Northern Lights and Chena Hot Springs Night Tour from Fairbanks

We were actually picked up early in Fairbanks and got to Chena Springs resort early. That meant we had to wait about 45 minutes in the activity center as first on the agenda was tour of Aurora Ice House which had a specific 7pm entry time. The Ice House is super cool and amazing to see. The sculptures are really spectacular. The guide for the ice house was super friendly, animated and knowledgeable. We were not having dinner which others in our van did so we went straight to the Hot Springs Pool. We did stay in springs for 1/2 hour to 45 min. and then out for a while and then back in. The Springs are pretty hot so not sure what maximum stay would be. It is truly lovely to be in the springs we were there before sunset and we got back in after sunset but no aurora. We went back to activity center hoping to grab a snack but the snack bar closed at 11. We therefore just sat and waited for rest of group to meet up at midnight. All along the skies were clear but no aurora. At midnight our group agreed to leave and our driver said he'd try a few stops along the way back in search of aurora. One of our passengers said they say from van and diver pulled over and what an amazing aurora show we got. We all got out and watched. Our driver was just as excited as we were that we found it. As advertised, we did see the Ice House, the springs and the Aurora but it felt like a great deal of waiting around at times. As far as guide and "tour", what we got was the hour long ride to the Springs and our group was given our passes and then turned loose. there was no tour and our guide really gave us no information other than when to meet back up. Van ride was mostly silent there and back. The visitor center where we waited for a decent amount of time was not too tidy or kept up. Floors needed a mop, tables needed to be wiped, etc. As a somewhat expensive "tour" truly felt like what we got was a ride and tickets for entry.

Joe was our guide and he did a great job! He was born and raised right here in Fairbanks and his love of nature was evident! He shared pictures of moose and even saw one on our way home! We were very fortunate to see the Northern Lights that night! Loved the hot springs! Stayed in the water a couple of hours. There is an Aurora viewing room where you can stay warm while you watch for the lights. Great tour!

Our guide for this trip was Ryan. He recently moved to the Fairbanks area but is very knowledgeable about the area and the offerings. He may not have been born and raised in the area but he was very intune with the group he was touring and shared many interesting facts and history of the areas we were traveling through. His description of the immediate area and other trip offerings by 1st Alaska Tours makes you want to take more travels with them. Because of his background he is ideally suited for the trips to the Arctic Circle and would be a trip I would want to take. Ryan also took us to an off the beaten path for viewing the Northern Lights that definitely did not disapoint