Dylan YoungThere’s nothing better than snuggling in a cosy chair (or bed) and getting lost in a good book—that’s the bookworm’s motto. But before you get to reading, you first have to find that one good book, and luckily, there are many stores in Toronto to start this search.
To make things better, the bookstores in Toronto are numerous and varied. Some specialise in certain genres, making it easy for you to narrow down your search, and if you’re on a budget, there are other bookstores that sell used books for cheap.
No matter what your preferred genre or your book-buying budget, visit these amazing bookstores in Toronto.
- Queen Books
- BMV Books
- Book City
- Glad Day Bookshop
- Re: Reading
- Sellers and Newel
- Little Ghosts
- Another Story Bookshop
- Bakka-Phoenix
- The Scribe Bookstore
- The Sleuth of Baker Street
- Type Books
- Mabel’s Fables Children’s Bookstore
- Ella Minnow Children’s Bookstore
- Balfour Books
- A Different Booklist
- Seekers Books
- Doug Miller Books
- Ben McNally Books
- Caversham Booksellers
Queen Books
Address: 914 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1J5, Canada
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—10 am to 6 pm
Contact Number: +14167785053
Queen Books is a tiny little bookshop that’s owned by two bookselling veterans. Decorated with vintage-looking wallpapers and Persian-style rugs, this bookstore will make you feel warm and cosy, almost like an escape from the bustling city.
The book selection here is pretty extensive; you can find everything from children’s story books to award-winning literary fiction. The staff also takes into consideration suggestions from their patrons, so the selection always changes.
Of course, this store has shelves upon shelves dedicated to Canadian authors. If you’re a tourist wanting to learn more about Canadian culture via literature, this is your chance to grab a book!
| Pro Tip: Not sure what book to pick? You can ask the friendly staff for recommendations, and they’ll give you several options that you might like. |
BMV Books
Address(es):
- 2289 Yonge Street Eglinton, ½ block North of Eglinton, East side of Yonge,
- 471 Bloor Street West (Bloor and Brunswick, between Bathurst and Spadina Ave.)
- 10 Edward St
Operating Hours:
- Yonge Street: 11 am to 8 pm (Monday to Wednesday), 11 am to 9 pm (Thursday to Sunday)
- Bloor Street: 12 to 7 pm (Sunday to Wednesday), 10 am to 11 pm (Thursday to Saturday)
- Edward Street: 11 am to 7 pm (Monday to Thursday), 11 am to 8 pm (Friday and Saturday), 12 to 7 pm (Sunday)
Contact Number:
- Yonge Street: +14164826002
- Bloor Street: +14169675757
- Edward Street: +14169773087
BMV Books is the largest bookstore in Canada that’s dedicated to used books. So, if you’re looking for a discounted read, this is the shop for you!
The great thing about this store is the fact that it doesn’t just sell books (despite having “books” in the name); it also has a selection of DVDs, vinyl records, CDs, magazines, action figures, and more! Collectors will have a fun time exploring the offerings here.
Currently, this shop has three locations—with the one on Bloor Street as the “superstore.” If you have time, you might want to check out all of them because each store has a different array of products; you never know what treasures you might find!
| Pro Tip: If you have some used books, comics, DVDs, CDs, vinyl records, and magazines that you’d like to get rid of, you can sell them to the store. It’s a pretty neat way of earning some extra cash. |
Book City
Address(es):
- 348 Danforth Ave
- 1430 Yonge St
- 1950 Queen St E
- 2354 Bloor St W
Operating Hours (all locations):
- Monday to Saturday—10 am to 6 pm
- Sunday—11 am to 5 pm
Contact Number:
- Danforth Ave: +14164699997
- Yonge St: +14169260749
- Queen St: +14166981444
- Bloor St: +14169614496
Operating since 1976, Book City has become a staple in Toronto, which is why there are now four locations just in Toronto. This family-owned bookstore has an eclectic selection of books; backlist titles are also available if you’re not in the mood for new titles.
