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

Explore Ontario’s Hidden Gems

18 destinations you need to visit.

5 Trails Less Travelled

Amazing day hikes in Northwest Ontario.

9 Reasons To Visit Ontario this Fall

Hello all things autumn.

Can’t get away this winter?

Discover the best winter vacations for retirees.

Best Valentine’s Day Ever

Romantic winter date ideas for outdoor adventure lovers.

Family Day Weekend

The best outdoor activities for adventurous families.

FEEL THE RUSH

At Ontario's dog sled races

Want a magical day?

Fly & hike on the bay.

Take a ruff ride

Dogsledding adventure at Haliburton Forest

A Journey He Will Never Forget

A National Geographic Adventurer in Wabakimi

POWERFUL ENERGY

Explore Temagami's spiritual sites with the utmost respect.

How wilderness art can enrich your life

Read Rob Mullen's story about the Missinaibi

THANKSGIVING WEEKEND

Eat, Play, Love: A cycling getaway in the Madawaska Valley

Going solo?

Watch videos on how to paddle on your own.

Top 10 parks Canada Adventures

find out more

Heart, spirit and passion

Huskies make dogsledding magical

get on board

Go Stand UP Paddling

Looking for a rush?

Rock climbing is exhilarating.

Want to get high?

Go rock climbing.

want a Challenge?

How about a 64 km paddling race