Trail Information
[ Short Hikes | Half-Day Hikes | Full-Day Hikes | Scenic Drives ]
Sleeping Giant Park has the longest trail system of any Ontario park – more than 100 km. Drop by the Marie Louise Campground Visitor Centre for more hiking & nature trail info. The Westwinds Gift Shop features our new interior trail map.
Short Hikes (1 - 2 hours return)
Thunder Bay Bogs Trail – 0.8 km return
This loop trail traverses a rocky environment to the shores of a small, placid lake. Local plants have adapted to the harsh growing conditions that have resulted here and include Pitcher plants and Labrador Tea.
Plantain Lane Trail – 1 km return (barrier free)
A section of old, abandoned Silver Islet Road takes you over a small bridge on Sibley Creek. The view from the bridge is one of the park's many treasures.
Ravine Lake Trail – 1.5 km return
Leaving from the north side of the Kabeyun parking lot, this trial climbs steadily to two lookouts over Grassy Lake and the community of Silver Islet. It then dramatically descends to the shore of picturesque Ravine Lake, returning via a shaded cedar grove.
Joe Creek Trail – 1.6 km return
Located at the north end of the park, This quiet trail follows picturesque Joe Creek down a series of small waterfalls from Highway 587 to Lake Superior.
Sibley Creek Trail – 1.7 km return
The only trail commencing in the campground, this family-friendly hike leads you through a mixed forest to a marsh and stream section of Sibley Creek. A series of numbered signposts correspond to the printed interpretive booklet found at the Trailhead.
Wildlife Habitat Trail – 2.4 km return
Weaving through an area that has been altered to create habitat for moose, this trail offers plenty of opportunity to view wildlife.
Sea Lion Trail – 2.5 km return
A short hike down the Kabeyun trail will take you to a small, stony beach at Perry Bay. From there, a moderate climb will take you to a spectacular lookout over Lake Superior and the "Sea Lion".
Piney Wood Hills Trail - 3 km return
Located off the Thunder Bay Lookout road, this trail winds through open mixed forest into pine-forested hilly terrain, this trail ends at a viewpoint over Joeboy Lake and Lake Superior's Black Bay.
Sifting Lake Trail – 4 km return
Scenic white pines are scattered along this winding trail that emerges at Sifting Lake, a thriving beaver habitat.
Gardner Lake Trail - 4 km return
Once known for its moose-viewing opportunities, this trail takes you down the remains of an old logging road, through a cedar-spruce forest to Gardner Lake.
Half-Day Hikes (3 - 5 hours return)
Sawbill LakeTrail – 2.3 km linear
This old logging road provides access to Sawyer Bay Trail from Marie Louise Drive. There is a moderately steep hill just before the Sawyer Bay Trail junction.
Twinpine Trail – 4.7 km linear
This trail connects the Burma Trail with the Kabeyun Trail and passes by picturesque Twinpine Lake. The section from the lake to the coast is often wet, so please use caution.
Middlebrun Bay/Finlay Bay Trail - 10 km return
A hike to a secluded sandy beach and a fascinating wetland known as a fen. Here you can find a variety of plants that grow only in this type of habitat. An extension of the trail at the end of the beach leads to Finlay Bay (an additional 4 km return).
The Burma Trail – 11.4 km linear
Stretching from Marie Louise Drive to the Thunder Bay Lookout Road this trail passes through stands of mature Red and White Pine, by the shores of a number of small interior lakes and over a variety of rocky outcrops. It is an excellent trail for bird watching and wildlife viewing.
Sawyer Bay Trail - 12 km return
Accessible a short distance from the Kabeyun South Trailhead, this abandoned logging road leads to a secluded beach at Sawyer Bay at the base of the Sleeping Giant's "head". A number of hills along the trail offer various views of the Giant.
Kabeyun Trail to Tee Harbour/Lehtinen's Bay - 14 km return
Beginning at the Kabeyun South Trailhead, continue past the Sea Lion junction through the woods that skirt Lake Superior. A sand beach welcomes you to Tee Harbour. Exploring the west side of Tee Harbour and Lehtinen's Bay offers a rocky shoreline and spectacular view of the Giant's cliffs.
Full-Day Hikes (5 - 8 hours return)
Head Trail via Sawyer Bay Trail - 17 km return
Leaving from the Kabeyun South Trailhead or Sawbill Lake Trail, follow the signs to Sawyer Bay and then to the Head Trail. This 1 km trail is rugged and very steep. The Head offers a spectacular panoramic view. This hike should only be undertaken by those in good physical condition. Bring water, food, sturdy footwear and warm clothing.
Talus Lake Trail - 18 km return
Accessible from Sawyer Bay Trail or Kabeyun Trail near Tee Harbour, this trail is a rugged hike between the Sleeping Giant and Thunder Mountain. The tails weaves past three secluded lakes, a sedge meadow, spectacular cliffs, talus slopes and a small but delicate waterfall. Please use caution in wet weather.
Top of the Giant via Kabeyun Trail - 22 km return
Leaving from the Kabeyun South Trailhead, Sleeping Giant's "Signature Hike" travels along the Kabeyun Trail, past Tee Harbour. The hike continues up the Talus Lake Trail, then follow the signs to the Top of the Giant. Zigzagging up the Giant’s knees, once atop of the Giant, continue to hike another 2 kilometres to reach a scenic lookout that gives a spectacular view of Lake Superior. This hike should only be undertaken by those in good physical condition. Bring water, food, sturdy footwear and warm clothing.
Kabeyun Trail – 40km linear
Ideal for overnight backpacking and all-day hikes, this scenic coastal trail starts at the Thunder Bay Lookout, rounds the Sleeping Giant and ends at the trailhead at Highway 587. Beaches and coves offer respite along the route and Lake Superior is an ever deep-blue presence. The section between the Sleeping Giant’s feet and Lehtinen’s Bay twists and turns over the boulders of a talus slope. It is dangerous in wet weather.
Scenic Drives
Thunder Bay Lookout
From Hwy 587 the Thunder Bay Lookout Road extends 9 km west and ends atop some of the highest cliffs in Ontario. Adventure to the end of the cantilever to observe a panoramic view of Thunder Bay and the City of Thunder Bay. Please drive with caution as gravel road conditions can vary. Please watch for cyclists and other vehicles. Road accessible from Mid May to Mid October.
Marie Louse Drive
From the campground entrance of Marie Louise Lake Campground, take the first left and start around the lake. This 14 km one-way road will travel through the woods, skirting Marie Louise lake and passing the remote 300s campsites. Marie Louise Drive meets Hwy 587 north of the campground and Marie Louise Lake Picnic Area. Road accessible from Mid-May to Mid-October.