And if you don’t like buying physical books, don’t worry because this store sells audiobooks as well. Now, you’ll be able to listen to your book while doing mundane things every day.
Aside from books, the store has an impressive selection of puzzles and games. It’s a great place to find a gift for your child or buy a new addition to your board game collection.
| Pro Tip: If you’re in dire need of recommendations, the store has a staff’s pick section. You might want to browse the books there and see if you like something. |
Glad Day Bookshop
Address: 499 Church St, Toronto, ON M4Y 2C6, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday and Wednesday—4 to 9:30 pm
- Thursday—11 am to 9:30 pm
- Friday to Saturday—11 am to 11 pm
- Sunday—11 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +14169016600
Looking for a bookstore that’s dedicated to queer literature? Then, you should check out Glad Day Bookshop; it’s actually the oldest queer bookstore in the world (having been around since 1970)!
Since it’s been around for a long time, Glad Day Bookshop offers the widest possible selection of LGBTQIA+ books. There are the old classics, trendy new releases, and even books for young readers.
The store even has its own subscription box! Every month, you’ll receive two books chosen by the bookstore staff for the price of one. That’s such a good deal!
| Pro Tip: Every Sunday at 11 am and 2 pm, Glad Day Bookshop hosts The Best Drag Bunch in Canada. It’s an event where you can enjoy delicious brunch while being entertained by an exciting drag queen. |
Re: Reading
Address: 548 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON M4K 1P8, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday—10 am to 9 pm
- Sunday—10 am to 6 pm
Contact Number: +16473478733
While most bookstores tend to focus on new releases, Re: Reading instead highlights backlist books that are sometimes not popular anymore. This is a great setup because now, you’ll be able to appreciate the books of the past and maybe find a new favourite.
In this store, you’ll find some classic literature books and used books that aren’t in print anymore. If you’re a mystery lover, you’ll be delighted to know there’s a section dedicated to this genre; now, you can find new mysteries to solve!
Even the aesthetic is a nod to the past; the interior looks like the classic bookstore you’ll see in vintage photos and movies. Browsing through the tiny alleys between shelves and smelling that old book smell…it definitely makes you feel nostalgic.
| Pro Tip: Once you’ve made your purchase, you can sit on the store’s couch and get started on reading your book. |
Sellers and Newel
Address: 672 College St, Toronto, ON M6G 1B9, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday, Sunday—11 am to 5 pm
- Friday and Saturday—11 am to 6 pm
- Closed on Monday
Contact Number: +16477786345
Sellers and Newel may be a small independent bookstore, but it’s definitely packed with good reads. Best of all, the books are pre-loved ones, which means they don’t cost as much as new hardcovers—more books for less cost!
This bookstore is also perfect for classic lovers because it carries primarily 20th century literature, specifically texts by British and American authors. Other than classic literature, you can find books about jazz, poetry, horror, and other “weird” genres.
Sellers and Newel is also a big advocate for music. For this reason, there are shows hosted here every month, and they’re all led by talented local musicians; if you’re able to, be sure to attend at least one of these events (check out this page to learn more).
| Pro Tip: If there’s a specific book you’re looking for but you don’t see it on the shelves, you can send in a request. Who knows, the bookstore might actually find a copy for you! |
Little Ghosts
Address: 930 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1W3, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday—9 am to 6 pm
- Friday to Sunday—9 am to 7 pm
- Closed on Monday
Contact Number: +16476667675
Halloween may be in October, but for Little Ghosts, spooky vibes are year-round. This independent bookstore specialises in the horror genre, so you can find new spooky and terrifying reads whenever you want.
The best part about this shop is that you can find both traditionally published and independently published books. The store even has its own publications, which always feature fascinating story premises.
