8 Independent Bookstores in Toronto
Are you a bookworm who is looking for ways to support local businesses? Our list of unique independent bookstores around the city may be right up your alley! All options on our list offer either curbside pickup or online stores and shipping.
Ben McNally Books
317 Adelaide St. East
‘Toronto’s Most Beautiful Bookstore’ is known for their constantly changing inventory and vast, sophisticated selection of books. According to their website, there you can find not only what you’re looking for, but also what you’re not looking for.
Type Books
Multiple Locations
This independent bookshop has three locations in West Queen West, the Junction and Forest Hill. Aside from a great selection of books, they also have a charming section of unique cards and stationary.
A Different Booklist
779 Bathurst St
This Annex shop is a multicultural bookstore specializing in books from the African Caribbean Diaspora and the Global South. Their selection is vast and they have titles and subjects for any age.
https://www.adifferentbooklist.com
Book City
Multiple Locations
First opening in 1976 in the Annex, Book City now has locations on the Danforth, Bloor West Village, the Beaches and Yonge and St. Clair. They also have a loyalty card that offers perks like 20% off all new hardcover books at any Book City.
Flying Books
Multiple Locations
Flying Books is not only a bookstore, but also a book publisher and writing school. With famed female aviator Amelia Earheart as their logo, their motto is that “to read is to take flight”. Though their locations (located inside four different businesses in downtown Toronto) are currently closed due to COVID-19 restrictions, they do have an online store.
Queen Books
914 Queen Street East
Located in Leslieville, this charming bookshop offers thousands of unique titles to choose from.
A Novel Spot Bookshop
270 The Kingsway
This independent shop, located in Etobicoke, has a little bit of everything for whatever you’re in the mood for. According to their site, their staff are ‘voracious readers’ and are eager to help find your perfect book.
Mabel’s Fables
662 Mount Pleasant Road
Founded in 1988, Mabel’s Fables is a children’s bookstore and go-to spot for all of your literary needs from babies to young adults. They also offer 20% off purchases for classrooms and libraries, including special orders.