Quapaw Canoe Company

A Magical, Mind-blowing Mississippi trip with good friends and the amazing John and his crew. We were so well looked after. We paddled in Quapaw hand crafted Canoes, guided with expertise, knowledge, humour, spirituality and kindness. We camped on the sandbanks amongst stunning nature and wildlife and ate the most excellent, freshly prepared food created daily for us. Woke to a warming fire every morning with hot coffee brewed early. Enjoyed a daily paddle down river and shared stories, music and laughter around the fire every evening. It was an experience I will treasure forever and never forget. Thank you John and crew for a wonderful week full of spectacular sunrises and sunsets, swims in the river, nature, wildlife, good food, music, art, poetry, good friends and lots and lots of laughter. Karen x

Quapaw offer a unique experience to explore the Mississippi River. I've been returning (all the way from the UK) to paddle and camp on the big river with Quapaw for many years now and their expertise, service, fire-cooked meals and community set-up is incredible. For anyone craving adventure, wide-open spaces, magical photo opportunities, sandbars full of footprints and the perfect escape from "real" life, John Ruskey and his crew have 26 years of experience guiding safe and memorable trips in all manner of non motorised water craft. If a canoe or SUP trip on the Mississippi appeals to you, look no further than the Quapaw Canoe Company

Just back in the UK after a week long trip with Quapaw. Amazing experience, the views, wildlife and food were amazing. John Ruskey and his team of experienced guides made this a truly magical experience for everyone. The pace is just right and caters for all levels of age and fitness. If you are looking for an active holiday and enjoy the great outdoors you really can't do better than this.

Magical experience - a week exploring the Mississippi with Quapaw, we paddled down river in beautiful hand-crafted canoes, always looked after by our fabulous guides, camping on sandbars, each day waking to the magic of this big river, delicious meals cooked on campfires, cowboy coffee before an early morning swim, always time to relax and be inspired to paint or marvel at the occasional tow move barges along the river, evenings singing by the campfire and stories from the river. It sure was magical, thank you Quapaw, a little of my heart remains there on the Mississippi 💚

Amazing trip, led by John & supported by Heather, Sarah & Ceili, made us safe & comfortable on our 6 day trip on the river. Wonderful campfire food, coffee and songs. John knowledge immense. I would recommend in a heartbeat.

I recently attended their June community canoe paddle- which the have monthly- and cannot recommend their service enough! Their community canoe trips they have are a great way to get out on the beautiful Mississippi River with the whole family as kids under 18 can tag along for free and those older get a discounted rate! We paddled out to "West Montezuma Island" for an afternoon of swimming and hiking and relaxing on a sandy beach shaded by beautiful Willow Trees- it was hard to tell whether we were on a wild part of the Gulf Coast or the Mississippi River! I can't wait to get out with John and River and the other wonderful guides again- hopefully soon!

Traveled on an overnight trip with John, River and 2 other team members. Originally slated to be a 2 night trip, the tornado weather necessitated a change. We explored Clarkesdale and John hosted us for dinner at his house. Dinner was amazing. We set out the next day and the entire experience was amazing. A group of 8 or so guys all out for an adventure. We camped that night and found out the food they make in the kitchen is just as good (or better) out on the beach of Island 62. John, River, Whit, and Lee took good care of us. Gave us space to enjoy ourselves. We never felt rushed or pushed. They are all beautiful souls. I thought this would be a once in a lifetime experience but I plan to return often and bring others with me. Go and experience the wild Mississippi River in a safe way with skilled guides, amazing food, and thoughtfully curated moments. Cheers!

John Ruskey and his team know the Mississippi River like no one else. Beyond their technical expertise and top-shelf gear to keep you safe on and off the water, they go above and beyond to serve and keep you comfortable. Hand-crafted meals, thoughtful conversations, space and time to do your own exploring, and incredibly detailed information about the deep since of place the river holds along the way, with even some live blues music! John is a special soul; kind, content, present and sincere as his capable, mysterious, wild, and wise. It is evident he cares about pouring into his crew and equipping them to keep their guests free from injury and surprisingly comfortable. Couldn’t imagine creating let alone finding a better company to realize all your Huckleberry Finn, mighty Mississippi River adventures. Bring your friends for a weekend trip, get some couples together for a fun weekend, or wrangle your kids for a weekend they’ll never forget with Quapaw! Can’t wait to come back, 10/10 ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ YEE YEE!