Top of the Giant Trail

Top of the Giant Trail is the steep summit climb at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park near Thunder Bay, Ontario. The hike is built as an out-and-back day route: start on the South Kabeyun Trail and work through the Talus Lake Trail until you reach the Top of the Giant section, then return the same way.

Plan for a long, demanding push. Typical totals are about 21.8–22.4 km round trip and 6–10 hours, depending on pace and stops.

The approach is relatively easier than the summit work: Kabeyun Trail covers a flat shoreline walk before you switch to the Talus Lake Trail connector. From there, the Top of the Giant Trail is the main climb with switchbacks and stone stairs leading up to the ridge.

Near the top, expect a final stretch that transitions from forested hiking to exposed cliff-edge terrain above Lake Superior. The route reaches the “Top of the Giant” area, where there’s a bench/rest spot, and then continues toward the cliff outlooks.

At the ridge and along the cliff-edge lookouts, there are no barriers and the drop is direct. Keep well back from the edge and treat wind or fog as conditions that can make the summit area especially hazardous.

If you want to break the hike into two days, Tee Harbour is a common turnaround point for camping, with an overnight stay and then a summit-and-return plan the next day.

More information: The Ultimate Guide to Hiking the Top of the Giant, Hiking to the Top of the Giant Lookout - Northern Ontario Travel, Hiking to The Top of Sleeping Giant - Northern Ontario Travel