7-Day Alaska Aurora Tour: Matanuska Glacier and Chena Hot Springs from Fairbanks to Anchorage (1 Night Borealis Basecamp)
4.5
4 reviews
Highlights were Matanuska Glacier hiking and Chena Hot Springs. Our guide was excellent, and the trip felt great value for money. A wonderful 4-star Alaskan adventure!
Rishi, 2026-01-22
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US$2639 ￥17880 €2307 C$3702 Rs.255057
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Tour Overview
Highlights
Visit Fairbanks (Chena Hot Springs Resort, Santa Claus House), Anchorage (Matanuska Glacier Hiking).
- Matanuska Glacier hiking, Anchorage’s top adventure for stunning blue ice and mountain views.
- Three aurora experiences: cabin viewing, aurora chase, and a night at Borealis Basecamp for optimal Northern Lights.
- Stay one night at Borealis Basecamp for unique aurora viewing from bed.
- Relax at Chena Hot Springs Resort with natural mineral pools and scenic beauty.
- Small group travel with included breakfast, Wi-Fi, airport transfers, and flexible optional activities.
- Specially offer: Complimentary dog sledding ride for each guest. Location determined by the local operator.
Itinerary
After pickup from Fairbanks airport, guests will be transferred to hotel. Hotel usually check in after 15:00. When night falls, we will take bus to the Aurora Viewing Lodge on the outskirts of the city at 22:00 and enjoy the northern lights. It is expected to arrive at the hotel at 02:00 in the morning.
Fairbanks, AK
A home rule city and the borough seat of the Fairbanks North Star Borough in the U.S. state of Alaska.
Aurora Cabin Tour
Experience nature's best light show with an Aurora Borealis Cabin Tour. Also known as the Northern Lights, this phenomenon occurs when green light ripples across the night sky. After enjoying a day tour, guests enjoy a heated, cozy cabin.
Depart from the hotel around 10:30am, we'll visit Santa Claus House. After that, continue to Chena Hot Springs Resort, where you can explore the world's only year-round Ice Museum (admission fee not included) and later unwind in the healing natural mineral hot springs. Then back to the hotel for rest around 5pm. At 10:00pm, our professional aurora guides will take you to the most powerful aurora viewing area to chasing the aurora according to the weather conditions. Back to Fairbanks hotel around 2:00 am the next morning.
Fairbanks, AK
A home rule city and the borough seat of the Fairbanks North Star Borough in the U.S. state of Alaska.
Santa Claus House
A Christmas-themed retail store in North Pole, Alaska. It was founded as a trading post alongside the Richardson Highway in 1952.
In winter, the Santa Claus house is only open at a fixed time. If the it is closed, you will visit the North Pole instead.
Chena Hot Springs Resort
Chena Hot Springs was founded over 100 years ago. The resort makes use of the first low-temperature binary geothermal power plant built in Alaska and is working on several alternative energy projects, including production and use of hydrogen and vegetable oil for fuel.
1) Please bring your own swimwear, towel, slippers, and 50-cent coin (for locker rental).
2) For safety reasons, minors under age 18 may not enter the outdoor natural rock pool, but they may use the indoor pool and the outdoor hot tub.
3) If you choose not to enter the hot springs for your own reasons, the fee is not refundable.
4) Please drink Appletini (alcoholic beverage) with caution, as it is not advised before soaking in hot springs.
5) As this is a natural sulfur spring, guests with heart or circulatory conditions should limit their bathing time.
The present museum is made of a steel framework with hollow walls and consists of a great hall and a lounge. Some of the ice sculptures include a gigantic ice tower and life-size jousting knights. One of the rooms even has a non-functioning ice toilet.
Try a cup of Apple Martini in cold winter and you could experience the magical sensation of an ice cup touching your lips.
Aurora Chasing Tour
At 10 pm, follow a professional guide to take the Aurora Shuttle to the area outside Fairbanks. Our professional aurora guides will take you to the most powerful aurora viewing area to chasing the aurora according to the weather conditions, the direction of the aurora and their rich experience in light chasing and will introduce you to the Northern Lights and instruct you in camera parameter set-up and aurora borealis shooting techniques to help you take stunning aurora photos. You will return to the hotel to rest at around 2 am the next morning.