If you can’t visit the bookstore as often as you’d like but still want to get books there, you can subscribe to its book boxes. You can choose to have a book delivered to you every month or once every quarter.
| Pro Tip: If you want to surround yourself with a community of readers, you can join the Little Ghosts Book Club. There, you can read a specific book and talk about it with fellow bookworms. |
Another Story Bookshop
Address: 315 Roncesvalles Ave, Toronto, ON M6R 2M6, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—10 am to 7 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—10 am to 6 pm
Contact Number: +14164621104
Boasting more than 30 years of history, Another Story Bookshop is an independent store focusing on literature that tackles the themes of social justice, equity, and diversity.
The store sells books from all age categories—children, young adults, and adults—and a wide variety of genres. It even has sections for books that have won certain awards (e.g. the Booker Prize and Toronto Book Awards) if you want award-winning reads.
Zines and self-published/small-press books are available as well. This is the perfect opportunity to try out lesser-known works; who knows, your next favourite author is going to be a not-so-famous author!
| Pro Tip: The store offers gift cards. You should buy one and gift it to someone you love. That way, they can treat themselves to a good book without paying extra! |
Bakka-Phoenix
Address: 84 Harbord St, Toronto, ON M5S 1G5, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—11 am to 5 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—12 to 5 pm
Contact Number: +14169639993
Bakka-Phoenix is the bookstore for all nerds. In fact, the name “Bakka” is actually from Dune, the widely known novel by Frank Herbert.
For over 50 years, the bookstore has sold genre fiction (especially fantasy and science fiction) books, comics, and other collectables that nerds love. It has also hosted several author appearances, panels, and other bookish events.
One fun fact that Bakka-Phoenix likes to tell people is that the store has hosted the cast of Star Wars at some point in the past. Other cool authors, such as George R.R. Martin and Michelle Sagara West, have also visited before.
| Pro Tip: If you don’t know what book to read next, feel free to browse the Staff Picks selection. There might be something in that selection that captures your eye. |
The Scribe Bookstore
Address: 375 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON M4K 1P1, Canada
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11 am to 6 pm
Contact Number: +14169018835
The Scribe Bookstore first opened in the middle of a lockdown due to COVID-19, but eventually, it has garnered a loyal customer base. This shop features an extensive collection of literature—from children’s literature to classics to nonfiction and more!
What makes this bookstore amazing is that some of the books are rare, such as first editions of popular titles, so you might be able to find hidden gems here. Aside from that, a lot of the books are cheap, costing as low as $5!
If you have old books you don’t want to keep in your personal library anymore, you can sell them to this store. You can even use the earnings to buy more books!
| Pro Tip: Is one of your books damaged (e.g. cracked hinges or minor cloth defects)? Bring it to this bookstore, and someone can fix it for you! |
The Sleuth of Baker Street
– From @immacintyre
Address: 907 Millwood Rd, East York, ON M4G 1X2, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Friday to Sunday—12 to 4 pm
- Closed from Monday to Thursday
Contact Number: +14164833111
The Sleuth of Baker Street is named after Sherlock Holmes, the famous detective created by Arthur Conan Doyle, so it’s not a surprise that the selection here is filled with mysteries, crime novels, detective fiction, spy novels, and thrillers.
New titles are available, but you can also find used books if you want something more affordable. There are even books that aren’t in print anymore—perfect for collectors or for readers who want to read obscure works of fiction!
Sometimes, this bookstore becomes a site for book launches, so keep your eyes peeled on news like this (checking the website often or signing up for the store’s newsletter is a great way to keep up on the news).
| Pro Tip: If there’s a certain book you’re looking for, let the bookstore staff know. They will do a bit of detective work on their own and track down that book for you! |
Type Books
Address:
- 883 Queen St W
- 2887 Dundas St W
- 427 Spadina Rd
Operating Hours:
- Queen St: 10 am to 6 pm (Monday to Wednesday), 10 am to 7 pm (Thursday to Saturday), 11 am to 6 pm (Sunday)
- Dundas St: 10 am to 6 pm (Monday to Saturday), 11 am to 6 pm (Sunday)
- Spadina Rd: 10 am to 6 pm (Monday to Saturday), 12 to 5 pm (Sunday)
Contact Number:
- Queen St: +14163668973
- Dundas St: +14167619973
- Spadina Rd: +14164878973
Whether you’re looking for serious literature or whimsical books, Type Books is where you should go. The selection here is wonderfully curated, so despite the store’s small size, you’ll spend hours just browsing the shelves and tables.
