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Sleeping Giant

Sleeping Giant Provincial Park

Biking

Sleeping Giant offers many opportunities for exploration by bicycle.  Cycling is permitted on the following trails:

  • South Kabeyun to the junction with Talus Lake Trail
  • Sawyer Bay Trail
  • Sawbill Lake Trail
  • Burma Trail
  • Pickerel Lake Trail

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.

Birding

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.

Boating

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.

Canoeing

Canoes and kayaks are available for rent from the park store for use on Marie Louise Lake.

Discovery Program

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.

Fishing

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.

Hiking

Sleeping Giant Provincial Park has over 100 kilometres of trails that lead hikers along the rugged shoreline of Lake Superior, past towering cliffs, to scenic vistas on top of the Giant, and to quiet lakes and streams deep within the park’s wilderness areas.

The following descriptions provide an overview of Sleeping Giant’s different trails to help you plan your hike, whether it is for the day, or overnight. For additional information on backcountry safety and etiquette, please visit http://www.ontarioparks.com/backcountry.

The park’s trails are listed below by difficulty and distance. Please be sure to refer to the underlined distances to know how far it is to complete a trail from the main access point; the South Kabeyun Trailhead parking lot. The difficulty ratings are based on the trail’s tread-base/surface type, elevation-profile, width, steepness, and, to a lesser extent, length.

Nanabosho Lookout Trail – 0.8km (1.6km round-trip), 17.0km round-trip from parking lot Difficult

This trail climbs the chest of the Sleeping Giant and leads to a remarkable vantage point that overlooks the entire Sibley Peninsula. From this stunning lookout, adventurous hikers are rewarded with views of the Marie Louise Lake Campground, Sawyer Bay, Hoorigan Bay, Clavet Bay, Silver Islet, and Porphyry Island. The total distance from the South Kabeyun Trailhead parking lot to the end of the trail and back is 17 km.

Head Trail – 1.4km (2.8km round-trip) 16.2km round-trip from parking lot Difficult

The steepest trail in the park climbs to the summit of the head of the Sleeping Giant. The lookout at the end of the trail is amongst the most astonishing viewpoints in the province. The total distance from the South Kabeyun Trailhead parking lot to the end of the Head Trail and back is 16.2km.

Top of the Giant Trail – 3.3 km (6.6km round-trip) 21.8km round-trip from parking lot Difficult

This challenging trail takes you to the top of the tallest cliffs in Ontario (greatest uninterrupted vertical drop) and provides access to some of the most breath-taking lookouts in central Canada. Spectacular views of both the east and west coast of the Sibley Peninsula are revealed to determined hikers who venture here. The total distance from the South Kabeyun Trailhead parking lot to the end of the Top of the Giant Trail and back is 21.8km and takes most hikers 6-10 hours to complete.

Talus Lake Trail – 6.0 km (12.0km round-trip) Difficult

Known for its seasonal wildlife viewing, the rugged Talus Lake Trail travels between the Sleeping Giant and Thunder Mountain, connecting the Kabeyun Trail with the Sawyer Bay Trail. The total distance from the South Kabeyun Trailhead parking lot down Sawyer Bay Trail, across the Talus Lake Trail and back to the parking lot via the Kabeyun Trail is 18.6km. The Talus Lake Trail passes three secluded lakes, a sedge meadow, spectacular cliffs, talus slopes, and two cascading creeks. A portion of the trail travels over a boulder-field and another section crosses a beaver-dam. Proper trip planning and navigational skills are necessary to complete this challenging trail.

Kabeyun Trail – 37.0 km (74.0km round-trip) Difficult

The Kabeyun is the backbone of the park’s trail network. Although this rugged route makes for great overnight backpacking trips, most people only hike sections of this trail for day hikes. Starting at Thunder Bay Lookout (the North Kabeyun Trailhead), the trail passes Clavet Bay, Hoorigan Bay and Sawyer Bay, before rounding the Sleeping Giant’s Feet at the tip of the Sibley Peninsula and ending at the South Kabeyun Trailhead on Highway 587. Though Lake Superior is never far, this trail is mostly inland and not a true coastal-route. Vast distances separate campsites, especially in the north end of the park, and proper planning is essential for those looking to complete the entire trail. The section between the Sleeping Giant’s feet and Lehtinen’s Bay involves scrambling over a talus slope which can be challenging in wet conditions. Popular side-spurs from the Kabeyun Trail include the Top of the Giant Trail, the Tee Harbour Trail, the Thunder Cape Trail, the Sea Lion Trail, and the Head Trail. Not all campsites along this trail have privies, bear-proof storage lockers, or metal firepits. Thru-hikers are strongly recommended to arrive early at Tee Harbour, Lehtinen’s Bay, and Sawyer Bay to ensure a good selection of campsites.

