“Aurora Ice” – Ice Fishing & Salmon Dinner Tour

Looking for a way to combine the thrill of ice fishing with the magic of Alaska’s Northern Lights? This “Aurora Ice” tour in Fairbanks promises just that—an unforgettable experience where you can fish, dine, and watch the aurora dance through panoramic windows, all from the comfort of a heated cabin.

What we really love about this tour is how it manages to blend two winter activities that usually require separate outings—ice fishing and aurora viewing—into one seamless experience. Plus, the fact that you’re inside a warm, solar-powered wooden cabin while witnessing the Northern Lights is a game-changer. However, a small consideration is that this tour might be a bit on the pricier side when you add in gear and food, but for the unique experience it offers, many feel it’s worth every penny.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a relaxed yet memorable Arctic adventure, especially those who appreciate good food, stunning scenery, and a cozy environment. It’s not necessarily aimed at families with very young kids, but more for adults or older teens who can handle the cold and are eager to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime moment in Alaska’s wilderness.

Key Points

• Unique combo experience: Fish under the Northern Lights from inside cozy cabins.
• Comfort & warmth: Inside insulated, heated wooden cabins with big panoramic windows.
• Excellent guides and food: Knowledgeable hosts who cook fresh fish and keep the atmosphere lively.
• Ideal location: Away from city lights for better aurora viewing.
• Seamless logistics: Convenient meeting point, with assistance for transportation if booked directly.
• Limited group size: Intimate experience with a maximum of 12 travelers.

What Is the “Aurora Ice” Tour?

This isn’t your typical aurora viewing or ice fishing trip. It’s a thoughtfully designed experience that allows you to combine two winter activities in one evening. For about five hours, you’ll be tucked inside a warm, wooden cabin, equipped with large panoramic windows, giving you a front-row seat to the Northern Lights while you fish for salmon or other species.

The tour takes place in Fairbanks, a prime spot for aurora viewing thanks to its clear winter nights and minimal light pollution. The cost is $239 per person, which may seem steep at first, but when considering the unique opportunity to fish and see the aurora simultaneously, many find it justifiable.

How It Works: The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour kicks off around 9:00 pm, when you meet at a designated location in Badger, Fairbanks. From there, the small group (up to 12 people) is led to the fishing cabins—these are not just any cabins; they’re specially designed for the experience, solar-powered, and equipped with underwater cameras so you can see the fish as you fish.

Once inside, you’ll gear up with provided fishing equipment and settle into the insulated cabins. The atmosphere is surprisingly cozy, with temperatures maintained between 75°F and 85°F (+25°C), meaning you’ll stay warm even in the coldest winter night. The cabins are designed to maximize visibility of the Northern Lights through large panorama windows, creating a stunning backdrop for your fishing and dining experience.

The focus here isn’t just on fishing—though you will get to catch fish and help prepare your dinner. The guides are praised for their knowledge about ice fishing and their ability to keep the group entertained and comfortable. As you fish, you’ll be able to relax and watch the aurora shimmer overhead, a moment many reviewers describe as magical.

The Fishing Experience

Several reviews highlight the quality of the fishing gear and the expertise of the guides. You’re likely to fish for salmon or similar species, and the guides are experienced at helping even beginners succeed. One reviewer noted, “Greg was very knowledgeable about the Aurora and shared his experience in an informative manner. He explained the ins and outs of ice fishing and helped us all enjoy catching our dinner.”

The fish are then filleted on site, and the guides prepare a delicious fish dinner—simple, fresh, and satisfying. This is not gourmet cuisine, but many mention how tasty and hearty the meal is. A hot beverage accompanies the meal, adding to the cozy, communal vibe.

Watching the Northern Lights

This is perhaps the most talked-about part of the experience. Because the cabins have large panoramic windows, you can enjoy the aurora without braving the cold or fighting crowds. Reviewers consistently rave about the views, describing the lights as “breathtaking” and “like nothing else.”

However, a warning: not everyone will see the Northern Lights on every night. One reviewer mentioned, “The aurora only showed for 1 minute and we missed it because the guide was busy fixing our dinner at midnight.” Clouds can also obscure the sky, so patience and a bit of luck are involved.

