What is the Sleeping Giant?

It’s native Ojibwe name is Nanabijou, “Protector of the Deep Sea Water”. The Sleeping Giant is a geological landmark on Lake Superior’s Canadian shoreline, located some 50 miles east of Thunder Bay, Ontario. 1,200 foot rock faces tower over the largest lake in North America in what is now a protected provincial park. 200 campsites, 100+ kilometers of hiking trails, and the remote beauty of the North Shore. Be a part of this autumn expedition and explore a new stretch of the Canadian wilderness!

See details provided below for information. Reach out to Program Director, Jack Grabinski, with questions or to chat about the opportunity.

WHO: Open to any and all high school-aged students (currently in grades 9 - 12). There will be one group or two groups, depending on interest. If two groups are formed, there will be a men’s group and a women’s group.

WHAT: Backpacking expedition in Sleeping Giant Provincial Park.

WHEN: MEA weekend (Oct. 17 - Oct. 20). Depart in the morning on Thursday, Oct. 17, from or basecamp in Sartell, MN and arrive at Sleeping Giant around noon. Depart Sleeping Giant mid-morning on Sunday, Oct. 20, and return to basecamp in Sartell in the evening.

WHERE: Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, 50 miles east of Thunder Bay, Ontario. Approximately 7 hour drive from Sartell, MN. The Expedition will be 20 miles along the Kabeyun Trail, which follows the shoreline of Lake Superior around the Sleeping Giant. There are several opportunities to hike up among the rock formations, which the group will discuss prior to departure.

COST: $300. This cost covers transportation, permits, food, equipment, and guides.

Don’t have any gear? No problem! Backpacks, hiking poles, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad are available to rent from Les Voyageurs at NO COST. All you need are hiking shoes and the clothes on your back (clothing will be discussed more thoroughly at meeting).

MEETING: There will be a full group meeting on Sunday, Oct. 6, at 5:30 pm. This meeting will be at our basecamp in northern Sartell, MN. Important trip details will be discussed and border crossing documents will be collected. A passport or passport card is preferred, though a combination of photo ID and birth certificate is sufficient for students under 19 years of age.