Chapters & Local Contacts
Halifax Chapter
The Halifax Chapter of the Canadian Company of Pilgrims is a not-for–profit community organization that invites pilgrims to share their Camino experiences and provide advice for those planning their Camino. Our annual meetings are held in November at the Halifax Central Library and we have partnered with The Trail Shop to present practical packing and equipment information for people interested in walking the camino. Additionally, we schedule group hikes and have hosted hospitalero training. We are on Facebook where our latest events and information are posted.
Contact: David R.
Fredericton Chapter
The Fredericton Chapter of the CCoP supports the Camino de Santiago by hosting spring and fall gatherings to bring together veterans of the Camino and prospective pilgrims to explore the experience, the wisdom and the joy of the Camino and to answer practical planning questions. Each year, returning pilgrims are invited to share their experience and show their pictures at the gatherings.
The chapter maintains a Facebook page and conducts outings, social events and language training and practice.
Contact: Pieter N.
Ottawa Chapter
The Ottawa Chapter continues to offer weekly, year round guided Camino training walks. Each year, the Chapter hosts a Camino 101 training session aimed at anyone going to walk their first Camino. The Chapter also periodically organizes social gatherings, including an annual picnic. From time to time, the Chapter offers hospitaler@ training for pilgrims interested in volunteering at an albergue on the Camino.
Prince Edward County – Kingston Chapter
The Prince Edward County – Kingston Chapter consists of past, present and future pilgrims of the Camino de Santiago (The Way of Saint James to Santiago de Compostela in Spain). Our aim is to be a bridge chapter between Toronto and Ottawa in Prince Edward County and Kingston (including the area from Port Hope to Kingston). We provide information and encouragement to those interested in or planning a Camino. Pilgrim Advisers and Ambassadors: For those who would like one-on-one support heading into their pilgrimage, our chapter will match you up with an adviser to answer all your questions and get you off on the right foot.
Contact: Brent Mills
Toronto Chapter
The Toronto Chapter consists of past, present and future pilgrims of The Way of Saint James to Santiago de Compostela. This is one of the largest and most active Chapters in CCoP. They offer two full-day pilgrim meetings each year, as well as social gatherings such as films and special walks.
Pilgrim Advisers and Ambassadors
For those who would like one-on-one support heading into their pilgrimage, the Toronto Chapter will match you up with an adviser to answer all you questions and get you off on the right foot. For more information contact David.
Contact: David Tallan
Hamilton Chapter
The Hamilton Chapter of the CCoP is a small growing group of people who have walked or are interested in walking the various routes of the Camino de Santiago or are interested in serving as hospitaleros in Spain. We provide information and encouragement to those interested in or planning a Camino. During the winter we schedule walks and coffee and breakfast meetings at a cafe where you can socialize and ask your questions. We can also provide peer mentoring if you prefer to meet at other times. Our annual highlight is a Gathering in July at a member’s nearby farm for a picnic and sharing. Check the CCoP website for events. Looking forward to your joining the CCoP and our Hamilton Chapter. See you soon.
Contact: Colleen O’Toole and David Duncan
Kitchener – Waterloo Chapter
The Kitchener-Waterloo Camino pilgrims provides information, inspiration, support and a sense of community for all those who are interested in the ancient pilgrimage routes of the Camino de Santiago de Compostela. As a growing group, we hold potluck meetings both in Spring and Fall and monthly group walks. Our facebook page provides information and announcements of future events . Come join us. Ultreia!.
Contact: Kathy and Allan Henderickson-Gracie
Sudbury Chapter
The objective of the Sudbury Chapter is to share the Camino experience with communities in and around the city of Sudbury including North Bay, Timmins and Sault Ste. Marie. We are dedicated to bringing together pilgrims to share their Camino stories and provide advice and support to those who are planning to embark on this unique adventure. Being a new chapter, we are in the process of planning events and activities for the Spring/Summer of this year.
Contact: David Duncan
London Chapter
The Camino Pilgrims of London, is Canada’s newest CCoP chapter. We have had Spring and Fall meetings for over 15 years. Our most popular event is our St James Day celebration in Bayfield. This late July event features a morning 2 hour nature walk, Spanish lunch, yellow arrow camino to a church service and lily garden, followed by a potluck meal. We have been offering a February Camino 101 pilgrim training and labyrinth walks in May. We are proud to offer significant support to a parochial albergue in Monesterio, 100 kms north of Seville on the Via de la Plata. Our pilgrim team also serves a community meal to the less fortunate.
Contact: Tom Friesen and Dale Boost
Windsor / Essex Chapter
The Windsor/Essex chapter (est. Feb 2019) celebrates the camino de Santiago. Those who have walked and those who intend/have an interest in walking are invited to our meetings. You can also enjoy our casual walks and social gatherings such as informal meet ups for sharing your camino experiences or plans. Follow our Facebook page for event announcements. Being a border city area we welcome our American pilgrim neighbours with open hearts. We look forward to inspiring and supporting your pilgrim dreams.
Contact: Joanne Rivard
Winnipeg Chapter
The Winnipeg Chapter started up in November 2008. We hold meetings twice a year, in March and November. Additionally, each month throughout the year we have a Walk, Talk, and Lunch event or a Camino Coffee Evening where pilgrims and prospective pilgrims can meet to exchange information and tall stories.