Nevertheless, the tour is designed to maximize your chances, being away from city lights and in a prime viewing location.

Food & Drink

The salmon dinner is a highlight for many. The guides prepare the fish on-site, and it’s described as fresh and flavorful, with potatoes and simple sides. One guest said, “The fish and potatoes tasted really good,” which, considering it’s cooked outdoors and after a long day, is impressive.

Hot beverages are included, and the overall atmosphere encourages socializing and sharing stories—especially when the aurora makes an appearance.

Practical Details & Considerations

The tour is booked around 47 days in advance on average, which indicates high demand. It’s priced at $239 per person, including the guide, gear, dinner, and the cozy cabin experience. Transportation to and from the meeting point isn’t provided through Viator but can be arranged directly with the company if needed, which many reviewers appreciated for convenience.

Bring your own winter gear and camera, especially if you want to capture the Aurora’s fleeting moments. The tour’s group size is small, helping create an intimate, relaxed vibe.

Weather is a crucial factor—poor conditions can cancel the tour, but they do offer full refunds or rescheduling options. So, it’s wise to check the forecast before booking.

Insights from Reviews

• Knowledgeable guides make all the difference. Multiple reviewers mention guides like Greg and Spencer who are patient, passionate, and informative.
• The warm, insulated cabins are a major plus, making it comfortable to fish and wait for the aurora without shivering.
• The food consistently receives praise—simple, fresh, and satisfying.
• Some guests expressed disappointment when aurora visibility was limited or clouds obscured the sky, highlighting the unpredictability of aurora viewing.
• Many mention that this tour offers excellent value, especially when compared to booking separate fishing and aurora tours.

This experience is perfect for travelers who want a unique, all-in-one Arctic adventure—combining the thrill of ice fishing with the wonder of Northern Lights viewing, all in a warm, comfortable setting. It’s ideal if you value good food, great guides, and a chance to do something different from the typical aurora tour.

It’s well-suited for couples, groups of friends, or even solo travelers who appreciate a relaxed pace and a memorable story to tell. If you’re someone who’s eager to avoid the cold but still wants the Aurora experience, this tour hits that sweet spot.

While families with older children could consider it, keep in mind the late night and cold conditions. For younger kids or those who prefer daytime activities, other tours might be more suitable.

Is transportation included? Not through Viator, but the company offers pickup and drop-off if you book directly, which many guests found helpful.

What should I bring? It’s best to bring your own winter gear and camera to capture the aurora. The tour provides fishing gear and a simple fish dinner.

How long is the tour? It lasts approximately five hours, starting at 9:00 pm and ending back at the meeting point.

Can I see the Northern Lights on any given night? No guarantees, as aurora visibility depends on weather and solar activity. Clouds can obscure the sky, and sometimes the aurora only shows briefly.

What is the price? $239 per person, which includes guide services, fishing gear, dinner, and the cozy cabin experience.

Is this experience suitable for children? It’s generally geared toward adults and older teens. Consider the late hours and cold weather if you’re thinking of bringing kids.

Is the experience family-friendly? While not specifically marketed for children, the warm cabins and safe environment make it accessible for families with older kids.

What is included in the dinner? Fresh-caught salmon fillet with potatoes and a hot beverage.

What happens in bad weather? The tour may be canceled, but a full refund or rescheduled date will be offered, based on weather conditions.

The “Aurora Ice” tour offers a genuinely different way to experience Alaska’s winter. It’s a blend of adventure, comfort, and awe-inspiring scenery—perfect for travelers wanting something more than just a fleeting glimpse of the Northern Lights. With knowledgeable guides, a warm setting, and the chance to catch your own dinner, it’s a compelling option for those looking to make the most of their Arctic trip.

You’ll leave with stories of fishing under the aurora, a tasty meal, and memories of a night when nature’s most spectacular light show unfolded before your eyes—all from the warmth of a cozy cabin. Just keep your expectations in check regarding aurora sightings, and you’ll find this tour offers genuine value and a beautifully immersive experience.

If you’re after an authentic, hands-on adventure that combines two classic Alaskan winter activities, this tour is worth considering. It’s not just about the destination but about the stories, the scenery, and the warmth you’ll feel in the coldest of nights.