A few days before hiking to the Top of the Giant, I spotted Sleeping Giant Provincial Park from 20,000 feet in the air.<\/p>\n
The clouds cleared over Lake Superior, revealing the long, unmistakable silhouette of the Sleeping Giant stretching into the water near Thunder Bay.<\/p>\n From above, Lake Superior looked endless \u2014 more like an ocean than a lake \u2014 and the cliffs of the Sibley Peninsula rose sharply from the shoreline. Even from an airplane window, the scale of the landscape was hard to comprehend.<\/p>\n A few days later, I found myself standing on top of those same cliffs.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re considering tackling this bucket-list trail, here\u2019s everything you need to know before you go.<\/p>\n This blog was created from a visit to Thunder Bay in partnership with Tourism Thunder Bay<\/a>. As always, all thoughts, opinions and suggestions are authentically and genuinely my own.<\/p>\n There may be affiliate links in this article that support my small business at no extra cost to you.<\/p>\n Standing on the highest cliffs in Ontario with Lake Superior stretching endlessly below, it\u2019s easy to understand why the Top of the Giant is considered one of the best hikes in the province.<\/p>\n The 21.8-kilometre round-trip route inside Sleeping Giant Provincial Park takes hikers through the boreal forest before climbing onto the highest continuous vertical cliffs in Ontario, about 385 metres high.<\/p>\n It\u2019s a long day, but it\u2019s also one of those rewarding hikes that is worth the time and effort it takes.<\/p>\n The trail to get to the Top of the Giant starts at the South Kabeyun Trailhead and is called the South Kabeyun Trail. There are several junction points along the way to be aware of to get to Top of the Giant lookout.<\/p>\n Below are the trail sections you\u2019ll be hiking on and their one-way distances.<\/p>\n South Kabeyun Trailhead to the Trail Junction<\/strong> \u2013 6.7km Sea Lion Lookout:<\/strong> The Sea Lion lookout is only an 800-metre round-trip addition if you\u2019re already hiking the Top of the Giant trail. <\/p>\n The round-trip from the South Kabeyun trailhead to the Sea Lion lookout and back to the trailhead is 2.4 kilometres. <\/p>\n READ MORE:<\/strong> An Outdoor Adventurer\u2019s Guide to Thunder Bay<\/p>\n Sleeping Giant Provincial Park is just over an hour, or 82 kilometres, east of Thunder Bay. It\u2019s off the Trans Canada Highway #1 and on Highway ON-587 on the Sibley Peninsula on Lake Superior.<\/p>\n The park gets its name from the massive rock formation (the 52 kilometres by 10 kilometres Sibley Peninsula) that resembles a giant lying on its back in Lake Superior, specifically when viewed west-northwest from the city of Thunder Bay.<\/p>\n There are various First Nations legends describing the Sleeping Giant as the spirit character Nanabijou (Nanabozho) who was turned to stone while protecting a silver mine under his feet.<\/p>\n The Sibley Peninsula was formed by a series of magma intrusions 1.1 billion years ago that weathered over time to form a series of mesas.<\/p>\n For those who love to be outdoors, in nature, and aren\u2019t dissuaded by a trail that takes some time and effort, the hike is absolutely worth it.<\/p>\n The dramatic cliffs and a unique perspective atop the famous Sleeping Giant formation are the reward after the nearly 11-kilometre hike to the top. It is a bucketlist hike to accomplish in Ontario.<\/p>\n Many people see the \u201cdifficult\u201d rating and assume the climb is relentless. Most of the route, until the junction at 6.7 kilometres, follows the South Kabeyun Trail, which is relatively flat on a double-wide route that is easy walking through forest.<\/p>\n The real climbing begins when you reach the junction for the Top of the Giant Trail. This final 3.3-kilometre stretch contains most of the elevation gain, about 300 metres, and features rocky terrain, roots, and several wooden staircases. Thankfully, the staircases make the ascent easier than it might otherwise be.<\/p>\n There are several spots to stop and take a break, including a shaded rest point next to a creek and the Tee Harbour lookout where you\u2019ll find a bench to rest.<\/p>\n The trail itself is exceptionally well maintained and easy to follow.<\/p>\n One thing I appreciated was the signage. Not only are junctions clearly marked, but many distance markers include interesting facts about the geology, geography, and history of the area.<\/p>\n Because this is a full-day hike, I recommend starting as early as possible, especially during summer. Not only will temperatures be cooler, but you\u2019ll have plenty of daylight to enjoy the viewpoints without feeling rushed.<\/p>\n Please note: <\/strong>Sleeping Giant Provincial Park does not <\/strong>offer bicycle rentals within the park.<\/p>\n If you have access to a mountain bike \u2013 by bringing your own or renting in Thunder Bay \u2013 this might be the single biggest game changer for the hike.<\/p>\n The long approach on the South Kabeyun Trail is relatively flat and wide. By biking the 6.7 kilometres to the junction where the climbing begins, you can eliminate 13.4 kilometres of walking roundtrip and save a significant amount of time and energy.<\/p>\n The park even provides a bike rack near the trail junction, so bring a lock and stash your bike before heading up the trail.<\/p>\n If I were to do the hike again, I\u2019d bring a bike, without hesitation.<\/p>\n The views begin before you reach the summit. As you climb, several lookouts provide sweeping views of Lake Superior and the islands scattered offshore.<\/p>\n The real showstopper is the gorge at the Top of the Giant itself. But prepare yourself if heights give you vertigo, as the cliffs are massive.<\/p>\n Standing near the edge of Ontario\u2019s highest vertical drop is both exhilarating and slightly intimidating. Huge slabs of rock jut out over the landscape, and from a distance you can see how centuries of freeze-thaw cycles have fractured the cliff faces into dramatic leaning block formations.<\/p>\n One thing that surprised me is that the final approach doesn\u2019t immediately reveal the cliffs. You walk through a section of forest before emerging onto the exposed rock. From here, you can wander as you like (but stay a healthy distance from any edge and please remain on the trail).