Frequently Asked Questions

 

Below are answers to some common questions you might have:

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Q: Where are the walks?

Camino Nova Scotia has developed four pilgrimage routes: The North Shore Way, The Annapolis Valley, The Gaels' Trail, and the South Shore Peace and Friendship Way.

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Q: Is every Trail walked every year?

No. Some years walks are provided on all four shores, but not every year.

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Q: Do I have to be religious to go on pilgrimage?

Not at all! Although pilgrimages have been associated with all of the world's religions, they are also an opportunity to explore your spirituality, whatever it may be! Space is given to pilgrims for meditation and for prayer, however they understand and practice it.  Camino Nova Scotia is welcoming to all and we are a very inclusive group. Pilgrimage appeals to all sorts of people, for all sorts of reasons. You can expect the pilgrim group to include a diversity of ages, genders, sexualities, cultural backgrounds, and spiritual perspectives. Travelling together creates many opportunities to practice mutual respect & hospitality towards each other. 

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Q: What footwear should I bring?

Our recommendation is to wear sturdy hiking boots with ankle support. However, the trails tend to be well groomed and many pilgrims in the past have worn trail shoes or hiking sneakers. Blisters are very common and can be agonizing after a full day of walking; prevention is key. The best blister prevention is to break in your shoes/boots before attempting a long walk. Advance training is a must!  Invest in good footwear & wool socks and pay attention to any areas that rub. Cover those “hot spots” with bandages, gauze, tape, etc. as soon as they form. Stay hydrated. Changing socks part-way through a long day of walking can be helpful.

  

Q: Will there be additional costs above the fee, and should I bring cash?

Your registration fee includes in-Camino transportation, accommodations, meals and snacks.  You will have very little need for money once we are underway but you may wish to bring some Canadian dollars or a credit/debit card to buy the occasional drink, ice cream, snack, gift, or souvenir along the way.  

 

Q: What is the fee?

The fee for our 2026 Caminos is $1050 CAD. We do have a small bursary program to support pilgrims for whom the cost is prohibitive; reach out to the co-Directors for more information at camino@astheology.ns.ca 

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Q: Can I bring my dog?

Sorry, but we are unable to accommodate pets on the pilgrimages.

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Q: Will I be able to connect with my family and friends while I am away? Or in case of an emergency?

Cell coverage is spotty, especially in rural parts of the province. We may have access to wifi at some of our overnight accommodations, but we do not guarantee this to be available. Some pilgrims choose to unplug and leave their phones and gadgets at home. The Camino NS staff do carry cellphones to be contacted in case of emergency. 

 

Q: How will I know where to go? 

Each day, a route guide including trail information and directions will be distributed. Please use them. Keep an eye out for fellow travelers to avoid getting lost. If you stick to the directions, you won’t lose your way (most of the paths we follow are linear former rail-lines, so large and generally well-marked).

 

Q: How long are the walks?  

Closely estimated distances will be provided on the info sheets you will receive each day. Most days the walk will be between 15 and 25 km. That may seem like a long distance but pilgrims are encouraged to set their own pace and take breaks as required. It is impossible to provide exact distances and routes because our daily itineraries are subject to weather and trail conditions.

 

Q: Is food provided and where do we eat?

Camino Nova Scotia prides itself on providing healthy and delicious food for pilgrims. Pilgrims will be invited to share their dietary needs with staff so a menu can be created that suits all participants. Pilgrims and staff will work together to prepare meals at each of our host sites and pilgrims are encouraged to share their evening meal communally. We do our best to accommodate special food requests but note that selection can be limited in some of the small communities we will travel through.

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Q: What should I pack?

We will provide you with a thorough packing list. You are encouraged to pack lightly. We suggest bringing a daypack for your water, lunch, TP, directions & personal items.  Your daypack should be sturdy & comfortable, since you’ll be wearing it a lot. Consider investing in a pack with contoured, padded shoulder straps & an adjustable waistband and/or sternum strap. Your overnight bag will be transported for you to the next destination. 

 

Q: Should I consider insurance?

For Nova Scotia residents, please ensure that your provincial health insurance is in good standing.  For all participants, the purchase of additional personal insurance is at your own discretion and is your responsibility.

 

Q: Will laundry services be available?

Clothes washing in machines will not be available.  You may wish to bring a small amount of laundry soap to hand-wash a few items along the way in sinks, although it is likely easier simply to pack a few essentials in your luggage and do your laundry following the Camino.

 

Q: What should I expect in terms of trail ease or difficulty?

The paths we walk will generally  be graveled, not covered in roots and rocks; and any inclines are very slight. The route is divided between trails (dirt, crushed gravel, rough gravel, or asphalt) and secondary roads. 

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Q: Will there be rest stops?

You will be able to rest whenever you like. Camino NS is a mobile retreat: a time away from our ordinary work and responsibilities, giving us time to reflect and refocus on what is important. Taking care of our bodies is important too.

 

​Q: What does a typical walk day look like?

We try to keep it simple.                   

7 am                Rise, eat, prepare a packed lunch

8:30 am           Morning meditation

9 am                Begin the day’s walk as a group; individual speed will vary as the

                         day unfolds      

Lunchtime       Take a break in a beautiful spot

2-4 pm             Arrive at our evening destination

6 pm                Share a common meal

7 pm                Relax, reflect, play a board game, enjoy local music, etc.

8:30 pm           Group conversation about the day’s experiences

9:15 pm           Evening prayer

10 pm              Bedtime

 

Q: Will I have access to showers?

We will have access to showers at campgrounds, municipal pools, etc. usually 2-3 times during each pilgrimage.

 

Q: What are the sleeping arrangements like?

We sleep overnight on the floor of host churches and community halls. Private rooms are (usually) not possible, but some walkers prefer to bring a compact tent! (Note that tenting may not be an option every night, as some venues do not allow it.) Bring your own sleeping bag, pillow, and camping mat or air mattress.

 

Q: What if I get too tired or develop an injury? Is there a support vehicle available?

If you are tired or injured, getting a lift in the van is not hard to arrange. However, you might have to wait a little while to be located and collected. The van is also used to purchase each day’s supplies and we use it to transport your overnight bag/gear to the next destination.

 

Q: How should I prepare for Camino?

Training is essential.  START TRAINING NOW!  Daily 1-2 hour walks are a good idea, with longer walks (3-5 hours) at least once a week.  As your endurance increases, try back-to-back days of longer walks. You will be fit and ready!

 

Q: Are washrooms available?

While indoor plumbing (toilets and sinks) is available to us morning and evening, we often will NOT pass a washroom or outhouse during the day. Bring toilet paper in your daypack for these festive occasions. Some professional outback hikers swear by carrying a hand spade with which to bury toilet paper and poo. We want to tread lightly on the Land, so please don't litter non-biodegradable items such as plastic tampon applicators (for these, bring along a Ziplock bag or some such, to transport them to the next garbage can).

 

Q: Is water provided along the route?

Tap water in Nova Scotia is great, and you can fill up in the mornings. The Camino NS support team will also arrange water stops along each day's route so you can refill. Do bring a water container. Even if you don't normally drink much water, your body needs it walking over 20 kms in a day, because you dehydrate through sweat and breathing.