Joel Hibbard

Joel is an owner, outfitter and guide with Canadian River Expeditions. His favourite paddling trip is the upper stretches of the Nahanni River which saves him from having to choose which part of the park he enjoys most! Joel has a lifetime of experience in the Nahanni and looks forward to sharing the beauty, history and adventure of the North with you.

Last Updated: December 4, 2019
River Life
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Kraus Hot Springs on the Nahanni River

A highlight for many who journey down the Nahanni River with us is a relaxing soak in the soothing 32°C waters of Kraus Hot Springs.

We arrive at Kraus Hot Springs after paddling through Nahanni’s spectacular First Canyon, the steepest and deepest of them all. This sulfuric hot spring is an idyllic spa in the wilderness. It smells like rotten eggs but it feels like heaven.

The hotsprings were named after Mary and Gus Kraus who resided there between 1940 and 1971. The only structure remaining is a small cabin which functioned as an outbuilding. Garden parsnip and a few other exotic plants grow in the area, a legacy from the Kraus’ garden.

More to explore

Early Stewardship Leads to Lifelong Adventures in Wild Places

September 3, 2019

Bringing youth into the wild fosters confidence and leadership skills that, along with the memories of their time on the river, will last a lifetime. Nahanni Guide Isaac reflects on this year’s Kilcoo-Nahanni expedition, and how it’s truly an experience for all ages.

Canoeing through Canada's deepest river canyons on the Nahanni River in Canada's Northwest Territories.

Who Can Canoe the Nahanni River?

March 29, 2018

The Nahanni is a big river with powerful currents, boils and challenging whitewater. So who can canoe the Nahanni River?

River Stories: The McLeod Brothers Three

October 7, 2019

A journey along the Nahanni River is rife with tales of the people who have been here before. The story of Willie and Frank McLeod inspired the names of iconic places such as Deadmen Valley and Headless Creek. Here their lives (and deaths) come to life in poem by one of our river guides.