Winter view of Sleeping Giant

Winter adventures at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park

With its breathtaking, snow-covered landscapes and kilometres of ski trails for all skill levels, Sleeping Giant Provincial Park stands out in northwestern Ontario as a snowy paradise.

Here are four awesome reasons to visit this winter wonderland, only an hour east of Thunder Bay:

1. Iconic cross-country skiing

Are you an experienced skier in search of a challenge? Are you a beginner looking for a leisurely trek through the forest? Either way, Sleeping Giant has a ski trail for you.

Someone skiing across an open part of the lake

The park maintains 60 km of groomed and track-set trails for all skill levels. This includes both classic ski and skate skiing trails.

2. Strap on your snowshoes

Sleeping Giant’s winter guests can also bring their snowshoes and explore the park’s snow-covered trails.

Snowshoeing on the ice at Sleeping Giant

Awe-inspiring scenery is a guarantee, and snowshoers may come upon wildlife viewing opportunities if they trek in silence.

Day visitors may prefer a shorter ‘shoe on the Sea Lion Trail to see its spectacular winter view, or just trek around the campground.

The Sea Lion in winter

Dedicated snowshoers might be interested in exploring the Kabeyun Trail to Tee Harbour.

For the more skilled, overnight winter camping backcountry experiences are also available.

3. Comfortable roofed accommodations

We know that many visitors want a cozy place to warm up after a long day of winter fun. That’s why Sleeping Giant keeps its five rustic cabins open for reservations all season long.

Rental cabins at sleeping Giant
Cabins #3 and #4

You can find these cabins on the shore of Marie Louise Lake. They feature three bedrooms, a washroom with large shower, a fully equipped modern kitchen, propane fireplace, heated sun porch, and more.

4. Winter scenery

The winter season shows a totally different side of the Sleeping Giant’s iconic cliffs and mesas.

Winter at Sleeping Giant

Covered in snow and ice, the view of the Giant land formation is unforgettable.

Sunset at Marie Louise Lake viewpoint in the winter
Sunset over the Giant from Marie Louise Lake Scenic Viewpoint-Picnic Area

Tip: one can’t-miss spot to see the Giant is at the Marie Louise Lake Viewing Point, the scenic point where Highway 587 intersects with Marie Louise Lake.

Plan your visit today

We can tell you more about winter at Sleeping Giant (ice fishing for perch, anyone?), but the only real way to experience it is to see it for yourself.

Person Skiing at Sleeping Giant

Visit our online reservation service to book one of the rustic cabins. You can also learn more about a winter backcountry camping trip by calling the park at 807-977-2526.

To guarantee your day use spot, you can obtain a daily vehicle permit online up to five days in advance of your trip beginning at 7:00 a.m. Visit our reservation service to obtain your daily vehicle permit.

annual seasonal permit

Or why not pick up a seasonal pass online so you can visit through the winter as much as you’d like?

See you on the trails soon!

Sleeping Giant Provincial Park is located an hour’s drive east from Thunder Bay along Highways 11/17 and 587.