can book a flight that lands on a glacier, where you can hop out for a quick walk.

To get to Talkeetna, it's a 2.5-hour drive from Denali's park entrance, south down George Parks Highway. The final 14 miles are a jag north on Talkeetna Spur Road.

Where to stay near Denali National Park

Avoid the crowds from bus and train tours and stay in one of the smaller, slightly off-the-beaten-path accommodations either north of the park in Healy or south of it around Carlo Creek.

A notable exception to this rule is Grande Denali Lodge (rates start at $369 per night). Although it's in Glitter Gulch and is popular with groups, it has a spectacular setting high on a bluff. The lodge is situated away from road traffic and offers fantastic views of the park, including from the terrific Alpenglow restaurant.

About 15 miles south in Carlo Creek, McKinley Creekside Cabins (rates start at $289 per night) is a wonderfully relaxed little compound; it has a cute cafe and bakery and accommodations in 13 cabins and three larger vacation homes.

Talkeetna to Anchorage

Talkeetna has become a bit more discovered than when it inspired the town of Cicely in the hit '90s TV show "Northern Exposure." It's still endearingly offbeat, though. Its vibe is inextricably linked with Denali National Park, as most who visit the park also spend time here. It's also a popular stop on the Alaska Railroad; when trains come through, the town seems to quadruple in population.

It's an excellent place to spend the night if you're booking one of the town's popular flightseeing tours of Denali, but it's also just a picturesque little town with a fun personality. Also, you stand a better chance of seeing Denali's peak from Talkeetna than you do from the section of Denali National Park nearest to its entrance. Talkeetna Riverfront Park, at the west end of Main Street, is one of the best spots to take in the view.

The town also has an atmospheric 1920s general store, Nagley's, which is the residence of Talkeetna's feline mayor, Denali. (Denali replaced the former mayor, an internationally famous orange manx mix named Stubbs, who passed away in 2017 at age 20.) Talkeetna also has a small but impressive selection of galleries and restaurants. Good bets for a bite to eat include Denali Brewpub for its spacious deck and Homestead Kitchen for its mix of Southern- and Alaska-inspired dishes.

Mat-Su Valley

From Talkeetna, after returning to Parks Highway, it's a straightforward drive to Anchorage. It takes about two hours without stops, but there are a few interesting spots to check out en route in the Mat-Su (short for Matanuska-Susitna) Valley. You'll enter the valley about an hour after leaving Talkeetna.

This region is somewhat suburban, especially sprawling Wasilla, which became instantly infamous when John McCain tapped its former mayor and then-Alaska governor Sarah Palin to be his running mate during the 2008 presidential election.

Interesting stops include the Museum of Alaska Transportation Industry and Palmer — a short way up the Glenn Highway past the fork leading to Anchorage. This historic town hosts the Alaska State Fair in late August, which is famous for its humongous produce. (We're talking 138-pound cabbages and 2,000-pound pumpkins.) Alaska's long summer days result in a short but impressive growing season.

Palmer is also home to the Musk Ox Farm , a wonderful nonprofit where you can book a guided "oxperience" to see these gentle and furry Ice Age mammals up close. The Vagabond Blues Coffee House and Palmer Ale House are appealing lunch stops.

Where to stay near Talkeetna

Steps from shops and cafes, Talkeetna Cabins (rates start at $285 per night) is a dapper little complex comprising four modern log cabins and a three-bedroom log house set around a lawn. Each comes with a full kitchen.

It's a few minutes from town and lacks the area's historic funkiness, but Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge (rates start at $299 per night) offers a nice range of creature comforts after a day of driving or hiking (or bouncing around in a tiny flightseeing plane). The property's 212 upscale rooms are set among several buildings. Amenities include multiple restaurants, a gym and a back terrace on a bluff with postcard-worthy views of Denali.

Exploring Anchorage

Home to nearly 40% of Alaska's 733,000 residents, Anchorage ranges across nearly 2,000 square miles — an area larger than Rhode Island. With its big-box stores and wide, well-maintained roads, the city can feel oddly familiar and even a bit tame at first. But make no mistake: It's surrounded by rugged wilderness, from the craggy peaks of the immense Chugach Mountain range to the vast waters of Cook Inlet and its Knik and Turnagain arms.

Anchorage is an excellent base for hiking, kayaking, mountain biking and skiing day trips. It's a gateway to the pristine rivers and fjords of the Kenai Peninsula and has a diverse restaurant scene. It's also home to a pair of the state's most impressive cultural attractions: the Alaska Native Heritage Center and the Anchorage Museum.

From Mat-Su Valley, you'll reach the turnoff for the Alaska Native Heritage Center on your way into the city. Opened in 1999, this 26-acre, wooded campus is Indigenous-operated and comprises six village settings that interpret the cultures of the state's 11 Native groups.

Time your visit to watch the engaging demonstrations of traditional games and dances in the central hall. Then, explore the outdoor villages. They are set around a lake and offer the opportunity to converse with tribal members, view crafts demonstrations and listen to stories.

