Ice Fishing and Aurora Extravaganza

Planning a winter adventure in Alaska can be both exciting and a little overwhelming—there’s so much to choose from and so many ways to experience the state’s wild beauty. One tour that caught our eye is the Ice Fishing and Aurora Extravaganza offered by Wandering Alaska LLC. It promises a full day of outdoor fun, combining ice fishing, snowshoeing, and aurora chasing into one immersive experience. While we haven’t personally taken this trip, we’ve gathered enough details to give you an honest, practical overview to help you decide if it’s a fit for your Alaska trip.

What genuinely stands out are the personalized elements—you get a flexible schedule, a knowledgeable guide who fishes with you, and a chance to see the northern lights in a private, comfortable setting. The tour’s ability to adapt, whether to weather or Aurora activity, offers a level of customization that many travelers seek. However, it’s worth noting that the tour is quite long—around 16 hours—and involves some planning around weather conditions, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with full, adventure-packed days.

If you’re after a unique, flexible experience that combines traditional Alaskan winter activities with the possibility of witnessing the Northern Lights, this tour could be a great choice. It’s especially appealing if you’re eager to try your hand at ice fishing without the typical large-group setup, and if you enjoy having a guide who shares stories and local knowledge.

Key Points

• Personalized Aurora Chasing: The tour adapts to Aurora activity, giving you flexibility for the best viewing experience.
• Inclusive Activities: Combines ice fishing, snowshoeing, and Aurora viewing, making it a comprehensive winter adventure.
• Expert Guidance: A knowledgeable guide fishes alongside you, sharing stories and ensuring a smooth experience.
• Comfort and Convenience: Warm ice fishing “castle,” restroom facilities, campfire, and snacks included.
• Flexibility in Timing: The tour can end as early as 11 pm or go until 4 am, depending on Aurora activity and your preference.
• Additional Costs: Optional camera rentals, fishing licenses, and extra clothing are not included, so plan accordingly.

What to Expect on the Tour

Departure and Transportation

The day kicks off around noon to 1 pm from Fairbanks, with a scenic drive of about 1.5 hours toward the selected icy destination. During the trip, you’ll get a chance to enjoy views of the Salcha River Basin, which is pretty spectacular even in winter. This part of the journey helps you settle into the Alaska vibe, with the landscape blanketed in snow and the sun casting crisp light over frozen riverbeds.

Arriving at the Lake

Once you arrive, you’ll meet your ice fishing guide, a true Alaskan who’s passionate about sharing his knowledge. The centerpiece is the Luxury Ice Fishing Castle—a cozy, well-equipped shelter that keeps you warm while you fish. The guide’s approach is markedly professional—no over-fishing, no huge groups—so you’ll have a more intimate experience.

Ice Fishing Experience

Expect about four hours of guided fishing, which includes instruction, the chance to learn about the fish beneath the ice (often with underwater cameras), and the opportunity to catch your own dinner. The guide will cook lunch or dinner, using the fish you catch—talk about fresh! Many reviews highlight the guide’s storytelling skills and his friendly, expert approach, which makes this part of the trip both educational and fun. One reviewer noted, “He does things the right way, no huge groups, no over-fishing,” which reassures those of us concerned about sustainability.

Post-Fishing Relaxation

After fishing, you’ll hang around the area for a campfire—perfect for roasting marshmallows—and then head out for snowshoeing. The snowshoe walk is described as easy and casual, providing a relaxed way to explore the winter forest and enjoy Alaska’s snow-covered scenery. It’s a nice change of pace after hours in the ice shelter and helps you stretch your legs.

Aurora Viewing and Chasing

As night falls, the real magic begins. The tour leaders will determine where to best see the Aurora. Sometimes it’s right on the lake, other times they may drive further south or back toward Fairbanks to find the clearest skies. This flexibility is crucial because Aurora activity depends on weather and geomagnetic conditions, which the guides monitor closely.