Today is a free day to explore Fairbanks, Alaska.
Enhance your trip by joining one of the full-day excursions below. Daytime and nighttime activities are also available, subject to conditions. See activity options for details.
Full-Day Excursions:
• Arctic Circle Drive Expedition
• Arctic Circle Fly & Drive Adventure
• Arctic Circle Fly & Drive Adventure with Trading Post Aurora Viewing
Enhance your trip by joining one of the full-day excursions below. Daytime and nighttime activities are also available, subject to conditions. See activity options for details.
Full-Day Excursions:
• Arctic Circle Drive Expedition
• Arctic Circle Fly & Drive Adventure
• Arctic Circle Fly & Drive Adventure with Trading Post Aurora Viewing
Fairbanks, AK
A home rule city and the borough seat of the Fairbanks North Star Borough in the U.S. state of Alaska.
Arctic Circle Drive Expedition
Take a bus to the Arctic Circle in the morning. Along the way, you can see Dalton Highway and Trans-Alaska Pipeline. More chances to see wildlife, such as caribou, arctic fox, wolf, moose etc. Cross the Arctic Circle and receive an official Arctic Circle Adventure Certificate.
1) The duration is relatively long; it is advisable to bring your own snacks, light bites, or other food items in advance.
2) Most sections of this itinerary have no mobile phone signal coverage.
3) The departure time may be adjusted by the guide based on daylight conditions; please refer to the local guide’s notice for the exact departure time.
4) Tours run with a minimum of 4 participants.
Arctic Circle Fly & Drive Adventure
Start by going to the airport to take a small sightseeing plane to the town of Coldfoot. From the plane you'll get majestic bird’s-eye views of the snow-covered tundra. Upon arrival, you can send a postcard to your friends and family at the Arctic Post Office. You’ll return to Fairbanks via the famous Dalton Highway on a specially equipped arctic bus. On the way, visit the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, the Yukon River, and the Alaska Arctic Circle (66°33' north) marker, where you will receive an "Arctic Circle Exploration Certificate".
Requires reconfirmation. Guided in English. Please provide your weight upon booking. Most sections of this itinerary have no mobile phone signal coverage.
Aurora Cabin Tour
Experience nature's best light show with an Aurora Borealis Cabin Tour. Also known as the Northern Lights, this phenomenon occurs when green light ripples across the night sky. After enjoying a day tour, guests enjoy a heated, cozy cabin.
Tours run with a minimum of 2 participants.
Aurora Chasing Tour
At 10 pm, follow a professional guide to take the Aurora Shuttle to the area outside Fairbanks. Our professional aurora guides will take you to the most powerful aurora viewing area to chasing the aurora according to the weather conditions, the direction of the aurora and their rich experience in light chasing and will introduce you to the Northern Lights and instruct you in camera parameter set-up and aurora borealis shooting techniques to help you take stunning aurora photos. You will return to the hotel to rest at around 2 am the next morning.
Tours run with a minimum of 2 participants. There are no restrooms or hot beverages available on this route. If you need to use a restroom, please inform your guide, and arrangements will be made to stop at a location with facilities.
Take Borealis Basecamp shuttle to the campsite on 11:30. After arriving at the camp, you can store your luggage at the front desk. The check-in time is after 16:00. Today you will enjoy a full day of freedom. Borealis Basecamp provides a variety of winter activities. The Borealis Basecamp is located on the outskirts of Fairbanks. On the outskirts of the mountains without
buildings, away from the pollution of city lights, you can have the best aurora observation experience here.
Fairbanks, AK
A home rule city and the borough seat of the Fairbanks North Star Borough in the U.S. state of Alaska.
Borealis Basecamp
Borealis Basecamp guests stay in exclusive fiberglass domes similar to those utilized by polar expeditions and research stations. Crafted exclusively to maximize aurora viewing and guest comfort, these domes are intimate retreats in the midst of an Alaska winter
Enjoy breakfast and check out from the hotel. Take the hotel shuttle to the airport.
