Reading serves both as a source of knowledge and an enjoyable pastime. One of the best places to indulge in this enriching activity is by visiting bookstores, where you can access a wide range of books and simply relax with a good read.
Fortunately, there are plenty of independent bookstores in Toronto. Whether you’re searching for new or used books, this article’s all-around list of bookstores has got you covered.
Key Takeaways
- Some of the best independent bookstores in Toronto are Type Books, Another Story Bookshop and Book City.
- Many independent bookstores in downtown Toronto sell items other than books, including DVDs, magazines, and artifacts.
- BMV Books is one of the biggest bookstores in the city, with 15,000 sq. ft. of floor area in its Bloor Street West location.
Best Independent Bookstores In Toronto
1. Type Books
Enclosed by some of the best restaurants and shops in the area, Type Books in Toronto is a must-visit bookstore within the Queen Street West neighbourhood.
The interior of this reading establishment is not too different from a classic library. But Type Books stands out in its captivating displays in the front window, mimicking the festivities of the month with creative book-centred displays.
If you can’t drop by the branch on Queen Street West, this bookstore also has branches in Forest Hill and Junction.
2. Another Story Bookshop
If you love discovering underrated yet excellent Canadian authors, Another Story Bookshop is undoubtedly one of the best-used bookstores in Toronto.
For over 30 years, this store has been dedicated to uniting the community through books. So, its wide front window consistently showcases some of the most eye-opening titles about the marginalized voices in society.
Plus, it hosts regular local events highlighting new Canadian authors from minority backgrounds.
This bookstore is open from 10 AM to 7 PM on the weekdays but closes an hour early during the weekend.
3. Book City
Founded and operated by a family that’s been in the book business for four generations, Book City unquestionably holds a strong position as one of the finest used bookstores in Toronto.
Sure, it doesn’t have a unique front window display like the previously mentioned shops. However, its range of book selections is undeniably one of the widest in the city.
Book City operates four different locations within Toronto. All online orders from this store are automatically fulfilled from the Beach branch, but you have the option of specifying your preferred pick-up location when ordering from Book City.
4. Ben McNally Books
Named after its founder, Ben McNally Books is a haven of hardcover books designed to last on your shelves for the long haul.
If you want personal recommendations from Ben himself or his knowledgeable staff, you can email the store anytime, or better yet, ask them in person! This interactive experience sets Ben McNally Books apart from more commercialized bookstores like the Indigo Bookstores in Toronto.
You’ll find Ben McNally Books at Queen Street East, and it’s open from Monday to Sunday, from 10 AM to 5 PM.
5. A Different Booklist
A Different Booklist is not only a go-to bookstore for many, but it also serves as a vibrant cultural hub for the local community.
Located on Bathurst Street, this bookstore is best known for its wide selection of non-fiction stories focused on the lives of various communities worldwide, particularly those from Africa and the Caribbean.
This bookstore hosts both free and paid book launches, making it a must-drop-by location for reading enthusiasts in Toronto.
6. Glad Day Bookshop
Glad Day Bookshop is not only the first queer bookstore in Canada, but it’s also the oldest one worldwide.
On top of being a great place to read and meet new people, this store is also one of the most unique spots to get your coffee fix in the afternoon or get boozy with your friends at night.
Yes, eating and drinking are allowed in this shop, unlike traditional bookstores.
Additionally, every Sunday, Glad Day Bookshop hosts the longest-running drag brunch in Canada, making it an unmatched all-around queer-friendly hangout place in Toronto.
7. Queen Books
If you’re planning to visit Leslieville anytime soon, don’t forget to add Queen Books to your itinerary.
Despite having been in the neighbourhood for just over 5 years, this bookstore is already well-loved by the community as it accommodates the needs of the locals and promotes inclusivity across various societal groups.
Queen Books has an online store featuring books, subscription services, and gift certificates.
However, I highly recommend visiting the store in person. As not only it boasts a very cozy atmosphere, but it also has a presence of nearby stores and coffee shops, creating a welcoming and home-like environment.
