Visiting a giant: Hiking to the Top of the Giant in Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, Ontario
- 13 hours ago
- 4 min read
The Sleeping Giant is one of Ontario's most famous landmarks. The challenging hike to the "Top of the Giant" leads through forests and along Lake Superior to one of Canada's most spectacular viewpoints. Here you'll find the tour including GPS data and practical tips.
The sleeping giant – even the name of the Provincial Park sounds promising.
In the evenings, I stand on the shore of Thunder Bay and look out over the water. From here, the silhouette of the sleeping giant – or rather, in my opinion, clearly a giantess – is easily recognizable .
Tomorrow I plan to hike to the Top of the Giant via the Kabeyun and Talus Lake Trails.
For the first time in weeks, I'm sleeping in a hotel at night. The ventilation noise, which can't be stopped even with the air conditioning switched off, is bothering me.
By now I'm used to camping in the wilderness and only hearing birdsong, the sound of rushing water, and the rustling of leaves in the trees.
Even before sunrise I'm so annoyed that I get up and drive to the starting point of the hike.
As soon as I see the sun rise over the street, my anger disappears.
At the lake, I cook myself porridge and coffee to fortify myself for the long tour.
I have 22 kilometers and seven hours ahead of me today.
Key Facts about the hike to the Sleeping Giant
♡ factor: ♡♡♡♡♡
Length: 22.2 km
Duration: approx. 7 hours
Elevation gain/loss : 540 meters
Difficulty: Challenging
Highlight: View from the Top of the Giant of Ontario's highest cliffs and largest vertical drop.
My tip: Shorten the first few kilometers of the Kabeyun Trail by cycling.
Animal encounter; My first bear while hiking
For me, there's hardly anything cooler than following fresh bear tracks.
As soon as I left the parking lot, a type of pheasant was sitting in the bushes. I tried to photograph it, but instead of running away, it kept coming closer and more or less hid behind my legs.
I'm still a bit taken aback by his lack of shyness when I spot something black on the path out of the corner of my eye. A small bear. He looks at me and continues walking leisurely towards me.
When he is still about twenty meters away, I say:
"Hey bear, you can see me, right?"
He looks up and walks a little further. "Hey bear!" This time he understands the hint and disappears leisurely into the bushes. I'm absolutely thrilled. My first bear while hiking.
How sweet he was. That light brown muzzle. Those golden eyes.
I would have loved to hug him. Of course, that's a really bad idea.
Shortly afterwards, two cyclists overtook me and explained that it had been a young black bear.
Hike to the Top of the Giant
The popular but challenging hike to the “Top of the Giant” combines the Kabeyun Trail, the Talus Lake Trail and the Top of the Giant Trail.
After just under a kilometer, the first hiking highlight awaits. A short detour allows you to admire the "Sea Lion" rock formation. Back on the Kabeyun Trail, the first few kilometers follow a wide path along the lakeshore. Only after turning onto the Talus Lake Trail does the path become steeper and more challenging.
The highest point of the trail is the "Top of the Giant" viewpoint, located 290 meters above Lake Superior. While this is not the highest point of the Giant itself, it offers spectacular views of Ontario's highest cliffs and largest vertical drop, as well as Lake Superior and the Silver Islet peninsula .
The view is among the most spectacular in Ontario.
The long hike is worth it for this view alone.
Click on the first image to start the photo gallery:
My tip for fit hikers
Those with enough time and stamina can extend the tour into a nearly 25-kilometer loop hike . To do this, after the viewpoint, first follow the Talus Lake Trail north and then the Sawyer Bay Trail back to the parking lot.
Furthermore, the route can be significantly shortened by cycling the first six kilometers of the Kabeyun Trail.
Break at the Tea Harbour
On the way back, I take a break at the Tea Harbour. The small bay right on the lake is the perfect spot. As the waves gently lap at the shore, I enjoy the last rays of sunshine and dip my hiking feet into the cool water of Lake Superior.
General information
General information about accommodations and activities can be found on the Destination Ontario website .
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Current information & camping
Up-to-date information on trail conditions and campsite reservations can be found on the Ontario Parks website.
Entry & Reservation
You need a vehicle permit to visit Sleeping Giant Provincial Park .
This can be done online up to five days in advance They can be reserved. But you can also get them at the campsite .
Arrival and parking:
Direct flights from Frankfurt to Toronto are offered by airlines such as Condor .
An electronic travel document (eTA) is required for entry into Canada .
