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...

Ballenford Books

Ballenford specializes in books on architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, urban planning, graphic and industrial design. 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...