Nighttime Experience

The tour keeps you out, possibly until 4 am, so be prepared for a late night. The experience includes help with photography, whether you’re using your cell or a camera rental. They’ll also provide some photography tips to help you capture the lights. If you’re lucky, you’ll come away with five edited photos, including a portrait with the Aurora—a nice souvenir of your trip.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The price of $450 per person covers the transportation, guiding, fishing gear, snacks, campfire, snowshoeing, Aurora discussions, and photography support. However, extras like camera rentals, tripods, and fishing licenses are additional costs if you choose them. You’ll also need to buy a fishing license from Alaska Fish and Game, which costs $15 per person—kids under 16 get a free license.

The Value of This Tour

At first glance, the $450 price might seem high, but think about what’s included: a full day of personalized outdoor activities, all equipment, expert guidance, and a night of Aurora chasing with photography help. Considering the private or small-group nature of the tour, the flexibility, and the chance to experience multiple classic Alaskan winter pursuits in one day, it’s a solid value for travelers looking for an immersive experience.

Some reviews emphasize the knowledgeable guides and the stunning views—particularly the Aurora and the snowy forest—making it clear that this is more than just a day out; it’s an opportunity to have a truly memorable Alaskan adventure. The fact that the guide fishes alongside you and shares stories adds a layer of authenticity many travelers appreciate.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is suited to adventurers who enjoy outdoor activities and are comfortable with a full day of travel and outdoor time. It’s ideal for those interested in learning about local wildlife, trying their hand at ice fishing, or seeing the Northern Lights in an intimate setting.

While the tour doesn’t specify family-friendliness explicitly, the casual and accessible snowshoeing, paired with the small group setting, makes it appropriate for travelers with older children or teens who are comfortable in winter environments.

Prepare for a late night if Aurora viewing is prime, and be sure to dress warmly—layering is key, as even the most cozy shelter can’t fully shield you from the winter chill once you’re outside in the dark.

Final Thoughts

The Ice Fishing and Aurora Extravaganza offers a well-rounded taste of Alaska’s winter wonderland. It combines the thrill of ice fishing with the serenity of snowshoeing and the awe of the Northern Lights—an experience that’s rich in variety without feeling rushed. The personal touch of a knowledgeable guide, the comfort of a warm shelter, and the flexibility of Aurora chasing make it stand out among winter tours.

If you’re looking for an adventure that’s more than just sightseeing, with opportunities for hands-on activities and genuine Alaskan hospitality, this trip might be just what you need. It’s particularly perfect for travelers eager to balance outdoor fun with some cozy, memorable moments under the stars.

FAQs

Do I need to bring my own warm clothing?
Yes, the tour does not include extra warm clothing, so layering and proper winter gear are recommended.

Can I rent a camera if I want professional photos?
Yes, camera rentals are available for $50-$55, and tripods for $15-$25, but they need to be booked in advance.

Is a fishing license required?
Yes, you’ll need a one-day fishing license from Alaska Fish and Game, costing $15 per person, with kids under 16 free.

What is the duration of the tour?
It’s approximately 16 hours, starting around 12:30 pm and ending back at the meeting point, with flexibility to go until 4 am for Aurora viewing.

How many people participate?
This is a private tour, so only your group will be involved, which allows for a more personalized experience.

What if the weather is poor?
The tour is weather-dependent; if canceled, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is this suitable for families or children?
While not explicitly family-focused, the casual snowshoeing and small-group setting suggest it could work for older children comfortable in cold weather.

What’s the best part of this experience?
Many travelers highlight the knowledgeable guides, the customizable Aurora chasing, and the stunning winter scenery as top highlights.

Are meals included?
Yes, the guide cooks lunch or dinner using your catch of fish, and snacks like hot cocoa are provided.

Can I participate if I’m not an experienced angler or snowshoer?
Absolutely—guides make the fishing and snowshoeing accessible and easy to follow, perfect for beginners.

If this sounds like your kind of winter adventure—balancing authentic outdoor activities with a good dose of comfort and flexibility—this Ice Fishing and Aurora Extravaganza might just be the trip of a lifetime.