Fairbanks: Aurora Borealis & Ice Fishing Cabin Night

Fairbanks aurora night with ice fishing warmth food and laughter

You’ll wait for the aurora borealis in a warm Fairbanks fishing cabin with a local guide, sipping cocoa as you try ice fishing. When the northern lights appear, step outside for photos before returning to grill your own catch and enjoy reindeer sausage by the fire.

Step-by-step itinerary

Ice fishing and aurora viewing

• Arrive at deluxe ice fishing cabin
• Set up fishing gear on ice
• Fish through the ice with guide
• Sip hot cocoa while waiting
• Watch and photograph aurora borealis

The Experience

The first thing I noticed was the crackle from the wood stove inside our little fishing cabin — not the cold outside, or even the sky yet. It smelled like pine smoke and something savory I couldn’t place at first (turned out to be reindeer sausage). Our guide, Mike, handed me a mug of hot cocoa before I’d even taken off my gloves. He grinned and said, “You’ll want this for later.” He wasn’t wrong.

I’ve never tried ice fishing before. There’s this odd silence when you drop your line through the hole — just a soft plunk and then nothing but muffled laughter from the next group over. Mike showed us how to watch for tiny tugs on the pole. He had stories about Fairbanks winters that made me laugh (and shiver), and he knew exactly when to step outside to check if the aurora borealis was starting up. At one point, he poked his head in and said quietly, “It’s happening.”

We bundled out into the snow, boots crunching on ice. The sky was this shifting green curtain — not as bright as photos make it seem, but somehow more alive. I tried taking pictures but mostly just stood there with numb fingers and a dumb smile. Back in the cabin, Mike grilled our fish right on a little pan, seasoned it up with something peppery. Eating fresh fish after watching those lights… I still think about that taste.

What’s included

• Your night includes time in a deluxe heated ice fishing cabin near Fairbanks with all equipment provided.
• a friendly local guide.
• hot grilled reindeer sausage on a bun.
• steaming cocoa.
• your own fresh-caught fish seasoned and cooked right there.
• plus plenty of stories while waiting for those northern lights to show up.

Good to know

Easy physical level

Operated by Rods Alaskan Guide Service

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Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Fairbanks aurora tour?

No, hotel pickup is not included; you meet at the location.

What food is served during the ice fishing experience?

You get hot grilled reindeer sausage on a bun, plus your freshly caught fish cooked in the cabin.

Is there heating inside the ice fishing cabin?

Yes, the deluxe cabin has electric heat and a wood stove to keep you warm.

Can beginners try ice fishing on this tour?

Yes, it’s suitable for all fitness levels and beginners are welcome — guides help you fish.

How many people are needed to book?

A minimum of 2 people per booking is required.

Will we get help taking photos of the aurora borealis?

Yes, your guide will help you take pictures of the northern lights if they appear.