VICTORIA CAMINO

Camino Coffee House
2024-06-06 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Vancouver) | Quality Foods Café, 27 Helmcken Road, Victoria, BC, V8Z 5G6, Canada
When: Thursday, June 6, 2024
Start Time: 10:00am
Location: Quality Foods Café at 27 Helmcken Road
Camino Coffee House will now be at the Quality Foods Café, located at the Eagle Creek Village Shopping mall, beside the Victoria General Hospital, 27 Helmcken Road, unit 110. The café is located inside Quality Food, upstairs.

Victoria Camino Part 2
2024-06-01 09:00 - 15:00 | Central Saanich United Church, 7180 East Saanich Road, Saanichton, British Columbia, Canada
Saturday, June 1, 9am (Meet at 8:45am)
Meeting Point: Central Saanich United Church, 7180 East Saanich Road
Meeting Point Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/bW5nyd7pt3tmGJA69
Parking: Central Saanich United Church or area
Bus: #72, Central Saanich United Church (E. Saanich/Dogwood Lane stop), Sidney (Fifth / Bevan stop)
The Canadian Company of Pilgrims and the Pilgrim Office of Santiago have reached an agreement that Canadian Pilgrims can start their Camino walk in their hometown and the distance will be recognized by the Pilgrims Office if their credentials are stamped along with the date and distance recorded. To record 30km, this will be the final 12 km.

Victoria Camino Part 1
2024-05-25 08:00 - 14:30 | British Columbia
Saturday, May 25th, 8am (Meet at 7:45am)
Meeting Point: Christ Church Cathedral 930 Burdett Ave, Victoria, BC
Meeting Point Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/AhT1kqgjsHrQP2to7
Parking: Broughton St public parking or free parking on Cook St. between Dallas and Park Ave., or take a bus!
The Canadian Company of Pilgrims and the Pilgrim Office of Santiago have reached an agreement that Canadian Pilgrims can start their Camino walk in their hometown and the distance will be recognized by the Pilgrims Office if their credentials are stamped along with the date and distance recorded. To record 30km, we will divide the walk from Victoria to Sidney into two Saturdays, this one on the 25th and the second in June.

Bear Mountain Walk
2024-05-18 09:00 - 14:30 | British Columbia
Saturday, May 18, 2024 9am (Meet at 8:45 am)
Meeting Point: Serious Coffee Millstream Village
Meeting Point Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/mNaeFkQtaVbvESJTA
Route Map: https://onthegomap.com/s/9qmvmbo4
This walk will take the group up and over Bear Mountain in Langford. The total elevation gain is 375 m with a similar descent. Poles will be helpful for this hike as it is meant to be a training hike on sidewalks and gravel surfaces.

Walking in Europe: Great Britain & Italy
2024-05-16 18:00 - 20:00 | British Columbia
When: May 16, 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Where: Saanich Commonwealth Place, Arbutus Room
This multimedia session introduces UK hikes such as the Coast to Coast trail, the Abbey Way and Offa’s Dyke in Wales, as well as the Cinque Terra, the Saint Francis of Assisi and the Via Francigena in Italy. Learn about routes, accommodations, how to prepare, what to pack, and much more.
Please register with the Saanich Commonwealth Place in person, by phone (250)-475-7600, or online.
Saanich Parks & Recreation
Cost is $10.00 per registration.
Saanich Parks & Recreation Course Number: 105882

Matheson Lake Walk
2024-05-11 09:00 - 14:30 | British Columbia
Saturday, May 11th, 9am (Meet at 8:45am)
Meeting Point: Matheson Lake Park
Meeting Point Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/heG2t12YKPWXAa159
Route Map: https://onthegomap.com/s/avcovlck
This trail is very rural and flat. If you are planning to walk through the meseta in Spain this trail will give you a sense of what awaits you. The walk takes about three hours to complete. There are no services on the trail. We can stop for a coffee at the Metchosin Cafe on the return drive. They offer country comfort food.

