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NLFT07 Arctic Circle & Chena Hot Springs Aurora Viewing Tour

  • end: Fairbanks
  • map/image selection: Map
  • Code: NLFT07

NLFT07 Arctic Circle & Chena Hot Springs Aurora Viewing Tour

Embark on one of the greatest northern lights journey of your life as you visit two popular aurora destinations in Alaska - Coldfoot, located above the Arctic Circle and Chena Hot Springs Resort. Join our Arctic Circle tour and experience the famous northern arctic region above the Arctic Circle. We follow the Dalton Highway, which has also become known to us through the "Ice Road Trucker" series, in the direction of the Arctic Circle. During the trip your guide will introduce you to the history of Alaska and the peculiarities of life in Alaska. Enjoy the impressive landscape of Central Alaska, such as the Yukon River, Finger Mountain or the Trans Alaska Pipeline and look out for moose, lynx and foxes that are at home here. Your guided tour includes the overnight in Coldfoot. The hotel is rustic by urban standards, the hotel is clean and each room has a private bath, a luxury in the wilderness. At night admire the natural spectacle of the aurora borealis with its colourful shining veils. Afterwards we take you to Chena Hot Springs Resort, the most developed year round hot springs resort in Alaska. At night you can relax in the soothing outdoor mineral pools and watch the northern lights in a quiet atmosphere - an unforgettable experience. Hot springs right at your resort, authentic log cabins and the largest ice museum in the world will also delight you. Optional winter activities and warm hospitality will make your stay a very special experience. Whether you are looking for a relaxing break or searching for a bit of adventure, you will enjoy the charm and beauty of Chena.

  • Itinerary

  • Prices & Dates

  • Attractions & Add-ons

  • Accommodation

  • Map

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Fairbanks ( Overnight: Fairbanks )

Arrive in Fairbanks. Complimentary transfer to your first class hotel near the banks of the beautiful Chena River in downtown Fairbanks. Known as the Golden Heart City of Alaska, Fairbanks is tucked into miles of unexplored wilderness only 120 miles from the Arctic Circle. Fairbanks offers many winter activities; from the Open North Sled Dog Race Championship to the World Ice Art Championship - Ice Alaska. Relax during your first evening in Fairbanks and get ready for a few days of winter fun and adventure within the Last Frontier. You may watch the Aurora Borealis at night dancing on the northern sky and/or enjoy a dinner at the popular Pump House fine dining restaurant.

 

Fairbanks – Van Tour to Coldfoot / Arctic Circle ( Overnight: Coldfoot )

Depart from Fairbanks in comfortable tour van and travel along the remarkable Trans Alaska Pipeline. You'll follow the famous Dalton Highway, the solitary land route of Alaska's Arctic wilderness. Traverse the frozen Yukon River and enjoy the snow-sculpted forest. Cross the Arctic Circle in ceremonious fashion and receive an official Arctic Circle Certificate. Appreciate the low light on the horizon as it shines on the windswept Arctic Tundra. Arrive Coldfoot in early evening and watch the Aurora Borealis at night dancing on the northern sky. Accommodation: Coldfoot provides an excellent base for travelers in Alaska's Brooks Mountain Range. Although rustic by urban standards, the hotel rooms feature two twin beds and a private bath, a luxury in the remote wilderness of Alaska's Arctic.

Coldfoot / Arctic Circle ( Overnight: Coldfoot )

Depart for an adventurous drive into the Brooks Range to Atigun Pass. This is the northernmost pass in the world that is kept open year-round and the highest year around pass in Alaska. Enjoy an evening aurora viewing expedition to historic Wiseman – an old gold rush town established in 1907 - for a unique cabin visit and an opportunity to enjoy the solitude of the Brooks Mountain Range as you scan the northern sky for Northern Lights activities. Enjoy the spectacular show as they are flipping and waving through the sky in shades of green, purple and red. A spectacle you’ll never forget. Cabin visit includes complimentary hot beverages. Departs at 10:00 PM and returns at 2:00 AM.

Coldfoot / Arctic Circle – Flight to Fairbanks ( Overnight: Fairbanks )

Breakfast at the Truckers Cafe in Coldfoot. Time for another sightseeing activity trip: Dog Sledding Adventures: Enjoy an experience with real Alaskan sled dogs. Learn what it takes to have a dog team in Alaska and enjoy. Fly back to Fairbanks with eagle views of the remarkable Trans Alaska Pipeline, symbolizing the immense changes brought to Alaska's Arctic by the discovery of oil over 30 years ago. Rest of the day at leisure.

Fairbanks – Chena Hot Springs Resort ( Overnight: Chena Hot Springs Resort )

Morning on your own: explore the city and check out the winter activities around the All American Championship Sled Dog Race, Ice Carving Sculpture Championship or visit the famous Alaska University Museum with the States largest collection of gold, gold mining history and Alaskan heritage. Afternoon transfer to Chena Hot Springs Resort - a prime Northern Lights viewing area in the hills about 60 road miles northeast of Fairbanks. Tonight join the spectacular snow coach tour to see the aurora up close (included). From the resort you travel 30 minutes to the top of a ridge (2600 ft) where no city lights interfere the aurora. After arriving on top you can step inside the heated Mongolian Yurt to warm up and enjoy a hot beverage. Step outside and enjoy spectacular 360-degree Aurora displays.