Sea Lion Trail – 0.4km (0.8km round-trip), 2.4km round-trip from parking lot Moderate

The Sea Lion Trail is accessed via the Kabeyun Trail, just 0.8 km from the South Kabeyun Trailhead. The round-trip hike from the South Kabeyun Trailhead parking lot, to the end of the Sea Lion Trail, and back is 2.4km and takes roughly an hour to complete. This trail has somewhat difficult access over an outcrop, passes a pebble beach on Perry Bay, and concludes at a diabase rock arch on Lake Superior. Interpretive panels are a must-read for anyone interested in the fascinating geology of this unique formation.

Pass Lake Overlook Trail – 0.5km (1.0km round-trip) Moderate

This 0.5km trail climbs to the summit of a sandstone cliff with panoramic views of Thunder Bay and Pass Lake. The endpoint of the trail was formerly an island during the Minong Lake Stage when glaciers receded approximately 9000 years ago.

Thunder Cape Trail - 1.2km (2.4km round-trip) 23.2km round-trip from parking lot Moderate

The Thunder Cape Trail branches off from the Kabeyun Trail at the feet of the Sleeping Giant and travels down a hill to the Thunder Cape Bird Observatory. This research station is outside of park boundaries and visitors to Thunder Cape Bird Observatory are reminded to be respectful of the ongoing research conducted there. The total distance from the South Kabeyun Trailhead parking lot to the Thunder Cape Bird Observatory and back is 23.2km. The Thunder Cape Trail itself is of moderate difficulty, however, there is a section on the approach-hike that involves difficult traversing of a talus slope below the knees of the Giant beyond Lehtinen’s Bay.

Piney Wood Hills Nature Trail - 1.4km (2.8km round-trip) Moderate

Winding through pine-forested, hilly terrain, this trail ends at a viewpoint over Joeboy Lake.

Ravine Lake Nature Trail - 1.9km (loop) Moderate

This trail steadily ascends to a viewpoint that overlooks Grassy Lake, Lake Superior, and the Sibley Peninsula’s south-coast. The trail then travels down to the shore of Ravine Lake, returning through a shaded cedar grove.

Sawbill Lake Trail - 2.0km (4.0km round-trip) Moderate

This trail provides access to the Sawyer Bay Trail from Marie Louise Lake Drive and includes a steep hill with partial views of Thunder Mountain.

Twinpine Lake Trail - 4.4 km (8.8km round-trip) Moderate

This trail connects the Burma Trail with the Kabeyun Trail and passes by scenic Twinpine Lake. Travelling eastwards from Lake Superior to the Burma Trail involves a prolonged climb including several swampy sections.

Middlebrun Bay Trail – 4.9 km (9.8km round-trip) Moderate

This trail takes hikers to a secluded sandy beach at Middlebrun Bay which is just 2.3km (4.6km round-trip) from the trailhead and is a great destination for those looking to soak up the sun, or even brave the frigid waters of Lake Superior. The trail continues to Finlay Bay where there is one designated backcountry campsite.

Sawyer Bay Trail – 5.7 km (11.4km round-trip) 12.2km round-trip from parking lot Moderate

Rolling hills characterize this trail which leads to beautiful Sawyer Bay on Lake Superior. Hikers can go deeper into the backcountry or venture up the head of the Giant from Sawyer Bay. The total distance from the South Kabeyun Trailhead parking lot to Sawyer Bay and back is 12.2km.

Ferns Lake Trail – 9.7km (loop) Moderate

This trail has many access points and crosses highway 587 twice before looping back to the Marie Louise Lake Campground. Highlights of this trail include two beaver dams and a small pond. A portion of this trail overlaps with a maintenance road as well as Wildlife Habitat Nature Trail and this poorly-marked loop is not often the first choice for recommended hikes in this remarkable park.

Burma Trail – 11.4 km (22.8km round-trip) Moderate

Rolling hills, interior lakes and old growth pine stands characterize this trail that is a favorite amongst cross-country skiers. During the summer months, this wide, wet trail is infrequently used.

Bay’s End Lookout Trail – 11.6km (23.2km round-trip) Moderate

The Bay’s End Lookout Trail (BELT) is part of the Trans-Canada Trail and connects Pass Lake to the Thunder Bay Lookout Road. The trail is a former road; therefore, the tread-base generally consists of solid, level gravel. The trail is long, yet easy, and includes two lookouts: Bay’s End Lookout and Caribou Island Lookout. The Bay’s End Lookout is located just 1.0km from the north trailhead and is one of the park’s many hidden gems.

