Photo: “Sunset on Silver Islet” by dslr_5 via flickr.
Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, so named in 1988 because of a huge rock-face in the shape of a sleeping giant’s body, is a must-see natural gem with a legendary history accented by Ojibway folklore. Whether looking up at the rocky cliffs and crags above or down through the icy depths of Lake Superior’s crystal clear waters, you’ll find yourself intrigued, just as we were, by the mystery and beauty of Sleeping Giant.
Fascinating Facts
Silver Islet, a rocky island and the site of a former town and a present-day seasonal village, is located off the tip of Sibley Peninsula, the main jut of land making up Sleeping Giant Provincial Park. It was the site where the first silver mine in Ontario was established in the mid-1800’s, and at the time, was the world’s richest silver mine, operated by Alexander Sibley, whom the park was originally named after. From this mine was extracted $3.25 million worth of silver, until, finally, Lake Superior reclaimed its own and flooded the mine shafts, forcing an end to the operation. First Nations folklore has it that as soon as traders learned of the silver mine’s whereabouts, the great Spirit of the Deep Sea Water turned to stone, forever sealing in the riches of the earth beneath the majesty of the sleeping giant.
Photo: Canadian Heritage Gallery
Features / Activities
Sleeping Giant Provincial Park is 24,391 hectares in size and includes 2400 hectares of lakebed with its boundaries extending out 400 meters from the Lake Superior shoreline. It’s located about 40km east of Thunder Bay, Ontario, and you can get to it off of highway 11/17.
The park’s dramatic cliffs reach to 250 meters, among the highest in Ontario. It’s a perfect destination for hiking enthusiasts, with the longest trail system of any Ontario park – more than 64 km. Other activities include excellent sea kayaking, camping, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. Equipment rentals are available as well as full-feature campgrounds. (Note to Self: Bring extra tent pins next time, the gales of superior are crazy!)
Wildlife in the park includes wolves, lynx, and bear, as well as moose and white-tailed deer. Excellent birding opportunities also exist with more than 190 species of birds recorded within park boundaries.
Photo: “Sunset at Marie Louise Lake” by dslr_5 via flickr.
Hiking Heaven
Burma Trail – 11.4 km linear
The Burma Trail is a must-do for birdwatching enthusiasts and for spotting other wildlife. Running between Marie Louise Drive and North Scenic Drive, it features stands of mature red and white pine, small interior lakes, and rocky outcrops.
Kabeyun Trail – 40 km linear
The Kabeyun Trail makes for a perfect overnight backpacking trip. Starting at Thunder Bay Lookout, it curves right around the very tip of the peninsula where the feet of the Sleeping Giant rest. It concludes at the trailhead at Highway 587. Besides enjoying Lake Superior’s beautiful blue waters, beaches and coves add to the appeal. Some sections are very rugged, passing over boulders and taking twists and turns, and thus are very treacherous in wet conditions. Other sections are great for mountain biking.
Top of the Giant Trail
To enjoy a spectacular view of Lake Superior and to stand on the Giant’s head, take this very challenging yet rewarding 2.7 kilometer trail. Once you’ve made it to the top of the Giant, continue along the trail to a scenic lookout. Only those in good physical condition should attempt this hike.
Photo: “Thunder Bay Lookout” by dslr_5 via flickr.
More Information
Official Ontario Parks Website
Friends of Sleeping Giant
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
When you mentioned you were going to profile one of your favourite provincial parks, I contemplated whether it would be Algonquin, Bon Echo or Killarney. I hadn’t thought of the sleeping giant – though I have to confess that my only recollection of the sleeping giant was when I viewed it from an airplane back in 2002. Looks like an amazing park – thanks for the review.
Hello from Southern Minnesota, I visited the Sleeping Giant park back in the mid 80′s It is a beautiful place, your article brought back many great memories, thanks.