CCoP Annual General Meeting
2024-05-04 09:00 - 11:00 | British Columbia
CCoP National Annual General Meeting Details
Dave Whitson is the author of three Camino guidebooks and has a popular Camino podcast. Join us for his inspiring talk titled “Walking the Camino in Communitas”,

Pickle’s Bluff and Mt Newton
2024-04-20 09:00 - 14:30 | British Columbia
Saturday, April 20th, 9 am (Meet at 8:45am)
Meeting Point: St. Mary’s Anglican Church – 1973 Cultra Avenue, Saanichton
Meeting Point Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/3Pg1sefyrNPWUDSX6
Route Map: https://onthegomap.com/s/t1kvhl71
Are you walking the Camino Frances? El Norte? Come to this moderately challenging route which will include a steady climb to Pickle’s Bluff and Mount Newton with gorgeous views from the summit. It will also include a beautiful walk through the rainforest before starting the ascent. Join us for an after walk lunch!

Walking in Europe : Spain & Japan
2024-04-18 18:00 - 20:00 | British Columbia
When: April 18, 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Where: Saanich Commonwealth Place, Arbutus Room
This multimedia session introduces popular walking routes: the Camino de Santiago in Spain, and the Kumano Kodo and Shikoku Pilgrimage in Japan. Learn about routes, accommodations, food, how to pack and prepare, guidebooks and what to expect along the way.
Please register with the Saanich Commonwealth Place in person, by phone (250)-475-7600, or online.
Cost is $10.00 per registration.
Saanich Parks & Recreation
Saanich Parks & Recreation Course Number: 105884

Royal Bay Colwood Walk
2024-04-13 09:00 - 14:30 | British Columbia
Saturday, April 13, 9 am (Meet at 8:45 am)
Meeting Point: Beachlands (Colwood & Metchosin Area)
Meeting Point Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Rw7jQUjDRL8FKjxp8
Distance: 11.67 km
Difficulty: Easy
Route Map: https://onthegomap.com/s/j1oh3ci0
The walk begins at the parking lot at the Beachlands, where there are restrooms. We leave the beach to walk up and around the Royal Bay neighbourhood and will pass a small tribute to Emily Carr and then climb to a viewpoint at Outlook Park.

Broadmead to Mattick’s Farm Walk
2024-04-06 09:00 - 14:30 | British Columbia
Saturday, April 6th, 9am (Meet at 8:45am)
Meeting Point: Romeo’s Broadmead Shopping Centre
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/myzXnQ6dFHJJxBmi7
Route Map: https://onthegomap.com/s/lha14tug
This is a gentle walk-through leafy neighbourhood of Broadmead and onward to Mattick’s Farm via Lochside Trail. Mid point break will be at Mattick’s Farm, plenty of green space there to sit and relax. Café and grocery store close by, as well as washroom facilities. 5 Km to walk back to Broadmead from Mattick’s Farm.

April Camino Coffee House
2024-04-04 10:00 - 12:00 | British Columbia
When: Thursday, April 4, 2024
Start Time: 10:00am
Location: Quality Foods Café at 27 Helmcken Road
Camino Coffee House will now be at the Quality Foods Café, located at the Eagle Creek Village Shopping mall, beside the Victoria General Hospital, 27 Helmcken Road, unit 110. The café is located inside Quality Food, upstairs.

Fox & Monocle Walk
2024-03-23 09:00 - 12:00 | British Columbia
March 23, 2024, 9 am (Meet at 8:45 am)
Meeting Point: Canadian Tire, North Saanich https://maps.app.goo.gl/TwPMboTfDAHDLv4h8
A walk along rural roads, trails, past farms, ponds, marinas, and parks. Coffee at the Fox & Monocle at Canoe Cove Marina about the 5.5 Km point.
Walk Statistics:
Total Distance: 12 km
Estimated Finish Time: 3.5 hours (with coffee)
Elevation: 227m ascent: 228m descent
Difficulty: Easy to Medium
Surface: Pavement and dirt trails
Route Map: https://onthegomap.com/s/ktaa6oo5