Pickerel Lake Trail – 11.7 km (23.4km round-trip) Moderate

The Pickerel Lake Trail passes through some of the most impressive white pine stands in the park and is part of the cross-country ski trail network.

Plantain Lane Nature Trail – 0.3km (0.6km round-trip) Easy

The shortest trail in Sleeping Giant takes you over a bridge spanning Sibley Creek. Plantain Lane Nature Trail is wheelchair accessible and is conveniently located on Highway 587 near the Marie Louise Lake Campground.

Tee Harbour Trail – 0.4km (0.8km round-trip), 12.4km round-trip from parking lot Easy

The Tee Harbour Trail branches off the Kabeyun Trail and leads to a large outcrop jutting into Lake Superior. The total hike from the South Kabeyun Trailhead parking lot to the end of this trail and back is 12.4km. From the terminus of the trail, the boundless blue horizon of Lake Superior is only interrupted by a series of picturesque islands including Trowbridge Island, Silver Islet, and Isle Royal.

Joe Creek Nature Trail – 0.7km (1.4km round-trip) Easy

One of the northernmost trails in the park, Joe Creek Nature Trail is a great place to stretch your legs upon arriving here (or on your way out). This tranquil trail follows Joe Creek down a series of cascades to the shoreline of Lake Superior.

Thunder Bay Bogs Nature Trail – 0.7km (loop) Easy

This trail travels along a sandstone outcrop to the shores of a small, placid lake. Labrador Tea and Pitcher Plants have adapted to the growing conditions of this environment.

Cemetery Trail – 0.8km (1.6km round-trip) Easy

This short trail begins off Highway 587 and emerges at the Silver Islet Cemetery, one of two historical sites within Sleeping Giant Provincial Park. The nearby Silver Islet Mine operated from 1868 to 1884 and most of the graves found here date back to that period.

Sifting Lake Trail - 2.1km (4.2km round-trip) Easy

This trail passes red and white pine stands before emerging along the quiet shores of Sifting Lake. This is the only trail in the park that allows pets off-leash (on all other trails, pets must be kept on a leash that does not exceed 2 metres in length).

Wildlife Habitat Nature Trail - 2.1km (loop) Easy

Wildlife Habitat Nature Trail consists of a series of three arcs that wind through dense brush and lead hikers to a seasonal pond.

Sibley Creek Nature Trail – 2.3km (loop) Easy

This self-guided hike explores themes related to swamp ecology and delves into former forestry practices on the Sibley Peninsula. The 2.3km trail takes visitors to a bridge over picturesque Sibley Creek. Interpretive sign posts are located throughout the trail and accompanying pamphlets are available at the trailhead.

Gardner Lake Trail – 2.6km (5.2km round-trip) Easy

Gardner Lake Trail travels along an old logging road through low-lying cedar stands and emerges along the marshy shoreline of Gardner Lake.

Ice Skating

Sleeping Giant Provincial Park offers a 300 metre long skating trail at campsites 85-96 within the Marie Louise Lake Campground. Parking is available at the park gatehouse/office with a short 800 metre walk to the skating trail. The skating trail does not have specific hours of operation and day use is available from 8 am to 10 pm. Park fees apply. Conditions are regularly updated on the Ontario Parks Snow Report.

Cell reception is limited in Sleeping Giant Provincial Park and visitors are encouraged to consider purchasing a Daily Vehicle Permit online in advance of heading out to the park.

Swimming

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.

Winter Activities

Sleeping Giant offers some of the best cross-country skiing in Ontario, as well as heated roofed accommodations for those looking to stay overnight.

Cross-country skiing
Sleeping Giant maintains 50 km of groomed trails for cross-country skiers. Beginner, intermediate and experienced skiers alike can explore the park’s classic and skate ski trail options. The annual Sleeping Giant Loppet takes place on the first Saturday in March. This festival attracts participants from around Canada and the USA for a family-friendly skiing competition. The Loppet offers multiple distances on a variety of trails for all skill levels.

Snowshoeing
Winter visitors can snowshoe on a variety of hiking trails while enjoying some great scenery and wildlife viewing. Popular trails include the Sea Lion, Sawyer Bay, and a portion of the Kabeyun Trail to Tee Harbour.

Ice fishing
Ice fishing is permitted in the park. Please consult Ontario’s fishing regulations before your trip.