A Hunt of Wizards and Witches - St. Jacobs ON

MBG Places Ontario Series - May 17, 2025

Wizards are the keepers of  secrets untold,  those who weave wisdom and spells into the creases of the world. Witches, on the other hand, draw power from nature and spirits, vagabonds of mystic beauty, charm, and danger. I confess, I often dream of worlds far removed from our own. I may be arcane, perhaps even foolish, but my curiosity has purpose. So when the internet presents me with an image of a place I’ve only ever envisioned, I can’t help but raise my imaginary wizard’s staff and summon Google Chrome to seek out the realm I’ve longed to find. I know witches often move in mutiny, so I gathered my assembly and we took flight, or realistically, drove to seek out the witches’ coven or the wizard's guild - whichever suits my fancy.

All it took was a postcard-perfect photo on Instagram from a random Ontario nomad. The photo in question conjured visions of wizards and witches, of wands, brooms, cats, and owls. I’ve always been drawn to the dark secrets of the goth - the art they weave on their magic wands and the potions they brew in a witch's cauldron. In another world, I’d be a true-blood lady on a broomstick, belonging among the mystical vixens where magic reigns.

Drawn to the calling of the witches' laugh, I gathered my tribe for a pilgrimage to St. Jacobs, Ontario, a place where mythical fantasies aren’t only imagined but felt, touched, and lived. Nestled just north of Waterloo, this charming village offers far more than one might expect. Though the witches’ web did not stretch across the entire town, its enchanting allure lingered in the air. Beyond the quaint shop of brooms and wands, St. Jacobs also boasts an expansive beer garden shaded by a majestic tree, and a bustling farmer’s market filled with an abundance of edible delights and decorative treasures. Even the souvenir shops sprinkled across town feel like witches’ hunting grounds—each one hiding dainty charms and curiousities.

The farmer’s market is a veritable treasure trove of delicious treats and charming curiosities. From homemade sausages, cheeses, breads, and pastries to handcrafted artisan goods and meaningful souvenirs, St. Jacobs’ farmer’s market offers treasures for both the palate and the eye. It is no wonder that witches flock and wizards assemble to this red house of plenty. We ate, we shopped, and we are satisfied.

Of wizrds and witches, the hunt of the assembly has been concluded with full tummies and satisfied curiosity. Visiting St. Jacobs allowed me to bring one of my fairy tales to life, woven seamlessly into reality. Others may interpret their experiences differently, but for me and my tribe, we discovered our guild—the coven of arcane scholars and daughters of the spirits here in the little town of St. Jacobs.

I am ending this short with a toast to witches’ brews and wizards’ spells :)

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