When you think of a pilgrimage, you probably think something religion-based, sacred – trekking to bathe in India’s Ganges River, travelling to Mecca in Saudi Arabia or walking the Camino to arrive at the Catedral de Santiago de Compostela in Spain. But increasingly, people are taking a pilgrimage rooted in wellness. And that’s no surprise. The 2024 Global Wellness Economy Monitor indicated that the wellness economy reached US$6.3 trillion in 2023 – with projections to reach almost $9 trillion by 2028.
According to journalist Eric Wilson, new pilgrimage trails worldwide are luring new generations to the most ancient, slow, communal and spiritual form of travel, with trails that blend history, culture and spirituality, in a non-denominational way (bit.ly/4gk4T19). For example, the ancient stories that link Wales and Ireland are the inspiration for a new walking route that celebrates the historical connection of these two Celtic lands as you follow in the footsteps of St. David, patron saint of Wales, and St. Aidan of Ferns (bit.ly/4jwTde9).
Helen Tomei, founder of Sacred Earth Journeys in Vancouver, agrees. “It seems to be a theme people are looking for. They want more balance and harmony in life.”
The benefits of pilgrimage are many, including deepening your spirituality and improving your mental health, according to the British Pilgrimage Trust. Tomei says that when people return from a pilgrimage, they’ve been changed somehow: “They’ve got a new perspective on life.” That new perspective can be found in many places. “There are such different ways to do pilgrimage,” she says. “There’s something for everyone.”
Veering off the tourist path and walking the way of the pilgrim has an educational component, of course. “There’s a lot to learn from how the ancient civilizations and peoples lived in harmony with the land or focused their lives around sacred places of power,” Tomei says.
A pilgrimage is also sacred, but not necessarily in the traditional religious sense. “In the deepest, most profound, and even delightful sense, ‘sacred’ refers to something that is worthy of our reverence and our respect,” says travel leader Phil Cousineau in a short video for Sacred Earth Journeys. “There are people, there are landscapes, there are things that are worthy of us taking a breath, slowing down, paying attention.”
Tour companies offer pilgrims the chance to travel with other like-minded people, but there are benefits to going solo. “The independent pilgrimage can be great because you can spend a lot of time in contemplation and follow your own intuition to where you’re guided,” Tomei says. “You can take the time to really go where your heart takes you and stay longer in certain places you resonate with.”
Still, whether you’re going on your own or with a group, intention is everything – pilgrimage requires a definite shift in mindset. “Go with the intention of connecting with the energy of power places, learning about what the ancient peoples taught and how they lived. It’s about trying to learn something from that to come back and change or better your life,” Tomei says.
What to look for
Thinking about a pilgrimage? Be sure to do your research before you book, to make sure your trip is everything you had hoped for – no surprises.
First, consider the guides, who they are, and their credentials and expertise.
Next, think about the format of the trip. What kind of experiences are you going to get? Is there a balance of visiting sites and time for processing and contemplation, or is it too hectic?
Finally, find out how long the tour operator has been in business. Do they have a good track record? What do previous participants say about their experiences? Check the testimonials on the operator’s website.
In the end, pilgrimage is one way to contend with this “crazy world, which seems to keep getting crazier,” as Tomei puts it. “People are starting to look for a deeper meaning in their travel experience.”
Modern-day pilgrimages
The Canadian Company of Pilgrims (santiago.ca) supports those who are interested in pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. According to Follow the Camino (followthecamino.com), in 2023 the largest demographic of pilgrims was between 46 and 65 years old – 41 per cent of all participants. There are several main routes, ranging in length from 100 to 780 kilometres or more.
St. Cuthbert’s Way
The 100-kilometre St. Cuthbert’s Way (stcuthbertsway.info) – taking anywhere from four to six days – begins in Melrose in the Scottish Borders, where St. Cuthbert began his religious life in 650 CE. The terminus is off the Northumberland Coast, at Holy Island, the saint’s final resting place.
The Inca Trail
Trek the 42-kilometre Inca Trail (machupicchutrek.net), typically over four or five days, discovering ancient settlements, tunnels and Incan ruins to arrive at Machu Picchu. Pictures don’t do it justice.
North Wales Pilgrim’s Way
Known as the Welsh Camino, the North Wales Pilgrim’s Way (pilgrims-way-north-wales.org) is 210-plus kilometres. In two weeks – walking 19 kilometres per day – you can complete the route, which begins at Basingwerk and ends at Bardsey Island.
