Aurora Ice Fishing in Fairbanks: Heated Hut Nights Under the Northern Lights
Combine ice fishing from a heated hut with Northern Lights viewing on this Fairbanks night tour. Guides provide gear, snacks, hot drinks, and hotel pickup for a low-effort way to chase aurora displays and winter-caught fish.
The Experience
Before You Go
Dress in layers
Temperatures can plunge after sunset; wear a moisture-wicking base, insulating mid-layers, and a windproof outer shell.
Insulated footwear
Bring rated winter boots and warm socks — standing on ice magnifies the cold and slush near holes.
Bring a tripod and manual camera
For aurora photography, long exposures and a stable base make the difference between a faint glow and vivid bands of light.
Plan for limited facilities
Heated huts provide warmth but restroom access may be limited; use facilities during pickup if possible.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Look for smaller, guide-selected ponds near Fairbanks that reduce light pollution for stronger aurora viewing.
- •Check nearby Cleary Summit scenic pullouts for panoramic northern horizons if you stop before or after the tour.
Wildlife
- •Snowshoe hare
- •Red fox
Conservation Note
Winter traffic and shoreline access can disturb fragile tundra; operators typically limit concentrations on shore and encourage Leave No Trace practices to protect permafrost and vegetation.
Fairbanks grew around the early 20th-century gold rush and later became a research and tourism hub for aurora science due to its high-latitude location.
What to Bring
Insulated winter parkaEssential
A high-fill down or synthetic parka blocks wind and traps heat during long, cold nights.
Insulated winter bootsEssential
Waterproof, insulated boots keep feet dry and warm on icy surfaces.
Thermal base layersEssential
Wicking base layers reduce sweat and help maintain core warmth over several hours outdoors.
Tripod and spare batteries
Cold drains batteries faster; a sturdy tripod lets you capture long-exposure aurora shots.
Common Questions
What time does the tour run and how long is it?
Pickup typically occurs between 8:00–8:30 PM from Fairbanks hotels and the total outing lasts about 6–7 hours.
What’s included in the tour price?
The tour includes a guide, all fishing gear, a heated hut, fish snacks, hot beverages, and hotel transfers.
Is this suitable for children or people with limited mobility?
The activity is advertised as suitable for all fitness levels; however, guests should be able to step onto and off flat ice and into a hut—check with the operator about specific mobility needs.
What is the cancellation policy if weather is bad?
This operator lists all sales as final but may cancel for bad weather or insufficient travelers; confirm refund or rescheduling options before booking.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
6–7 hours
Location
Fairbanks, Alaska
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires only short walks on flat ice and basic mobility to enter/exit a hut.
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