Explore Kap-Kig-Iwan

Hell’s Gate Trail: 3.2 km, 1 hour, easy

Upland Circle Trail: 2.3 km, 35 minutes, easy

If you ever find yourself in Englehart, consider spending the day at Kap-Kig-Iwan Provincial Park. Established in 1957, Kap-Kig-Iwan is one of Ontario's smallest provincial parks, yet it still carries an abundance of natural beauty. The Englehart River rushes through the park, cascading over white-water rapids and amazing waterfalls in a serene valley. Nestled within a lush forest, the park's convenient and pleasant campground is perched high above the river. Kap-Kig-Iwan offers tons of opportunities for hiking, picnics, photography, and bird-watching in the Englehart River valley. The park's name, derived from the Ojibwe language, means "water running over the edge" or "high falls," perfectly capturing the essence of its landscape. Easily accessible from Highway 11, Kap-Kig-Iwan Provincial Park is a destination you won't want to miss.

Trails

There are many trails you can hike at Kap-Kig-Iwan, but the two most notable are Upland Circle and Hell’s Gate.

The Upland Circle Trail is located in the upper, more wooded section of the park. This gentle 2.3 km loop is generally considered an easy hike, taking around 35 minutes to complete. Open year-round, it offers excellent opportunities for bird watching and is often used for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing during the winter months.

Located in the lower half of the park, the Hell’s Gate Trail is a scenic 3.2 km route that takes roughly an hour to complete. While slightly more challenging than the Upland Circle Trail, it remains an easy hike for most. The trail winds along the Englehart River, offering stunning views of waterfalls, rapids, and deep ravines. There are tons of lookout points, slightly off the main path, that provide some of the most amazing vistas. As beautiful as these spots are, they can get a bit treacherous, so be sure to watch your step. Hell’s Gate is especially breathtaking in the summer, with the best time to explore it being from late spring through early fall.

Dogs are welcome on these trails, but should be kept on a leash at all times.

Facilities

The park is equipped with a range of amenities to enhance your visit. A barrier-free campsite is available for guests with accessibility needs, and there is a comfort station within the park that includes flush toilets near the gatehouse. The stunning waterfall in the Englehart Valley provides the perfect spot for a scenic picnic lunch, with picnic tables, parking, and trail access located along the Englehart River.

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