<\/p>\n You\u2019ll want to unpack your lunch and take your time enjoying the views. On a clear day, you can even see Thunder Bay in the distance.<\/p>\n Yes, Sea Lion Rock is worth the detour.<\/p>\n This is one of the most unique viewpoints in the park. The Sea Lion Rock formation was named because it resembled a lion sitting on its haunches looking out into Perry Bay, before the Sea Lion\u2019s head broke off in the early 1900s. The Sea Lion is about 7.5 metres tall and extends 15 metres out into Lake Superior<\/p>\n From the viewpoint, you can look down at the massive rock pillar surrounded by incredibly clear turquoise water. Compared to the dramatic cliff views at the Top of the Giant, Sea Lion Rock feels quieter and more intimate, and it ended up being one of my favourite stops of the entire day.<\/p>\n To add the Sea Lion lookout to your Top of the Giant hike, it\u2019s an additional 0.8 kilometres round trip from the Sea Lion junction on the South Kabeyun trail.<\/p>\n The trail to the Sea Lion Rock is marked by an easy-to-spot sign that doubles as a bench.<\/p>\n The trail is very easy to follow, but I still recommend downloading an offline map before heading out and carrying a paper map with you.<\/p>\n Cell service is limited and mostly non-existent along the trail.<\/p>\n South Kabeyun Trailhead Parking Lot Wi-Fi If you regularly hike and are comfortable spending six to nine hours on your feet, you\u2019ll find the hike long but manageable. The challenge comes from the distance rather than steep or technical terrain. <\/p>\n If you\u2019re new to hiking, I\u2019d recommend building up to shorter hikes before attempting the Top of the Giant.<\/p>\n As always, I recommend packing the 10 essentials, including navigation, nutrition, hydration, sun protection, insulation, illumination, first-aid supplies, fire starter, emergency shelter, a communication device, and repair kit and tools.<\/p>\n Make sure to Leave No Trace<\/a> and pack out what you carried in.<\/p>\n Water Toilet Paper Hiking Poles I recommend a foldable design<\/a> which makes it easy to attach to your bag when you\u2019re not using them.<\/p>\n Battery Pack![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.thelostgirlsguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Thunder-Bay-4369-1024x768.jpg\")
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<\/figure>\nTop of the Giant Hiking Guide: Sleeping Giant Provincial Park\u2019s Ultimate Bucket List Adventure<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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<\/figure>\nQuick Facts: Top of the Giant Trail<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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<\/figure>\nTop of the Giant Hike Overview<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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<\/figure>\nSleeping Giant Trail Distances and Details:<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Trail Junction to Top of the Giant Trail Junction<\/strong> \u2013 1.8km
Top of the Giant Junction to Top of the Giant<\/strong> \u2013 3.3km
\u2013 Top of the Stairs \u2013 1.2km
\u2013 Tee Harbour Lookout \u2013 2.4km
\u2013 Gorge Lookout \u2013 3.3km<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.thelostgirlsguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Thunder-Bay-0918-1024x576.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nWhere is Sleeping Giant Provincial Park?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
What is the Sleeping Giant?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
How was Sleeping Giant formed?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Is the Top of the Giant Hike Worth It?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\nWhat is the Top of the Giant Trail Actually Like?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
When Should I Start the Top of the Giant Hike?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\nMy Best Tip for Hiking Sleeping Giant: Bring a Mountain Bike<\/strong><\/h2>\n
READ MORE:<\/strong> 10 Things I Love About Canada<\/a><\/h4>\n
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<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\nThe Views at the Top of the Giant in Sleeping Giant Provincial Park<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\nIs Sea Lion Rock Worth the Detour?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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<\/figure>\nNavigating the Top of the Giant Hike<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/strong>One feature I loved was the free Wi-Fi available at the trailhead. Since there\u2019s no cell service on the hike, it\u2019s a great place to buy your park pass, download maps, or let family know you\u2019ve finished safely.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.thelostgirlsguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Sleeping-Giant-Top-of-the-Giant-4479-768x1024.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nCan beginners do the Top of the Giant hike?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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<\/figure>\nWhat to Pack<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/strong>I drank approximately 2.5 litres during my hike and nearly finished it all. There are a few places where you can filter water, including backcountry campground access points that provide easy access to Lake Superior and the creek on the on the Top of the Giant trail section. But I found it easier to simply carry enough for the day.<\/p>\n
<\/strong>There are several outhouses along the route. There is not, however, any toilet paper. Bring your own.<\/p>\n
<\/strong>If you use poles, bring them. The elevation isn\u2019t extreme, but poles make both the climb and descent more comfortable.<\/p>\n
<\/strong>There is no cell service on the hike. Put your phone into airplane mode and bring a battery pack<\/a> if you plan to take lots of photos.<\/p>\n
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