[2024 Fairbanks North Star ] Travel Guide for Chena Hot Springs (Updated Dec)
No.1 of Best Things to Do in Alaska
Hot Springs
Address:
Fairbanks, AK 99712, USA
Opening times:
Open year round, 24/7Open
Recommended sightseeing time:
3-4 hours
Phone:
+1-907-45181040
Alaska 5-7 day private tour,
🟡Alaska private small group, 5-7 days are available! Fancy chasing lights, double city roaming waiting for you to play💃🏻
.
·
1️⃣【5 day tour】: Encounter the aurora
DAY❶: Fairbanks-Northern Lights Train-Northern Lights Log Cabin Observation
DAY❷: Fairbanks-Jenna Hot Springs
DAY❸: Thomas Northern Lights Bus-Dalton Highway-Crossing the Arctic Circle
DAY❹: Fairbanks Free Tour-Dog Sled/Snowmobile/Curling Fishing Barbecue/Blue Ice Cave Adventure
DAY❺: Fairbanks Airport Drop-off
·
2️⃣ 【7 day tour】: Double city panorama (can stay in the planet cabin)
𝐃𝐀𝐘 ❶ HOME-Fairbanks Airport Pick-up-Northern Lights Observation Log Cabin
𝐃𝐀𝐘 ❷ Fairbanks-Santa Claus's House-Polar Museum-Take the Northern Lights Train Dynamic Observation
𝐃𝐀𝐘 ❸ Dog sled and other polar activities-Jenna Hot Springs-Log Cabin Aurora Observation
𝐃𝐀𝐘 ❹ Crossing the Arctic Circle Adventure Tour-Frozen Foot Town-Northern Lights Observation Log Cabin
𝐃𝐀𝐘 ❺ Fairbanks-Alaska Northern Lights Train-Anchorage
𝐃𝐀𝐘 ❻ Anchorage-Matanuska Glacier Hiking-Anchorage Hotel
𝐃𝐀𝐘 ❼ Anchorage Airport Drop-off- HOME
·
🌟Tour Highlights:
1️⃣【Luxury small group】Only two people are needed to form a group, no need to fight with strangers, super comfortable
2⃣【Various observations】Snow log cabin observation, wilderness chasing light observation, planet cabin observation, cube cabin observation
3⃣【Internet celebrity accommodation】The world's limited planet cabin, cube glass house, out of the circle of friends!
4️⃣【Jenna Hot Springs】Unforgettable romantic experience
5️⃣【Polar activities】Dog sled, snowmobile, curling fishing, blue ice cave adventure, etc.
6️⃣【Butler service】Free pick-up and drop-off 24h, no need
chaoticdeeanna
Alaska.
[Heart]Travel methods
If you are traveling to Alaska during the winter (Aurora season) (October to early April), you have 2 options:
[Dolphin] Fly to Anchorage (transportation hub)—after hiking on the glacier, take a train/plane to Fairbanks
[Dolphin] Fly to Fairbanks (City of Aurora) - watch the aurora / soak in hot springs / play dog sledding / explore the Arctic Circle
[Dolphin] Plan your trip
Most tourists will take Alaska Airlines, transfer in Seattle, and fly to Anchorage for 2 days (glacier hiking)
Then go to Fairbanks—you can fly for 1 hour or take the 12-hour Aurora Train
Many tourists choose to fly to Fairbanks, which is more time-saving.
When renting a car, please choose snow tires and four-wheel drive. When driving, please do not overtake within the speed limit of 40 miles. Download offline maps in advance. There are more traffic accidents in winter, so drive with caution.
[Dolphin] Weather during Thanksgiving/Christmas in November: 0 to below -10℃
[Dolphin]December: Average -10℃, even as low as -20℃ or -30℃ to chase the aurora
The best time to watch the aurora: 22:00 to 02:00 in the morning
Due to light pollution, it is difficult to see the aurora in downtown Fairbanks, so you can only go to the suburbs
For light chasing, it is recommended to use Aurora Forecast to check the burst time and intensity of the day in advance.
