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Sleeping Giant Provincial Park
Giant Digital Photography Workshops are offered at this park. Click on the image for more information, pricing and advanced bookings.
Sleeping Giant offers both car camping and more rugged backcountry camping. Car camping is located on Marie Louise Lake, an inland lake on the Sibley Peninsula. Those looking for more adventure can hike into one of the park’s backcountry campsites.
Sleeping Giant has 200 campsites at the Marie Louise Lake Campground, almost half of which have electrical service. All campsites feature designated fire pits and picnic tables and are close walking distance to water taps and vault toilets. Some campsites are designed specifically for tents while others are best suited for small or large recreational vehicles. For visitors who want a more secluded camping experience ten sites are located on the west shore of Marie Louise Lake.
Two group campsites are available at Sleeping Giant. The Small Group Site can accommodate up to 25 people and the Large Group Site can accommodate up to 50 people.
Both group campsites offer electricity and water taps and vault toilets are located nearby. The group sites are a short walking distance to the public beach.
For reservations please call the Park Office at (807) 977-2526.
There are approximately 40 backcountry campsites at Sleeping Giant. These sites are scattered throughout the park’s trail system and offer camping experiences on the shores of Lake Superior and nestled within the rugged interior of the park. All campsites have designated fire pits and some sites have toilets nearby.
Backcountry campsites cannot be reserved and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Backcountry camping permits are required.
Recreate amidst the beauty and splendour of Sleeping Giant Provincial Park while you enjoy all the conveniences of home. Available September through June, five fully equipped cabins are located in the park on the shores of Marie Louise Lake. Each cabin has three bedrooms, sleeping six people on bunk beds, a barrier-free washroom with large shower, fully equipped modern kitchen, propane fireplace, and sun porch.
Visitors should bring their own bedding, food and other personal items.
Please note that domestic animals (pets) are not permitted in the cabins and smoking is prohibited.
For reservations please call the Park Office at (807) 977-2526.
The Sleeping Giant Provincial Park Conference Centre is the perfect place to hold an event, retreat or conference. Available September through June, the Conference Centre is nestled on the shore of Marie Louise Lake.
The Conference Centre has 15 bedrooms each with two single beds, two closets and a desk; one bedroom has a bunk bed and sleeps three. There are three washrooms with showers, a fully equipped modern kitchen, large living area and dining hall, and a sun porch.
Visitors should bring their own bedding, food and other personal items.
For reservations please call the Park Office at (807) 977-2526.
The staff at Sleeping Giant welcomes you to experience the natural beauty of the park. Whether enjoying a swim in a warm inland lake, challenging yourself to reach the Top of The Giant Trail, enjoying one of our educational programs, or kayaking the park’s Lake Superior coastline, Sleeping Giant offers something for all visitors.
The park has over 100 kilometres of trails for both day and overnight hikes. These trails can lead you along the rugged shores of Lake Superior, past towering cliffs to scenic vistas on top of the Giant, or to quiet lakes and streams deep within the park’s wilderness areas.
Weather conditions on and near Lake Superior are subject to sudden and sharp changes. Sunny days can quickly become cloudy, cool and wet. Wear or pack clothing accordingly. Long pants, long sleeve shirts, hat and bug repellent are essentials during fly season (May-July). Ensure that you register at the Marie Louise Lake Campground Gatehouse or at the self-serve stations. Always plan your trip in advance and let a family member or friend know your plans.
Please respect the park and others by packing out everything you bring into the park.
Burma Trail - 11.4 km, linear
Great for bird watching and wildlife spotting, this trail between Marie Louise Lake Drive and Thunder Bay Lookout Road passes through stands of mature Red and White Pine, by the shores of small interior lakes, and over rocky outcrops. Bicycling is allowed on this trail.
Head Trail - 1 km
This is a steep assent to the head of the Giant and rewards hikers with spectacular views.
Gardner Lake Trail - 4 km, return
Known for its moose viewing opportunities, this trail takes you down an old logging road to Gardner Lake.
Joe Creek Nature Trail - 1.6 km, return
This trail follows picturesque Joe Creek down a series of small waterfalls from Highway 587 to Lake Superior.
