Toronto is a city known for its famous bookshops and beautiful art scenes. The bookshops in Toronto offer a sanctuary of knowledge and creativity. If you are a student studying at Toronto University or any other institute in the city and want to spend your leisure time exploring the world of books, then you are at the right place. Here, in this blog, we have covered the best bookstores in Toronto. So let’s get started and embark on your journey navigating the best bookstores in Toronto.
Table of Contents
Glad Day Bookshop
Glad Day, the first gay-owned bookstore in history, is located on Church St. in Toronto’s LGBTQ+ district. They have been doing this for more than 50 years. You may get coffee, readings, drag brunches, and LGBT books at Glad Day Bookshop. With an emphasis on Two-Spirit and Indigenous literature, trans stories, and QTBIPOC novels, they have a large variety. If you live around the corner in a student accommodation in Toronto, then you will also see a variety of pride buttons, flags, and overly amiable, chatty customers and bartenders.
Sellers and Newel
Sellers and Newel is a second-hand book store. You can find a variety of books like poetry, horror, music, etc. It is the only bookstore in Toronto that also functions as a concert venue. International artists, Juno Award winners, and local musicians from Toronto are among the performers. They are a must-visit for everyone looking for a distinctive and artistic activity in Toronto because they are tiny and intimate, and tickets to the events sell out quickly.
Queen Books
There is a Leslieville bookstore called Queen Books, and it is open to everyone. This clean and neat store close to various student accommodations in Canada is home to the person who likes romance, the person who likes horror, the person who likes stories, and no matter what you like, Queen Books is the one place where you can find exactly what you are looking for.
Bakka-Phoenix
Originally just Bakka, Bakka-Phoenix split off in the 1970s to become the beloved Toronto Comic Book store Silver Snail, another great spot to visit on your tour of Toronto. Among those who have worked there are George R.R. Martin and Robert J. Sawyer. Currently, the bookshop offers a massive and beautifully categorized selection of books. There are so many helpful and cute notes on its shelves that it’s wonderful to browse through them.
Re: Reading
It is currently the most unique bookstore in Toronto. This bookstore has a massive room for book collection. For a chance to win gift cards, Re: Reading organizes a monthly scavenger hunt across its store. If puzzles aren’t your style, stop by to check out the incredible and frequently changing decor. As you browse books and take pictures of every nook and cranny, a bookworm’s mind will be kept busy by items like monster masks in the horror area, Star Trek trinkets at the entrance of the store, and some incredible art on the floor. No other bookstore in Toronto has this much personality, and because it’s on the east end, most Torontonians are unaware of its existence. or an East Ender’s weekly visit.
Little Ghosts
Little Ghosts has been there in Toronto for just a few years, but has impacted Toronto’s reading scene. It also has a fun vibe in the store. And also don’t forget to get advice from the highly knowledgeable personnel; they’ll set you up about the different books.
Another Story
The west end of Toronto is home to the independent and beautiful bookstore Another Story, which is flanked by quaint cafes and breweries. Another Story is where you go when you’re outraged about the status of the world, while other bookshops are where you go to feel peaceful. There are countless opportunities for expanding your mind and learning new things with bookcases stocked with titles on social justice, gender rights, and “urban politics and cycling.”
Ben McNally Books
This is a renowned bookstore in Toronto and also a must-visit place for book lovers. Books by Ben McNally include a wide range of subjects, including fiction, history, poetry, cookery, and many more. Since its opening in 2007, this store has been well-known for its extensive book selection and welcoming personnel.
Why is Toronto a Book Lover’s Paradise?
Toronto is a dream destination for book lovers, with its vibrant literary culture, charming independent bookstores, and thriving community of readers and writers. From rare book treasures to bustling literary festivals, the city offers endless opportunities to explore and celebrate the written word. Whether you’re searching for a cozy reading nook or a one-of-a-kind bookstore experience, Toronto has something for every book enthusiast.
