Quapaw Canoe Company

John Ruskey said, "May the river be with you." And I replied, "and also with you." To live it is to know it! Paddling in Quapaw's canoe on Big Mama Mississippi river is soulful. John is a phenomenal, caring, talented and knowledgeable tour guide. I am the river and the river is me💙🤎

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

I reached out for assistance with my Source to Sea trip in 2026. They did a great job of offering assistance & advise. After speaking with them, I would have 100% confidence in using them as a guide service. It was great to talk to people who love what they do and have the experience to give customers a great adventure and safe trip!

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.

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!

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.

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 💚

If you're in Clarksdale or anywhere in the Delta take a morning, a day or a whole week and get out on the beautiful Mississippi with Quapaw Canoe Company! We came out for a visit in June and I really wanted to see some of the river. My sis recommended Quapaw Canoe as THE outfitter in the area for this type of trip. Located on Sunflower Ave just over looking the Sunflower River we booked a morning with guides John and River. They picked us up at 6am as scheduled and we put in at Friars Point. The river itself is beautiful and will speak for itself. You don't need me to mess up your experience out there. We spent 4 hours paddling and putting in at sand bars and beaches. A really excellent day. We'll be back for at least an overnighter if not a week long adventure. Great price and great staff make for a great experience.