Aurora Borealis Viewing and Ice Fishing Adventure in Fairbanks
Fairbanks, United States

Aurora Borealis Viewing and Ice Fishing Adventure

Outty Ranking 73 4.9 · 121 traveler reviews5 hoursFrom $239

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September 2026

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Adults

Age 13 and over

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Age 12 and under

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From, per person$239
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Outty Ranking

73/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.9/5

Based on 121 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Aurora Borealis Viewing and Ice Fishing Adventure worth booking?

Aurora Borealis Viewing and Ice Fishing Adventure is a 5-hour experience in Fairbanks, United States, from $239 per person. It scores 73 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 121 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
73 / 100
Rating
4.9/5 (121)
Duration
5 hours
From
$239 per person

Fairbanks Alaska ice fishing and aurora borealis viewing in a deluxe ice fishing cabin with electric and heat.  While you wait for the magical aurora to appear sip hot cocoa as fish tug on your line.

What you get

    About this experience

    Fairbanks Alaska ice fishing and aurora borealis viewing in a deluxe ice fishing cabin with electric and heat.  While you wait for the magical aurora to appear sip hot cocoa as fish tug on your line.

    What's included

    Included

    • Deluxe fishing cabin with electric and wood stove
    • Local guide
    • Hot grilled Reindeer Sausage on bun and drink
    • Fishing poles and bait
    • Your fresh fish, seasoned and cooked
    • Steaming hot cocoa

    Not included

    • Fishing license--Can be bought at tour start from guide for $15.00 cash.
    • Transportation to/from attractions

    What you'll see and do

    1. Chena River State Recreation Area

      At night your guide will help you catch fish through the ice as we wait for the magical aurora dance. Your guide will help you take pictures of the aurora borealis.

      300 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Fairbanks

    Please contact us the day prior by email or phone for updated meeting location. Meeting location is .8 miles, at the end of the road, after you make the left turn at the Google pin drop. "Google Pin Drop" https://maps.app.goo.gl/FinAVhExa7KJ3r9E8

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Please contact us the day prior by email or phone for updated meeting location. Meeting location is .8 miles, at the end of the road, after you make the left turn at the Google pin drop. "Google Pin Drop" https://maps.app.goo.gl/FinAVhExa7KJ3r9E8

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 14 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Rods Alaskan Guide Service

    Know before you go

    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • A minimum of 2 people per booking is required

    Photos

    Stay warm in the deluxe fishing cabins while the aurora dances.Don't forget your camera.Aurora Borealis Viewing and Ice Fishing Adventure in Fairbanks, photo 4Aurora Borealis Viewing and Ice Fishing Adventure in Fairbanks, photo 5Aurora Borealis Viewing and Ice Fishing Adventure in Fairbanks, photo 6Aurora Borealis Viewing and Ice Fishing Adventure in Fairbanks, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 121 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    6 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    6 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Good for families

    3 mentions

    Reviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.

    Photo opportunities

    2 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Food and drink

    2 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Traveler reviews

    121 verified traveler reviews for Aurora Borealis Viewing and Ice Fishing Adventure. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    118
    4 star
    0
    3 star
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    2 star
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    1 star
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    Sort
    Danielle_S · March 2026

    Awesome night! Lots of...

    Awesome night! Lots of fish caught and lady aurora showed up! 10/10 recommend! Trevor was super friendly and knowledgeable!

    via Viator

    JO539 · March 2026

    Cannot Say Enough Good Things!

    An all around amazing experience from the start - Jay, our guide, the woodstove-warmed cabin, ice fishing, the fact that lights came out to play, the reindeer sausage and fish, and even the crazy cold temps! Despite the warmth in the cabin, your feet will get cold if you don't have good footwear, so be prepared for that. You'll be warm enough that you'll be removing layers up top though. All will be needed for warmth when you walk out to check on the lights every so often. It was -32 the night we went out. Whether you're catching fish or not, it's a great experience to be hanging in a cabin. Having the lights show up is a definite plus, but nothing in anyone's control. Our guide, Jay, was fantastic - prepped our bait, played good music, kept us company, helped check on the lights and cooked up some great sausage and fish. We did this trip as a family of four, which included 2 teenagers. They had a blast too. We do not regret our choice in booking this experience at all!

    via Tripadvisor

    Tatiana_C · March 2026

    Great experience

    One more to ✔️off my bucket list. We had a great time/a great experience, even though we couldn’t see the Aurora since it was snowing, Jay made sure we made the best of it. He was fun and knowledgeable. I recommend this tour anytime.

    via Viator

    D9570LBlyndad · February 2026

    I would definitely like to do this again!

    Our guide, Jay, was very knowledgeable and helpful. Although I didn’t catch any fish and the northern lights didn’t come out, I absolutely loved the experience. I was surprised how warm and toasty the wood-burning stove kept us during -40° below zero. Jay also cooked some deer sausage on the stove and it was delicious!

    via Tripadvisor

    Michael_P · February 2026

    Fun experience! Would like to come back to get some bigger salmon!

    Pretty fun experience, my first time ice fishing and my wife’s first time ever fishing. Got a couple bites but they fell off my hook, my wife caught her first fish! Which was super exciting and fun to see her experience! Aurora was out a little which was nice before the trip back home. The fresh fish and reindeer sausage was yummy too! Never had that fresh of fish before!

    Response from the operator: We love the excitement of folks who catch their first fish ever-with us. Thank you for ice fishing with Rod's Alaskan Guide Service.

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    5 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    42
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Why this scores 73

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)91
    Review evidence (18% weight)66
    Booking momentum (14% weight)60
    Value for money (12% weight)50
    Listing quality (10% weight)61
    Local standing (8% weight)66
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Aurora Borealis Viewing and Ice Fishing Adventure: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Fairbanks.

    How much does Aurora Borealis Viewing and Ice Fishing Adventure cost?

    +

    Prices start at $239 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Fairbanks usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Aurora Borealis Viewing and Ice Fishing Adventure take?

    +

    Plan for about 5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Fairbanks is not rushed.

    Is Aurora Borealis Viewing and Ice Fishing Adventure worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 73 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 121 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Fairbanks, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Aurora Borealis Viewing and Ice Fishing Adventure?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Aurora Borealis Viewing and Ice Fishing Adventure suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Aurora Borealis Viewing and Ice Fishing Adventure?

    +

    Around 42 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Fairbanks can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Fairbanks and add a light layer if any part of the 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Aurora Borealis Viewing and Ice Fishing Adventure start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Fairbanks within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Fairbanks?

    +

    Fairbanks is the aurora capital of interior Alaska: heated viewing lodges, late-night chase tours, Arctic Circle day drives up the Dalton Highway, dog sledding and summer riverboat cruises. On Outty we rank every Fairbanks experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Northern Lights - Aurora with FREE Photos - Arctic Night Tours, Dog Sledding and Mushing Experience in North Pole, Fairbanks Ice Fishing Expedition in a Heated Cabin with Fish Cookout. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Fairbanks?

    +

    Late August to April for aurora, June to August for midnight-sun river trips. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Fairbanks?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

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