At the front of the store is where you can find the latest books, especially on hot topics (e.g. politics and environment). Inside, you’ll find all sorts of titles—from children’s books to nonfiction; there’s even a section dedicated to magazines and newspapers.
A unique feature of this store—and one that’s often overlooked—is the basement. There, you can find an art gallery filled with adorable bookish-themed artwork pieces; seeing all this art will truly make you feel proud of being an avid reader.
| Pro Tip: Craving an unforgettable book-buying experience? You might want to get the store’s Mystery Box. As the name suggests, you don’t know what books you’re going to get; it keeps things exciting! |
Mabel’s Fables Children’s Bookstore
Address: 662 Mt Pleasant Rd, Toronto, ON M4S 2N3, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday—10 am to 6 pm
- Sunday—12 to 5 pm
Contact Number: +14163220438
Looking to buy books for your little ones? Then you should stop by Mabel’s Fables Children’s Bookstore!
This independent bookstore, which has been around since 1988, is stocked with children’s books for all ages. There are picture books for babies and toddlers, small novels for middle schoolers, and young adult books for teenagers.
This store even sells audiobooks if you prefer listening to your stories. Book box subscriptions are also available if you want to get a book from the store every month.
| Pro Tip: Let your child join the Mable’s Fables Mystery Book Club! Participants will be grouped by age and reading preferences, and they will receive a mystery book that they will then discuss with each other. |
Ella Minnow Children’s Bookstore
Address: 991 Kingston Rd, Toronto, ON M4E 1T3, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—10 am to 6 pm
- Saturday—10 am to 5 pm
- Sunday—11 am to 5 pm
Contact Number: +14166982665
Another children’s bookstore that’s worth checking out is the Ella Minnow Children’s Bookstore. This store features pastel colours, wooden floors, and charmingly cluttered shelves; all these details give the store somewhat of a homey atmosphere.
The great thing about this bookstore is that it’s well-organized. At the front, you’ll find picture books for babies and toddlers, and at the back are books for older readers (middle schoolers and high schoolers).
Aside from books, the store sells toys (plush toys, in particular, are abundant). There are also stationery items, like notebooks and stickers, if your child enjoys journaling or scrapbooking.
| Pro Tip: Do you like cats? You might want to purchase something from The Cat Shop. The Cat Shop is the bookstore’s collaboration with Cats Cradle Kitten Rescue; a portion of the proceeds from this shop will be donated to the Cats Cradle. So, not only are you buying a book, but you’re also helping stray kittens! |
Balfour Books
Address: 468 College St, Toronto, ON M6G 1A1, Canada
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—12 to 6 pm
Contact Number: +14165319911
Take a step back in time by visiting Balfour Books. This independent bookstore in Toronto is all about vintage things; that’s why you’ll see a lot of rare editions of books, especially oversized photography and art books.
You can also find poetry collections and books about various interesting fields, such as philosophy and design. If you’re a fiction lover, the bookstore also has a few selections of novels that might pique your interest.
Aside from the eclectic array of titles, many of the items sold here are secondhand, so you don’t have to pay full price—the perfect opportunity to buy more books!
| Pro Tip: If there’s a title you want but it’s not in stock, you can request it from the bookstore staff. |
A Different Booklist
Address: 779 Bathurst St, Toronto, ON M5S 0B7, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday—10 am to 6 pm
- Closed on Sunday
Contact Number: +14165380889
If you’re looking for a Black-owned bookstore in Toronto to support, then A Different Booklist should be on your must-visit list. This bookstore specialises in literature about the Global South, especially ones by the African and Caribbean diaspora.
