ESTER NORTHERN LIGHTS TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Soak, Learn, and Chase: A Full-Day to Chena Hot Springs and a Flexible Aurora Hunt
A full-day visit to Chena Hot Springs followed by a guided Northern Lights chase from Fairbanks, useful for planning timing, what’s included, and what to expect.
Soak, Learn, and Chase: A Full-Day to Chena Hot Springs and a Flexible Aurora Hunt.
Adventure brief
Soak, Learn, and Chase: A Full-Day to Chena Hot Springs and a Flexible Aurora Hunt
This full-day experience combines an afternoon at Chena Hot Springs Resort with an evening Aurora chase led by local guides: relax in geothermal amenities, explore the Ice Museum and geothermal offerings, then return toward Fairbanks to seek dark skies and aurora displays while your guide helps with photography and interpretation.
Chena Hot Springs and the Aurora Chase Tour: a full-day rhythm of steam, history and night-sky hunting. Located near Ester, Alaska, about an hour’s drive northeast of Fairbanks, this experience pairs the geothermal pools and Ice Museum at Chena Hot Springs Resort with a guided, flexible hunt for the Northern Lights. You begin mid-afternoon in the Fairbanks/Ester area, riding quiet highways into boreal forest and open tundra. The resort sits in a narrow valley fed by geothermal vents: hot mineral pools, the sculpted Ice Museum, and low, warm steam that rises from pavement and ponds. Spend three to six hours soaking in mineral water, touring the Ice Museum’s carved rooms, or taking the Geothermal Tour to learn how heat from below powers greenhouses and warms the property. The site’s spruce and birch fringe replace coastal rainforest; permafrost underlies the meadows, and the geology here is notable for shallow geothermal activity rather than volcanic peaks. After dark your guide turns the evening outward. The Aurora Chase is a flexible, data-driven drive back toward Fairbanks, stopping at dark pullouts away from resort lights and steam. Guides provide an aurora science briefing, help with night photography (cellphones or cameras), and offer photography portraits — five edited images are included. The trip balances relaxation and action: a hot-spring day, then a nocturnal hunt for dancing curtains of green and purple. Practical details matter. Children under 12 cannot enter the hot springs pools; the resort’s pools rarely remain open late enough to see aurora from the water. Passes for resort attractions, spa treatments, and museum entry are purchased with the resort and not included. Transportation from Fairbanks and North Pole lodgings within about 25 miles is included; small add-on fees may apply further out. The operator provides snacks, hot drinks, and optional camera and outerwear rentals. This tour is a standout for the interior-Alaska experience it stitches together: geothermal bathing, an ice museum built from local water, hands-on explanations of energy and geology, and a purposeful, mobile approach to aurora viewing that maximizes dark-sky opportunities. It’s both accessible for travelers seeking comfort and rewarding for photographers who want guided technical help. Operators are experienced with winter logistics and the unpredictability of aurora activity; though no sighting can be guaranteed, the itinerary is designed to follow clear skies and active displays. If you’re staying in Fairbanks or Ester and want a single-day introduction to Alaska’s thermal landscapes and night-sky drama, this combined Chena Hot Springs + Aurora Chase makes for an efficient, memorable outing. Bring layered insulation, a camera tripod, and patience; guides adapt routes to maximize viewing and explain the science, making this trip ideal for first-time aurora watchers and seasoned photographers alike and beyond.
Route Schematic
Itinerary Route Schematic
Stops follow a mid‑afternoon departure from Fairbanks, time at the resort, then an adaptive night chase back toward Fairbanks with multiple stopping opportunities.
Pickup in Fairbanks area
Collection from lodgings within the Fairbanks/North Pole area (transport included within approximately 25 miles of the airport); alternate meet-up in town is possible.
Scenic en-route photo and wildlife stops
Mid‑afternoon drive includes planned stops for landscape and wildlife photography as time allows before reaching the resort.
Chena Hot Springs Resort
Arrive at the resort with approximately 3–6 hours to use the hot springs (children under 12 are not allowed in the hot springs), visit the Ice Museum, take the geothermal tour, or use resort food services and deli.
Aurora chase on the return toward Fairbanks
After nightfall guides lead a flexible chase away from ambient light on the route back to Fairbanks, stopping at multiple dark locations and adjusting direction when skies warrant.
The route and stops are adaptive to weather and aurora forecasts; passengers should be prepared for remote stops where restroom facilities may be limited and for cold-night conditions—contact the operator about mobility needs or very young children.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
The day moves deliberately from daylight comfort to night-time pursuit: a relaxed drive from Fairbanks, a multi‑hour visit to Chena Hot Springs for soaking, exhibits, and optional activities, then a patient, data‑informed chase back toward Fairbanks where guides seek out dark, unobstructed skies and assist with framing and settings so you can capture the aurora.
THE SPRINGS
Chena Hot Springs resort amenities
Plan on several hours on-site to use the hot springs, visit the Ice Museum and hotel, take the geothermal tour, and access on-site dining; massages are available but must be reserved well in advance.
THE JOURNEY
Scenic drive with flexible photo and wildlife stops
Departing mid‑afternoon from the Fairbanks area, the route allows time for scenic photo stops and wildlife viewing en route to the resort, and includes round-trip transportation from lodgings within the Fairbanks/North Pole area.
THE CHASE
A guided, flexible Aurora hunt with photography help
After your stay at the resort you’ll return toward Fairbanks on a guided Aurora chase that moves to darker vantage points as needed; tours include an aurora discussion, help with photography, and a small set of edited portrait photos at the guide’s discretion.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits—and who should plan differently.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Full‑day experience running approximately 8–12 hours.
Dress for cold night conditions; rental winter outerwear can be arranged through a partner. Guides provide simple snacks and supplies for hot cocoa or instant coffee; consider bringing or buying food from the resort deli as the restaurant does not take reservations.
Photography help is included; camera and tripod rentals and expanded photo packages are available as add-ons and can be requested when booking.
Round‑trip transportation from lodgings within the Fairbanks/North Pole area (within about 25 miles of the airport) is included; discuss pickup locations outside that radius for a small fuel surcharge or arrange a town meet-up.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Are aurora sightings guaranteed?
No. The Aurora Borealis is a natural phenomenon and cannot be guaranteed; guides monitor live NOAA and NASA data and the aurora is visible in Fairbanks frequently during dark months, but thick cloud cover will prevent viewing.
Are resort passes or activities included in the tour price?
No. Passes and reservations for Chena Hot Springs Resort activities (springs passes, Ice Museum, geothermal tours, massages, snowmobiling, etc.) are not included and must be booked with the resort directly.
Can children use the hot springs?
Children under 12 years of age are not allowed in the hot springs pool and no childcare is provided.
What if the restaurant at the resort is crowded?
The resort restaurant does not take reservations and wait times can exceed two hours; the operator recommends bringing food or purchasing deli items to eat in the activity center.
Is transportation provided?
Yes. Transportation from lodgings within the Fairbanks or North Pole area (within roughly 25 miles from the airport) is included; guests staying farther out may be accommodated for a small additional fuel charge.
What photography services are included?
Guides include aurora discussion and assistance with photography for cameras or cell phones; five edited portrait photos with the aurora are included at the photographer’s discretion, with additional photo packages and camera/tripod rentals available as add-ons.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-07T20:57:52.378Z
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Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.