Located just an hour’s drive from Thunder Bay, Sleeping Giant Provincial Park protects the majority of the Sibley Peninsula.
This park is surrounded by the majestic Lake Superior, offering spectacular views from many trails and lookouts.
Looking for even more reasons to visit this iconic park? Here are 5 reasons to visit Sleeping Giant:
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1. Scenic trails, stunning vistas, and a beautiful backcountry (that’s three in one!)
Sleeping Giant has over 100 km of trails to explore and 27 backcountry campsites to experience the beauty of northwestern Ontario.
From day hiking part of the Kabeyun Trail, to backcountry camping, or taking a winter ski, the park offers a variety of trail options.
The park is home to some of the most iconic day hikes in the province including the Top of the Giant, Nanabosho Lookout, and The Head Trails. Portions of these trails even offer a bike and hike option.
The Top of the Giant Trail is a 21.8 km round trip hike that leads to a magnificent view of the tallest vertical cliffs in Ontario. It has been called “the best day hike in Ontario” by visitors after completing it!
Nanabosho Lookout Trail is a 17 km round trip hike with stunning views over the Sibley Peninsula of Sawyer Bay, Hoorigan Bay, and Clavet Bay.
The Head Trail is a 16.2 km round trip hike, including the steepest climb in the park, leading to an astonishing view of the Giant’s cliffs and landscape.
Hiking for hours not for you? The Sleeping Giant landform is visible from many places in the park, including the campground, boat launch, and Marie Louise Lookout.
For a shorter stroll closer to the Marie Louise Campground, the Sibley Creek Nature Trail offers a 2.3 km loop taking you to a small bridge over Sibley Creek.
The Thunder Bay Lookout offers a stunning view of the park’s vertical cliffs as well as Lake Superior. It is easily accessible at the end of the 9 km Thunder Bay Lookout Road (gravel).
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2. A chance to spot wildlife
Sleeping Giant has something for every person and every season!
The campground may only be open from mid-May to mid-October, but the park itself is open year-round to offer excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
There are so many animals to see at Sleeping Giant. Did you know there are:
- 200 species of birds that migrate through the park
- 109 species of birds that live in the park in the summer
- 17 species of birds that live in the park year-round
- 4 species of reptiles
- 11 species of amphibians
- 36 species of mammals
Visit in the spring to witness the bird migration that brightens up the park with birdsong and bright-coloured feathers.
Visit in the summer and you may be able to hear an owl hooting from across Marie Louise Lake at dusk or see a Lynx crossing Marie Louise Drive by the 300’s Campground. Chances are pretty good that you will see a deer or a fox wandering through the campground. Remember to help us keep our wildlife wild — do not feed them.
Visit in the fall to see the brilliant yellow of the changing leaves of the birches, aspens, and tamaracks.
Visit in the winter to explore a snow-covered landscape while cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or trying our ice skating trail that weaves through the campground’s forest.
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3. Learn something new
Sleeping Giant offers a large variety of amazing Discovery programs during the summer!
Whether you’re interested in geology, trees, birds, astronomy, or if you want to find out how to keep your campsite bear safe, there’s a program for you.
The park hosts drop-in information tables, guided hikes, children’s programs, and evening programs.
The Visitor Centre, which includes the park store, is open daily during July and August and is open in conjunction with the park store hours during the fall shoulder season.
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4. Cozy up in a cabin
Sleeping Giant’s cabins are available year-round and now also seven days per week! Named after orchid species that call the park home, the five rental cabins are located right next to Marie Louise Lake.
Three of the summer cabin rentals are for six nights only (Saturday to Friday) from the 3rd Friday in June to after the Thanksgiving weekend. Outside of this timeframe and for the other two cabins, there is a 2-night minimum stay and a 3-night minimum stay on long weekends. One cabin rental even permits dogs for an additional fee.
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5. It’s a winter wonderland
What better way to explore the park in the winter than to rent a cozy cabin to start your adventures from?
Winter adventures at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park can include cross-country skiing (70 km of groomed trails), snowshoeing, backcountry winter camping and trying our skating trail.
Avid cross-country skiers may also like to take part in the annual Sleeping Giant Loppet (March).
When weather conditions permit, the park also features a skating trail located on campground roads. For current park ski and skate trail conditions visit the Ontario Parks Snow Report.
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Whatever the season, come visit Sleeping Giant Provincial Park to experience its wonders for yourself!
Book your stay on our reservations site.
Just visiting for the day? Don’t forget to guarantee your entry by booking your daily vehicle permit in advance.