Flight to Anchorage takes approximately 1 hour. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel via shuttle.
Anchorage, AK
The largest city and also its biggest transportation hub in Alaska. It has the unique and natural environment with urban enclave surrounded by wilderness scenes.
Today we will go to Matanuska Glacier and walk on the ice with professional guidance! It is sunny around the area and a MUST-GO place for travelers. The weather in Matanuska Glacier is more favorable than its nearby cities because there is a weather hole that cold air from the glacier forces the warm air up to the mountain peaks. We will arrival back the hotel around 5:00 pm.
Start time: Approx. 8:30am
Ending time: 5:00pm
Anchorage, AK
The largest city and also its biggest transportation hub in Alaska. It has the unique and natural environment with urban enclave surrounded by wilderness scenes.
Matanuska Glacier Hiking
Matanuska Glacier is the source of the Matanuska River and is the largest vehicle accessible glacier in America. During the trek on the glacier, you will see layer up on layer of ice n brilliant blue colors.
Please be sure to wear anti-skid and warm shoes and comply with the guidance requirements during the hike and sign the disclaimer required by the park management office.
Today is the final day of your itinerary. Please pack and check your luggage and personal belongings in advance. Check-out is at 11:00 AM. After check-out, visit the hotel front desk to reserve your complimentary airport shuttle.
Anchorage, AK
The largest city and also its biggest transportation hub in Alaska. It has the unique and natural environment with urban enclave surrounded by wilderness scenes.
Aurora is a natural phenomenon and depends on solar activity. You are not guaranteed to see it.
Departure & Return
- Free Fairbanks Airport pick-up:
please meet the tour guide at Tour Desk at #1 Bagage Claim. Pickup time from 13:00-21:00 (This is the time for the tour guide to leave the airport, not the arrival time of the flight.)
24 hours Fairbanks Airport Free Shuttle: Upon arrival, you can contact the hotel to make an appointment for shuttle bus pickup. The hotel only accepts the reservation of the guests who have arrived at Fairbanks airport. The hotel shuttle will take about 30 minutes to arrive at the airport. Pickup Location: Fairbanks Airport, outside the Arrival, Door 1.
Taxi: from airport to hotel, about $20-30/taxi; Pickup Location: Fairbanks International Airport, outside the Arrival, taxi special boarding point. - Fairbanks Train Station - Complimentary 24/7 Hotel Shuttle Service:
After collecting your luggage, call the hotel phone number to reserve the shuttle. Provide your name (in pinyin) and group size. The shuttle will arrive in approximately 30 minutes.
Pick-up Location: Outside the waiting room of Fairbanks Train Station. - Hotel contact information:
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Fairbanks
Shuttle reservation: (907) 451-6552, extension 0
Address: 575 1st Ave, Fairbanks, AK 99701 - 24 hours Anchorage Airport Free Shuttle: Upon arrival, you can contact the hotel to make an appointment for shuttle bus pickup. The hotel only accepts the reservation of the guests who have arrived at Anchorage airport.
The hotel shuttle will take about 30 minutes to arrive at the airport. Pickup Location: Anchorage International Airport, outside the Arrival, hotel shuttle bus special boarding point.
Taxi: from airport to hotel, about $15-30/taxi; Pickup Location: Anchorage International Airport, outside the Arrival, taxi special boarding point.
Hotel contact information:
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Anchorage Airport
Shuttle reservation: (907) 276-8884, extension 0
Address: 3501 Minnesota Dr, Anchorage, AK 99503 - Airport Dropoff: Please book a departure flight after 7:00 am on the last day. Each room provides a 24-hour airport free shuttle service. It is recommended that guests arrive at the airport at least 2 hours in advance. Guests can also take a taxi to the airport by themselves. From the hotel to ANC airport about $20- $30 per taxi.
