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The Camino de Santiago arrives in Canada

An authentic Camino de Santiago milestone, brought directly from Spain, now stands in the front garden of the Spanish Ambassador’s Residence in Ottawa.

The Camino de Santiago has its origins in the 9th century, when the tomb of the Apostle St. James was discovered in Galicia, in northwestern Spain. Soon pilgrimages began from different parts of Europe, becoming one of the great routes of medieval Christianity.

The Camino: A Timeless Pilgrimage Connecting Canadians to a Global Heritage

Over the centuries, the Camino has united pilgrims from around the world —each with their own reasons— on a transformative journey rich in spiritual, natural, historical, and cultural significance. It is no surprise that, by the end of the 20th century, the Council of Europe declared it the first European Cultural Route and UNESCO named it a World Heritage Site.

Every year, thousands of Canadians walk the Camino de Santiago. Two associations support them: the Canadian Company of Pilgrims and the du Québec à Compostelle association. Canadian interest and passion for the Camino continue to grow.

The Camino milestones

Along the many routes of the Camino de Santiago, pilgrims find a constant guide: the milestones. These markers, placed regularly along the path, not only show the correct direction but also symbolize centuries of Jacobean tradition.

The actual milestones, like the authentic one installed in Ottawa thanks to the Xunta de Galicia, are made of solid granite —a unique piece weighing over 400 kilos. They display the yellow shell on a blue background, the official symbol of the Camino, and show the remaining distance to Santiago de Compostela: 5,203 km from Ottawa!

Also visible is the iconic yellow arrow, which indicates the direction and has become the symbol of the modern pilgrim.

A Journey of Inner Discovery

The Camino de Santiago is more than just a physical route; it is an inner journey. Each step offers a chance for silence, discovery, self-improvement, faith, or reflection. Whether for religious, cultural, or personal reasons, those who walk it realize that the true destination is not only the cathedral of Santiago but the journey itself.

Along the way, the milestones remind us that every step counts, all progress matters, and, as in life, the essential thing is to keep moving forward. Now, the Canadian community has a genuine and lasting tribute to this universal route, bringing even more of the world to Ottawa.