– Fairbanks | Chena Hot Springs | Anchorage | Aurora Experience –
Alaska, the final frontier. Enjoy a relaxing holiday at the prestigious Chena Hot Springs Resort, seek out the majestic Northern Lights, and explore this majestic region onboard the Alaska Rail.
Start location: Fairbanks, Alaska
End Location: Anchorage, Alaska
On average, in about 243 days a year, which is about 2/3 of the days, Aurora is visible in the night sky in Alaska, giving this region one of the highest probability of seeing the Northern Lights.
Among all the Aurora destinations, Fairbanks is perhaps the city that is located closest to the Arctic Circle. It is also at a higher altitude then Whitehorse in the Yukon Territories in Canada. Giving it darker sky that is away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
At Chena Hot Springs, you will for sure get an even more spectacular view of the Aurora for it is some 60 miles away from Fairbanks. As you anticipate for the aurora to appear, take a moment and embrace that you are setting foot on one of the last piece of frontier that is Alaska.
During day time, indulge yourself in one of the many facilities at Chena Hot Springs. Reward yourself for a relaxing and unforgettable expedition.
Route Overview
Day 1: Fairbanks – Chena Hot Springs
Day 2: Chena Hot Springs
Day 3: Chena Hot Springs – Fairbanks
Day 4: Fairbanks – Anchorage
Day 5: Anchorage – Alyeska Resort (optional)
Trip Highlights
Optional Add-on
Travel Dates
Please contact us for availability.
Chena Hot Springs Resort. / Credit: Travel Alaska/Chris McLennan ©2022
Arriving in Fairbanks today, and step out of the airport to the smell of fresh Northern air. Remember to have your camera ready for a photo with the giant bear specimen located in the airport lobby. This might be your only chance to see if if you arrive during Winter Season as bears are in the midst of their hibernation cycle. Later, you will head to one of the most sought after resort location, Chena Hot Springs Resort. The Resort’s shuttle will pick you up from the airport and it will take you directly to the resort that’s roughly 60 miles away.
After checking-in, feel free to dip your toes in the outdoor hot springs swimming pool. There are also various facilities in the resort, and all the activities are yours to choose from. At Night, feel free to head outdoors to a place without light pollution and wait for the aurora to come.
Keep in mind that with the Alaska Train schedule, you will need to arrive in Fairbanks on Thursdays.
Aurora Ice Museum at Chena Hot Springs Resort. / Credit: Travel Alaska/Chris McLennan ©2022
Today you can enjoy a morning without a morning call. When you do wake up, feel free to participate in various activities at the resort, or visit the Ice Sculpture Museum for a once in a lifetime experience. Don’t forget to order a glass of ice-cold vodka mixed with a special “ice cup”!
At night, you will still have another opportunity to enjoy the majestic aurora again.
Fairbanks Aurora Credit: Travel Alaska
Heading back to Fairbanks today by shuttle.
When you arrive in Fairbanks, you can go to the ”Northern Museum” at the University of Alaska in Fairbanks for exhibits that will teach you about the Alaska region; learn everything from the frozen tundra, oil, and the Northern Lights; or learn of the Ecology of the coastline, or the history of the Aboriginal people, and gold rush era that shaped the history of the land.
Overnight in Fairbanks. A special ”Northern Lights Tour” will be arranged late at night, where you will go to the Aurora Cabin on the outskirts of Fairbanks to enjoy the Aurora. This is an excellent viewing platform and offers hot coffee and tea to keep you warm. While waiting, you can also meet and chat with other tourists.
Alaska Rail Travelling in Winter / Credit: Alaska Railroad – Kerry Tasker
This morning, you will be heading to the train station for the 8:30 am train to Anchorage.
Brace yourself onboard this scenic train from Fairbanks, as it will travel through some of the most beautiful regions of Alaska. You will be presented by the unique northern scenery along the way and will have a chance to see the majestic Mount McKenley, which is the tallest peak in North America and an icon for many Americans. At the tallest peak, Mt. Mckinley is 6,174 meters high, and the secondary peak of Mt. Froaker is 5,303 meters high, and the 4,442-meter Mt. Hunter creates a majestic and sacred mountain scenery.
Overnight in Anchorage.
Anchorage Skyline / Credit: Ken Graham Photography
Today is the last leg of this trip, and you will have time to shop the local for salmon products or noble fur fashion in Anchorage before departing Alaska to end an unforgettable trip.
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