One of Canada’s most breathtaking lookout points is hiding in this Ontario park

Ontario’s full of wonderful landscapes, just begging to be explored. And this season is the perfect time to get your outdoor adventures started. Need some travel inspiration? Sleeping Giant Provincial Park offers breathtaking views from the tallest cliffs in the province. You can explore the grounds through its over 100 km of incredible trails, secluded lakes and more.

From Toronto, you’re looking at a 14-hour trip. It’s close to the U.S border, just a drive away from Thunder Bay, where you’ll find Sleeping Giant Provincial Park.

Hiking adventures

For hikers and nature enthusiasts, this park is a true gem, boasting over 25 different hiking trails, all interconnected in one way or another. According to Ontario Parks, its trails span over 100 km, and they’re available for all fitness levels.

These paths wind along the rugged shoreline of Lake Superior, showcasing magnificent geological features like the awe-inspiring ‘Sea Lion’ and Tee Harbour.

Embark on a journey along the Top of the Giant Trail, where you’ll find spectacular scenic views atop the tallest cliffs in Ontario.

Here you’ll find the greatest uninterrupted vertical drop in the province, according to Ontario Parks.

It also provides access to some of the most breathtaking lookout points in central Canada. The trail stretches 21.8 km round trip from the South Kabeyun Trailhead parking lot and usually takes six to 10 hours to complete.

Talus Lake Trail is another long adventure that travels between the Sleeping Giant and Thunder Mountain, connecting the Kabeyun Trail with the Sawyer Bay Trail. According to Ontario Parks, this trail passes by three secluded lakes, a sedge meadow, jaw-dropping cliffs, talus slopes, and two cascading creeks.

“A portion of the trail travels over a boulder field, and another section crosses a beaver dam. Proper trip planning and navigational skills are necessary to complete this challenging trail,” it shares.

Come prepared for a tough but unforgettable journey.

Trails to explore 

Other trails to explore include:

• Nanabosho Lookout Trail – 0.8 km (1.6 km round-trip), 17 km round-trip from parking lot – Difficult
• Head Trail – 1.4km (2.8 km round-trip) 16.2 km round-trip from parking lot – Difficult
• Top of the Giant Trail – 3.3 km (6.6 km round-trip) 21.8 km round-trip from parking lot – Difficult
• Talus Lake Trail – 6 km (12 km round-trip) – Difficult
• Kabeyun Trail – 37 km (74 km round-trip) – Difficult
• Sea Lion Trail – 0.4 km (0.8 km round-trip), 2.4 km round-trip from parking lot – Moderate
• Pass Lake Overlook Trail – 0.5 km (1 km round-trip) – Moderate
• Thunder Cape Trail – 1.2 km (2.4 km round-trip) 23.2 km round-trip from parking lot – Moderate
• Piney Wood Hills Nature Trail – 1.4 km (2.8 km round-trip) – Moderate
• Ravine Lake Nature Trail – 1.9 km (loop) – Moderate
• Sawbill Lake Trail – 2 km (4 km round-trip) – Moderate
• Twinpine Lake Trail – 4.4 km (8.8 km round-trip) – Moderate
• Middlebrun Bay Trail – 4.9 km (9.8 km round-trip) – Moderate
• Sawyer Bay Trail – 5.7 km (11.4 km round-trip) 12.2 km round-trip from parking lot – Moderate
• Ferns Lake Trail – 9.7 km (loop) – Moderate
• Burma Trail – 11.4 km (22.8 km round-trip) – Moderate
• Bay’s End Lookout Trail – 11.6 km (23.2 km round-trip) – Moderate
• Pickerel Lake Trail – 11.7 km (23.4 km round-trip) – Moderate
• Plantain Lane Nature Trail – 0.3 km (0.6 km round-trip) – Easy
• Tee Harbour Trail – 0.4 km (0.8 km round-trip), 12.4km round-trip from parking lot – Easy
• Joe Creek Nature Trail – 0.7 km (1.4 km round-trip) – Easy
• Thunder Bay Bogs Nature Trail – 0.7 km (loop) – Easy
• Cemetery Trail – 0.8 km (1.6 km round-trip) – Easy
• Sifting Lake Trail – 2.1 km (4.2 km round-trip) – Easy
• Wildlife Habitat Nature Trail – 2.1 km (loop) – Easy
• Sibley Creek Nature Trail – 2.3 km (loop) – Easy
• Gardner Lake Trail – 2.6 km (5.2 km round-trip) – Easy

There are also well-designed park trails for those looking to go on a mountain biking adventure.

Biking in Sleeping Giant

Sleeping Giant has a number of opportunities for bike exploration:

• South Kabeyun to the junction with Talus Lake Trail
• Sawyer Bay Trail
• Sawbill Lake Trail
• Burma Trail
• Pickerel Lake Trail

Another great option is Thunder Bay Lookout Road and Marie Louise Drive.

With gorgeous views and adventures in every corner, who wouldn’t want to explore Sleeping Giant Provincial Park this season?

Where: R R 1, Pass Lake, Ont.

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