[Heart] A guide to entertainment projects
[Dolphin]➊You should wear more clothes when sledding, the wind will be very cold on your face
[Dolphin]❷It is recommended to soak in Chena Hot Spring before sunset. The lights after dark are very strange.
[Dolphin]➌Snowmobile requires a US/Chinese driver’s license. Fishing on ice lakes depends on your luck.
[Dolphin]➎If you choose to explore the Arctic Circle, self-driving is not recommended due to poor road conditions in Dalton
The Blue Ice Cave only has tour dates in mid-December. It collapsed after the earthquake and you can still go there. Whether it is worth it depends on your personal choice.
[Heart] Recommended itinerary
[Dolphin]Day1: Fairbanks airport pick-up—Aurora observation in cabin
[Dolphin]Day2: The Dalton Highway crosses the Arctic Circle—Dynamic Auroral Observation
[Dolphin]Day3: Santa Claus Village—Reindeer Watching—Jenna Hot Springs—Aurora Observation
[Dolphin]Day4: Check into the glass house of Arctic lgloo Resort - lie down and watch the aurora
The Tasty Trekker
A mysterious and magnificent land
At the northern end of the world, there is a place called Alaska. Vast glaciers, majestic mountains, serene and deep lakes, and the dreamy, mesmerizing aurora borealis.
To witness the spectacular and beautiful aurora, you must make thorough preparations in advance.
For those visiting Alaska to chase the aurora for the first time, it is recommended to join a group tour. With professional local guides leading the way, it is not only worry-free and comfortable but also increases the chances of successfully seeing the aurora with experienced guides.
Best time to see the aurora:
10 PM - 2 AM
5-day tour itinerary:
1: Arrive in Fairbanks - Cabin Aurora Viewing
Free airport pickup service > 10:00 PM Depart from the designated hotel, take the aurora bus to the aurora cabin to wait for the aurora to appear.
2: City Tour - Wilderness Aurora Chasing
Northern Polar Museum > Santa Claus House > Take the aurora bus to the wilderness to track the aurora.
3: Chena Hot Springs - Wilderness Aurora Chasing
Chena Hot Springs > Ice Sculpture Museum > Take the aurora bus to the high-visibility wilderness to track the aurora.
4: Free Activities in Fairbanks
Optional: Land Adventure to the Arctic Circle > Fly to the Arctic Circle and return by car > Dog Sledding, Snowmobiling > Tent Ice Lake Fishing > Denali Hiking Tour, etc.
5: Leave Fairbanks - Go Home
Free airport shuttle service
3 Aurora Viewing Opportunities
2 Wilderness Aurora Viewings: Experienced guides will take you to the wilderness, away from city light pollution, to chase and find the aurora goddess, or take you to a high-visibility place to wait for the aurora, explaining aurora knowledge along the way.
1 Cabin Aurora Viewing: Take the aurora bus to the aurora cabin to wait for the aurora to appear. Rest indoors in warmth, enjoying a variety of snacks, hot chocolate, coffee, tea, etc., while waiting for the aurora.
Hotel Quality Guarantee: Quality hotels, breakfast included throughout, free Wi-Fi, free airport transfers.
Freely choose local specialty activities
Santa Claus House
Meet and take photos with Santa Claus, and send a postcard from the Arctic.
Chena Hot Springs
A unique and magical experience in the world, with the opportunity to watch the aurora while soaking in the hot springs.
Dog Sledding
Explore the snowy forests of Alaska with these dogs. This tour is suitable for all ages.
Fly Over the Arctic Circle
Take a safe and comfortable small plane to overlook the magnificent scenery from high above. You can see glaciers, snowfields, and the Arctic.
EnchantCelest3
Aurora Hunters, assemble!
👀 Tips:
👉 The countdown to the Aurora season is on, don't miss the grand finale of this magical light show in the first half of the year! 💥 Spring break is the perfect time, pack your bags, and get ready to witness the dance of the Aurora Goddess under the dazzling starry sky!
