SLEEPING GIANT PROVINCIAL PARK TRAILS
The park has over 100 kilometres of trails for both day and overnight hikes. These trails can lead you along the rugged shores of Lake Superior, past towering cliffs to scenic vistas on top of the Giant, or to quiet lakes and streams deep within the park’s wilderness areas.
Weather conditions on and near Lake Superior are subject to sudden and sharp changes. Sunny days can quickly become cloudy, cool and wet. Wear or pack clothing accordingly. Long pants, long sleeve shirts, hat and bug repellent are essentials during fly season (May-July). Ensure that you register at the Marie Louise Lake Campground Gatehouse or at the self-serve stations. Always plan your trip in advance and let a family member or friend know your plans.
Please respect the SLEEPING GIANT PROVINCIAL PARK TRAILS and others by packing out everything you bring into the park.
Burma Trail – 11.4 km, linear
Great for bird watching and wildlife spotting, this trail between Marie Louise Lake Drive and Thunder Bay Lookout Road passes through stands of mature Red and White Pine, by the shores of small interior lakes, and over rocky outcrops. Bicycling is allowed on this trail.
Head Trail – 1 km
This is a steep assent to the head of the Giant and rewards hikers with spectacular views.
Gardner Lake Trail – 4 km, return
Known for its moose viewing opportunities, this trail takes you down an old logging road to Gardner Lake.
Joe Creek Nature Trail – 1.6 km, return
This trail follows picturesque Joe Creek down a series of small waterfalls from Highway 587 to Lake Superior.
Kabeyun Trail – 40 km, strenuous
Ideal for overnight backpacking as well as shorter, day hikes, this scenic coastal trail starts at Thunder Bay Lookout, rounds the tip of the peninsula (the Sleeping Giant’s feet) and ends at the trailhead at Highway 587. Beaches and coves offer respite along the route and Lake Superior is an ever deep blue presence. The section between the Sleeping Giant’s feet and Lehtinen’s Bay, twists and turns over the boulders of a talus slope. This section is especially treacherous in wet weather. Bicycling is allowed on a section of this trail from the trailhead to Lehtinen’s Bay.
Middlebrun Bay Trail and Finlay Bay Trail – 4.2 km, easy
This hike takes you to a secluded sandy beach at Middlebrun Bay with a fen (wetland), full of plants that grow only in this type of habitat. An extension of the trail at the end of the beach leads to Finlay Bay.
Pickerel Lake Trail – 10 km
In the winter, this scenic trail passes through one of the park’s impressive White Pine stands is part of the network of cross-country ski trails. You can join this trail at several locations, including the parking lot at Rita Lake. Bicycling is allowed on this trail.
Piney Wood Hills Trail – 1.4 km
Winding through open mixed forest into pine-forested hilly terrain, this trail ends at a viewpoint over Joeboy Lake.
Plantain Lane Trail – 0.5 km
A section of the old abandoned Silver Islet Road takes you over a small bridge on Sibley Creek. The view from the bridge is one of the park’s many treasures.
Ravine Lake Trail – 1.5 km return
This trail climbs steadily to two lookouts over Grassy Lake and the peninsula’s south coast. It then travels down to the shore of Ravine Lake, returning through a shaded cedar grove.
Sawbill Lake Trail – 2.3 km
This trail, part of an old logging road, provides access to the Sawyer Bay Trail from the Marie Louise Lake Drive and includes one moderately steep hill. Bicycling is allowed on this trail.
Sawyer Bay Trail – 6 km
This abandoned logging road leads to Sawyer Bay at the base of the Sleeping Giant. A number of hills provide views of the Giant and offer abundant wild berries in season. Bicycling is allowed on this trail.
Sibley Creek Trail – 1.7 km return
Leading you through a mixed forest to a marsh and stream section of Sibley Creek, this trail is ideal for viewing forest ecosystems.
Sifting Lake Trail – 4 km return
You can visit the quiet shores of Sifting Lake on this trail.
Talus Lake Trail – 6 km
Known for its seasonal wildlife viewing this rugged trail travels between the Sleeping Giant and Thunder Mountain, connecting the Kabeyun Trail with the Sawyer Bay Trail. It takes you past three secluded lakes, a sedge meadow, spectacular cliffs, talus slopes and a small waterfall. Be careful in wet weather.
Thunder Bay Bogs Trail – 0.8 km return
This trail traverses rocky terrain to the shore of a small, still lake. Ensure you include this hike in your visit to the Thunder Bay Lookout.
Top of the Giant Trail – 2.7 km
This challenging 2.7 kilometre trail takes you to the top of the Sleeping Giant. To get to this trail hike the Kabeyun Trail past Tee Harbour to the Talus Lake Trail, continue north on the Talus Lake Trail to reach the Top of the Giant Trail. The return distance from the Kabeyun trailhead is approximately 22 kilometres. Once on top of the Giant the trail takes hikers to scenic lookouts on both east and west sides of the peninsula with spectacular views of Lake Superior. This hike should only be started by those in good physical condition. Bring water, sturdy hiking boots, warm clothing and a first aid kit.
Twinpine Lake Trail – 4.7 km
This trail connects the Burma Trail with the Kabeyun Trail and passes by picturesque Twinpine Lake. The section from the lake to the coast can often be wet, so be careful.
Wildlife Habitat Trail – 2.4 km return
Weaving through an area that has been altered to create habitat for moose, this trail offers plenty of opportunity to view wildlife.
Sea Lion Trail – 0.5 km from Kabeyun Trail
This trail branches off the Kabeyun Trail at Perry Bay, 0.5 km from the Kabeyun trailhead. The trail has a difficult access over a rocky outcrop and passes a stony beach on Perry Bay. On-site interpretive signs explain the formation of the Sea Lion.
SLEEPING GIANT PROVINCIAL PARK TRAILS are some of the best hiking and nature trails near Thunder Bay, Ontario.
We would also direct you to read our DISCLAIMER and our TRAIL USERS CODE.
Region(s): Thunder Bay DistrictNearby towns and cities: Thunder Bay
Trail feature tags: Bog | Interpretive signage | panoramic views | provincial park | Waterfall
SLEEPING GIANT PROVINCIAL PARK TRAILS characteristics
Length: Multiple trails of varying lengthsDifficulty: Difficult (Trail classifications)
Trail surface: Natural
Trail use: Hiking
Accessibility Notes: None
Fees: Park entrance fees
Flora & Fauna:
Not reported yet
Amenities: picnic areas, washrooms
Contact:
Phone: 807-977-2526
Find it: Highway 587 south from Highway 17, east of Thunder Bay
GPS Coordinates (main trailhead):
Latitude: 48.3601650
Longitude: -88.7980650