Includes & Excludes
Price Includes
Price Excludes
| Destination | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|
| Fairbanks, AK | ||
|
Apple Martini (Optional)
must be over 21 years old, please show the Valid ID when purchase)
|
$20 | $20 |
| Arctic Circle Drive Expedition (Optional) | $259 | $259 |
|
Arctic Circle Fly & Drive Adventure (Optional)
Low Season $559/person, Peak Season $599/person
|
$599 | $599 |
| Aurora Cabin Tour (Optional) | $109 | $109 |
| Aurora Chasing Tour (Optional) | $89 | $89 |
| Aurora Ice Museum (Optional) | $20 | $20 |
Fairbanks, AK
Apple Martini (Optional)
must be over 21 years old, please show the Valid ID when purchase)
- Adult
- $20
- Child
- $20
Arctic Circle Drive Expedition (Optional)
- Adult
- $259
- Child
- $259
Arctic Circle Fly & Drive Adventure (Optional)
Low Season $559/person, Peak Season $599/person
- Adult
- $599
- Child
- $599
Aurora Cabin Tour (Optional)
- Adult
- $109
- Child
- $109
Aurora Chasing Tour (Optional)
- Adult
- $89
- Child
- $89
Aurora Ice Museum (Optional)
- Adult
- $20
- Child
- $20
- Prices are subject to change without prior notice.
- If you would like to join the optional activities, please pay the fee in cash to the tour guide. You cannot buy / use the tickets on your own or use City Passes. The tour guide will arrange the tickets for the group.
Additional Notes
- This journey requires a US visa.
- Due to fire safety requirements in Alaska, extra beds cannot be added to hotel rooms. Every room is furnished with 2 beds.
- The optional tour is affected by the weather factors. If the tour got cancelled, we will issue a refund.
- If there is any discrepancy between the schedule and the tour guide, please refer to the guide time.
- There are a few restaurants along the Arctic Circle where you can have lunch and dinner or prepare your own meals.
- Aurora is a natural phenomenon and depends on solar activity. You are not guaranteed to see it.
- The order of the trip will be adjusted according to your departure dates and weather conditions.
- Note that plans from many cellular carriers do not work in Alaska, please make sure the number you provided can receive texts or calls after landing, otherwise an alternative communication method should be established beforehand.
- Please be prepared for your own hiking equipment, such as sunglasses, hiking boots, spare pair of socks, insulated jacket, snow pants etc.
- Helmets and anti-skate claws are provided free of charge
- Local professional guided service. A minimum of 2 pax is required.
Policies
After placing an order online, you will immediately receive an e-ticket indicating successful purchase . We will send an confirmation email to you within 2 to 3 working days. Please rebook the flight after receiving your order confirmed.
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
The purchase of any travel services represents your acceptance Terms & Conditions set out herein. Please ensure that you read carefully and understand these Terms & Conditions prior to booking.
The purchase of any travel services represents your acceptance Terms & Conditions set out herein. Please ensure that you read carefully and understand these Terms & Conditions prior to booking.
Booking changes
A fee may be charged for any revision or alteration made to a reservation after the booking is confirmed. Name changes or corrections may be treated as a cancellation and cancellation fees will apply. A change of tour date or tour itinerary may be treated as a cancellation, and normal cancellation fees will apply. Please be noted that we do not allow departure change 48 hours before departure.
A fee may be charged for any revision or alteration made to a reservation after the booking is confirmed. Name changes or corrections may be treated as a cancellation and cancellation fees will apply. A change of tour date or tour itinerary may be treated as a cancellation, and normal cancellation fees will apply. Please be noted that we do not allow departure change 48 hours before departure.
Cancellations and Cancellation Fees
Regardless of reason, cancellations result in costly charges from our travel and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by canceling confirmed and pending bookings. Therefore, cancellation penalties and or fees will apply. Time of cancellation will be determined when notice is received and confirmed by our office. Notice of cancellation must be made directly to TakeTours by email or through web mail at Contact Us .
