5-Day Alaska Fairbanks Winter Tour/ Amazing Aurora Viewing, Borealis Basecamp, Chena Hot Springs

Fairbanks is the 2nd largest city in Alaska. Of Alaska’s total population of 100,00 people, around 30,000 live in Fairbanks. The city is located in interior Alaska and is a hub in the road between the coast and the Arctic. Fairbanks is sometimes called the “Aurora Capitol” of the world since the Aurora can be seen here on average 243 days a year. It lies 310 kilometers from the Arctic Circle and is surrounded by low-lying mountains. Chena Hot Springs is an unincorporated community in the Fairbanks North Star Borough that is renowned for its hot springs and private resort. These destinations, in addition to a campground, are located at the end of Chena Hot Springs Road, a forest-flanked paved road that parallels the Chena River, 56 miles east of the Steese Highway and Fairbanks. From Mile 26 to Mile 51, drivers pass through Chena River State Recreation Area, a 397-square-mile preserve that includes the Chena River valley and nearby alpine areas. The recreation area is home to some of the best hiking, canoeing, public-use cabins, and fishing in the area. Relax next to the fireplace in the historic Chena Hot Springs Resort Restaurant as you enjoy a fine dining experience. Chena Hot Springs Resort is a greenhouse to table restaurant featuring "Chena Fresh" lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and herbs on the restaurant menu. Grown in the greenhouses at Chena Hot Springs Resort, the Chena Salad is the "Freshest" salad in Alaska - year-round! The year-round greenhouses are part of our commitment to a sustainable community and renewable energy. Chena Hot Springs Restaurant also uses and and promotes Alaska Grown produce from the Fairbanks and other regions of Alaska on the menu. ****IMPORTANT**** 1. Enjoy unlimited access to the soothing waters during your stay. Pool Opening: 07:00-00:00 2. Please go to Activities Center in person to book the activities -- ski and ice skates rentals, Aurora Snow Coach Tour, and Sunset Snow Coach Tour. 3. Please prepare your swimming suit and quarters for the locker and slippers if need be. 4. Please note your swim time if you have cardiovascular disease. 5. Outside pool is closed for persons under 18 years of age. 6. Cell phone service at the Resort is limited to ACS Alaska and Verizon networks. AT&T, GCI, Sprint, and T-Mobile do not work at this time. There is an internet service available at the Resort in the Activity Center, Aurora Cafe, Pool, and the Main Lodge which includes the Front Desk, Gift Shop, Restaurant, and Lounge.

Please check-in at the Activity Center by 10:45 for the Ice Museum Tour. Ice Museum is open year around and allows you to see the ice-sculptures of world-famous sculpting masters. Explore “rooms” made out of ice as well as free standing sculptures. The Chena Hot Springs Aurora Ice Museum uses a unique, energy efficient absorption chiller, powered by our geothermal water. The absorption chiller can keep the Museum cool even during Fairbanks' hot summer months, when temperatures can reach over 90 degrees. And please check-in at the Activity Center by 1:45 PM to sign up for the one-hour Geothermal Renewable Energy Tour. Through geothermal renewable energy tours, you will learn more about the energy-saving projects in Chena.

Borealis Basecamp guests stay in exclusive fiberglass domes similar to those utilized by polar expeditions and luxury south pole adventure camps. Crafted exclusively to maximize aurora viewing and guest comfort, these domes are intimate retreats in the midst of an Alaskan winter. The unique location of the camp also provides a truly immersive experience into the rural Alaska life, different from other destinations around the world. Alaskans refer to this style of living as “off the grid” and often includes water tanks, generators or batteries to provide power, and a sense of independence from city connections. Guests are invited to embrace this experience, in harmony with their own sense of belonging within the Alaskan wilderness. Leave the city of Fairbanks behind and travel to one of the “loneliest roads in the world”- the Dalton Highway, featured in the series “Ice Road Truckers.” Along the way, see Alaska’s famous oil pipeline, the mighty Yukon River, and the amazing storybook scenery as you journey towards the Arctic Circle. Keep your eyes peeled for an Arctic Fox! Our final destination is the Arctic Circle Sign, it shows you have crossed the Arctic Circle in ceremonious fashion and will receive an official Arctic Circle Adventure Certificate. Enjoy stunning views of interior Alaska and witness firsthand the remarkable wilderness scenery blanketed in snow. Our tour will let you have more time to experience the expansive landscapes and fascinating cultures unique to Alaska’s Arctic in the short-day time of winter. Additionally, you can also pay to upgrade the Arctic Circle Fly-Drive, riding the flight which provides an aerial view of the vast Alaska wilderness. Fly to Coldfoot Camp and ride in personalized comfort of our tour van that transfers you to the south back to Fairbanks. Schedule: 08:00 am: Ride the Chena Shuttle 10:00 am: Transfer to the arctic circle bus in Fairbanks Stop: Alaska Pipeline viewing site (no less than 15 mins) Stop: Add gas and use the restroom 12:30 pm: Dalton Highway, stop here for the photo with the Dalton Highway Sign around 15 mins. 14:20: Yukon River Camp, enjoy a quick meal 16:50: Arctic Circle Stop: Use the restroom 21:30: Borealis Basecamp IMPORTANT: 1. Be aware that this tour is a total of 400 miles in this 13-hour van expedition, so feel free to bring your snacks and beverages. 2. Restroom with fresh water only at: Hilltop Gas Station, Yukon River Camp, and Borealis Basecamp 3. Except for the Borealis Basecamp, this tour is not covered by mobile signal.

Today, you have the chance to choose several optional add-on activities at Borealis Basecamp, including Dogsledding, Snow Machine, Snow Shoes Tour, and Fat Tire Bike. Also, you can choose the combo tours of Dogsledding One-Hour Tour and Ice fishing & Santa Claus House.

Today is the last day of your trip. Please pack your belongings in advance. Upon check-out at 11:00, please take the Borealis Shuttle and depart to Fairbanks Airport.