Kabeyun Trail - 40 km, strenuous
Ideal for overnight backpacking as well as shorter, day hikes, this scenic coastal trail starts at Thunder Bay Lookout, rounds the tip of the peninsula (the Sleeping Giant’s feet) and ends at the trailhead at Highway 587. Beaches and coves offer respite along the route and Lake Superior is an ever deep blue presence. The section between the Sleeping Giant’s feet and Lehtinen’s Bay, twists and turns over the boulders of a talus slope. This section is especially treacherous in wet weather. Bicycling is allowed on a section of this trail from the trailhead to Lehtinen’s Bay.
Middlebrun Bay Trail and Finlay Bay Trail - 4.2 km, easy
This hike takes you to a secluded sandy beach at Middlebrun Bay with a fen (wetland), full of plants that grow only in this type of habitat. An extension of the trail at the end of the beach leads to Finlay Bay.
Pickerel Lake Trail - 10 km
In the winter, this scenic trail passes through one of the park’s impressive White Pine stands is part of the network of cross-country ski trails. You can join this trail at several locations, including the parking lot at Rita Lake. Bicycling is allowed on this trail.
Piney Wood Hills Trail - 1.4 km
Winding through open mixed forest into pine-forested hilly terrain, this trail ends at a viewpoint over Joeboy Lake.
Plantain Lane Trail - 0.5 km
A section of the old abandoned Silver Islet Road takes you over a small bridge on Sibley Creek. The view from the bridge is one of the park’s many treasures.
Ravine Lake Trail - 1.5 km return
This trail climbs steadily to two lookouts over Grassy Lake and the peninsula’s south coast. It then travels down to the shore of Ravine Lake, returning through a shaded cedar grove.
Sawbill Lake Trail - 2.3 km
This trail, part of an old logging road, provides access to the Sawyer Bay Trail from the Marie Louise Lake Drive and includes one moderately steep hill. Bicycling is allowed on this trail.
Sawyer Bay Trail - 6 km
This abandoned logging road leads to Sawyer Bay at the base of the Sleeping Giant. A number of hills provide views of the Giant and offer abundant wild berries in season. Bicycling is allowed on this trail.
Sibley Creek Trail - 1.7 km return
Leading you through a mixed forest to a marsh and stream section of Sibley Creek, this trail is ideal for viewing forest ecosystems.
Sifting Lake Trail - 4 km return
You can visit the quiet shores of Sifting Lake on this trail.
Talus Lake Trail - 6 km
Known for its seasonal wildlife viewing this rugged trail travels between the Sleeping Giant and Thunder Mountain, connecting the Kabeyun Trail with the Sawyer Bay Trail. It takes you past three secluded lakes, a sedge meadow, spectacular cliffs, talus slopes and a small waterfall. Be careful in wet weather.
Thunder Bay Bogs Trail - 0.8 km return
This trail traverses rocky terrain to the shore of a small, still lake. Ensure you include this hike in your visit to the Thunder Bay Lookout.
Top of the Giant Trail – 2.7 km
This challenging 2.7 kilometre trail takes you to the top of the Sleeping Giant. To get to this trail hike the Kabeyun Trail past Tee Harbour to the Talus Lake Trail, continue north on the Talus Lake Trail to reach the Top of the Giant Trail. The return distance from the Kabeyun trailhead is approximately 22 kilometres. Once on top of the Giant the trail takes hikers to scenic lookouts on both east and west sides of the peninsula with spectacular views of Lake Superior. This hike should only be started by those in good physical condition. Bring water, sturdy hiking boots, warm clothing and a first aid kit.
Twinpine Lake Trail - 4.7 km
This trail connects the Burma Trail with the Kabeyun Trail and passes by picturesque Twinpine Lake. The section from the lake to the coast can often be wet, so be careful.
Wildlife Habitat Trail - 2.4 km return
Weaving through an area that has been altered to create habitat for moose, this trail offers plenty of opportunity to view wildlife.
Sea Lion Trail – 0.5 km from Kabeyun Trail
This trail branches off the Kabeyun Trail at Perry Bay, 0.5 km from the Kabeyun trailhead. The trail has a difficult access over a rocky outcrop and passes a stony beach on Perry Bay. On-site interpretive signs explain the formation of the Sea Lion.