Most books come from major publishers, but there are also several by small presses or independent authors. Browsing the shelves, you’ll see a variety of topics and genres being represented—from educational nonfiction works to cute romance novels.
Sometimes, book launches are held in this bookstore, so if you’re able to, make sure you attend one. It’s so fascinating to hear authors talk about their work.
| Pro Tip: February is a great time to visit the store because it’s Black History Month, which means that there’s a discount on all books. |
Seekers Books
Address: 509 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M5S 1Y2, Canada
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—12 to 9 pm
Contact Number: +14169251982
Seekers Books is unlike any bookstore you’ve ever visited. While most bookstores specialise in the latest bestsellers, Seekers Books focuses on a very particular niche: New Age literature.
To be more specific, this store stocks books about mysticism, meditation, Eastern philosophy, and the Occult. There are even psychology and history books, many of which are rare and hard-to-find texts, which is why scholars tend to frequent this store.
If you’re looking to expand your worldview even more, you might want to try reading the books offered here.
| Pro Tip: Every year, Seekers Books sponsors the Pendance Film Festival. This festival usually occurs in March, and it’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy independent films and learn more about the craft of filmmaking. |
Doug Miller Books
Address: 650 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6G 1K9, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday—10 am to 7 pm
- Thursday to Saturday—10 am to 8 pm
- Sunday—10 am to 6 pm
Contact Number: +14164825665
Located in Korea Town, Doug Miller Books is home to tens of thousands of books in all genres and categories. Specifically, it houses about 27,000 adult fiction novels, 10,000 children’s books, and 3,000 graphic novels and comics.
The shop is pretty small, so the interior may seem cramped and cluttered; but that is part of why it’s so cosy and charming. Some books are even popular back in the day, so you might be hit by a wave of nostalgia when visiting this place.
Since the books here are mostly second-hand, you’ll be able to buy them for cheap!
| Pro Tip: Is there a particular book that you’ve always wanted but is so hard to find? You can ask the staff at Doug Miller Books; they might be able to track it down for you. |
Ben McNally Books
Address: 108 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M5C 1S4, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday—10 am to 5 pm
- Closed on Sunday
Contact Number: +14163610032
Located in heart of Toronto, Ben McNally Books is a family-run independent bookstore that aims to reflect the wide-ranging tastes of the neighbourhood. You can expect to find the latest releases here, but there are also niche books you can’t find elsewhere.
This bookstore also offers a book box subscription service. Essentially, you’ll receive one book a month—delivered straight to your door—and while most book boxes feature books specifically chosen by the staff, this one lets you choose your preferred book.
If you want an element of mystery, you can ask the bookstore to choose the book for you. They’ll have to ask you about your preferences on genres, themes, and styles, so be sure to answer as honestly as possible.
| Pro Tip: The bookstore hosts several events every year. These events can be book launches, panels with avid readers, and more. If you’d like to attend, you should check the store’s calendar for more information. |
Caversham Booksellers
Address: 98 Harbord St, Toronto, ON M5S 1G6, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—9 am to 6 pm
- Saturday—10 am to 6 pm
- Closed on Sunday
Contact Number: +14169440962
If you’re a mental health professional or you just want to learn more about this field, Caversham Booksellers is your best friend. After all, this bookstore specialises in mental health literature.
Here, you can find books that delve deeper into the complex topics of psychoanalysis, psychiatry, trauma, neuroscience, and more. There are even textbooks available here, which is why students frequent this store just as much as professionals do!
| Pro Tip: The store keeps an extensive catalogue of all the books available on the website. So, to save time and energy, you might want to check the availability of the book you want to buy before visiting the store. |
