Sleeping Giant Provincial Park

Sleeping Giant Provincial Park is a 244-square-km park located in northwestern Ontario. It lies to the east of Thunder Bay on the Sibley Peninsula and is home to over 200 species of birds. According to local Ojibway legend, the large formation of volcanic rock mesas called Sleeping Giant, or “Nanajibou,” which translates to “The Spirit of Deep Sea Water” — was turned to stone when the location of a silver mine nearby was revealed.

Sleeping Giant Provincial Park is easily accessible from Highway 17. Take Highway 587 south from Pass Lake and enjoy stunning views as you watch for some of the wildlife for which the park is known.

For up-to-date information and details on Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, we recommend you visit their website. For information about other places of interest to explore nearby, keep scrolling to see what Destination Ontario recommends.

Accessibility Features

Wheelchair accessible

Unobstructed path through public hallways that are wide enough to allow people using wheelchairs and other mobility devices to move easily through the building.

Support persons welcome

Support persons are welcome to provide services or assistance with communication, mobility, personal care, medical needs or access to facilities. Please check with the organization about entry fees, if applicable.

Service animals welcome

Service animal can be identified by visual indicators (guide dog or other animal wearing a vest/harness); or documentation available from a regulated health professional to confirm the animal is required due to a disability.

Accessible washroom

An accessible washroom stall has adequate manoeuvring room for mobility devices. Includes grab bars, transfer space, accessible door latch, sink with knee clearance, and lever handles or automatic sensor faucets.

Accessible drop-off location

Passenger drop-off is available by an accessible entrance.

Accessible recreation trails

One or more accessible trails with firm and stable surface. All slopes, ramps, handrails, boardwalks and signage comply with the technical requirements of Ontario's accessibility laws.

Accessible parking

At least one identified, reserved parking space with a safe, clearly marked accessible route from the designated parking area to an accessible building entrance.

Accessible entrances/exits

A sufficiently wide, hard surfaced, unobstructed path, no steps or equipped with ramp connecting to a public entrance or exit and identified by signage. Automatic door openers, adequate manoeuvring room in front of door.

More about Sleeping Giant Provincial Park

Sleeping Giant Provincial Park is home to some of the best views in Ontario and offers visitors an endless supply of things to do. From hiking, biking, camping, and wildlife viewing, everyone in the family will want to return again and again. Check out some of the fun things to do in Sleeping Giant Park.

Hiking At Sleeping Giant Provincial Park

There are more than 100 km of trails to explore in Sleeping Giant Provincial Park. Often referred to as Sleeping Giant trail, the hike to the top of the cliff and Lake Superior Lookout combines three trails. The three trails, Kabeyun Trail, Talus Lake Trail and Top of the Giant Trail, together form a 22.4 km trail round trip. It rises 290 metres and is rated difficult. It takes 6-8 hours to complete the hike, and visitors can expect fantastic views of Lake Superior and Thunder Bay at the end of the trail.

The Nanabosho Lookout Trail is a 17 km roundtrip hike from the South Kabeyun Trailhead parking lot. The trail leads to a fantastic vantage point overlooking the Sibley Peninsula, and hikers can see Silver Islet and Horrigan Bay. The trail is rated difficult and climbs the chest of the Sleeping Giant.

The Head Trail is the steepest in the park and is 16.2 km from the South Kabeya Trailhead parking lot. It is rated as difficult and rises to the head of the Sleeping Giant, rewarding hikers with some of the best views in Ontario.

There are numerous other trails in Sleeping Giant Provincial Park that do not climb to the top of the cliffs. Many of these trails are rated easy to moderate and reward hikers with opportunities to explore native plants and wildlife, as well as excellent views of Marie Louise Lake.

Camping At Sleeping Giant Provincial Park

Camping at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park is the perfect choice for those wanting to spend time in the great outdoors. Marie Louise Lake Campground has more than 200 campsites, with more than half having access to electric service. All campsites have picnic tables, fire pits, and walking distance to water and fault toilets.

Backcountry camping is permitted in some areas for those looking to explore Sleeping Giant during an overnight trip. Tee Harbour, Sawyer Bay, and Lehtinen Bay all provide campsites for backcountry campers and have designated metal fire pits. Bathrooms and food lockers are found at many sites. Reservations for camping are recommended and can be made up to five months in advance.

Sleeping Giant also has rustic cabins for visitors to enjoy. There are five cabins to choose from, and they are available year round. Reservations are recommended.

What Else Is There To Do?

After a busy day of hiking and touring in Sleeping Giant Park, it’s time to relax and unwind with something good to eat. The Visitor Centre offers camping supplies, gifts, and snacks to visitors, but if you’re looking for dining options, you’ll have to head into Thunder Bay.

Thunder Bay has all of the dining options hungry visitors are looking for. Whether it’s a burger, pizza, or Italian cuisine, there are many fine restaurants to choose from. Visitors can also check out the local museums and other entertainment options nearby.

Last updated: August 18, 2023