Walking in Europe: Portugal & France
2024-03-21 18:00 - 20:00 | British Columbia
When: March 21, 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Where: Saanich Commonwealth Place, Arbutus Room
This multimedia session introduces walking in Portugal and France, where it is a national pastime. Some trails are part of the Camino de Santiago and others are rigorous adventures. We will discuss accommodations, food, how to prepare, train, what to pack, transportation, guidebooks and what you will encounter along the way.
Please register with the Saanich Commonwealth Place in person, by phone (250)-475-7600, or online.
Saanich Parks & Recreation
Saanich Parks & Recreation Course Number: 105883

Brentwood Bay - Exploring 5 Parks
2024-03-16 09:00 - 12:30 | British Columbia
March 16, 2024, 9am (Meet at 8:45am)
Meeting Point: Hardy Park, Corner of Moody Street and Wallace Road
This walk will start from Hardy Park in Brentwood Bay, a small park with distant views of the ocean; we will ascend a slope to reach our second park – Gore Park – with a landscape of slab rocks, moss and perhaps bloomed flowers; we will continue onward to reach Oak Haven Park where we will climb a steady hill to reach a summit with a distant view of Saltspring Island as well as the farms on the peninsula. We will continue onward on Benvenuto Avenue for a short distance and take a hidden path to Woodward before we make our way downward to the ocean and walk along the ocean till we reach Verdier Park. At Verdier Park, we will have a snack/ice cream (General Store) break plus bathrooms are available. After the break, we will be meandering via streets before we return to our cars/starting point.
Walk Statistics:
Total Distance: 11.57 km
Washrooms:
Estimated Finish Time: 3.5 hours (with coffee)
Elevation: 315m ascent: 315m descent
Difficulty: Medium
Surface: Pavement and dirt trails
Route Map: CLICK HERE

Mill Hill Thetis Lake Walk
2024-03-09 09:00 - 14:30 | British Columbia
March 9, 2024 9am (Meet at 8:45 am)
Meeting Point: Helmcken Road Park and Ride (https://maps.app.goo.gl/U8kzQGQnY29mwZQH9)
We will be climbing to the top of Mill Hill for some views of Esquimalt harbour followed by a walk around Thetis Lake. Our trip will take us along the Galloping Goose with a bathroom break about 2.5 km into the hike and washrooms available in both parks. After ascending Mill Hill we will walk around Thetis Lake followed by a stop at the 15 km mark to enjoy coffee and snacks at The Nest Cafe to support a local business. After a break, we will complete the final 1.5 km back to the parking lot.
Walk Statistics:
Total Distance: 16.26 km
Washrooms: 2.5km, Mill Hill Park, Thetis Lake Park
Estimated Finish Time: 4.5 hours (with coffee)
Elevation: 520m ascent: 520m descent
Difficulty: Medium/difficult (due to distance)
Surface: Pavement and dirt trails
Route Map: https://onthegomap.com/s/89bi9p9r

March Camino Coffee House
2024-03-07 10:00 - 12:00 | British Columbia
When: Thursday, March 7, 2024
Start Time: 10:00am
Location: Quality Foods Café at 27 Helmcken Road
Camino Coffee House will now be at the Quality Foods Café, located at the Eagle Creek Village Shopping mall, beside the Victoria General Hospital, 27 Helmcken Road, unit 110. The café is located inside Quality Food, upstairs.

Camino 101
2024-03-02 09:30 - 15:30 | Mary Winspear Centre, Sidney, BC, 2243 Beacon Ave, Sidney, BC, V8L 1W9, Canada
A full day of events where you can learn from others who have walked the Camino!
When: Saturday, March 2, 2024 9:30am – 3:30pm
Where: Mary Winspear Centre, Sidney
The Program

Camino Inglés including the routes to Muxía and Finisterre: A very special presentation by a delegation from Spain!
Camino Francés: When is the best time of year to go? This often asked question will be discussed as will information about the route.
Lunch: Will be provided, This will also be a time to browse the sale of used books and gear!
Packing: Discussion of packs, boots, socks, etc. plus a packing demo.
Travel Logistics: SIM card or not. How much money will you need. How to get to your starting point, questions like this and more will be answered!
The Mindful Pilgrim: Remembering that we are guests on the Camino.
Question & Answer session: Time where you can engage with the presenters and get answers to your burning questions!

Cost is $30 which includes coffee and lunch.
Click here to register.

