The 6 Best Dinner Tours in Fairbanks
Fairbanks is a prime destination for Alaska’s iconic winter experiences. Its location under the aurora borealis and proximity to rugged wilderness make it perfect for nighttime adventures combining food and spectacle. Unlike many places where you’re left to imagine the scenery, Fairbanks offers tours that put you right in the heart of the action—cruising under the northern lights, tasting freshly caught fish in an ice fishing cabin, or enjoying a home-cooked salmon dinner in a cozy yurt. These tours aren’t just about the scenery—they’re about authentic, memorable moments with local guides, delicious food, and a chance to see Alaska’s winter magic firsthand.
If you’re wondering which dinner experience suits your style, you’re in the right place. We’ve sorted through the options to find the best Fairbanks dinner tours, whether you want to combine dog sledding with aurora viewing, try ice fishing, or just relax with a warm meal after a night of Aurora chasing. Each tour offers a unique taste of Alaska, and some come with glowing reviews that highlight how special they really are.
1. Northern Lights Viewing including Dinner and 1-Hour Dog Sledding
At number one, this tour provides a comprehensive Alaskan night out. It kicks off with a 1-hour dog sled ride through snowy landscapes—an experience that truly captures the essence of Alaska’s winter culture. The sled dogs are eager, and you’ll learn what it takes to guide a team before hopping into the sled. Afterward, you’ll head to a cozy, off-the-grid cabin for a homemade, home-cooked dinner that feels like a warm hug after a cold day outdoors. As the night falls, you can settle into the cabin’s large north-facing windows, facing the sky in hopes of spotting the aurora borealis while sipping a warm beverage.
This tour is rated 5.0/5 with 100 reviews for good reason. Travelers rave about the personalized experience, the delicious food, and the chance to combine adventure with relaxation. The inclusion of hotel transportation makes it easy to relax without fussing over logistics. If you want a full evening of dog mushing, dining, and aurora hunting in one memorable package, this tour is hard to beat.
Bottom Line: A top choice for travelers seeking an all-in-one Alaska experience—dog sledding, local cuisine, and Northern Lights—rated perfectly and highly recommended.
2. Fairbanks: Moonlight Dog Sled, Dinner & Northern Lights
Number two offers a powerful combo of dog sledding at night and aurora viewing, topped with a home-cooked salmon dinner. This tour’s highlight is the moonlight dog sled ride, which guides you through snowy woods under the night sky—an experience that’s both exhilarating and intimate. After the sled ride, you’ll gather in a cozy yurt to enjoy dinner, featuring Alaskan salmon, with an atmosphere that feels very authentic and welcoming.
What sets this tour apart is its focus on the full evening experience, with multiple pick-up locations for flexibility, and an added bonus of the Aurora Borealis glimpsed from the yurt. Travelers particularly appreciate the fabulous guide who shares Alaska stories and helps with photography, making sure you capture the moment.
Rated 4.7/5 with over 100 reviews, travelers mention how thrilling the sled ride was and praise the quality of the meal. The guides’ storytelling and the opportunity to see the Aurora in a natural setting add a lot of value.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting a full outdoor adventure with a cozy meal, especially if you’re excited about moonlit sled rides and aurora sightings.
3. Aurora Ice – Ice Fishing & Salmon Dinner Tour
For a truly unique experience, the Aurora Ice tour combines ice fishing with Northern Lights viewing inside a heated cabin. You’ll fish from inside a fabled ice fishing cabin, equipped with solar power and underwater cameras to boost your chances of catching fish, primarily salmon. As you fish, you’ll enjoy panoramic windows perfect for catching glimpses of the Aurora Borealis, all while staying warm inside.
The tour is rated 5.0/5 based on 37 reviews, with many praising the well-prepared guide Greg, who cooked their catch and kept everyone entertained. It’s an innovative way to combine fishing, eating, and Aurora watching, offering an experience that’s both relaxing and interactive. The dinner — a delicious fish meal — is a highlight, especially for seafood lovers.
This tour appeals to those who want a hands-on activity paired with exceptional food and a guaranteed warm environment. The full-featured experience makes it a good value, especially for those eager to combine adventure and comfort.
