Sea Lion Trail

Sea Lion Trail is a short day-hike in Sleeping Giant Provincial Park that leads to a distinctive Lake Superior rock formation: a diabase arch at the shoreline near Perry Bay. The trail’s endpoint is the “Sea Lion” formation itself, where interpretive panels explain the formation’s geology.

Access is via the Kabeyun Trail; the Sea Lion Trail branch is about 0.8 km from the South Kabeyun Trailhead. From the parking lot area at South Kabeyun, it’s a straightforward out-and-back to the end of the Sea Lion Trail and back.

The total hike is about 2.4 km round-trip from the South Kabeyun Trailhead parking lot and takes roughly an hour. This is short, but the route includes somewhat difficult footing at an outcrop/rocky section near the approach.

Expect a mix of forest trail tread and shoreline walking on the way to the formation, including a pebble beach on Perry Bay. Plan on taking it slowly through the rocky access segment so you can place steps confidently.

Because the formation sits right on Lake Superior at Perry Bay, this is a “get there and look” hike rather than a long-distance route. It’s also commonly done as a side-trip on longer Kabeyun Trail days, since it’s close to the South Kabeyun Trailhead corridor.

Bring sturdy footwear for the outcrop section and the rocky/uneven shoreline approach; the route can feel more difficult than its distance suggests due to the scrambling-style access.

More information: Sleeping Giant Provincial Park - Activities - Ontario Parks, Sea Lion Trail - Lake Superior Circle Tour, Sea Lion Trail - Superior Country