Regardless of reason, cancellations result in costly charges from our travel and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by canceling confirmed and pending bookings. Therefore, cancellation penalties and or fees will apply. Time of cancellation will be determined when notice is received and confirmed by our office. Notice of cancellation must be made directly to TakeTours by email or through web mail at Contact Us .
Cancellation and Refund Policy:
TakeTours makes every effort to serve our customers better. We also advise all customers to purchase traveler's insurance in case of interruption, accidents, illness, or anything else that may come up. If a reservation has to be cancelled, customers will be charged a fee depending on how far from the departure date the cancellation takes place.
61 or more days prior to departure - 30% of total purchase amount
31-60 days prior to departure - 50% of total purchase amount
Within 30 days prior to departure - 100% of total purchase amount
Day of departure or no-show - 100% of total purchase amount
Notification day and departure day are NOT counted. Unused features are non-refundable. The refund amount will be credited directly to your TakeTours wallet as credits for future use. Or the refund can also be forwarded directly to your credit card with a 6% handling fee.NOTE: We cannot grant refunds more than 30 days after completion of tour.
TakeTours makes every effort to serve our customers better. We also advise all customers to purchase traveler's insurance in case of interruption, accidents, illness, or anything else that may come up. If a reservation has to be cancelled, customers will be charged a fee depending on how far from the departure date the cancellation takes place.
61 or more days prior to departure - 30% of total purchase amount
31-60 days prior to departure - 50% of total purchase amount
Within 30 days prior to departure - 100% of total purchase amount
Day of departure or no-show - 100% of total purchase amount
Notification day and departure day are NOT counted. Unused features are non-refundable. The refund amount will be credited directly to your TakeTours wallet as credits for future use. Or the refund can also be forwarded directly to your credit card with a 6% handling fee.NOTE: We cannot grant refunds more than 30 days after completion of tour.
Itinerary Variations
We constantly strives to improve tour itineraries and features. If such improvements can be made, or unforeseen circumstances beyond our control make changes necessary - we reserve the right to vary itineraries and to substitute hotels. At certain peak periods duplicate departures may operate, and sometimes in reverse order in which case hotels may vary from those stated on the itinerary pages.
We constantly strives to improve tour itineraries and features. If such improvements can be made, or unforeseen circumstances beyond our control make changes necessary - we reserve the right to vary itineraries and to substitute hotels. At certain peak periods duplicate departures may operate, and sometimes in reverse order in which case hotels may vary from those stated on the itinerary pages.
Tour Cancellation
We reserves the right to cancel or re-schedule any tour departure in accordance with operating requirements or circumstances beyond its control. If cancellation is made any time prior to departure* of the tour, TakeTours' only liability will be to refund to the passenger the amount it has received for the tour booking. We will try to re-book the same or similar tour. Please note that we are not liable for any cancellation penalties incurred on any other travel arrangements including air tickets purchased separately from customers.
We reserves the right to cancel or re-schedule any tour departure in accordance with operating requirements or circumstances beyond its control. If cancellation is made any time prior to departure* of the tour, TakeTours' only liability will be to refund to the passenger the amount it has received for the tour booking. We will try to re-book the same or similar tour. Please note that we are not liable for any cancellation penalties incurred on any other travel arrangements including air tickets purchased separately from customers.
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Reviews (4)
Please post your review to earn 100 points and help other travelers make confident decisions.
Highlights were Matanuska Glacier hiking and Chena Hot Springs. Our guide was excellent, and the trip felt great value for money. A wonderful 4-star Alaskan adventure!
I recommend this tour!
Well-designed aurora-focused tour. Chena Hot Springs and Basecamp increased our chances â we saw dancing lights at Basecamp! Glacier hiking gear was provided, and the leader ensured safety. Good!
I recommend this tour!
The night at Borealis Basecamp was absolutely magical! Watching the aurora dance from our dome was unforgettable. A truly 5-star experience for any aurora chaser!
I recommend this tour!
Fantastic tour! The overnight at Borealis Basecamp in the glass-domed cabin was magical for aurora viewing. Chena Hot Springs was relaxing, and Matanuska Glacier hiking was breathtaking.
I recommend this tour!
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