Walking the Camino de Santiago is a dream shared by thousands of people around the world, and now residents of Peterborough have a new resource to help them begin their journey.
The newly formed Peterborough chapter of the Canadian Company of Pilgrims is opening its doors to guide, support, and inspire anyone hoping to take on the famous pilgrimage.
The Camino de Santiago, often called The Way, is a network of ancient routes leading to the shrine of Saint James in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. For centuries, pilgrims have walked these paths in search of adventure, reflection, healing, community, or spiritual growth. Preparing for such a journey can feel overwhelming, especially for first-time walkers who may not know where to begin. That is exactly where the Peterborough chapter hopes to make a difference.
The chapter was created to bring local pilgrims together and offer practical preparation for the Camino. Members will be able to attend meetings, training walks, and information sessions designed to build confidence and readiness. Volunteers and experienced past pilgrims will share tips on choosing the right gear, planning routes, staying safe, and managing life on the trail.
Topics like backpack weight, footwear, accommodations, packing essentials, and even mental preparation will all be part of the chapter’s support.
Beyond the practical details, the chapter also aims to create a community that reflects the spirit of the Camino itself. Walkers often say that the friendships and connections they make along the way become some of the most meaningful parts of the pilgrimage.
By gathering pilgrims before they even set foot on Spanish soil, the Peterborough chapter hopes to spark this sense of companionship early, helping future walkers feel more supported and connected.
The Canadian Company of Pilgrims, founded to promote and preserve the traditions of the Camino in Canada, has chapters across the country.
Each chapter serves as a welcoming space for anyone interested in the pilgrimage, whether they are actively planning a journey or simply curious. The addition of a Peterborough group makes the Camino even more accessible to residents in the region.
For many, the Camino is more than just a long walk. It is a personal challenge, a chance to reset, or an opportunity to see the world from a slower, more mindful perspective.
With the launch of this new chapter, Peterborough residents now have the encouragement and tools to begin that journey with confidence, step by step, long before they arrive in Spain.