In this rafting podcast episode, we dive deep into the wild beauty of northern Canada with Joel Hibbard, second-generation river guide and co-owner of Nahanni River Adventures, one of the most respected wilderness outfitters in North America. Joel joins us to talk about what it’s like to grow up guiding rivers in the Yukon, Northwest Territories, and beyond—sharing stories of childhood summers spent paddling canyons, flying into remote bush camps, and learning the rhythms of the land from his family’s legacy.
If you’ve ever dreamed of Yukon River rafting or navigating untouched waterways where caribou roam and grizzlies fish for salmon, this is your episode. We explore the incredible variety of guided rafting trips and canoe expeditions Joel and his team lead on some of the most legendary rivers on the continent, including:
🛶 Nahanni River trip – home to Náįlįcho (Virginia Falls), twice the height of Niagara, surrounded by 1,000-meter canyons, hot springs, and Indigenous history.
🛶 Firth River trip – a pristine Arctic whitewater river that cuts through unglaciated Beringia, offering unreal tundra hiking, wildlife encounters, and geology that hasn’t changed in over a million years.
🛶 Tatshenshini River trip – wild, coastal, glacial terrain flowing into British Columbia with Class III whitewater and massive mountain backdrops.
🛶 Horton River – a lesser-known gem for packrafting and canoeing in the tundra, ideal for spotting caribou, wolves, and expansive Arctic vistas.
This episode is packed with storytelling and insight for fans of outdoor adventure podcasts, aspiring expedition paddlers, and anyone curious about what goes into leading multi-week trips in some of the most remote wilderness on the planet.
We cover:
🌄 What it’s like to run a family-owned outfitter in the North
📆 The short but spectacular rafting season in the Yukon and Northwest Territories
🐻 How guides manage grizzly bear safety in remote camps
🚁 The logistics of flying guests, gear, and guides into off-grid rivers
🛶 The differences between raft, canoe, and packraft expeditions—and who each style is right for
💬 Why Joel says these trips are less about adrenaline and more about connection
🌱 The critical role of conservation, Indigenous stewardship, and keeping wild places wild
Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or just curious about stepping off the grid, this conversation will give you a deeper appreciation for the wild rivers of Canada’s North—and maybe even inspire your next great adventure.
🎧 Listen now to one of the most inspiring rafting podcast episodes of the year.
🧭 Book a trip or learn more at: https://tripoutside.com/browse/activity:water-sports:rafting
Keywords:
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