With its breathtaking, snow-covered landscapes and kilometres of ski trails for all skill levels, Sleeping Giant Provincial Park stands out in northwestern Ontario as a snowy paradise.
Located just an hour’s drive east of Thunder Bay along Highways11/17 and 587, it’s a must-visit destination for winter enthusiasts.
Here are six awesome reasons to visit this winter wonderland:
1. Iconic cross-country skiing
Are you an experienced skier in search of a challenge? Are you a beginner looking for a leisurely trek through the forest? Either way, Sleeping Giant has a ski trail for you.
The park maintains 60 km of groomed and track-set trails for all skill levels. This includes both classic ski and skate skiing trails.
Ready to try a cross-country ski loppet?
The park is the host location for the Sleeping Giant Loppet held annually on the first Saturday of March. Choose between 20, 35, and 50 km distances options or the 8 km mini loppet.
2. Winter camping
New in 2025, five electrical campsites are available for camping in the Marie Louise Lake Campground from November 28 to March 23.
Grab your hot tent or winterized RV, and book your winter camping trip today!
The Park Office will be open daily from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm for you to purchase firewood and pick up some park merchandise.
3. Skate down the trail
Looking for a day-trip adventure this winter?
Pack up your skates, lunch, and hot chocolate, and head out to the park’s skate trail, located in the Marie Louise Lake Campground.
Enjoy a leisurely skate along the park’s 570 m continuous ice loop as it weaves through the campground’s forest.
4. Strap on your snowshoes
Sleeping Giant’s winter guests can also bring their snowshoes and explore the park’s snow-covered trails.
Awe-inspiring scenery is a guarantee, and snowshoers may come upon wildlife viewing opportunities if they trek in silence.
Day visitors may prefer a shorter ‘shoe (or winter walk) on the Sea Lion Trail to see its spectacular winter view, or just trek around the campground.
Dedicated snowshoers might be interested in exploring the Kabeyun Trail to Tee Harbour.
For the more skilled, overnight winter camping backcountry experiences are also available.
5. Comfortable roofed accommodations
We know that many visitors want a cozy place to warm up after a long day of winter fun. That’s why Sleeping Giant keeps its five rustic cabins open for reservations all season long.
You can find these cabins on the shore of Marie Louise Lake. They feature three bedrooms, a washroom with large shower, a fully equipped modern kitchen, propane fireplace, heated sun porch, and more.
6. Winter scenery
The winter season shows a totally different side of the Sleeping Giant’s iconic cliffs and mesas.
Covered in snow and ice, the view of the Giant land formation is unforgettable.
Tip: one can’t-miss spot to see the Giant is at the Marie Louise Lake Viewing Point, the scenic point where Highway 587 intersects with Marie Louise Lake.
Plan your visit today
We can tell you more about winter at Sleeping Giant (ice fishing for perch, anyone?), but the only real way to experience it is to see it for yourself.
Park day-use hours are 8:00 am to 10:00 pm.
Obtain your daily vehicle permit online up to five days in advance of your trip at our reservation service. Or stop by the Park Office between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm (seven days a week) to buy your permit in person (or scan the QR code outside).
Or why not pick up a seasonal permit online so you can visit through the winter as much as you’d like?
Visit our online reservation service to book one of the rustic cabins. You can also learn more about a winter backcountry camping trip by calling the park at 807-977-2526.
See you on the trails soon!
Sleeping Giant Provincial Park is located an hour’s drive east from Thunder Bay along Highways 11/17 and 587.
