Pilgrimage with Saint John's

We are planning a multi-week pilgrimage following the Celtic Shores Coastal Trail from the Canso Causeway to Inverness.

These pilgrimages are open to anyone who wishes to join us, whether for one leg or for the entire journey. A church background is not required, although there will be optional spiritual elements should participants be interested.

More details are listed below, including suggested training plans and what to bring with you. But if there are any questions, use the Contact Us link above.

Tentative Dates for 2026

**Note: we will meet each week at the END POINT to coordinate rides to the start, so we will have vehicles at both ends of the trail.

June 13: Causeway Troy Station to Christie's Look Off - 17.5km 12km

June 20: Christie's to Michael's Landing (Little Judique Harbour) - 12.5km

June 27: Michael's Landing to Port Hood Station - 13km

August 15: Port Hood to West Mabou Look Off - 19km

August 22: West Mabou to Blackstone - 13k

August 29: Blackstone to Inverness - 15k

*Extra shorter day pilgrimages may be added at various trails around the county throughout the summer/fall

Transportation

At 9:00am we will meet at the end point of the trail section to be hiked on the particular day. From there we will coordinate rides to the trailhead so there will be transport at both ends for all pilgrims.

What You Need

Footwear
You will need a good pair of shoes. These are long walks of between 12 and 19km. You may also like to carry walking poles, but it is up to you and your comfort level.

Backpack
A light backpack is recommended for carrying extra items. It should have well padded straps and be fitted for comfort before you hit the trail. Remember while you pack, that every ounce you pack in the bag is extra weight you will need to carry for the duration of the day's hike. Pack carefully!

Food and Water
We anticipate being on the trail for 3-6 hours, depending on the distance and pace you walk. So plenty of water, a light lunch and snacks are also recommended.

Layers
We will be hiking in Cape Breton, where the weather can be unpredictable at times. You may want to carry a light sweater or rain gear, depending on the local conditions.

Extras
You may also want to consider items such as:

• a hat
• sunscreen
• bug spray
• a camera
• a journal and pen

Training Tips

While these would be considered primarily long day hikes, you should still be physically prepared to walk long distances.

Begin with shorter walks, depending on your current fitness level and slowly increase over time, working up to 1-2 hour walks without needing to stop for rest.

Once you can complete 2 hours without needing a rest, you can then begin trying a few walks of 3-4 hours in the month preceding your planned participation. 

What If I Can't Walk That Far?

If you would like to be part of the pilgrimage but feel you are unable to manage the distances we will be walking, there are a couple of options you might want to consider.

1. You can calculate how long it will take for us to walk the trail, then join us at the finish line near that time and walk back in to meet some of us. *most people tend to walk roughly 5km/h
2. You can help us get to our start point where you will walk as far as comfortable before returning to your car.
3. You can help provide water or snack stops along the route.