8. Bakka Phoenix Books
For those who love sci-fi and fantasy genres, Bakka Phoenix Books is one of the best bookstores in downtown Toronto. Located just across the University of Toronto, making it very easy to reach if you’re already in the city.
Since 1972, Bakka Phoenix Books has served as one of the best homes for fantasy lovers in Canada. Inside the store, you’ll find personal recommendations from the staff themselves.
If you’re in luck, you may be able to attend some of the bookstore’s events, which have already been hosted by globally famous personas, including the casts of Star Wars.
Best Used Bookstores In Toronto
9. BMV Books
BMV Books is one of the biggest bookstores in Toronto for discounted and preloved books. It changes its stock daily in all three of its branches, so you can enjoy exploring this bookstore even if you visit it multiple times a week.
BMV Books locations are just a few steps away from the subway, so commute will be a no-brainer when visiting this bookstore.
Before you drop by, feel free to bring gently used books, comics, collectibles, and magazines that you no longer wish to keep, as this bookstore also buys them in cash.
10. Doug Miller Books
Doug Miller Books is an independent used bookstore with some of the best-discounted rates you’ll find in the city. Despite not being too spacious inside, this store’s classic way of organization of books in strict alphabetical order makes it super easy to find the pieces you need on the shelves.
The owner is always up for a quick or long discussion about books and reading in general. So, feel free to visit this store at night or on weekends, when he often hangs around the bookstore.
11. Re: Reading Used Books
If you want to visit a bookstore with a blend of vintage, mystery, and artistic vibes, Re: Reading Used Books is a well-suited destination for you. It hosts both popular and underrated books, magazines, and DVD players, further strengthening its vibe as a classic bookshop.
Re: Reading Used Books does not buy used books and other items anymore. However, they still happily accept donations.
12. Sellers And Newel
For those looking for rare collections and books that are valued at over $1,000, very few bookstores are as worth checking out as Sellers and Newel.
Although this store is by no means one of the biggest bookstores in Canada, it’s undoubtedly, one of the best shops at scoring some of the rarest finds in the city.
In fact, its staff’s expertise in finding rare books is so impressive that you can request a specific title, even if the store currently doesn’t have it on hand. And, in a day or two, they’ll most likely have it ready for you.
13. The Monkey’s Paw
The Monkey’s Paw is a bookstore located on Bloor Street West specializing in uncommon books and paper artifacts. It’s the home to the fully-operational Biblio-Mat, the world’s first coin-operated vending machine that dispenses a random old book for every token you insert.
14. The Scribe Bookstore
The Scribe Bookstore is an all-around bookstore that buys and sells both fiction and non-fiction pieces from a variety of genres. Apart from books, it also showcases miniatures, art, original designs, and vintage bindings, which most bookstores in the city don’t cater to.
This store also buys literature pieces, plays, and numerous other antiquarian and vintage items. Just be sure to check The Scribe Bookstore’s list of accepted works before bringing suitable items to the shop.
15. Seekers Books
Despite not having much of an online presence, Seekers Books is a hidden gem for New Age type of books in Toronto.
It has plenty of titles, including those focusing on self-discovery, meditation, and personal growth, but you can also find Western literature devoted to psychology, history, and the like.
Seekers Books is located on Bloor Street West, besides various restaurants and coffee shops.
FAQs
BMV Books is one of the biggest independent bookstores in Toronto. Its store on Bloor Street West has 15,000 sq. ft. of area.
Some good independent bookstores in downtown Toronto include Type Books, Book City, and Queen Books. If you prefer chain bookstores, consider visiting Indigo bookstores in the city.
The average price of a book in Canada is around $15, give or take a few bucks. Secondhand books, though, are much cheaper and often cost less than $10.
Chapters and Indigo used to be separate chain bookstores, but the two merged in 2001. Currently, the two bookstores are operated as one under the corporate name Indigo Books & Music Inc.
Related:
