About this Event
Most people assume Victoria's identity begins and ends with high tea, heritage flower gardens, and British colonial charm. But the city holds a much more unexpected cultural reputation: in 1989, national media officially named Victoria the "per capita witchcraft capital of Canada."
Join grassroots witch historian John Threlfall at Swans Pub for an insider journey into the coast's hidden pagan history. Why did this corner of Vancouver Island attract so many witches, pagans, and goddess worshippers? From explosive headlines and provincial political scandals to the height of the 1980s "Satanic Panic" and grassroots public education campaigns, John uncovers how local witches weathered media hysteria, built enduring communities, and why it has always been the season of the witch in Victoria.
Every Sip Smarter talk includes a 45-minute lecture, a fun pub trivia round, and an open audience Q&A — all over drinks.
DATE
Monday, December 7th, 2026
LOCATION
Swans Pub, 1601 Store St, Victoria, BC
TIME
Doors 6:00 PM | Talk 7:00 PM
SPEAKER
Media is the chosen form of magick for grassroots witch historian John Threlfall, who marked his 40th anniversary as a practicing witch in 2026 and has been a vibrant part of Victoria's local pagan community for well over 30 years. A longtime freelance writer, former Monday Magazine editor, UVic History grad, and current communications officer with UVic's Faculty of Fine Arts, John is also a Black Cord Priest with the 13th House Mystery School (founded 1993). Over the years, he has written numerous articles and taught many classes about Victoria's witch history, and remains a regular commentator on the topic with local, provincial, and national media.
"The only thing better than learning is the conversation after."
Event venue & nearby stays
Swans Pub, 1601 Store St, Victoria, Canada
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.