Coldest Night of the Year Walk
2024-02-24 15:30 - 17:00 | British Columbia
When: 3:45 PM, Feb. 24, Saturday
Meet: Central Saanich United Church 7180 East Saanich Rd.
Please join Jim Rondeau’s annual Coldest Night of the Year charity walk to raise funds for Our Place Society to support people experiencing hurt, hunger and homelessness.
This is a family friendly walk. The walk starts at 4 PM from Central Saanich United Church along East Saanich Road to Central Saanich City Hall and back to the church. Total distance is 5.2 Km. This walk is open to all, please invite others to join Jim’s Coldest Night of the Year walk to help others in needs.
Please wear warm, bright and reflective clothing.
See our Feb. newsletter for how to donate and route map.

Walking in Europe: Camino & Robert Louis Stevenson Trail
2024-02-15 18:00 - 20:00 | British Columbia
When: Feb 15, 6PM – 8PM
Saanich Commonwealth Place, Arbutus Room ROOM CHANGE will now take place in the Cedar Room.
This session introduces European walking routes. The Portuguese and Frances routes for the Camino de Santiago and the Robert Louis Stevenson Trail in France. These are less expensive ways to experience the countryside, culture and cuisine while keeping fit. Learn about routes, accommodations, food, how to prepare, what to pack, transportation, guidebooks and what you’ll encounter along the way.
Please register with the Saanich Commonwealth Place in person, by phone (250)-475-7600, or online.
Saanich Parks & Recreation
Cost $10.00 per registration
Course number: 105881

Thetis Lake Walk
2024-02-03 09:00 - 13:30 | British Columbia
Thetis Lake Walk
Feb. 3rd, 9 AM (Meet at 8:45)
Meeting Point: Helmcken Road Park and Ride
https://maps.app.goo.gl/RBmMKe8nSW5gdn2M6
We will be walking around Thetis Lake enjoying a few elevation changes and some time in urban nature. Our trip will take us along the Galloping Goose and then overlooking the highway before we complete a walk around the lake. We will return along the Galloping Goose with a stop at The Nest Cafe to support a local business and enjoy great coffee. After a break we will complete the final 1.5 km back to the parking lot.
The total distance is approximately 12 km.
Please refer to our monthly newsletter for map and direction.

February Camino Coffee House
2024-02-01 10:00 - 12:00 | British Columbia
When: Thursday, Feb. 1
Start Time: 10 AM
NEW LOCATION
Quality Foods’ Café at 27 Helmcken Road
Camino Coffee House will now be at the Quality Foods café, located at the Eagle Creek Village Shopping mall, beside the Victoria General Hospital, 27 Helmcken Road, unit 110. The café is located inside Quality Food, upstairs.

Central Saanich Countryside Walk
2024-01-27 09:00 - 14:30 | British Columbia
North Saanich Walk
When: Saturday, Jan. 27
Meeting Time: 9 AM departure
Length: 10 Km
Location: Centennial Park washroom at Central Saanich
A picturesque walk in the rural part of Central Saanich. This walk starts from Centennial Park, on flat terrain but there is an elevation gain from 40 m to 110 when we are hiking up to Butterfield Park. We will be walking through forest area, crossing a few streams, mostly on back country road. Mid point is the St. Stephen’s Anglican Church, the oldest church in BC.

North Saanich Walk
2024-01-13 09:00 - 14:30 | British Columbia
North Saanich Walk
When: Saturday, Jan. 13
Metting Time: 9 AM departure
Length: 10 Km
Location: Canadian Tire North Saanich parking lot
Meet at Canadian Tire at 8:45 for 9 am departure.
Coffee at the Fickle Fig at the 7 Km point
Fairly flat, Roads, Pat Bay shoreline, woodland paths etc.
About 10 Km.

Jan. Camino Coffee House
2024-01-04 10:00 - 12:00 | British Columbia
When: Thursday, Jan. 4
Start Time: 10 AM
NEW LOCATION
Quality Foods’ Café at 27 Helmcken Road
Camino Coffee House will now be at the Quality Foods café, located at the Eagle Creek Village Shopping mall, beside the Victoria General Hospital, 27 Helmcken Road, unit 110. The café is located inside Quality Food, upstairs.