Continue into downtown Anchorage and walk around Town Square Park and along Fourth and Fifth avenues. Pick up a snack from one of the reindeer hot dog carts or have dinner at the trendy restaurant Whiskey & Ramen .

Architecturally, the city is a mishmash. Nearly all of its buildings were constructed after 1964, when the Good Friday Earthquake (which had a devastating magnitude of 9.2) virtually leveled it. The Anchorage Museum occupies a striking glass structure and requires at least two hours to fully explore. It contains the engrossing Smithsonian Arctic Studies Center gallery; it showcases more than 600 Native Alaskan artifacts, including fishing and hunting tools, clothing, masks and wood carvings.

There's also the first-rate Art of the North gallery, a comprehensive Alaska history exhibit, an interactive science and technology center with a planetarium, an always-compelling array of rotating exhibits and an excellent restaurant.

Beyond downtown, two adjacent neighborhoods, Midtown and Spenard, contain many of Anchorage's best restaurants. In the former, duck into Kinley's for inventive modern American fare and Moose's Tooth Pub & Pizzeria for great people-watching.

Spenard notables include Spenard Roadhouse , with its elevated gastropub fare, and Pho Lena , which serves excellent Laotian and Thai food in a modest building that once clearly held a Pizza Hut.

Take in a dramatic view of the city and surrounding Cook Inlet with a climb up to the top of Flattop Mountain, said to be the most climbed peak in Alaska. Although the trail is just 1.5 miles each way, you'll gain about 1,500 feet in elevation.

Where to stay in Anchorage

Within walking distance of many restaurants and attractions, the upscale Marriott Anchorage Downtown (rates start at $391 per night or 43,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night) rises 20 stories. Rooms on the upper floors have fantastic views of the water and mountains.

In Midtown, Aloft Anchorage is a great choice for road-trippers as it offers free parking and easy access to major roads (rates start at $256 per night or 32,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night). It's a gleaming four-story property with nice views of the Chugach Range and an inviting lobby bar, a well-equipped fitness room and one of the nicer indoor hotel pools in town.

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FAIRBANKS TOURS & SHORE EXCURSIONS

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Adventure (6)

Animal & Wildlife (1)

Chena Hot Springs Resort (2)

Northern Lights (3)

Hikes & Hiking (2)

Arctic Circle (2)

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Fairbanks Arctic Circle and Northern Lights Tour

$300 / person

Enter the legendary Arctic Circle and search for the elusive Northern Lights with this evening tour out of Fairbanks, Alaska. This laid-back van excursion into the Alaskan Tundra is sure to be a favorite for you and your fam READ MORE...

Fairbanks Northern Lights and Chena Hot Springs Tour

$230 / person

Hot springs, ice sculptures, and Aurora Borealis viewing: a true Interior Alaskan trifecta! This tour includes roundtrip transportation to Chena Hot Springs Resort, entrance to the Aurora Ice Museum, and excellent opportuniti READ MORE...

Fairbanks Chena Hot Springs Day Tour

$210 / person

How can 115-degree water occur naturally in the artic? Join the Fairbanks Chena Hot Springs Day Tour to find out while you soak in this natural wonder. Enjoy the beautiful vistas, forest wildlife, and tranquil nature walk. At READ MORE...

Fairbanks Beauty of the North

$240 / person

Board one of our comfortable tour vans, and experience the beauty of Interior Alaska! Your guide will speak about the local flora and fauna and point out the most intricate of delicate wildflowers. Enjoy the scenic beauty of READ MORE...

Fairbanks Arctic Circle Day Tour

$275 / person

Enjoy a comfy van excursion starting with pick up from your hotel, significant sightseeing stops along the way, and even a hot lunch at the Arctic Circle - prepared just for you by our skilled and knowledgeable guide. The arc READ MORE...

Fairbanks Angel Rocks Hike

$185 / person

The Angel Rocks Hike will afford you a unique opportunity to view some spectacular scenery. This 3.5-mile, moderate to strenuous hike will provide many unforgettable moments. Enjoy the imaginative scenery throughout the inte READ MORE...

Fairbanks Table Top Mountain Hike

$225 / person

This one-of-a-kind scenic hike will bring you to the center of the White Mountains National Recreation Area. See the White Mountains spanning as far as Mount Prindle, a granitic mountain in the Yukon-Tanana Upland. This expe READ MORE...

Private Transfer from Fairbanks to Denali National Park

From: $699 / Vehicle

A scenic drive from Fairbanks, Alaska to Denali National Park with welcomed stops at Mount Denali Viewpoints along the way. This one-way, private transfer for up to four guests is an ideal travel arrangement for your time in READ MORE...

• Train from Fairbanks to Anchorage via Denali Star Train

$277 / person

Take the 12-hour, 356-mile journey to Anchorage via the Denali Star Train. Along the way are several stops including Denali National Park, Talkeetna, and Wasilla. Travel through two of the five geographic regions in Alaska, t READ MORE...

