Ice Fishing and Aurora Extravaganza

Thinking about adding a true Alaskan winter experience to your trip? This Ice Fishing and Aurora Extravaganza promises a full day of outdoor fun, from catching fish through the ice to chasing the northern lights. It’s designed for travelers who want a taste of Alaska’s outdoor life without sacrificing comfort or convenience.

What we really like about this tour? First, the personalized, guided approach ensures you’re not just a number, but part of a small, friendly group with an expert guiding every step. Second, the combination of activities—ice fishing, snowshoeing, and aurora chasing—means you get a well-rounded, authentic taste of winter in the interior.

A potential consideration? The long hours—up to 16 hours—mean you need stamina and an appetite for adventure. Plus, since the experience is weather-dependent, cloudy or stormy nights could shift the plans or limit your viewing chances.

This tour suits those eager to explore Alaska’s outdoor pursuits in a flexible, customized way—ideal for active travelers, nature lovers, or anyone keen to see the northern lights while enjoying winter sports.

Key Points

• Personalized experience with small groups and expert guides
• Full day of outdoor activities including ice fishing, snowshoeing, and aurora chasing
• Flexible schedule that can extend into the early morning hours
• High value with included transportation, guided fishing, dinner, and Aurora viewing
• Excellent for photography with help provided to capture the Northern Lights
• Weather-dependent plans can shift based on cloud cover or aurora activity

What to Expect from This Arctic Adventure

This tour is a well-crafted journey through some of Alaska’s most iconic winter pastimes. Starting around noon, your day begins with a scenic drive from Fairbanks, giving you a chance to take in the snowy landscape and stop for photos of the Salcha River Basin. This initial drive, about 1.5 hours, sets the tone—quiet, chilly, and full of anticipation.

The Drive & Arrival

Traveling in a comfortable vehicle, you’ll enjoy the scenery and learn from your guides about local geography and wildlife. Once you arrive at the stunning frozen lake, you’ll meet your Ice Fishing Expert Guide, who will introduce you to your Luxury Ice Fishing Castle—a cozy, heated shelter where you’ll spend most of your day. Expect a warm, well-equipped setup, including amenities like restrooms, so you’re not just out in the cold.

Ice Fishing Experience

The core of this tour is 4 hours of guided ice fishing. The guides do things the right way: no overcrowding, no over-fishing, just an authentic experience. You’ll learn how to fish through the ice, watch fish swim beneath with underwater cameras, and, if luck is on your side, catch some yourself. The guide will cook lunch or dinner using your catch, which adds a satisfying, local flavor to the day.

Multiple reviewers mention the quality of the guides, noting that they are knowledgeable and tell great stories about Alaska’s wilderness. One quoted, “He’s an awesome Alaskan with so many great stories to tell while fishing,” which adds a personal touch to the experience.

Comfort & Authenticity

Unlike many outdoor adventures, this tour prioritizes comfort—your shelter is a luxury Ice Fishing Castle, and bathroom facilities are included. This makes the experience accessible even for those wary of spending hours exposed to the cold.

Campfire & Snowshoeing

After fishing, the group stays in the area to enjoy a cozy campfire, roasting marshmallows and sharing stories. Then, snowshoeing begins—a casual, easy walk through the winter forest. This part of the tour is designed to be relaxed and fun, giving you a chance to truly appreciate the winter wonderland Alaska offers.

Aurora Chasing & Viewing

As the day turns to night, the focus shifts to the Aurora Borealis. The guides are always discussing the science behind this natural phenomenon, helping you understand what you’re seeing. The tour offers full night of aurora viewing or chasing, meaning you could find yourself on the lake, or heading towards Delta Junction or back to Fairbanks depending on the weather and aurora forecast.

You’ll appreciate the extra help with photography, whether with your phone or a camera, with the tour providing 5 professionally edited photos if you opt for the portrait package. This thoughtful touch ensures you leave with memories captured beautifully.

Flexibility & Customization

The timing is flexible—you can end the tour anytime after midnight, possibly as late as 4 am if conditions warrant. This makes it a uniquely personalized experience, tailored to the night’s aurora activity and your group’s energy levels.

What’s Included & What Costs Extra

For $450 per person, you get a lot of value: transportation, guided ice fishing with a meal, snowshoeing, and Aurora chasing, plus photography assistance and surprises based on weather. The transportation is round-trip from Fairbanks, saving you the hassle of arranging your own transfer.

However, some extras are not included, such as warm clothing—so layering is recommended. You’ll also need to purchase a day fishing license from Alaska Fish and Game ($15), which is straightforward and worth the modest cost if fishing is your main goal.

If you want top-tier photos, camera or tripod rentals are available (around $15–$55), which might be worth considering for serious shutterbugs.

The Experience’s Value

Given the full day of activities, expert guides, and the chance to witness the Northern Lights in an authentic setting, this tour offers good value—especially if you’re craving a genuine winter adventure. It’s a well-rounded package, combining outdoor skills with culture and unforgettable scenery.

The experience’s flexibility, from the custom schedule to the small group setting, makes it appealing for travelers who prefer a personalized touch rather than a scripted, large-group tour.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for active travelers, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone interested in combining multiple winter pastimes into one day. It suits those with some patience for long hours outside and a desire to learn about Alaska’s natural phenomena from knowledgeable guides. Families with older children, couples, or solo travelers who want a balanced mix of learning, fun, and stunning views will find this tour a memorable addition to their Alaska trip.

Those eager to chase the Northern Lights, but also intrigued by fishing and snowshoeing, will appreciate how this tour packs everything into one seamless adventure. If you value comfort amid the cold and meaningful connection with guides and nature, this is a good fit.

The Sum Up

The Ice Fishing and Aurora Extravaganza from Fairbanks stands out as a well-organized, authentic winter experience that balances outdoor adventure with comfort. It’s ideal for travelers eager to explore Alaska’s wilderness in a flexible, customized way, especially those who want to combine multiple activities without feeling rushed.

The knowledgeable guides, stunning scenery, and the chance to see the northern lights make this tour a solid choice for anyone wanting a true taste of Alaskan winter. It’s a full-day adventure that offers both excitement and education, perfect for creating lasting memories of your trip.

If you’re after a genuine, small-group experience that covers fishing, snowshoeing, and aurora chasing—all in one day—this tour deserves serious consideration.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, round-trip transportation from Fairbanks is included, making it easy to focus on the experience rather than logistics.

What should I bring?
While some warm clothing is extra, the tour provides the shelter and comfort needed for the day. Layering is recommended, especially for late-night aurora viewing.

Can I participate if I don’t fish?
The tour is centered around guided ice fishing, so participation involves fishing activities. However, you can still enjoy snowshoeing and aurora viewing if you prefer.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 16 hours, starting around noon and potentially ending as late as 4 am, depending on aurora activity and weather.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Yes, reviews highlight that guides are experienced and tell great stories, adding value to the fishing and aurora experience.

What if the weather is cloudy or poor?
The tour is weather-dependent. If conditions prevent aurora viewing, the guides will suggest alternative plans or reschedule.

Is photography assistance available?
Yes, there’s help with capturing the Northern Lights, plus five edited photos included when you select the photography option.

This Ice Fishing and Aurora Extravaganza offers a genuine, hands-on taste of Alaska’s winter life. It’s a rewarding experience for those ready for a full day of outdoor fun, natural beauty, and unforgettable sights.