Kap Kig Iwan

Kap-Kig-Iwan

Kap kig Iwan Park is located in the heart of Northern Ontario, two kilometers off Highway 11 North. A picturesque setting spreads out over 325 hectares of (803 acres) of land, the park is situated within the boundaries of the townships of Dack and Evanturel just outside of the town of Englehart. With two campgrounds containing 64 campsites in all, 32 sites having electrical hook-ups and other amenities for campers including shower and washrooms facilities, Kap Kig Iwan offers the outdoor enthusiast a relaxed, back to nature atmosphere while still affording some essential comforts.

The park's name "Kap Kig Iwan" (pronounced cap-ki-gee-wan) is a derivative from the Ojibway language. It roughly translates the words "water running over the edge ," giving the impression of a river whose water are cascading over an escarpment. This image is vividly brought to life when one has the opportunity to view the park's major attraction - the high Falls of the Englehart River.

Declared a provincial park by the Ontario government in 1957, Kap Kig iwan , was designated a natural environment park by Parks Ontario in 1978 under the guidelines of the park's Management Plan. Natural Environment parks are intended to incorporate recreational landscapes with representative natural features and historical resources to provide both high quality recreational and educational experiences. Evidence of more than tow billion years of the planet's history can be seen in the walls and floors of the Englehart River Valley. The lowest layers are among the oldest rocks in the world, while higher strata contain fossils of some early forms of life, and those toward the top record the effects of the last Ice Age. The river has several series of white-water rapids, rugged rock outcrops, deep ravines and a great diversity of vegetation and wildlife.

Kap Kig Iwan, although the smallest provincial park in the Northern Region, is regionally noted for its flora, fauna and geological features whose centerpiece is the rushing Englehart River. It is a quiet, peaceful and scenic spot that invites visitors to relax in a splendid, unspoiled setting.

Three of the outstanding attractions of the park are its series of spectacular waterfalls it numerous scenic lookouts plus several hiking trails for your enjoyment. Trail guides with maps and other publications are available from the park office explain how the river and its valleys were created. The trail systems at the picturesque facility include "The Sentinel Cedar Trail" which combines the rugged beauty of the river, the falls and the woods on the south bank of the Englehart River.

"The Upland Circle Trail " is more of a traditional forest-type trail, without the river, it winds through the woods high above the river. it offers the hiker an opportunity to study plant life, trees as well as a variety of birds an other wildlife, and is also a delightful cross-country ski trial in he winter. The most beautiful trail within the park would be the " Hell's Gate Trail" whose very name may mislead you into visions of a difficult and unnatural path It winds along the river bank following the many rapids and runs into the woods where on may encounter a little wildlife as it joins up with the Upland Circle Trail.

"The Englehart Riverside Hiking Trail" established in 1994 is the longest of the trails at the park. It begins at Kap Kig Iwan and runs for 5.7 kilometers along the backs of the river and through the woods. This challenging trail, featuring many bridges and hills, will lead the hiking enthusiast out to Hwy. 11 at the bridge spanning the Englehart River. Hiking in the park often involves climbing and possibly crossing wet terrain, so visitors are advised to bring suitable shoes and clothing.

KAP KIG IWAN PROVINCIAL PARK
1999 Fee Schedule
Effective May 21, 1999

Camping Rates

Type of Site

Without Showers

With Showers

With Electricity

Regular

$14.50

$16.00

$19.00

Seniors

$10.75