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 and frequent contributor to The Walleye magazine. She is passionate about the outdoors and enjoys exploring Lake Superior in all seasons with her family.

Recommended Articles

Winter Camping

It’s an easy and safe snow vacation.

Skiing & Snowboarding During the Pandemic

Find out what restrictions you'll find at ski areas in Ontario.

Adventurous Getaways For Couples

16 vacation packages a short drive from Toronto.

Best Weekend Escapes

Discover a wealth of pristine nature, paddling, snowsports and more.

Star Gazing

Gordon's Park Dark Sky Preserve

Guiding the British Invasion

Woodland Caribou Provincial Park

What is this animal?

Hint: It's not a reindeer.

Need an escape?

Go to Woodland Caribou Provincial Park

Paddling "the Pet"

Why it's her favourite Algonquin trip.

Tom Thomson Legacy

Special exhibit at the Algonquin Art Centre

Meet British Celebrity ray mears

At the Temagami Canoe Festival July 2016

SKILLs Video

How to rescue a runaway kayak in whitewater.

Video: Paddle fast, easy & efficiently

Get tips from Ontario Sea Kayak Centre

Hidden gems for family camping

Restoule & Mikisew Provincial Parks

A journey of discovery

In the footsteps of The Group of Seven

Belay On!

Ontario ice climbing tours, courses and clinics.

Like Geocaching?

Parks Canada has program for you

WOW

New design for Canadian Canoe Museum

VIDEO

Adventure Ontario

20 Fall Views Away from the Crowds

Embrace adventure—it’ll be worth it.