About & History
What is a pilgrimage?
A pilgrimage is a walk that is at once an outward journey of the body and an inward journey of the soul. A pilgrimage is a walk with intention, a journey in community, for people of all kinds, usually to develop a sense of spirituality or presence in nature. Whatever your reason—or for no particular reason at all—you will be welcomed here.
Who is the Pilgrimage Guide?
The PilgrimagePEC guide is Aaron Miechkota. Aaron has a Masters of Divinity and is currently working toward a Certificate in Pilgrimage Studies (Huron University). Aaron is also a United Church minister. She affirms and deeply values the lives everyone, including minority, oppressed and vulnerable people. She respects and encourages the many ways people find meaning and purpose, including through science, art, music, activism, writing, reading, philosophy, spirituality, faith, culture, parenting, volunteering, cooking, gardening, and so on.
Are these pilgrimages "religious"?
No, the pilgrimages offered here are not religious. There are no religious teachings or intentions involved. Each person is welcome to bring what is true to themselves. Participants may find that the practice of pilgrimage increases a sense of their own spirituality, awareness or presence. Participants may share about these experiences with each other or reflect on them privately.
Who is welcome to participate in a pilgrimage?
Pilgrimage appeals to all sorts of people, for all sorts of reasons. You can expect the group to include a diversity of spiritual backgrounds, ages, cultural backgrounds, income levels, sexual orientations, languages and so on. Walking together creates many opportunities to practise mutual respect and hospitality toward each other. We’ll hold our diversity lightly, never imposing our beliefs or practices on another. We invite each other as pilgrims in community, in a peaceful and generous way.
Are pilgrimages accessible for those with mobility issues or who use a wheelchair?
Two of our pilgrimages have a lower-mobility option: "Walk the Ancient Sands" and "Walk by Lake and Tree." These are offered on an annual rotation. It's best to be in touch with the organizer to discuss your particular situation.
Are there costs or fees?
Yes, there is a fee for each pilgrim ($20). This modest fee covers all expenses including the park entrance, carpool gas, food for the agape meal, and other related items. A percentage of the fee is shared with a local charity (rotated on an annual basis). Some bursaries are available for participants who cannot afford the fee. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.
What is an agape meal?
An agape meal is a very ancient practice (also referred to as a love-feast) and is meant to express sharing and unity. After our walk, we’ll sit together and talk over light food and drink, in a casual way. Please share any dietary needs on your registration form.
What gear or supplies should I bring on pilgrimage?
Pilgrims need to carry their own backpack with water, snacks, hat, sunscreen, bug repellent, comfortable walking shoes or walking sandals, health needs (example: bandaids, asthma pump, epipen, etc). Pilgrims may like to bring: handkerchief or tissues, paper and pen, art supplies, walking poles, tissues, camera or cellphone camera. The guide will carry their own backpack with their needs, plus a basic first aid kit, toilet paper, list of all contact information, emergency contact info and a cellphone.
Are there any safety concerns?
Participants are responsible for taking care of their own health and safety throughout the day. Emergency contact info is required with registration. Advise the guide of any relevant allergies or health concerns (such as asthma or allergic to bee stings). Bring the medications you require and let the guide know on your registration.
Will I need insurance?
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. In case of emergency, an ambulance will be called and the participant will be taken to the hospital for care.
Complete details and information are provided
upon registration, or upon request.
Land Acknowledgement
The land we live and walk on, now called Prince Edward County (Ontario), are the shared ancestral lands, waters and territory of the Iroquoian peoples, which included both the Wendat (Huron) and Haudenosaunee (Iroquois).
It is my hope that those of us who continue to benefit from our colonial history and culture may be reshaped toward respect, repair and care for Indigenous peoples, cultures and contributions. It is my hope that our economic systems be transformed from environmental exploitation toward care for all land, air and water, creature and people.
It my very deep hope that Indigenous people will be healed of the generational legacies of genocide, harms done by the people of Canada: governments, land owners, churches, businesses and institutions. It is my hope that systemic discriminations in healthcare, family services and child welfare, and other touch points of harm be reformed.
May all of this occur so that Indigenous people are respected, can live in freedom and feel empowered in their present lives as they build and rebuild strong and stable families, communities, traditions and cultures.
History
A pilgrimage called “Walk the Ancient Sands” was organized by founder Aaron Miechkota in 2025. The pilgrimage gathered 21 people for a beautiful day-event which made a lasting impression on participants. Since then, Aaron has come to find deep a connection and peace in the practice of intentional walking and movement on the land and in the waters. Aaron formed PilgrimagePEC to offer local pilgrimages in Prince Edward County. In getting together we can share about our experiences and adventures, and learn from each other. Aaron is currently pursuing a Certificate of Pilgrimage Studies from Huron University (Ontario).
Gratitudes
With gratitude to Rob Fennell, Professor at the Atlantic School of Theology in Halifax. In 2014, he created the Camino Nova Scotia, a multi-day pilgrimage along the shores of his seaside province. He shared about his experiences in his book Camino Close to Home: How to Plan and Thrive on Local Pilgrimages, writing, “Pilgrimage is a deliberate time away, a time to break up the routine and notice what is going on in us spiritually.” His book, and his encouragement, inspired the Camino PEC project.
With gratitude to Jeffrey Crittenden, Professor of Pilgrimage Studies at Huron University in London (Ontario), and life-long pilgrimage guide. He is the author of Leisure Resurrected and Leisure Bound and Free: Communities of the Pilgrim. His course on pilgrimage is an engaging deep dive into the history, culture and spirituality of pilgrimage.