The Best Toronto Bookstores in Downtown and Nearby
Toronto, a bustling metropolitan Canadian city, attracts book lovers with its modern and natural charm. The city's skyscrapers give it a dramatic feel while its waterside location and green spaces provide readers with perfect spots to stop and indulge in a book. However, the love for books comes across most prominently through the bookstores in Toronto. Hotspots for bibliophiles, there are several niche and independent booksellers in Toronto downtown, but also a few nearby that deserve a special mention.
The Sleuth of Baker Street
You don't need a certain gentleman wearing a deerstalker hat to deduce that The Sleuth of Baker Street is all about selling the best there is in the mystery, crime, suspense, and thriller genres. Bookworms can find the latest releases here alongside first editions and classics. The owners of the bookstore, JD Singh and Marian Misters, are incredibly welcoming and passionate about books. Remember to strike up a conversation with them if you are looking for some unusual book recommendations. Book signings are a regular happening at The Sleuth of Baker Street, and in case you do not live nearby, sign up for their popular newsletter, The Merchant of Menace.
Penguin Shop
Penguin Random House regularly does pop-up shops across the world, especially around book festivals, but their only permanent store is in Canada. One of the niche Toronto bookstores downtown, in terms of it holding books only by the publisher, this cute and colorful 158 square-foot shop is situated a minute away from CN Tower and is a must for all Penguin fans. Inside, shelves are made to look like book spines that display both the latest and classic releases from the top publisher in the world. The icing on the cake, though, is the Penguin merchandise on offer that consists of book-themed paraphernalia, from diaries, totes, and pins to mugs, bottles, and postcards.
Acadia Art & Rare Books
Acadia goes out of its way to create an environment that compliments the books that it sells. Art prints displayed in wooden crates and bookshelves lined with out-of-print books; there are hidden gems all over the place you never knew existed. Amongst the treasures at the bookstore, you'll find the complete works of Ernest Hemingway, Canadian monographs, vintage comics, and early editions of books by Khalil Gibran, William Faulkner, and James Joyce. Established in 1931, Acadia is still a constant feature in lists of Toronto bookstores that are much-loved by the local reading community. That this popularity might be because of their two cute feline residents who are adored by all customers is an ongoing debate.
The Great Escape Bookstore
If you wish to step away from Toronto bookstores in downtown, take a 20-minute drive and head on over to The Great Escape. Operational for more than fifty years, this quaint book lover's paradise offers its customers the opportunity to browse through new and second-hand books covering an assorted set of genres. What makes The Great Escape the full package is the little art gallery next door that doubles up as an intimate event space, ideal for a concert or a marriage ceremony. The patio out back furthers the beauty as bookworms can take their newly bought books and enjoy the sun in a serene environment. The Great Escape also organizes an annual book and film club where they read a classic, watch the movie based on it, and then discuss it.
Bakka-Phoenix Books
Bakka-Phoenix, "Canada's oldest science fiction and fantasy bookstore," opened its doors way back in 1972. Ever since then, it has been an indispensable part of the local book culture. Over the years, the shop has changed hands and locations several times, but it is presently an essential stop for science fiction fans exploring Toronto bookstores downtown. A friendly and welcoming shop, Bakka-Phoenix has an extensive collection featuring books by both literary greats and local talents such as Tara Tallan, Tanya Huff, and Ed Greenwood. Author events are frequent at Bakka-Phoenix and are the perfect excuse for genre lovers to discover new books and meet their favorite writers.
Glad Day Bookshop
Toronto has quite a distinct set of specialty bookstores that celebrate the love for books through extensive collections of genre-specific books, allowing bibliophiles to dig deeper into their favorite themes. Glad Day is the "first Candian and oldest queer bookstore worldwide" that has been selling LGBTQI books since 1970. Readers can find books that feature indigenous narratives and trans and non-binary characters, mangas, and even guides that help better understand the LGBTQI community. That Glad Day is also a café and bar makes it the ideal stop when looking for bookstores in Toronto downtown, as book lovers can mingle with fellow readers over a favorite drink at any time of the day.
Re: Reading
Quirky, charming, and a delight for admirers of the written word, Re: Reading in Danforth is a much-admired used bookstore in Toronto that sells a limited number of CDs and DVDs in addition to a vast selection of novels. The store has a rather laidback and hip vibe that makes browsing through its 10,000+ titles a comfortable and desirable experience. With pocket-friendly prices and an ever-so-pleasant staff ready to give recommendations, visiting Re: Reading is always a joyous occasion. Re: Reading has another equally lovely outlet opposite Beaches Park.
Type Books
Type Books is a darling amongst the bookstores of Toronto. Started by Samara Walbohm and Joanne Saul in 2006, they now have three outlets, including the original on Queen Street. Type Books has a very indie look to it with exposed brick walls and a cheery and bright atmosphere that highlights the vibrant diversity of its book collection. Small press releases, young adult books, and contemporary fiction are a few genres readers can skim while picking up the latest in nonfiction and art books. A section in the back is reserved for children's books and travel reads. Type Books also has an art gallery downstairs and hosts regular bookish events for the local community.
