If the sights and sounds of moving water in nature are refreshing and rejuvenating, then time spent at Kap-Kig-Iwan is liquid medicine!
Located in the heart of northern Ontario, Kap-Kig-Iwan Provincial Park is located off Highway 11, two kilometers south of Englehart and just north of the Temagami region.
This quaint little park shows off the best of the boreal forest, with stunning water features that you can’t miss!
Check out these five reasons to visit Kap-Kig-Iwan:
1. Fall in love with water fountains
The name Kap-Kig-Iwan is said to come from the Ojibwe phrase “water running over the edge.”
high falls
The many faces of the Englehart River—its rapids, waterfalls, and waterfalls—are revealed as it meanders through a picturesque valley.
Explore the twists and turns of the river on the park’s hiking trails or by relaxing near the main waterfall next to the day-use area.
2. Stay in the picturesque valley
The Englehart River flows through a pretty little valley that runs through the Little Clay Belt, an unexpected agricultural region in northeastern Ontario.
The Little Clay Belt was formed thousands of years ago by meltwater from glaciers at the end of the ice age. For thousands of years, ice had turned rocks into sand, silt and clay.
About 9,000 years ago, meltwater deposited silt and clay at the bottom of a wide glacial lake.
A view of the Englehart River from one of the park’s overlooks at the edge of the valley.
The Englehart River has cut through the soils of the Clay Belt at Kap-Kig-Iwan. Here you reach the harsh bedrock of the Canadian Shield, where you tumble over waterfalls and cascades surrounded by boreal forest, to create this scenic landscape.
At the beginning of the 20th century, farmers discovered this fertile landscape. Grain, hay and dairy farms became abundant.
Mrs. Claybelt and the Little Claybelt Homesteaders Museum in New Liskeard
See a huge statue of a dairy cow known as Mrs. Claybelt and the Little Claybelt Settlers Museum in New Liskeard.
Gastronomic tourism It is also growing in the communities and agricultural country of the Little Clay Belt!
3. Bird in the boreal forest
Thousands of birds migrate to the boreal forest each spring and summer to nest and raise their young.
A black warbler, one of the many songbirds you can see and hear at Kap-Kig-Iwan
Many of these nesting songbirds will have passed through southern Ontario briefly and are taking advantage of the park’s abundant food to feed their chicks.
Pack your binoculars and your life list and get ready to spot a variety of birds, including chestnut, mourning, yellow and black warblers, flycatchers and vireos!
4. Walk interesting trails
Celebrate the park’s beautiful boreal forest and its stunning water features by exploring its three hiking trails.
Perfect for novice hikers, these trails showcase the beauty of the park and reward visitors with impressive viewpoints, with unchallenging terrain.
Hell’s Gate Trail It is a moderate 2.5 km trail that allows hikers to follow the Englehart River past waterfalls, rapids and deep ravines.
Boreal birders love the Highland Loop Trail. This 5 km trail takes the visitor through pine, beech and poplar forests.
The aspen is a key tree species in the boreal forest. It looks like White Birch, but is smoother and taller.
While it is not a trail, there is a great overlook overlooking the Englehart River Valley just off the main park road.
5. The perfect road trip
While Kap-Kig-Iwan is worth a hike on its own, this gem only highlights a small part of northern Ontario’s vast boreal forest.
It’s the perfect start to our boreal driving routetraveling campers through eight parks in total (including Esker Lakes Provincial Park, Fushimi Lake Provincial Park, and White Lake Provincial Park).
Esker Lakes Provincial Park
We have all the information you need to start your adventure here!
Do you prefer to keep your store staked in one place? Use the park as a base camp to explore local attractions.
take a trip to Temiskaming Coasts for a bite to eat and unique events and attractions like the New Liskeard Business Improvement Association’s Summerfest.
Are you planning a visit?
Kap-Kig-Iwan Campgrounds offers 32 electric and 31 non-electric campsites.
A comfort station with toilets and hot showers is located in the center of the park.
Day visits? You can now reserve your daily vehicle permit in advance to guarantee entry.
Day users and campers alike can enjoy a scenic picnic lunch next to the Englehart Valley’s main waterfall, located along the Englehart River with picnic tables, parking and trail access.
The park is open this year until September 24, 2023.