Want this view?

Hike to the "Top of the Giant"

The Sleeping Giant is one of Canada’s most iconic landforms—one that you cannot miss if you drive through  Thunder Bay . The “Top of the Giant” trail at  Sleeping Giant Provincial Park  is a challenging hike with a 290-metre climb to some of the tallest cliffs in Ontario. It is a hike that will bring you to your knees, or at least to the knees of the Giant.

The Sleeping Giant is located at the end of the 52-kilomtre long Sibley Peninsula which juts out from the north shore of Lake Superior, just east of Thunder Bay. The Giant is formed by a series of flat-topped mesas that resemble a recumbent human—the legendary Nanobosho.

The hike begins at the south Kabeyun Trailhead with an easy 6.5 kilometre trail that leads just past Tee Harbour to the base of the Giant. This section of the trail is an easy hike or a fun mountain bike ride because it is wide, relatively smooth and has rolling hills. Plus, taking your bike will enable you to spend more time enjoying the view.

The Top of the Giant trail is impeccably designed with switchbacks and stairs for the steep sections. This makes for a hike that is physically demanding without being overly technical. The trail winds its way to the top of the Giant and then continues another two kilometres to a scenic lookout atop the knees of the Sleeping Giant.

Stone-steps-sleeping-giant-provincial-park

The trees and shrubs on the Giant are noticeably stunted and some species of plants are typically found in the Arctic—indicators of the cold and windswept growing conditions.

sleeping-giant-provincial-park
The panoramic view of Lake Superior’s crystal clear water and Thunder Bay to the west is awesome—it might just bring you to your knees! 

About Michelle McChristie
Michelle McChristie is a freelance writer from Thunder Bay who co-founded The Walleye and Superior Outdoors magazines. She is passionate about the outdoors and enjoys exploring Lake Superior in all seasons with her family.

Recommended Articles

All-Season Ontario Camping: 10 Incredible Yurts

Yurt adventures to discover in Ontario!

Crown Land Camping

What it is and where you can camp in Ontario.

9 of the Most Beautiful Fall Destinations

And they’re all in Ontario.

Natural Highs

7 magnificent mountains in Ontario to climb, hike, ride, ski and more.

Backpacking Trails in Ontario

7 multi-day hiking trips to the province’s most beautiful places.

Adventure Races Ontario

Find out where to go and why you’ll love it.

Go Foraging in Ontario

Learn the basics of how to harvest wild edibles found across the province.

Hidden Gem: Chutes Provincial Park

Camping, hiking and waterfall-viewing in Northern Ontario.

Hidden Gem: Rainbow Falls Provincial Park

Explore the trails, waterfalls and campsites of this little-known Ontario treasure.

Horseback Trail Riding in Ontario

Discover the best horseback riding trails and clubs.

2025 Triathalons

Swim, cycle and run your way to triathlete status at these Ontario events.

Agawa Falls Trail

Hike to Agawa Canyon's deepest secret.

Ontario's Best Scuba Diving & Snorkelling

Explore beneath the waves at these incredible destinations.

Explore Ontario’s Hidden Gems

18 destinations you need to visit.

Go Winter Glamping

Get cozy at these 11 snowy Ontario getaways.

Call Us Crazy

23 Adrenaline Rushes Found Only in Ontario

Pancake Bay: Ontario’s Ultimate Beach Escape

Discover the shores of an inland sea.

SUP in the city

The top 6 places to paddleboard in Toronto.

Insider’s Guide to Sleeping Giant

Everything you need to plan a trip to this iconic provincial park.

SPring Wildflower Glory

Best places to see them