1. Rich Literary Scene – Toronto is home to a thriving literary community, with renowned authors, independent publishers, and a strong culture of storytelling.
2. Diverse Independent Bookshops – The city boasts a wide range of indie bookstores, from cozy neighborhood shops to specialised stores focused on rare, sci-fi, or social justice literature.
3. Exciting Literary Events – Book lovers can enjoy annual events like the Toronto International Festival of Authors (TIFA) and Word on the Street, which celebrate reading and writing.
4. A Hub for Second-Hand & Rare Books – With places like BMV Books and The Monkey’s Paw, Toronto is a treasure trove for book collectors, offering rare finds and affordable reads.
5. Perfect Reading Spots – The city has countless cozy cafés, scenic parks, and quiet libraries where bookworms can escape into their latest read.
Tips for Book Lovers Visiting Toronto
Visiting Toronto as a book lover means discovering a city filled with charming indie bookstores, literary events, and cozy reading spots. Whether you’re hunting for rare finds or the perfect café to enjoy a new read, these tips will help you make the most of your literary adventure.
1. Explore Neighborhood Bookstore Hubs – Areas like Kensington Market, Queen West, and The Annex are packed with unique indie bookshops, making them perfect for a bookstore-hopping adventure.
2. Visit During Literary Festivals – Plan your trip around events like the Toronto International Festival of Authors (TIFA) or Word on the Street to meet authors, discover new books, and enjoy literary discussions.
3. Check Out Second-Hand & Rare Finds – Stores like BMV Books (for discounted titles) and The Monkey’s Paw (for rare and vintage books) are must-visits for budget-conscious or collector-minded book lovers.
4. Pair Bookstore Visits with Cozy Cafés – Many bookshops are near fantastic coffee spots. Enjoy a read with a warm drink at places like Fika Café (near Kensington Market) or Balzac’s Coffee Roasters in the Distillery District.
5. Discover Public Reading Spots – Toronto offers beautiful places to read, from the Toronto Reference Library’s grand interior to outdoor spots like Trinity Bellwoods Park or the Toronto Islands for a peaceful reading escape.
FAQs
Some top indie bookshops include Type Books, Ben McNally Books, Another Story Bookshop, and The Monkey’s Paw.
BMV Books is a great place for affordable second-hand books, while The Monkey’s Paw specialises in rare and vintage finds.
Yes! Bakka-Phoenix Books is dedicated to sci-fi and fantasy, while Another Story Bookshop specialises in diverse and socially conscious literature.
The Monkey’s Paw offers a one-of-a-kind Biblio-Mat, a vintage vending machine that dispenses random books for a small fee.
Mabel’s Fables is a beloved bookstore specialising in children’s literature.
Yes, Indigo (Chapters) is Canada’s largest bookstore chain, offering a wide selection of books, gifts, and more.
Visit during the Toronto International Festival of Authors (TIFA) or Word on the Street for an immersive literary experience.
Yes! Many bookstores, including Ben McNally Books and Type Books, regularly host book launches, readings, and signings.
Absolutely! Fika Café (near Kensington Market) and Balzac’s Coffee Roasters are great places to enjoy a book with a cup of coffee.
Lesser-known but worth visiting spots include Glad Day Bookshop (LGBTQ+ literature) and Re:Reading (affordable used books).
Toronto’s top bookstores exist as bulwarks of literary appeal and discovery in the constantly changing literary environment. Each bookstore has a distinctive story that beckons book lovers to immerse themselves in the pleasure of flipping through real pages and discovering various genres.
These bookstores in Toronto contain something to grab every reader’s heart, whether you’re looking for rare copies, science fiction marvels, children’s enchantment, or the excitement of literary events!
If you are planning to study in Canada, then Leverage Edu can provide you with the best assistance with your study abroad journey. For booking the best accommodation abroad to start your study abroad experience, you can contact Fly Homes at 1800572118.
Follow Us on Social Media