Winter Light Walk
2023-12-16 16:00 - 19:00 | British Columbia
Winter Light Walk
When: Saturday, Dec. 16
Metting Time: 4 PM departure
Length: 10 Km
Location: Beacon Hill Park petting zoo
Bundle up and wear reflective gear, shoes with good grip, a small flashlight/bike light and perhaps some Christmas lights for this walk around the old town of Victoria!
We will meet at the Petting Zoo in Beacon Hill Park at 4:00 pm.
Our first stop will be the Parkside Hotel & Spa to see the gingerbread houses on display. They are quite spectacular and this is a fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity. We will then walk through downtown, stopping at various places to ooh and ahh over the displays, and then check out the Christmas trees at the Bay Centre.
We’ll get over the Johnson Street bridge and then on the return, we’ll head towards Centennial Square. From there folks are invited to head off to the nearest or their favourite watering hole to have a warm drink and/or more. Or head back down Government Street to see the lights at the Legislature and Empress Hotel, on the way back to the petting zoo.

Victoria Chapter Fall Gathering 2023
2023-11-25 07:45 - 16:00 | British Columbia
Victoria Chapter Fall Gathering 2023
Date: November 25th Saturday
Time: 9 AM – 3:45 PM, door opens at 8
Location: Greek Community Society Hall / Saanich Commonwealth Place, 4648 Elk Lake Dr.
We are pleased to announce our fall gathering will be held on Nov. 25, Saturday, at the Greek Community Society hall and Saanich Commonwealth Place. It will be a day full of inspiring, interactive, and informative sessions.
This year our main speaker will be author Dennis Garnhum, “Toward Beauty – reigniting a creative life on the Camino de Santiago”, who chronicled his Camino del Norte experience during a challenging time in his life.
We have prepared a diverse line up of sessions that cover a wide spectrum of Camino topics of interest to those who have recently returned from their Camino, and those making plans to go. How to prepare for the Camino physically, walking other Camino routes, how pilgrims can document their Camino experience, latest gear and clothing, Camino Frances in four seasons as well as addressing of State of Camino and more.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Camino Primitivo & Invierno @ Commonwealth
2023-11-15 18:00 - 20:00 | British Columbia
Camino Primitivo & Invierno
When: Wed. Nov. 15, 6PM – 8PM
Saanich Commonwealth Place, Douglas Fir room
This session will introduce you to two less travelled walking routes in Spain – a way to experience the countryside, culture and cuisine of Europe while keeping fit. Learn about each route, accommodations, food, what to expect, guidebooks and what you will encounter along the way. The session will include videos and/or pictures and questions and answers about each walk.
Please register with the Saanich Commonwealth Place in person, by phone (250-475-7600), or via their internet site.
Course number:101637

Royal Road Walk
2023-11-11 09:00 - 14:30 | British Columbia
Royal Roads Walk
When: Saturday, Nov. 11
Meeting Time: 8:45 AM 9 AM departure
Length: 12 Km
Location: Colwood Park and Ride
The start and end of the walk is at the Colwood Park and Ride at Ocean Blvd and Island Hwy, across the street from the Juan de Fuca rec centre (marked with a red dot on the map). The route includes wide paths and single tracks, ocean views, old growth forests and waterfalls. For coffee afterwards, there is the Pilgrim Coffee House, which is across from the Park and Ride.

Camino del Norte @ Robinson's Outdoor Store
2023-11-07 06:00 - 19:00 | British Columbia
Camino del Norte @ Robinson Outdoor Store
When: Tuesday, Nov. 7,
Doors open 6 PM, show starts 6:15 PM
Robinson’s Outdoor, 1307 Broad St.
Camino del Norte is a 800 KM walking route that you can take from the northeast coast of Spain, all the way to the fable city of Santiago de Compostella at the west. The peaceful and quiet walking route along Spain’s Northern Coast allows one to experience and appreciate the richness Spain’s history and cuisine.
This presentation and video by Dennis Tam will take place at Robinson Outdoor Store, 1307 Broad St. $5.
Register by phone: 250-385-3429, or by email: robinsonsoutdoors@shaw.ca
