Top of the Giant via Kabeyun Trail is a 14.1 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Shuniah, Ontario, Canada that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until October. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
The Sibley Peninsula on the northwestern shoreline of Lake Superior is home of the famous Sleeping Giant. The Top of the Giant Trail is a heart-pumping, zig-zig ascent. Once on top of the Giant, the trail takes you to scenic lookouts on both east and west sides of the peninsula with spectacular views of Lake Superior. This challenging trail takes you to the top of the Sleeping Giant. To get to this trail hike the Kabeyun Trail past Tee Harbour to the Talus Lake Trail, continue north on the Talus Lake Trail to reach the Top of the Giant Trail. The return distance from the Kabeyun trailhead is approximately 22 kilometres. Once on top of the Giant the trail takes hikers to scenic lookouts on both east and west sides of the peninsula with spectacular views of Lake Superior. This hike should only be started by those in good physical condition. Bring water, sturdy hiking boots, warm clothing and a first aid kit. The Kabeyun Trail portion is an old logging road. best to bike this portion if you have the ability too. If you do feel you can complete the Giant, Spend some time at Tea Harbour. That portion alone is amazing. spend some time at the beach and explore the "T"
February 28, 2021January 16, 2021Completed this trail Jan 16, with cloudy weather and approx -5 temperature. Took about 8 hours round trip to complete with an hour break at the top of the giant. The first 6km were flat and easy, with the remaining six having about two major climbs (the staircase is the hardest). Overall, the trail is a test of endurance more so than anything. There are quite a bit of easy parts making it an overall moderate trail. The whole trail is rather icy until you get to the top so I definitely recommend spikes or crampons. Snow shoes aren't necessary as the trail is well used all the way to the top. The only place snow shoes could have been used were the last km on the top, but i kept mine strapped to my back! Definitely worth it and very rewarding :)
January 16, 2021December 13, 2020November 28, 2020
October 28, 2020We did this hike about a month and a half ago. We did the full 22 km hike since most of it is just a scroll with a view of a lake I would recommend that you just do the last 3km to the top! The view was definitely nice kinda busy, but it was much chillier and windier so dress accordingly for that!
October 24, 2020Did it today on an overcast cloudy day with snow and didn't think my views would be as good but they were spectacular. This has been on my bucket list for a long time. I was nervous doing it alone because I didn't know if I had enough daylight but I started at 9:30 and did the two lookouts at the top and then came down and did the short jaunt to the sea lions and was at my car by 3:30. I found it was difficult to find a trail map on the official parka website but found info from travel bloggers helpful as well as comments here. Trail is well marked and definitely easy to navigate but would've been nice to look at it before going. I'd say it's on the milder end of moderate. The incline section isn't so bad and it's fairly short in comparison to the rest of the hike. Worst part was definitely the end cause it seems to take forever. But I had a lovely, lovely day!!!
October 18, 2020This trail must be on your bucket list!
October 11, 2020Kabayun and sawyer trails are bike paths so pretty boring but the Talus lake, top of the giant, chest, and head trails are intense and awesome. Views are incredible at the various lookouts. The trail segment from Norma lake to Talus lake was my favourite section.
October 10, 2020October 10, 2020Awesome hike!! The first 8km or so is very flat, if you can bike it, I recommend doing that instead. Then it gets very steep for the rest of the way, it was pretty challenging but definitely doable. And the views at the top especially the gorge are worth the effort!! With lots of stops & a lunch break it took us about 8 hours there & back. Just make sure to save some energy for the long way back.
October 9, 2020Wow! Definitely make sure you hydrate well. And go on a good day! The stairs are killer
October 9, 2020October 5, 2020Mostly a flat trail, the steep bit is quite steep but it’s nothing too challenging. Amazing views!! Actually came out as 25k on my watch with going to the two extra viewpoints, so bring snacks and water, or MTB the first 7k
October 3, 2020The last 7km are a nightmare, but the views are absolutely worth it.
October 2, 2020This is not a moderate hike, Infact the Sleeping Giant brochures and maps will advice you that only healthy, physically fit people, should be doing this trail. You're also hiking up some of the tallest cliffs in all of Ontario, it can get steep as the trail going up is not a very long one. Most of this hike is a flat walk, which many will appreciate on the way back. the majority of people bike most of the way, this saves several hours on your hike, and reserves energy. Pack a lot of water. I packed lots for myself, but my hiking partner did not, and she ran out very quickly. I gave her some of mine, thankfully we ran into a group of very nice people on the top who were very over supplied. They gave us 10 water bottles and hiked with us down until the main trail. They told us they carry extra water because their friend was air lifted out due to dehydration. So even though I have always made sure to pack a lot of water for myself, I always carry double the amount. This is a trail that will not be suitable for someone who isn't willing to go through a challenge. Please be careful and pack necessities. You will need power bars or a good meal to hike up. Eat a large breakfast before, and start your hike early as you can expect to be on this trail for 5-8 hours and can become dizzy very quickly going up. I have seen many people of all ages on this trail.
September 27, 2020September 26, 2020So worth it! Took us 6 and a half hours including stopping to take pictures for a while at the top. From the parking lot it was 23.24km on my watch and we walked the whole thing. The terrain was difficult and the 6km start and finish felt like forever but made the incline feel pretty short. Beautiful views of the lake though!! Felt like we were in Norway
September 23, 2020absolutely loved it. The end is worth all the kms. Bring a lunch and enjoy the view.
September 22, 2020The trail is 22.7 km linear route with about 7 kms (total 14 km) pretty beaten down. We walked the whole length but as others have mentioned, many people bike this section but it is not an easy route for biking too if you are not an experienced biker on rough terrains. The actual ascent is not that bad with the infamous stairs section a lit bit challenging. Views from both points i.e. tea harbour lookout as well as gorge lookout are super amazing (I personally liked tea harbour one better, an unpopular opinion albeit). I have pretty bad knees and if I could do it (obviously with support from my husband and awesome friends), anyone can.
September 22, 2020Amazing hike. Do it. It was supposed to rain all day but we got lucky. Some grey skies but we stayed dry. There was a crazy consistent wind storm. Gusts to 75km that made the top feel downright dangerous. We took shelter for lunch and watch a few pines being pulled off their roots. Wish we could've gotten closer to the edge but we had great views and a unique experience. Round trip we were 6hr. Don't let the weather stop you as it can change hour to hour.
September 18, 2020September 18, 2020Great trail. Relatively easy until you get to the climb that’s where you’ll get your biggest workout. Every bit of effort is worth the spectacular view
September 17, 2020September 17, 2020Awesome view worth it!!!
September 16, 2020