Train from Anchorage to Fairbanks via Denali Star Train on Alaska Railroad

Take the 356-mile, 12-hour journey to Fairbanks. There are stops along the way in Wasilla, Talkeetna, and Denali National Park. Take in the beauty that Alaska offers and get your cameras ready for a chance to see the tallest READ MORE...

Fairbanks 7 Night Alaska's National Parks by Rail Tour Package

7-days/7-nights

$3,465 / person

**This tour is not offered by Alaska Shore Excursions in 2024** On this seven-day Alaska rail itinerary, explore some of the nation's most treasured wildlands: Denali National Park & Preserve and Kenai Fjords National Park READ MORE...

More in Fairbanks

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Best Fairbanks Tours & Excursions

• Arctic Circle and Northern Lights Tour
• Beauty of the North
• Northern Lights and Chena Hot Springs Tour
• Angel Rocks Hike

About Fairbanks

Best fairbanks tours, 1. aurora viewing lodge tour.

Visit some of the best Aurora Viewing odes in the area to watch the Northern Lights in comfort, warmth, and safety.

2. Arctic Circle & Northern Lights Tour

This is a laid-back van tour into the Alaskan Tundra to visit the Arctic Circle and view the Northern Lights.

3. Northern Lights & Chena Hot Springs

This tour includes a roundtrip ride to the Chena Hot Springs Resort, entrance to the Fairbanks Ice Museum, and wonderful opportunities to view the Northern Lights.

4. Chena Hot Springs Day Tour

After you spend your evenings chasing the Northern Lights, enjoy a wonderful day basking in the Chena Hot Spring. Enjoy beautiful views, a nature walk, forest wildlife, and the Fairbanks Aurora Ice Museum.

5. Beauty of the North Tour

This beautiful scenic tour includes Salcha, Delta Junction, the Alaska Pipeline, PAxson Lake, and the Rainbow Mountains.

6. Angel Rocks Hike

This is a 3.5 mile moderate to strenuous hike for avid hikers looking for an unforgettable experience and amazing scenery.

7. Arctic Circle Day Tour

This is a comfy van excursion with sightseeing stops and hot lunch a the Arctic Circle.

8. Fairbanks Table Top Mountain Hike

This scenic hike brings you to the White Mountains National Recreation Area. You can see the White Mountains that span as a far as Mount Prindle.

Fairbanks Shore Excursions by Locals

We are a local Alaska company that aims to bring you the best tours and experiences that Fairbanks has to offer. When you buy Fairbanks shore excursions on your own, instead of through a cruise ship, we can offer you wholesale, local Alaska prices. Our goal is to make your Alaskan cruise the trip of a lifetime!

View all of our  Alaska Northern Lights tours . You can travel to Fairbanks from Anchorage via the  Denali Star Train .

Fairbanks tours faq, what are the best fairbanks tours.

The best tours in Fairbanks, Alaska are:

• Aurora Viewing Lodge Tour
• Arctic Circle & Northern Lights Tour
• Northern Lights & Chena Hot Springs 
• Chena Hot Springs Day Tour
• Beauty of the North Tour

What are popular things to do in Fairbanks?

In Fairbanks, some of the most popular things to do include viewing the Northern Lights , visiting the Chena Hot Springs , and exploring the Arctic Circle .

How do I get to Fairbanks?

Many people travel from Anchorage to Fairbanks via the Denali Star Train . You can also drive or fly.

View all of our Alaska Northern Lights tours .

Reviews for the Train Ride to Fairbanks

Here's what people had to say about getting to Fairbanks on the Denali Star Train :

“We have rode the Denali Star Train on many occasions and have never had one complaint. This train ride in Gold Star Class is an amazing journey through Alaska and we definitely highly recommend it. Everyone from the first phone call and email to book the train to the last step getting off the rain were very friendly, courteous and professional. Kudos to all staff who helped make our many trips aboard the train comfortable and fantastic.” Gary

People travel to Fairbanks to search for the Northern Lights. Many people will spend their mornings sleeping in, then enjoy a relaxing afternoon on a scenic tour to the Arctic Circle or perhaps visiting the Chena Hot Springs Resort. From there, nighttime is all about chasing the elusive Northern Lights. Fairbanks is the best place in the United States to view them.

The best time of year to view the Northern Lights is August through April, when there’s less daylight (though they happen all year round.) Seeing the Northern Lights isn’t guaranteed, but visitors who spend 3 nights in Fairbanks have a 90% chance of seeing them. Note that most Northern Lights tours operate between 10pm and 3 am.

If you’re hoping to visit Fairbanks before or after your Alaskan cruise, you can choose to fly in to Fairbanks from Anchorage, rent a car from Anchorage for a road trip, or take the Denali Star Train.

Fairbanks is Alaska’s second largest city, so you’ll find plenty of hotels, restaurants, and things to do to keep you busy during the day while you wait for night to fall.

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