Details

Join us as we cast off routine for eight days. Participate for a day, two days, or the entire pilgrimage!

The number of pilgrims who can participate is limited, so register early!

When is the Pilgrimage?
How Much Does It Cost?
How Does the Pilgrimage Work?
Contributions and Thanks

1. When is the Pilgrimage?

The Pilgrimage leaves from Loyola House the Saturday of the August long weekend. After 7 nights of camping, we arrive at the Martyrs’ Shrine in Midland the following Saturday around noon. See the Registration Form for the exact dates.

2. How Much Does it Cost?

Complete 8-Day Pilgrimage (includes food and amenities): Adults aged 18+ – $400 | Youth up to 18 – $125
Only interested in specific dates: $75 pp/day | $150 max per family/day

Go to the registration page here.

Transportation – Transportation is surprisingly easy, and we have never left anyone in Midland yet. The following carpooling options are recommended:

Option 1 – Ask family or a friend to come and collect you. They are welcome to stay for the closing Mass and lunch.
Option 2 – While on the pilgrimage, make a connection with someone employing Option 1 or 3.
Option 3 – Bring your own car and shuttle it daily from one camp location to the next (takes 60-90 minutes).

3. How Does the Pilgrimage Work?

Once having confirmed your place in the pilgrimage, make a list of personal items that will ensure your comfort and safety on the walk. See the Trip Planner webpage for details and checklist.

During the walk, you will most likely develop sore, tired feet, maybe even a few blisters. This is part of the pilgrimage experience. Here are a few key things that make a successful pilgrimage:

Pilgrims need to be able to walk at a pace of 4 to 4.5 km per hour depending on terrain for 20-28 km daily.
Consider gathering prayer petitions from friends, neighbours, and others for your pilgrimage. Petitions will be carried collectively and burned on the last day.
Foot care is critical so train ahead of time. Everyone’s feet are different, be sure to pack a first aid kit.
For safety reasons it is critical that the group walks no more than 2 side by side, always staying on the shoulder of the road and that the gap between the front and end of the line is minimized.
Review and be familiar with all safety rules that are part of the registration package. Safety is critical for a successful pilgrimage.
Those unable to keep up with the group’s pace can use the support vehicles to be shuttled up hills or to the next rest spot.
Tired or sore feet for a day? Rest from walking and volunteer for the day.
Breaks: Morning and afternoon snack and water breaks 15 minutes each; Lunch is one hour and Porta Potties will be available.
Walk in silence: 30 minutes in the morning and afternoon
Pilgrims are responsible for setting up and packing up their camping gear daily. Remember that August nights can be cool.
Camp Chairs, tents and duffel/hockey bags are packed in different locations on the trucks.
Ensure everything is clearly labeled with your name as tents, bags and chairs all look alike. Duct tape and a sharpie are great helpers.

The Pilgrimage is about community, not just walking. It is about being generous with your talents to help others. It is organized and run by volunteers. Many hands make light work. We have all paid to participate and while some serve more time than others, everyone has an opportunity to serve along the way. You are encouraged to help out where you can.

Assist with meal preparation (means giving up some walking time)
Loading and unloading bags and tents to and from the truck
Setting up sun canopies for meals
Setting up chairs for meals, closing them under the canopies for the night, or loading them into the truck
Preparing Epson foot baths for when walkers arrive at the day’s destination
Washing dishes

Day 1 Start from Ignatius Jesuit Centre

6:00 Meet at the 1^st parking lot on the left as you enter the Ignatius college grounds. Go to registration table to collect your name tag and check in.

Drop the following off in the correct pile for loading onto the trucks

Camp chair
Tent
Duffel Bag or hockey bag with your clothing, sleeping bag, pillow etc. (Absolutely no suitcases or garbage bags as they will not stack safely.) Max bag size: 24″x36″x15″; max bag weight: 20 kg.

Keep with you whatever you need for the day: full water bottle, sunscreen, bug spray, band aids, hat, backpack or fanny pack, etc.

Make your way to Loyola House with your family if they would like to attend the 7 am Mass with you.

Cars can remain parked for the week in this parking lot.

A “typical” walking day

Walk at a pace of 4.0 to 4.5 km/hour. Total distance – approximately 20-28 km daily
6 am – wake-up, pack up tents, and possibly start breakfast
7 am – Mass
7:30 am – breakfast, finish packing up & help loading trucks
8:15 am – spiritual input
8:30 am – begin walking
10:15 am – having travelled 5-7 km: 15-minute break and water replenish
12 noon – having travelled another 5-7 km: 1-hour lunch, Porta-Potties available
2:30 pm – having travelled another 5-7 km: 15-minute break and water replenish
4 pm – having travelled another 5-7 km: arrive at the destination to set up tent
6 pm – supper followed by dishes
7 pm – spiritual group sharing
10 pm – quiet time

Dates & lodging

Day 1 – 20 km – camping at St. Peter’s Church grounds in Oustic
Day 2 – 28 km – camping on private property, Caledon
Day 3 – 22 km – camping at Valley of Mother of God Monastery
Day 4 – 25 km – camping at Immaculate Conception Church grounds, Alliston
Day 5 – 28 km – camping at Tiffin Conservation Area (Rainbow Valley Rd.)
Day 6 – 26 km – camping at St. Patrick Church, Phelpston
Day 7 – 27 km – camping at St. Ignace II (1645 Rosemount Rd., Waubaushene)
Day 8 – 17 km – arrive at Martyrs’ Shrine in Midland
Note – locations are subject to change

4. Contributions and Thanks

The organizers of the Walking Pilgrimage are most grateful to:

Zehrs, Loyola House, local parishes, CWL groups, and Knights of Columbus members who give of their time by providing food and preparing meals that nourish us on our journey.
Our gracious hosts who welcome us so warmly on our journey.

God bless them all!

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