I had an absolutely incredible experience on the Chena Hot Springs & Northern Lights tour! From start to finish, the tour was seamless, well-organized, and truly unforgettable.
Our guide, Gavin, was outstanding—personable, knowledgeable, and deeply committed to ensuring everyone in our group had an amazing time. He picked each of us up from our respective hotels, which made the experience completely stress-free. The drive to Chena Hot Springs was beautiful, and along the way, we even spotted a mama moose and her baby! Gavin turned the van around so we could get a better look, adding an extra special moment to the trip. His commentary throughout the drive was both fun and insightful, and he encouraged us to ask questions and engage in conversation, making the journey just as enjoyable as the destination.
Once we arrived at Chena Hot Springs Resort, Gavin gave us a great overview of what to expect. We started with a visit to the ice museum, where we admired stunning ice sculptures and sipped delicious apple martinis from carved ice glasses. Afterward, we met back up for a sit-down dinner at the resort, where Gavin joined us to recommend dishes and facilitate conversation. Our group was made up of travelers from Latin America, Texas, Washington, and Sydney, Australia—all united by our shared excitement for seeing the Aurora Borealis. This sense of connection really enhanced the experience.
After dinner, we had time to soak in the natural hot springs while waiting for the northern lights. Relaxing in the warm geothermal waters under the Alaskan night sky was already magical, but just before midnight, the aurora began to appear—wispy lights dancing across the sky! Witnessing the northern lights from the hot springs was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
When the pools closed for the night, we gathered outside, where Gavin gave us tips on capturing the perfect northern lights photos. The display was breathtaking. On our way back to Fairbanks, he even made a few extra stops at scenic pullouts so we could take more pictures of the aurora. Finally, he dropped each of us off at our hotels, wrapping up an unforgettable night.
This tour exceeded all my expectations—it was incredibly well-run, rewarding, and absolutely worth it. I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting Fairbanks! A huge thank you to Gavin for his hospitality, expertise, and for making this experience truly special.