Hiking the Top of the Giant Trail in Sleeping Giant Provincial Park

The Top of the Giant hike in Sleeping Giant Provincial Park is one of Ontario’s most iconic hikes. This challenging 22-kilometre trail leads to dramatic cliffs towering 300 metres above Lake Superior, offering some of the best views in Northern Ontario.

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Every time I am in the Thunder Bay region, I can’t help but make my way to the top of the giant and stand on its knees, admiring the views of the endless Lake Superior.

The 300-meter-high cliffs over Lake Superior make this hike a memorable one. If you ever find yourself in the vicinity of Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, make sure to cross this one off your list.

The trail to get to the top of the Giant follows the Kabeyun Trail for 8 kilometres and then the Top of the Giant Trail for 3 kilometres. The out-and-back journey is 22 kilometres long from the South Kabeyun trailhead parking on Highway 587. 

About Sleeping Giant Provincial Park

Sleeping Giant Provincial Park owes its name to the mesa south of the Sibley Peninsula, which strangely resembles a giant lying on its back. Hikers will come from all over to hike to the top of its knees. It is located about an hour east of Thunder Bay, off Highway 17 on the 587.

Note that a daily vehicle permit is required to enter the park.

Best Time to Hike the Top of the Giant

The best time to hike the Top of the Giant is from late June to early October, when the trails are snow-free, and the weather is most reliable.

July and August bring warm temperatures and long daylight hours, making it easier to complete this challenging 22-kilometre hike comfortably in a day.

If you prefer cooler temperatures and fewer bugs, September is one of the best months to enjoy the trail. Early fall often brings beautiful colours to the surrounding forests, while the crisp air makes the long distance feel more manageable.

June can also be a great time to hike, but be prepared for black flies and mosquitoes, especially in wooded sections of the trail. Carry bug spray and consider wearing long sleeves if hiking early in the season.

Try to avoid hiking after heavy rain, as some sections of the trail can become muddy and slippery. The cliffs near the summit are exposed, and strong winds from Lake Superior can make conditions feel colder than expected even in summer.

Starting early in the morning is highly recommended. The hike is long, and an early start gives you plenty of time to enjoy the viewpoints without feeling rushed. It also helps avoid hiking back in the dark, especially in late summer and fall when daylight hours become shorter.

Important Things to Know Before Hiking The Top of the Giant

The Top of the Giant hike is one of the most rewarding trails in Ontario, but it should not be underestimated. While the elevation gain is moderate compared to mountain hikes in Western Canada, the long distance and remote setting make it a demanding full-day adventure.

The trail is about 22 kilometres return and usually takes between 6 and 8 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how long you spend enjoying the viewpoints. Start early in the morning to make sure you have enough daylight to complete the hike safely.

Bring more water than you think you will need, especially during hot summer days. There are no reliable water sources along most of the trail unless you carry a water filter and know where to refill. Pack plenty of snacks or a lunch since you will likely spend the entire day on the trail.

Weather conditions can change quickly near Lake Superior. Even on warm summer days, the exposed cliffs at the summit can be very windy and noticeably cooler. Bring layers and a rain jacket, especially if the forecast looks uncertain.

Good hiking shoes are strongly recommended. Some sections of the trail are rocky, uneven, and slippery after rain. Trekking poles can also help reduce fatigue during the long return hike.

Cell service is limited or unavailable in many parts of Sleeping Giant Provincial Park. Download offline maps before arriving and let someone know your hiking plans before heading out.

Wildlife encounters are possible in the park, including black bears, moose, and foxes. Carry bear spray if you are comfortable using it and make noise while hiking, especially in quieter forested sections of the trail.

Once you reach the cliffs at the Top of the Giant, be extremely careful near the edges. The views over Lake Superior are spectacular, but there are steep drop-offs and no guardrails. Stay back from unstable edges, especially during windy or wet conditions.

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Is the Top of the Giant Hike Right for You?

The Top of the Giant hike is best suited for hikers who are comfortable spending a full day on the trail. While the elevation gain is not extremely steep, the long distance makes this one of the more physically demanding hikes in Ontario.

If you regularly hike moderate day hikes and feel comfortable walking 20 kilometres or more, you will likely enjoy this trail. The terrain is generally manageable, but the distance can feel challenging, especially on the return hike after leaving the viewpoints.

This hike is a great choice for:

• Experienced hikers looking for one of Ontario’s most iconic views
• Backpackers training for longer trips
• Trail runners wanting a long-distance route
• Photographers hoping to capture dramatic Lake Superior scenery
• Visitors wanting a memorable day hike near Thunder Bay

The hike may not be the best fit for:

• Very young children
• Hikers uncomfortable with long distances
• Anyone unprepared for a full-day outing
• Visitors with limited mobility
• Those afraid of heights near exposed cliff edges

Although many hikers complete the trail without difficulty, beginners should not underestimate it. The return hike can feel much harder than expected, especially during hot summer weather. If you are new to hiking, consider starting with shorter trails in Sleeping Giant Provincial Park before attempting the Top of the Giant.

If you are looking for a challenging but achievable Ontario hike with incredible views and a strong sense of accomplishment, the Top of the Giant is absolutely worth adding to your hiking bucket list.

Top of the Giant Trail

Early in the morning, we put on our hiking boots and set out on our adventure toward the giant.

Check out Essential Hiking Gear for a complete list of hiking gear we carry on day hikes like this one.

Kabeyun Trail

Unfortunately, this was not an option for us, so we covered the eight kilometres in about an hour and a half, one step at a time. We could sneak glimpses of the lake here and there through the trees all along the path. 

After the relatively easy 8 kilometres on the Kabeyun Trail, we make a right turn at the intersection of the Kabeyun Trail and the Top of the Giant Trail.

Top of the Giant Trail

The Top of the Giant Trail steps deeper into the forest. This is where the climb begins, all the way up to the knees of the giant. Over the next three kilometres, our legs absolutely feel the 300-meter gain.

Some makeshift stairs on the trail help hikers when the slope is too steep. Once at the top, the trail follows the giant’s eastern ridge, offering spectacular views of Lake Superior.

We then cross the mesa to find ourselves on the west side of the ridge, from where the scenery is breathtaking. On top of the giant’s knees, the waters of Lake Superior reflect the sun’s rays and appear a radiant blue.

In the distance, the city of Thunder Bay is visible on one side; on the other, the sea stretches as far as the eye can see.

While walking on the plateau, we have to step over cracks and rock breaks. Some are a little wider, and I can see the ground 300 meters below, which makes it hard for me to cross them. But I then find myself at the very end of the cliff above the lake. 

I can’t help but feel grateful in front of such beautiful seascapes. I am thankful to have the chance to admire them, to be fit and healthy enough to reach such peaks, to share the experience with my loved one, and to be grateful to live such beautiful adventures.

The Return

We return by the same route. Although the descent is quick, the stretch on the Kabeyun Trail seems endless. We take our time, making a few stops along the lake’s shore.

More Stunning Hikes in Sleeping Giant Provincial Park

If you’ve never had the chance to explore this beautiful provincial park, now is the time to add it to your list! While you are there, you should definitely check out the easier hikes like the Sea Lion Trail.

More hiking adventures

• Interesting Hiking in Pancake Bay Provincial Park
• 3 Best Hikes in Lake Superior Provincial Park
• Exceptional Hiking Trails in Pukaskwa National Park

There are many more adventures in this beautiful region. Find out more with this 7-day itinerary in Northern Ontario.

“Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt.”

– John Muir