Bottom Line: A standout option for fishing enthusiasts and anyone wanting to enjoy Alaskan cuisine with a unique twist on Aurora viewing.
4. Northern Lights Experience and Cabin Dinner
If you prefer a classic yet cozy Northern Lights viewing experience, this cabin dinner tour is a great fit. It takes you to an off-the-grid Alaskan cabin where you’ll share a home-cooked meal, often prepared by friendly local hosts. After dinner, the large north-facing windows provide a prime spot to see the Aurora if the skies cooperate. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics straightforward.
Rated 5.0/5 with 22 reviews, travelers highlight the friendly guides, the delicious food, and the beautiful setting, even when the Aurora is shy. Some appreciated taking long exposure photos of the lights, which can be tricky but rewarding.
Best suited for those who want a relaxed evening with good company and an authentic Alaskan meal. The secluded yurt setting offers a peaceful, intimate atmosphere that’s ideal for quiet reflection or small group conversations.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking a comfortable, intimate evening with Aurora viewing, excellent food, and a cozy, off-the-grid environment.
5. Late Night Yurt Dinner and Northern Lights
This tour is all about personalized Aurora viewing from the warmth of a secluded yurt. It includes a home-cooked salmon dinner and an opportunity to capture great photos with guides’ assistance. The tour is rated 4.6/5 based on 16 reviews, with travelers praising Ash’s friendly, professional approach and the heated yurt with indoor restrooms.
The tour is perfect for those wanting a more intimate, less crowded experience. The combination of delicious local food, a private Yurt, and Aurora sightings creates a memorable night. Some reviews mention the great company and beautiful Aurora displays, even if the lights don’t always cooperate.
It’s well-suited for photo enthusiasts and quiet travelers who want a secluded setting with personal attention. The limited number of guests makes it a more exclusive experience.
Bottom Line: Suitable for those wanting a peaceful, intimate Aurora experience with delicious food and photographic opportunities.
6. Aurora Viewing and Dinner
Finally, the Aurora Viewing and Dinner offers a more flexible, self-drive option. It features a 3-course meal at Latitude 65 and a cozy lounge to wait for the Aurora to appear. This tour allows you to control your schedule and is ideal if you prefer independent arrangements.
While it lacks reviews, the price point at $120 per person makes it accessible, and the dinner reservation at 8 pm provides a comfortable evening. You can enjoy the dining experience and then relax with free Wi-Fi while waiting for the Aurora. It’s perfect for self-sufficient travelers who enjoy a bit of flexibility.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers comfortable with self-guided Aurora viewing who want a budget-friendly, flexible dinner option.
How to Choose the Best Fairbanks Dinner Tour for You
When deciding among these options, consider your budget, interest in outdoor activities, and desire for comfort or adventure. If you want an all-in-one experience with dog sledding and Aurora viewing, the Northern Lights Viewing including Dinner and 1-Hour Dog Sledding offers an unbeatable package. For a more relaxed, intimate setting, the Northern Lights Experience and Cabin Dinner or the Late Night Yurt Dinner and Northern Lights might be better.
Budget-conscious travelers might prefer the self-driven Aurora Viewing and Dinner, especially if they enjoy crafting their own evening plans. Those who love hands-on activities and seafood should not miss the Aurora Ice, offering ice fishing combined with Aurora viewing.
Booking early is advisable, particularly during peak Aurora season from September to March, as these tours tend to fill up.
Final Thoughts
Fairbanks offers a diverse range of dinner experiences that showcase Alaska’s natural beauty and local flavors. From dog sledding under the northern lights to ice fishing dinners, each tour provides a unique way to connect with the land and its traditions. For travelers seeking adventure paired with good food, options like the Northern Lights Viewing including Dinner and 1-Hour Dog Sledding or the Aurora Ice are excellent choices. On the other hand, if you prefer peaceful, cozy evenings with a strong chance of Aurora sightings, the Northern Lights Experience and Cabin Dinner is perfect.
Whatever your preference, booking early will ensure a spot in these popular tours, giving you the best chance to enjoy Alaska’s winter wonderland in the most delicious and awe-inspiring way.