📍 Dream itinerary planning:
💫 D1: Arrive in Fairbanks → Settle into a cozy planet cabin, awaiting the first night of the Northern Lights
🌟 D2: Visit the Northern Polar Museum for an educational trip → Stroll through the Arctic Village, experiencing the authentic polar life → Venture into the wilderness to catch the first glimpse of the green light
❄️ D3: Enjoy a leisurely time at the Chena Hot Springs Resort → Step into the palace of ice sculpture art → Continue the passionate pursuit of the Northern Lights into the night
💫 D4: Return to Fairbanks
📸 Must-visit spots:
• The deep blue hue — Blue Ice Cave adventure
• Healing body and soul with a natural SPA — Chena Hot Springs
• A treasure trove of culture and history — Northern Polar Museum
• Artistic bloom in the cold — Ice Sculpture Museum
• 360° panoramic view of the Aurora — Planet Cabin
• A fairy-tale town with a strong Christmas vibe — Santa Claus Village
• A natural ecological gem — Denali National Park (Note: Although not near Fairbanks, it is also one of the must-visit attractions in Alaska)
Take advantage of the present and embark on this 5-day Alaskan Aurora fantasy journey, engraving it as the most beautiful poem in your life! Set off on your journey, let dreams shine into reality, and find your own Northern Lights legend amidst nature's light and shadow magic.
cassia_valentine_79
Going to Alaska in the winter from December to February is really cool, chasing the aurora for 7 days non-stop
🌌Alaska Travel❄️7 Days 6 Nights Travel Guide
⛲Anchorage-Fairbanks-Arctic Circle-Chena Hot Springs
🚗Alaska Transportation:
✨Alaska Airport: Ted Stevens International Airport in Anchorage, 10 kilometers from the city, with airport buses and taxis
✨Alaska Train Station: Anchorage Station, Fairbanks Station, located in different cities, with buses and taxis connecting to the city and scenic spots
✨City Transportation: Choose buses or taxis for short distances, trains or car rentals for long distances, and shared bicycles for play
👗Alaska Travel Clothing:
12-2🈷Weather: -8~-23°, mostly sunny days + little snow🌨
🥼Going out: It's very cold in winter, and the temperature difference between day and night is quite big, long-sleeved trousers + thick coat + thermal underwear
📸Photography: Inuit, Aleut, Yakut and other indigenous costumes match the natural landscapes such as ice and snow and aurora
🏨Alaska Accommodation:
◼️Anchorage: It is recommended to stay in the city or near the airport, close to the bay and mountains, with beautiful scenery, convenient for shopping and eating, and not expensive
◼️Fairbanks: Stay in the city or by the river, you can enjoy the city's style and the beauty of the river, and it is also conducive to watching the aurora
◼️Arctic Circle: Stay in Coldfoot or Wiseman, you can experience the life and customs of the Arctic Circle, and have a higher chance of seeing the aurora
◼️Chena Hot Springs: Stay in Chena Hot Springs Resort or nearby homestays, you can enjoy the comfort and relaxation of natural hot springs, and also visit the ice sculpture museum and ice bar
✏️Alaska 7-Day Tour Itinerary:
D1: Anchorage—City Sightseeing—Zoo—Aquarium—Stay in Anchorage
D2: Anchorage—Train—Fairbanks—Gold Mine Museum—Aurora Museum—Stay in Fairbanks
D3: Fairbanks—Arctic Circle—Coldfoot—Arctic Circle Certificate—Stay in Coldfoot
D4: Coldfoot—Wiseman—Arctic Circle Wildlife Center—Stay in Wiseman
D5: Wiseman—Plane—Chena Hot Springs—Ice Sculpture Museum—Ice Bar—Stay in Chena Hot Springs
D6: Chena Hot Springs—Plane—Anchorage—Free Activities in the City—Stay in Anchorage
D7: Anchorage—Send to the station/airport
🏜️Tourist Attractions:
🔆Anchorage Area: City Sightseeing, Zoo, Aquarium, Cook Bay, Alaska Range
🔆Fairbanks Area: Gold Mine Museum, Aurora Museum, Chena River, Aurora Observation
🔆Arctic Circle Area: Arctic Circle, Coldfoot, Wiseman, Arctic Circle Wildlife Center, Arctic Circle Certificate
🔆Chena Hot Springs Area: Chena Hot Springs Resort, Ice Sculpture Museum, Ice Bar
🧏♂️Although the attractions in Alaska are relatively scattered, the scenery is very magnificent and worth seeing. For example, the train from Anchorage to Fairbanks has many beautiful mountains and rivers along the way, there are many unique landforms on the road from Fairbanks to the Arctic Circle, and the ice sculpture museum in Chena Hot Springs has many exquisite ice sculptures.