Chena Hot Springs Resort ( Overnight: Chena Hot Springs Resort )

Relax in the large heated mineral indoor pool, the outdoor rock lake (ages 18+) and in numerous hot tubs – which are providing a great opportunity to soak or swim until the Northern Lights are appearing in the evening again. You have plenty of time to go dog sledding, visit a sled dog kennel tour, try snowmobiling or join a tour of the Ice Museum. Dinner (optional) at the rustic log lodge restaurant and then take a short walk to a heated cabin for another night of outstanding Northern Lights viewing opportunities. The resort is also known for its healthy outdoor opportunities in the pristine wilderness of Alaska´s great Interior - first discovered by gold prospectors at the turn of the century. In 1912, the geothermal area was the premier place to soak - for residents of the booming town Fairbanks.

Chena Hot Springs Resort – Fairbanks

After breakfast spend some time to enjoy Chena Hot Springs Resort facilities. Individual transfer to Fairbanks airport or downtown. Flight reservations to your home destination should be arranged preferably after 10:00 am. Please Note: all flights to/from or within Alaska are not included. Rest of the day on your own and tour extensions are readily available.

Rates in US $ / per Person
Comfort Hotel Category Single Double Triple Quad Child
August 21 - September 7 $2624 $1976 $1862 $1755 $1575
September 8 - September 18 $2494 $1911 $1811 $1718 $1575
September 19 - April 21 $2764 $2051 $2040 $1885 $1845
First Class Hotel Category Single Double Triple Quad Child
August 21 - September 7 $3070 $2198 $1993 $1840 $1575
September 8 - September 18 $2689 $2008 $1876 $1766 $1575
September 19 - April 21 $3147 $2243 $2159 $1967 $1845


What’s included

4 Nights Superior or First Class Accommodation

2 Night Basic Hotel in Coldfoot

All Local Taxes

Deluxe Continental Breakfast in Fairbanks (First Class only)

Fairbanks Airport & Hotel Transfers

Escorted Van Transportation Fairbanks - Coldfoot

Full Day Brooks Range Sightseeing Tour

Brooks Range: Northern Lights Viewing Tour including Hot Beverages

Flight Coldfoot – Fairbanks

Round Trip Transfer to Chena Hot Springs Resort

Daily Hot Springs Pool Pass (Admission to the outdoor natural hot springs rock lake (ages 18+), hot tub, interior pool and hot tubs)

Geothermal Energy Tour

Chena: Aurora Snow Coach Tour

Tour Documentation

Sightseeing Information

Tour Departures

Daily  from  August  21 –  April  21

Fairbanks: Northern Lights Viewing Tour

You will be picked up at 10 PM for your northern lights viewing tour. Enjoy the transfer to a prime aurora viewing lodge, located in the hills about 20 miles north of Fairbanks – far away from any city lights. Enjoy spectacular 270-degree aurora displays through large picture windows from the comfort of the lodge or outside. Once the lights are out, you want to step outside onto the large deck to soak in the view. And if you get cold, just go back in and help yourself to a cup of hot coffee, tea, or cocoa, available self-serve. Return to your hotel at 2:30 AM.

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Fairbanks: Ice Fishing

Your Ice Fishing day trip begins with the pick up from your hotel. While catching fish in a warm hut on a beautiful lake you can still safely enjoy the brisk, clear air and peaceful environment of Interior Alaska, the home to some of the best ice fishing this state has to offer. Learn the old native skill of ice fishing from our experienced ice fishing guides. Hot drinks and grilled fish for a late lunch are served while fishing. Warm arctic gear is available and our heated van is always close by. Please provide each participant’s height, weight, and shoe size for the arctic gear. The tour price includes: hotel transfer, arctic gear, fishing license, tackle, hot beverages and lunch.

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Coldfoot: Visit Sled dog kennel & sled dog ride

Enjoy an afternoon with real Alaskan sled dogs. Learn what it takes to have a dog team in Alaska. Enjoy a ride, and, if you wish, drive a team of your own. Times will vary and will be arranged by the guide in Coldfoot to fit within your schedule - experience takes approximately 1 hour.

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Chena Hot Springs Resort: Sled Dog Ride

The Chena Sled Dog Kennel offers guests an exciting Alaskan adventure. During the snowy winter months, guests get a truly authentic taste of dog mushing. Our friendly, experienced guides take you gliding along our serene two mile trail, in one of our locally hand built traditional freight sleds which holds up to four persons. 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.

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Chena Hot Springs Resort: Snowmobile Tour

Take a Guided Snow Machine Tour around the resort! Experienced Tour Guides show you the resort from trails and areas of the resort you haven't seen before. No experience necessary. Tours generally operate during hours of daylight only. Tour times will vary based on sunlight availability. 45 minute tour.

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Chena Hot Springs Resort: Aurora Snow Coach Tour

Hop on a snow coach to drive out in search of the aurora borealis. Far from the light pollution of the city, you’re in a prime location for seeing these colorful curtains of light as they color the star-studded sky. Seek out remote locations where you can watch the luminous spectacle over snowy fields and the evergreen treeline before your early morning return to Fairbanks.

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Jenni & Bill: I just wanted to say how much we LOVED our time in Alaska. The trip far exceeded expectations. I notice there is a place on your website for reviews. Not sure how to do that, but I would love to post something. I also post trip reports on Fodors.com and plan to sing your praises. Everything worked so smoothly from day one. The staff at all of the hotels and through all of the tour companies (especially the tour to Coldfoot) could not have been better. Of course it was also nice of you to ensure good weather and great Auroras *;) winking! Seeing the Aurora was a dream of my husband's since he was a little boy. But beyond the aurora viewing, the trip really gave us a sense of what life is like in northern Alaska. Thanks SO much for everything.