Ian CheesemanSure, Kindles are convenient, but browsing through shelves filled with books is also awesome. There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly printed (or old!) pages and the feel of a book in your hands—a tangible item that can transport you to different worlds.
As an avid bibliophile, I felt it was my duty to explore the best bookstores Toronto has to offer. These spots are not just about buying books; they’re charming shops filled with cozy nooks, knowledgeable staff, and a range of titles that cater to every reader’s taste.
Without further ado, here are the must-visit bookstores in the city!
How much do books cost in Toronto?
On average, new paperback books in Toronto typically range from $15 to $25, while hardcovers can cost between $25 and $40. Independent bookstores may be pricier, but they often offer unique selections and personalized service.
Used bookstores and sales events are great places to find bargains, with many books available for under $10. Specialty or rare books can cost significantly more, depending on their rarity and condition.
1. Bakka-Phoenix Books
Bakka-Phoenix Books is THE spot for sci-fi and fantasy fans; it’s been around since 1972, making it a Toronto institution. The store is packed with books, comics, and all sorts of nerdy goodies.
We love their knowledgeable staff (Fun fact: Robert J. Sawyer is a former staffer)—all passionate about books and love sharing their recommendations. You’ll find little notes in the books with detailed comments, which is helpful and sometimes funny.
Another cool thing is that they host author events and panels—they even hosted George RR Martin! It’s a great opportunity to meet your favorite authors and connect with other fans.
While the store has a fantastic selection and knowledgeable staff, some customers have reported encountering rude employees. It’s a bit of a bummer, but hopefully, it’s not a common occurrence.
My favorite bookstore in Toronto
“My favourite bookstore in Toronto. Wonderful selection of fantasy and science fiction novels.”
Zainab Coovadia, Google Review
Excellent science fiction bookstore
“Excellent science fiction book store. I try to go whenever in Toronto since it was named Bakka on Queen (I think) in the 1980s. I always get great recommendations.”
Todd Keys, Google Review
2. BMV Books
At BMV Books, you can get lost in a good story without breaking the bank. As the largest used bookstore in Canada, they boast a massive selection and low prices—in fact, their inventory is constantly updated, with around 1000 new items arriving daily.
They’re not just about pre-loved finds—BMV also carries new releases, graphic novels, audiobooks, and even surprise treasures like vintage paperbacks and collectible toys. With locations scattered across Toronto, there’s a BMV within reach for most explorers.
You can even sell your own gently-used books and contribute to the ever-growing collection. They offer cash for your treasures, making it a win-win situation.
BMV also carries gift cards, perfect for surprising the bookworm in your life.
On the other hand, some customers have told us about their unhelpful staff members, which we agree is a bit of a letdown.
Perfect spot for any book enthusiast on a budget
“I recently discovered this amazing bookstore, and I couldn’t be happier with my find! They offer an incredible selection of both used and new books at discounted prices, making it the perfect spot for any book enthusiast on a budget. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and always ready to help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
The cozy atmosphere and well-organized shelves make browsing a pleasure. Whether you’re looking for a rare find or the latest bestseller, this bookstore is a treasure trove of great deals. Highly recommend.”
Muntajib Uddin Mohammed, Google Review
Incredible book selection
“Incredible book selection, in terms of quality and topic diversity. I could spend an entire day in there. Not always as cheap as I anticipated, but still significantly lower cost than new, with almost new quality of books.”
Stephie Reimer, Google Review
3. Glad Day Bookshop
Glad Day Bookshop is a cornerstone of the LGBTQ+ community—it’s been around since 1970, making it the oldest queer bookstore in the world!
They’ve got an incredible selection of LGBTQ+ books, from classic queer literature to the latest and greatest releases.
Beyond books, Glad Day offers a unique shopping experience; you can find everything from art prints and jewelry to pronoun pins. They also host events like their famous Drag Brunch, which is a total blast.
We like that they’ve expanded their offerings to include food and drinks. While the focus is still on books, it’s nice to grab a coffee or a bite to eat while browsing.
One thing to note is that some customers have reported mixed experiences with the food quality. But the bookstore itself is definitely worth checking out.
Very good selection of new and used LGBTQ+ books
“We loved this coffee shop/library. They have a very good selection of new and used LGBTQ+ books as well as merch. We ordered some drinks and stayed there a few hours to read. The barista was also very nice! We will gladly come back here the next time we visit Toronto!”
Cindy Nguyen, Google Review
This is one of my favorite bookshops!
“This is one of my favourite book shops! They have both new books and used books as well as a selection of other items including pins, patches, cards, and food/drinks. Most of their books are either about queer characters, written by queer authors, or both. They also seem to have a focus on promoting local authors, which is great! I’ve gotten plenty of great books from here and every time I go back, there’s always something new to find. I’ve only been to their drag brunch once but it was a great experience. The performers were very talented and respectful of everyone’s personal boundaries. The food there was great too. I’d definitely recommend checking it out!”
M Fern, Google Review
4. Seekers Books
Nestled in the Annex, Seekers Books is ideal for those seeking knowledge beyond the mainstream. This independent bookstore has been around since 1978, and it’s the perfect place to spend a rainy afternoon browsing and discovering new worlds.
You’ll find New Age books on mysticism, meditation, Eastern philosophy, and the Occult. But it’s not just for the metaphysically inclined; there’s a strong collection of canonical literature, including Canadian works, psychology, and history.
Rare titles for First Nations scholars are also available here.
We just love the owner, who is incredibly friendly and knowledgeable and always happy to offer recommendations. As a bonus, you can meet Churchill, their adorable ginger cat!
While the selection is fantastic, some customers have reported encountering a less-than-pleasant staff member. It’s a shame, as it can overshadow the overall charm of the bookstore.
My favourite used bookstore in Toronto
“This is my favourite used book store in Toronto. The prices are great, selection is amazing. Witch, magic, herbs, nature, English literature, fiction, you name it. All my favourite topics. And a cute cat named Churchill too.”
Laurie Lancaster, Google Review
Great collection of books, especially on spirituality
“Great collection of books, especially on spirituality. The shop owner had tremendous knowledge and passion for books and was very friendly. Love to visit here for the orange cat named Churchill. This charming fur-ball graciously accepts pets.”
Shri, Google Review
5. The Monkey’s Paw
The Monkey’s Paw is a quirky little bookstore that feels like a step back in time—it’s packed to the brim with old books, and you can spend hours browsing the shelves. The shop has a cozy, cottage-like atmosphere that makes you feel right at home.
They specialize in older books, so you’re likely to find some real treasures here, from vintage paperbacks to obscure academic texts.
People also come here for their Biblio-Mat, the world’s first randomizing vending machine for old books. For just a few dollars, you can receive a randomly selected vintage book!
They even buy second-hand books. And their collection is carefully curated, so they’re always on the lookout for interesting finds.
While the shop is a charming place to explore, be prepared to dig a little deeper into your pockets. The prices can be on the higher side, but it’s worth it for the unique finds.
You can find amazing books that are niche-specific
“A specialized book store. You can find amazing books that are niche-specific. I ended up finding one on the Mayans which is my current topic of interest and loved it. Well priced.”
Alannah Petrie, Google Review
Very cool bookshop with antique books!
“Very cool book shop with some quite antique books! They also have a “bibliomat” machine where in exchange for a coin, you get a randomized book! The coins are $5, what a unique idea!”
raech, Google Review