Mrs. Breana Wuckert
Come to Alaska in November and December, the guide is ready
🐻Alaska|𝙰𝚕𝚊𝚜𝚔𝚊
❄️Freshly baked Alaska travel guide↓↓↓
·——————————·
💰Travel money-saving tips
1、Book flights and hotels in advance to enjoy more discounts and benefits
2、Choose hotels with breakfast to save one meal's money
3、Renting a car for self-driving can freely arrange the itinerary, and you can also share the cost with friends
4、Buy Alaska State Park pass, you can enter various national parks and state parks unlimited times within a year
5、Pay attention to local activities and festivals, you can experience more cultural and entertainment projects, some are even free
·——————————·
⚠️Precautions
◼️The climate in Alaska is unpredictable, always pay attention to the weather forecast, prepare warm and rainproof clothing
◼️There are many wild animals in Alaska, keep a safe distance, do not touch or feed, and follow the rules of the park
◼️The daytime in Alaska's winter is very short, arrange your time reasonably, try to go out during the day, and you can enjoy the aurora at night
◼️Alaska's cuisine is mainly seafood and meat. If you have special dietary needs, you can bring some food
◼️Alaska's natural landscape is spectacular, bring enough storage cards and batteries to capture beautiful memories
·——————————·
🧉Alaska Food District
✨Four districts: Four districts in downtown Anchorage, gathering a variety of restaurants and bars, from seafood to pizza, from beer to coffee, everything
✨Gold Mine Restaurant: A historic restaurant in Fairbanks, famous for its huge pancakes and enthusiastic service, and a small gold mine museum
✨Seafood Market: A seafood market in Sitka, where you can buy fresh fish, crabs, shrimps, shellfish, etc., and you can cook on the spot, affordable and delicious
✨Barbecue food truck: You can see various barbecue food trucks all over Alaska, providing grilled fish, grilled meat, grilled corn, etc., convenient and fast, suitable for roadside snacks
·——————————·
🍉Local food in Alaska
🍍Anchorage: Meat pies, salmon burgers, seafood soup, sausages
🍍Fairbanks: Pancakes, sauerkraut stewed beef, ice cream
🍍Juneau: Crab legs, salmon sandwiches, meat pizzas, muffins
🍍Sitka: Caviar, fish meat pies, seafood salad, chocolate
🍍Denali: Meat dumplings, salmon sushi, barbecue, blueberry pie
·——————————·
✅Route recommendation
⭐Day 1: Everywhere→Anchorage
⭐Day 2: Anchorage→Matanuska
⭐Day 3: Anchorage→Aurora Train→Aurora Observation Cabin→Fairbanks
⭐Day 4: Fairbanks→Sled Experience→Santa's House→Northern Polar Museum→Aurora Cabin
⭐Day 5: Fairbanks→Jenna Hot Springs/Blue Ice Cave/Denali→Aurora Cabin
⭐Day 6: Fairbanks→Arctic Circle Adventure→Aurora Observation
⭐Day 7: Fairbanks→Snow Tug→Ice Fishing Barbecue