The Best Bookstores in Toronto
Operating a bookstore in Toronto may not be the most lucrative business these days. The dominance of mega-chain Chapters Indigo, online retailers like Amazon.ca and the rise of the Canadian dollar have resulted in a permanent shift in the industry dynamic. The good news is that the many popular book sellers who remain have made their stores better by distinguishing themselves on features like the quality of their selection, helpful service and ties to the local community.
With so many diverse independent bookstores in Toronto, it's difficult to narrow the offerings down to the ten best. Science fiction fans might lament the exclusion of Bakka-Phoenix. Children and their parents might not forgive us for overlooking Mables Fables. And playwrights might hunt us down on the account of our omission of TheatreBooks. And that's just the tip of the snubbed-list iceberg.
Ultimately our list of Toronto's best bookstores came down to the nominations and votes from our readers. Perhaps to nobody's surprise, perennial favourite Pages Books & Magazines secured the top spot. Among other qualifications, Pages has been a long-time supporter of local and independent publishers and hosts the widely-successful This is Not a Reading Series. Below we present our top ten bookstores in Toronto. To discover more Toronto bookstores click over to our bookstore section.
Pages Books & Magazines
Founded in 1979, Pages stocks a unique selection of fun, hip literature, "counter-culture" political and lifestyle books, cultural theory, small press lit and film and art books. More...
TYPE Books
Now with two locations (a second one just opened in Forest Hill Village), TYPE is a small, community-focused bookseller featuring a well curated selection of books on current events, design, cooking, the environment and a range of other topics. More...
David Mirvish Books
Aside from a 50 foot work of art by Frank Stella, David Mirvish Books has one of Toronto's best selection of art books as well as architecture, film, music, design and more. More...
This Ain't the Rosedale Library
Located in the heart of The Village, This Ain't the Rosedale Library is an internationally acclaimed bookstore full of small press publications, fiction, counter-culture, sex and gender studies. More...
Toronto Women's Bookstore
Catering to a loyal following of nearby UofT students, Toronto Women's Bookstore is dedicated to promoting anti-oppression politics and feminist politics. Lots of text books can be found on the second floor. More...
Nicholas Hoare
Nicholas Hoare has the feel of a traditional British bookstore. The interior is outfitted with brick and wood, a fireplace, laddered shelves and oil paintings. More...
Swipe Books
Swipe is one of the best places in Toronto to pick up books on advertising and design. They draw a devoted clientele from nearby Cossette and other advertising agencies. More...
Glad Day Bookshop
Glad Day is a valued advocate and resource for the local gay and lesbian community, and is the second longest surviving gay and lesbian bookstore in the world. More...
Conspiracy Culture
The source in Toronto for books and videos on any and all conspiracy theories. Conspiracy Culture also hosts regular reading events and seminars. More...
Comments (25)
Anyone know which Toronto bookstores sell at US cover price? I thought I seen a list somewhere. The dollar has been close to parity for a while now and the big store still ignore that fact.
You can get some deeply discounted new books at the place on the south-west corner of Front and Church (not sure the name)...although the selection isn't that great.
Great selection, but I find the staff a little chilly.
Also, no love for comics? Beguiling anyone?
Perhaps you should have a best of specialty bookstores.
Parentbooks has the best selection of books for parents that i've found. Largest section on ASD or ADD or any other topic.
Really enjoying all your Best Ofs, but you've missed the boat on this one. Most of this list reads like it was compiled 5 years ago. Ben McNally Books is a far superior bookstore, actively involved in the literary and publishing communities, and it has a far larger selection than most of the bookstores listed here, especially boutique Type and This Ain't the Rosedale Library, which seem more interested in promoting graphic novels than books without pictures.
Totally agree with you, James. Ben McNally is a one-man bookselling institution in Toronto, and has been for more than 15 years. Nicholas Hoare is another perennial favourite.
I'm looking for a book called "The Uprooted" by William B. Makowski, can anyone help as to where I may get it?
I've always thought Elliot's on Yonge is a terrific bookstore. Always find what I want, it's endearingly messy and the spiral staircase to the top floor is really cool.
What's the book store that stocks mostly discontinued or older books? I can't remember the name of it but I found some great books there. It's two floors and decently big.
This list reads like a well-worn path from which the traveler never looks up. I'm wondering what the reason is for the omission of Ben McNally Books as well. Ben McNally Books carries discerning titles in a beautiful environment with knowledgeable staff.
On another note, sadly, David Mirvish Books has closed its doors.
I did an author reading at Nicholas Hoare a couple of years ago. There was no sign on the door and nothing on the sandwich board out front (until I put it there myself), and when the other author and I asked politely if we might have a glass of water or something, a staff member -- who was carrying a tray of tea things at the time -- advised us to go buy bottled water at the Dominion across the street. Then he gave the other staff members the tea.
Needless to say, I have avoided the place since.
Henry : Are you still looking for The Uprooted by William Makowski? I am a personal friend of the author and we are just setting up a website to get his excellent book out there. Please contact me at our email address. uprooted@cogeco.ca
Hi,
Could you recommend me a bookstore in Toronto specialized on Ancient and Medieval Culture/history/literature????
Thanks!!!!
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