Sleeping Giant Provincial Park

Sleeping Giant Provincial Park

Credit: Matt B

Sleeping Giant Provincial Park is named after its primary feature – the Sleeping Giant, a large formation that looks like one. These excellent trails pass through an unimaginable array of scenery including quiet streams and towering cliffs, and offer sweeping views of Lake Superior from the Thunder Bay Lookout and the Top of the Giant Trail. On your journey towards these premium vistas, perhaps you’ll see one of 200 bird species or a fox or deer or two.

Things to Do at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park

 

Climb the Sleeping Giant or visit the Sea Lion at Silver Islet

Hike the Head Trail and enjoy exhilarating views of Lake Superior. The “Giant” is a volcanic rock formation that extends into Lake Superior. According to the Ojibway, the Sleeping Giant (Nanabijou) was the Spirit of Deep Sea Water which was cursed by Nagochee ( Sea Lion at Silver Islet) into this massive stone.

If you are thing about hiking to the top of the Giant hike the Kabeyun Trail. This 23km trail is rated as moderate, but parts of the hike can be difficult in spots. Just remember to come prepared. It’s quite a journey, but the panoramic views of the area are unparalleled.

Or head to Silver Islet (Perry Bay) on Highway 587 and park at Kabeyun trailhead and hike half a kilometer across rocky outcrops along Sea Lion Trail to discover “sea lion rock formation” and interpretive displays that explain the formation of the Sea Lion.

The park is home to an incredible variety of hiking trails can be accessed for overnight and day hikes that lead you to the shores of Lake Superior. Some of the trails include the Joe Creek Nature Trail for small waterfall viewing, and the strenuous Kabeyun Trail for incredible views of the peninsula and overnight backpacking.

Explore the park on a bike

Cycle through and explore the vast landscape of Sleeping Giant on 5 main trails and exciting park roads. A bike ride can offer you a new perspective of the landscape as well as a new opportunity for wildlife viewing. Mountain biking is also available on designated park trails.

Go fishing

Go fishing at the smaller inland lakes for yellow perch or northern pike, or at the larger lakes like Lake Superior and Marie Louise Lake for walleye or smallmouth bass. Sportfishing is permitted at Sleeping Giant.

Swim

The park is highly popular for swimming. With public beaches and designated swimming areas, park visitors can indulge in the waters of Marie Louise Lake, Pounsford Lake, and Lake Superior, or even head to one of the natural bays on the Kabeyun Hiking Trail.

Winter Fun

There is plenty to do during the winter season at Sleeping Giant, including the best cross-country skiing in the province. Trails range from beginner to experienced and are for skate skiing and classic skiing. Snowshoeing is the best way to enjoy the wildlife and winter scenery.

Participate in the Sleeping Giant Loppet

The Sleeping Giant Loppet is a major ski festival for the family. Set at Sleeping Giant, the rugged wilderness here is the perfect setting for the 8-kilometer mini-loppet for the family, the longer 20-kilometer Marie Louise Lake loop, or the 35-kilometer tour on the challenging Burma Trail.

Marie Louise Lake

Rent a canoe or kayak and paddle around Marie Louise Lake, which extends 4-kilometers through the park. Paddlers can explore Lake Superior as well, although the waves and unpredictability make it more difficult to paddle on. Motor boats are permitted on Marie Louise Lake.

Discover over 200 bird species

Birds that are commonplace in a boreal forest can be found at the park – over 200 species and 75 that nest in the park, species include waterfowl and songbirds. Sleeping Giant is also close to the Thunder Cape Bird Observatory at the Sibley Peninsula.

Check out the exhibits at the Visitor Centre

Discover the Sibley Peninsula through a series of exhibits at the Visitor Centre that demonstrate the cultural and natural history of the peninsula.

Stay in a roofed accommodation

40 campsites scatter Sleeping Giant’s trail system and allow visitors to experience an overnight stay on the shores of Lake Superior or in a more private setting nestled in the park. There are also 5 rustic cabins for a cozier, at-home-like stay with full service.

Plan your trip to Sleeping Giant Provincial Park

 

Hours:

The park is open year round.

Camping is available from Mid May to Mid October:

Address: R.R. #1, Pass Lake

Distances:

From Toronto: ~1400 km

From Ottawa: ~1450 km

From London: ~1350 km.

From Sudbury: ~990 km

2019 Day use fees

Daily Vehicle Permit: $11.25 to $20.00
Ontario Senior: $9.00 to $16.00
Ont. Persons with Disabilities: $5.50 to $10.00

Walk-in:

Regular (Age 6 – 17):$1.00
Regular (Age 18 +): $2.00
Ontario Senior: $1.75
Ont. Persons with Disabilities (Age 6 – 17): $0.50
Ont. Persons with Disabilities (Age 18 +):$1.0

Enjoy the park free of charge : Spend a day in nature at the park, free for everybody on Healthy Parks, Healthy People Day.

Weekend Getaways from GTA: Exploring Ontario Provincial Parks

 

Posted in Provincial Parks

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