Canadian Camino Compostela

Helping Hands

Background
The Canadian Camino Compostela was originally developed at the request of the International Pilgrim’s Reception Office to certify that members of the Canadian Company of Pilgrims had completed a recognized pilgrimage distance in Canada before undertaking the Camino Inglés from A Coruña. Preamble kilometres walked in Canada may now be combined with any officially recognized Camino route.

General Updated Requirements
The new requirements for receiving a Compostela at the International Pilgrim’s Reception Office in Santiago are:

  • A minimum of 100 continuous kilometers must be walked on any route recognized by the International Pilgrim’s Reception Office.
  • Required distance in Spain shall be no less than 70 continuous kilometers, validated by stamps collected near the beginning and end of each day of walking.
  • The final stage into Santiago’s Cathedral must be walked (last stage of 16-25 kms).

Updated Requirements Including Kilometers Walked in Canada
The requirements have been adjusted to allow for pre-amble kilometers walked in Canada:

  • Pre-amble kilometers walked during an official CCoP Chapter pre-amble event and certified by the receipt of a Canadian Camino Compostela, can be added to the distance walked on any Camino route recognized by the International Pilgrim’s Reception Office.
  • To receive a Compostela from the International Pilgrim’s Reception Office in Santiago the required distance walked in Spain must be no less than 70 continuous kilometers and must include the final stage leading into Santiago’s Cathedral. Examples:
    • 30 kms in Canada and the final 70kms into Santiago for a total 100 kms
    • 30 kms in Canada, 70 continuous kms anywhere on any official route, plus the final stage (16-25 kms) into Santiago for a total of 116 to 125 kms
  • Final Stage distance on recognized routes leading into Santiago:
    • Francés, Primitivo, Norte: 20kms from Pedrouzo, Arca (O Pino)
    • Inglés: 16kms from Sigüeiro
    • Via de la Plata, Invierno: 17kms from Outeiro
    • Finisterre, Muxía: 21kms from Negreira
  • The Canadian Camino Compostela is to be presented at the International Pilgrim’s Reception Office to validate the distance walked, and stamps collected in a CCoP credencial during participation in a Chapter pre-amble.

Contact your local CCoP Chapter for more information on pre-amble participation. 

Canadian Company of Pilgrims