Trails at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park
Located on the north eastern arm of the largest of the Great Lakes, the Sleeping Giant Provincial Park is one of the most popular hiking areas. The park gets its rather strange name from a rock mass called the Sleeping Giant that seems to be stretched on its back when viewed from Thunder Bay across the lake. Sleeping Giant boasts more than 100 kilometres of trails that pass through Canadian Shield and its forest and provide the most breathtaking views, one can spend days hiking around the park.
Discover the top 5 hiking trails at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, where breathtaking views and serene wilderness await at every turn. From the rugged cliffs to tranquil forest, these trails offer an unforgettable adventure, inviting you to explore the heart of nature. Whether you’re seeking a challenging hike to the Giant’s Knees or a peaceful stroll along Sawyer Bay, each trail promises awe-inspiring beauty and a deep connection to the wild. Embrace the thrill of the journey and let the majesty of Sleeping Giant awaken your adventurous spirit.
Exploring Sleeping Giant Provincial Park
If you’re planning a trip to this iconic park, be sure to check out these top 5 hiking trails during your visit:
1. Top of the Giant
The most stunning views in the entire park can be found on the Top of the Giant trail. This demanding 16.2 km out-and-back trail brings hikers up the “head” and along the “chest” of the Sleeping Giant formation. Be prepared for a rigorous hike with steep climbs at some points, but sweeping lookouts along Lake Superior make it all worthwhile.
The trail starts off meandering through lush ferns and towering pines. After 1.5km in, the incline increases significantly. Hikers must navigate wooden steps and ladders bolted into the rock face next to thundering Kabeyun Falls. The vibrant blue waters of Ojibway Lake soon come into view as you traverse exposed rock ridges. The final push opens up to the peak with panoramic vistas of sheets of blue water and green islands that will take your breath away.
Give yourself 6-8 hours to fully experience this iconic hike and bring plenty of water and nutritious snacks to fuel your trek.
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2. Silver Peak
For those looking for a shorter but still scenic hike to a spectacular lookout, Silver Peak is a great 4 km out-and-back option. As you climb 277 metres through the peaceful woods, the chattering Kabeyun River is your companion. Watch your step crossing boulder fields and wooden bridges along the rushing waters.
Your payoff is an open rocky clearing on the peak with a stellar 180-degree view. Lake Superior glitters below you in all her glory. Have a snack or enjoy some yoga stretches as you soak in the panorama before heading back down through verdant ferns.
3. Gorge Creek and Little Mountain Trail Loop
Connecting the Gorge Creek and Little Mountain trails creates a popular 5.2 km loop perfect for a half day hike. Starting counter clockwise on Little Mountain trail, hikers immediately begin gaining elevation via switchbacks. Mossy boulders and chirping birds fill the landscape.
As you climb higher, catch glimpses of deep green summer foliage peeking between enormous granite cliffs. 1.5 km in, the Little Mountain lookout perch gives you front row views of Iskatewizaagami Bay.
From rare old growth forest, the Little Mountain trail descends to connect with Gorge Creek trail. Now you walk lazily by the playful water through great pine trees and beautiful quartz veins. It’s at the last leg which takes the form of the coast for you to embrace as you return to the starting point.
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4. Sea Lion Tour
If you are interested in a family friendly trek you might want to try the 3 km Sea Lion Tour. At the beginning of the trail, it widens up to provide a spectacular view across the Ojibway Bay. One of the most magnificent rocks in the area, Sea Lion Rock takes its name from the animals that are seals’ relatives.
Dead and dying trees form complex and chaotic patterns of beams across Tea Pot Creek as it flow down towards the shores of Lake Superior. To the boggy areas, on the walkways try to note the number of pitcher plants you can see around. Can easily observe blue herons fishing on the relatively calm waters of the lake.
It takes a bit of time to take some rest at the lookouts and explore the lakeside which is provided with a beautiful shaded and well-furnished day-picnic area just on the top of the Lake. Look at the plaques installed along the railings here to read descriptions of shipwrecks in Lake Superior. After the rest period retrace the same path through the hemlock grove back to the car park.
5. Lehtinen’s Bay Trail
Finally, the smooth 1.2 km Lehtinen’s Bay Trail will lead hikers to a lonely rock and a sheltered formation of two nicely black sand rocky beaches at the foot of spectacular cliffs. From Kabeyun Beach Trailhead, hike through the environment supporting several rare orchids sue the wooden footbridges. Look through the trees to try and see some wintering bald eagles perched on nests high up in the trees.
Located next to the forest, cross over the wooden staircase to get to this little piece of sand. Walk past the agates that are all shiny and leave them on the sea, listen to some water splashing and pass the smooth pebbles. One can literally be the only person on the beach most of the time, if this is what one wants, a completely silent isolation from the world. Thick cliff like barrier surrounding the inlet makes feel like you’re the only person within the entire world.
Conclusion
Through this project that we are calling something for everyone, sleeping giant trails deliver. If you want to conquer a challenging 9+ hours full day summit up and back, go for a stunning 4-5 hour half day loop hiking or want an easy day to stroll at leisure to a calm beach, Sleeping Giant Provincial Park has it all for you. When you go to visit this natural attraction in the future, which one of these trails do you want to hike first? Put on your walking shoes and come take a close hike on these trails which offer some of the most stunning views in Ontario. Just don’t forget an extra camera battery with such amount of beautiful viewings you will definitely shoot more than one picture during your walks through this area.