Contact: Lise Desrochers
Saskatoon Chapter
The Saskatoon chapter supports people living in the Saskatoon area who are planning to walk, or are interested in knowing more about the Caminos de Santiago. Our goal is to provide practical advice, encouragement, inspiration and education to both aspiring and returned pilgrims. Our chapter’s regular activities include camino information events, send-off and welcome-home celebrations for local pilgrims, film nights, an annual St. James’ Day walk, and regular social gatherings. We also provide opportunities to get involved in the local and national organization and to access hospitalero training. We maintain a Facebook page (see the link on the right), and we produce a newsletter about once a month to keep our members informed about chapter-sponsored events and related activities. Click on one of the contact links below to let us know if you’d like to be added to our mailing list
Contact: Edie Riekman
Edmonton Chapter
The Edmonton Chapter of the Canadian Company of Pilgrims serves the Edmonton and northern Alberta region supporting people that are interested or have returned from the Camino. Everyone is welcome to join our semi-annual meetings (spring and autumn), or come to any of our other events such as our media/movie evening (winter) and the annual St. James Day event (near or on July 25). We also have a very vibrant walking community that meets every Saturday, exploring many of the walking trails in our river valley which usually includes a coffee stop. Please come join us to find out more about the Camino from our many seasoned travelers. We also have a monthly newsletter that keeps our members and friends up to date on our many activities and is a great resource for information about the Camino in general. If you are interested in our newsletter please click here and choose the Edmonton Chapter Email List..
Contact: Thais (Thaya) McKee or Chuck Hunt
Calgary Chapter
The Calgary Chapter supports pilgrims and those interested in the Camino de Santiago by offering spring and fall meetings; a St James Day potluck and country walk; and an annual one day workshop, Camino 101: Orientation to the Camino for those planning to undertake the pilgrim trail. In addition, hospitalero training is offered every two years; and coffee/walk gatherings twice per month. Our Facebook page provides information on upcoming events and news of interest.
Contact: Judy Gayford and Lauren Rendle
Kelowna Chapter
The Kelowna Chapter of the Canadian Company of Pilgrims, consistent with the other chapters across Canada, exists for the purpose of sharing information about the various Caminos associated with “The Way of Saint James”.
Although identified as the Kelowna chapter, anyone from the Okanagan or areas of the Interior even farther afield are welcome to attend chapter activities. The Chapter also offers practical training regarding how to best undertake the Camino and minimize injury or other problems. The Chapter offers social and educational events where both those who are considering their first Camino as well as those who have already undertaken one or more Caminos can share information and experiences regarding the benefits of the Camino, physically, emotionally, socially and Spiritually.
The Chapter intends on organizing group training walks for members to physically prepare for their Camino and will also offer information on recommended equipment.
Contact: David and Betty Brown
Vancouver Chapter
The Greater Vancouver Chapter supports aspiring and returning pilgrims by hosting weekly practice walks from mid-January through October, biannual meetings in the spring and fall, and special events from time to time.
Our walks include both local loop or out-and-back routes as well as multi-stage one-way walks around and throughout the lower mainland. As such, they are a great way not only to prepare for the Camino and enjoy the company of fellow pilgrims, but also to explore our beautiful region. They are open to all. Click Here to receive our weekly email walking notifications.
Our biannual meetings are a great opportunity for returning pilgrims to share their experiences and for aspiring pilgrims to learn more about specific routes, gear, and the daily necessities on the Camino. Aspiring and experienced pilgrims are welcome to attend.
Contact: Donna Coutts
Victoria Chapter
The Victoria Chapter was started in 2004 by a couple of recently returned pilgrims, who wondered if anyone else out there was interested in the Camino. Since then we have grown by leaps and bounds, and it’s safe to say there is a very strong interest in the Camino amongst the residents of Victoria, the Gulf Islands and the rest of Vancouver Island too. Our meetings also attract pilgrims from the mainland and from Washington state.
The goal of our Chapter is to provide a forum for the exchange of information about the Camino and also offer practical training and information sessions to prospective pilgrims of all religions or none, who are planning on walking, cycling or horseback journey along one of the many Camino de Santiago routes.
Our main pilgrim gathering for the year, held in the Spring, is an all-day conference-style meeting, providing information for new pilgrims as well as programs of interest for experienced pilgrims. We also hold a Fall gathering for recently returned pilgrims, and a Camino 101 for those planning their first pilgrimage. Pre-registration is required for these events.
Contact: Jim R.
Yukon Chapter
The Yukon Chapter is rather new and fairly small, but enthusiastic nevertheless!
We aim to host a few annual gatherings that support and promote the “Camino
de Santiago”. Here Camino veterans gather to share their experiences, the
lessons they’ve learned and their love of Camino with those who are interested in
going for the first time. We hope to expand these opportunities in the future.
Aside from these scheduled meetings, if you have questions we are very happy
to make time for you to chat with an experienced “peregrino”. You can find out
about events and news by signing up for our local Yukon Chapter newsletter. You
can find us on Facebook at: Yukon Camino Community. If you would like to know
more or get involved please contact me through the link below.
Buen Camino!
Contact: Daphne Mennell