TERRY FOX 45TH ANNIVERSARY SLEEPING GIANT HIKE
AN ADVENTURE, 45 YEARS IN THE MAKING
When Terry was in Grade 9, he painted a picture of a beautiful sunset with mountains in the background and water in the foreground. I’ve admired it for years.
One day, as I was reflecting on it, I was struck by how much the scene resembles the Sleeping Giant. The shapes of the mountains and the Sleeping Giant are eerily similar. The connection was meaningful and it inspired an idea: to organize a hike to the Sleeping Giant overlooking Terry’s monument and the place he was forced to stop his Marathon of Hope 45 years ago.
– Judith Fox, Terry’s sister
BE PART OF A ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME TRIBUTE TO TERRY'S LEGACY
On September 1, Judith and Fred Fox, Terry’s sister and brother, will lead a very special hike – in a very special place: Sleeping Giant Provincial Park. The Park and its iconic rock formation sit near the exact spot Terry was forced to stop running on September 1, 1980.
The hike is a tribute to Terry’s determination and his relentless optimism.
It’s a celebration of his enduring legacy.
And it’s an opportunity to fundraise for the thing that mattered most to Terry: a world without cancer.
SAVE THE DATE!
- Monday, September 1, 2025 (Labour Day)
- Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, Thunder Bay, ON
- Register as an individual, family, or team and start fundraising today!
- Please note: We encourage you to register and sign the participant waiver in advance of the Hike. This will help us with our logistics and ensure a safe and seamless experience for everyone.
AN ADVENTURE, 45 YEARS IN THE MAKING
When Terry was in Grade 9, he painted a picture of a beautiful sunset with mountains in the background and water in the foreground. I’ve admired it for years.
One day, as I was reflecting on it, I was struck by how much the scene resembles the Sleeping Giant. The shapes of the mountains and the Sleeping Giant are eerily similar. The connection was meaningful and it inspired an idea: to organize a hike to the Sleeping Giant overlooking Terry’s monument and the place he was forced to stop his Marathon of Hope 45 years ago.
– Judith Fox, Terry’s sister
BE PART OF A ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME TRIBUTE TO TERRY'S LEGACY
On September 1, Judith and Fred Fox, Terry’s sister and brother, will lead a very special hike – in a very special place: Sleeping Giant Provincial Park. The Park and its iconic rock formation sit near the exact spot Terry was forced to stop running on September 1, 1980.
The hike is a tribute to Terry’s determination and his relentless optimism.
It’s a celebration of his enduring legacy.
And it’s an opportunity to fundraise for the thing that mattered most to Terry: a world without cancer.
SAVE THE DATE!
- Monday, September 1, 2025 (Labour Day)
- Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, Thunder Bay, ON
- Register as an individual, family, or team and start fundraising today!
- Please note: We encourage you to register and sign the participant waiver in advance of the Hike. This will help us with our logistics and ensure a safe and seamless experience for everyone.
HIKE INTO HISTORY
Join us in the stunning boreal forest of Sleeping Giant Provincial Park. Carved into the rugged majesty of the Canadian Shield, the Sleeping Giant is an experience for body and soul. There are three routes to accommodate hikers of all abilities.
We’ve chosen September 1 to honour the day Terry’s was forced to stop running and his Marathon of Hope ended.
The event will start with a short tribute to Terry led by Judith Fox. Participants will receive a special keepsake to remember this extraordinary day.
On your way between Thunder Bay and the Park, you can stop at the Terry Fox Monument to soak in one of our most iconic Canadian vistas: the poignant sculpture of Terry overlooking the Sleeping Giant and Lake Superior.
A HIKE FOR EVERYONE
With three scenic routes, there’s a hike for everyone! All three routes begin from the same trailhead at 8:00 AM sharp. Choose the one that best suits your pace and experience.
Sea Lion Trail (Short & Scenic)
Sea Lion Trail is a scenic 2.4 km return trip that takes you to the ancient rock arch whimsically called the Sea Lion. Time: ~1 hour. Moderate.
Tee Harbour Trail (Views & Tranquility)
Tee Harbour Trail is a 12.4 km return trip along relatively-even ground with stunning views of Lake Superior and her picturesque islands. Time: ~3-4 hours. Moderate.
Top of the Giant (Shoulders of a Giant)
Top of the Giant is a spectacular, challenging 21.8 km roundtrip with 580m of elevation gain (one way). This route is only suitable for experienced hikers with proper hiking gear. Time: ~6-10 hours. Difficult.
Whichever hike you choose, know that your journey is more than a physical challenge; it’s a symbolic one. We’ll remember Terry’s courage and tenacity and we’ll reflect on his words as he was airlifted home to resume treatment: “All I can say is that if there’s any way I can get out there and finish, I will.”
A Cancer Survivor’s Trek
I participated in the Terry Fox School Run as a kid, and in the Terry Fox Run as an adult after going through my own cancer journey. I’d never done a hike to the top of a mountain of this magnitude before. I was intrigued. I soon decided I could do this and started a training plan that expanded upon my usual 10km running, but also included going up and down thousands of stairs. None of this training prepared me for the emotional journey I was about to take up Mount Terry Fox.
COME PREPARED FOR YOUR ROUTE AND THE WEATHER
- Refillable water bottle and water
- Sturdy hiking shoes
- Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm)
- Bug spray
- Snacks/lunch
- Camera/phone (Note: there is no cell service on the trails)
- Weather-appropriate clothing (~9°C-20°C on Sept 1 in Thunder Bay)
- Headlamp/light (recommended for Top of the Giant)
- Bear bell
- Trash bag (we take only photos and leave only footprints)
- Toilet paper 😊
Additional information, maps, and waivers will be shared upon registration.
COMING FROM OUT OF TOWN?
- Hikers are responsible for getting to Thunder Bay.
- If you want to camp, the Park has camping facilities subject to availability. Contact the Ontario Parks Reservation Line at 1-888-668-7275.
- We’re exploring options for possible carpools or shuttles from Thunder Bay to and from the Park (~1.5 hours). If you’re interested, let us know on your registration form.
QUESTIONS?
For more about the 45th Anniversary Sleeping Giant Hike, reach out anytime:
Judith Fox
Legacy Giving Manager
legacy@terryfox.org
Register and start fundraising today.