Canoes and kayaks are available for rent from the park store for use on Marie Louise Lake.
Sleeping Giant offers numerous opportunities for swimming. Marie Louise Lake has a public beach with a swimming area that is marked with buoys. Pounsford Lake is also a popular swimming location. Park visitors can test the waters of Lake Superior on the beautiful sandy beach at Middlebrun Bay or venture into one of the many natural bays located on the Kabeyun Hiking Trail.
Please note that lifeguards are not posted at any of the swimming areas and park visitors must swim within their own physical abilities.
Power boats are only permitted on Marie Louise Lake and motors must not exceed 10 horsepower. A boat launch area and small docking facility is located within the campground.
Sportfishing is permitted in the park, although the use and possession of baitfish is prohibited in park waters, with the exception of Lake Superior. There are a number of small inland lakes at the park and a few larger lakes, such as Marie Louise Lake. Most of the smaller lakes have Northern Pike and Yellow Perch, while the larger lakes may also have Smallmouth Bass and walleye.
Sleeping Giant offers many opportunities for exploration by bicycle. Cycling is permitted on the following trails:
Some of the park roads also provide exciting bike routes. Please use caution as you will be sharing the road with motor vehicles.
Thunder Bay Lookout Road – 9 km
A challenging mountain bike ride from Hwy 587 to the spectacular Thunder Bay Lookout. Many steep hills make it a treat to coast down on your return cycle.
Marie Louise Drive – 12 km
This is a great mountain bike tour around the west side of Marie Louise Lake.
During July and August, Natural Heritage Education leaders provide park visitors with opportunities to appreciate and understand the area’s natural and cultural resources including: the Sleeping Giant legend and its associated earth and life science features, the transitional forest and its relationship to major biological themes of the park, Lake Superior, rare plants, the history of the Silver Islet Mine and park wildlife viewing opportunities. Interpretation programs are based out of the park Visitor Centre.
Over 200 bird species have been recorded in Sleeping Giant and the immediate vicinity. Of these, about 75 are known to nest in the park. The birds of the park are typical to the boreal forest and include a wide variety of songbirds, raptors, shorebirds and waterfowl.
The park is also adjacent to the Thunder Cape Bird Observatory located at the tip of the Sibley Peninsula.
Sleeping Giant offers some of the best cross-country skiing in Ontario on 50 km of groomed trails. There are trails for the beginner, intermediate and experienced skier as well as for those who ski classic or skate ski.
The internationally recognized Sleeping Giant Loppet takes place on the first Saturday in March.
Winter guests to the park can also snowshoe on a variety of hiking trails while enjoying some great scenery and wildlife viewing.
During the winter, accommodation is available in one of the parks fully serviced cabins. Group events can be hosted in the conference centre.
Two comfort stations with showers, flush toilets and laundry facilities service the Marie Louise Lake Campground. The campground also features the park Visitor Centre, outdoor amphitheater, public beach with playground, boat launch and Westwind store.
Two comfort stations are located in the Marie Louise Lake Campground. Both facilities feature showers, restrooms with flush toilets and laundry facilities.
Flush toilets are available in both of the comfort stations located in the campground and at the Visitor Centre.
Sleeping Giant features two barrier-free campsites. There is also barrier-free access to the gatehouse, comfort stations and Visitor Centre.
Sleeping Giant offers numerous opportunities for picnics and day-use including the public beach at the Marie Louise Lake Campground and the picnic areas located at Rita Lake, Lizard Lake and Poundsford Lake.
Laundry facilities are available at both comfort stations located in the campground.
A boat launch and dock with access to Marie Louise Lake is located in the campground near the Visitor Centre.
Canoes and kayaks are available for rent in the WestWind Store, located in the upper floor of the Visitor Centre.
The WestWind Store is located in the Visitor Centre and is operated by the Friends of Sleeping Giant Park. The store offers canoe and kayak rentals, Ontario Parks’ souvenirs, books, gifts, tasty treats, camping supplies, detailed maps of the park’s trail system and fishing rods and tackle are available for loan, free of charge through the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters Tackleshare Program.
The Sleeping Giant Visitor Centre features interactive exhibits that explore the natural and cultural history of the Sibley Peninsula including a model of the Silver Islet Mine.
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