Be sure to tread carefully upon the Sleeping Giant lest you wake this slumbering beast and incur its wrath. Thankfully, the Sleeping Giant is quite the heavy sleeper whose snores rumble across Lake Superior. However, as long as you whisper and tiptoe along, you may be lucky enough to discover one of the Sleeping Giant’s hidden gems: the majestic Sea Lion.
Now, you may be wondering where this monstrous beast slumbers. Why, it resides around an hour’s drive east of Thunder Bay. The Sleeping Giant is, in fact, the southernmost portion of the Sibley Peninsula. Formed from volcanic rock mesas, it resembles a stone figure resting peacefully upon its back in Lake Superior. For those who dare to tread upon the Sleeping Giant, over 100 hiking trails await you in the aptly named Sleeping Giant Provincial Park. Find the right trail and you will eventually find yourself before the spectacular Sea Lion.
The Sea Lion has presided over Perry Bay for more than a century. This diabase rock arch once resembled a sea lion sitting on its haunches. However, its head has since departed from its body due to sedimentary erosion. Luckily, though the Sea Lion’s head has disappeared, its name has remained. To meet this Perry Bay icon, you must first embark on the Kabeyun Trail for around 0.8 km before turning left on to the Sea Lion Trail. Follow the path and eventually, you will be greeted by the Sea Lion of the Sleeping Giant.
As you skip along the trail, marvel at the glorious views of Lake Superior. On a sunny day, the lake sparkles to the point of nearly blinding you. Towards the end of the trail, be sure to read the interpretive panels describing the fascinating history of this unique geological formation. There are benches too where you can rest and pay your respects to the headless Sea Lion.
The Sea Lion Trail is quite an easy and rewarding hike. It is 2.4 km round trip from the South Kabeyun Trailhead parking lot. The path is a tad rocky at times and there are a few steep inclines here and there, but so long as you watch your step, you will eventually stumble your way there.
The trail is open year-round and is a delight to visit anytime, though watch out for icy patches in the winter and early spring. As the sedimentary erosion of the Sea Lion continues, be sure to visit before it disappears altogether.
Lastly, parking in Ontario Parks, including the Sleeping Giant, does require a vehicle permit which you can reserve online. Daily Vehicle Permits can be booked up to five days before your visit. Seasonal Day Use Permits can be booked anytime, granting you unlimited day use entry to over 100 Ontario Parks during the calendar year or summer season. Failure to display a valid permit may result in a curse (likely in the form of a fine).
As you venture out yourself, be mindful of the principles of Leave No Trace, lest you kindle the Sleeping Giant’s fury. Plan ahead, be considerate of the Sleeping Giant (and others), and watch where you step. Finally, while photos do serve as meaningful keepsakes, you will only fully experience the moment when you set aside that camera for a few moments to enjoy the view through your eyes. Snap a couple of photos, but be sure to enjoy the experience without distraction.
Here was a sneak peek at the Sleeping Giant’s beloved Sea Lion. Keep an eye out for more swooping out of the sky.
I hope you enjoy, and I look forward to sharing more unofficial wonders with you. Happy hiking!
The Unofficial Florence
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