“The plotless fiction section is the most Type Books thing imaginable — it signals exactly what kind of reader this store is for, and that reader will never shop anywhere else.”
— Very Toronto Editors
Three locations (Queen West, Junction, Forest Hill) with a focus on literary fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and cookbooks. Known for a unique 'plotless fiction' section and the Word-Play literacy outreach program.
“Walking in here feels like stepping into a private library in a period film — the space itself is half the experience, and Ben's curation means every table display tells a story.”
— Very Toronto Editors
A warm, wood-panelled literary haven at 108 Queen St E, specializing in first-run hardcovers, hard-to-find imports, history, biography, and stunning art and photography books. Doubles as an author events venue.
“Fifty-five years of continuous operation through censorship battles, financial crises, and a pandemic — Glad Day isn't just a bookstore, it's a cultural institution that happens to sell books.”
— Very Toronto Editors
Founded in 1970 by activist Jearld Moldenhauer, Glad Day Bookshop holds the distinction of being the world’s oldest surviving LGBTQ+ bookstore. After decades of being a cornerstone of the Church-Wellesley Village, the shop recently relocated to a more compact, community-focused space on Lisgar Street near Queen West. It remains a vital hub for queer and trans literature, offering a meticulously curated selection of fiction, poetry, and nonfiction that centers marginalized voices. The atmosphere is intentionally welcoming and accessible, serving as both a quiet sanctuary for browsing and a lively venue for community gatherings, book launches, and arts events. It is a space where the history of queer activism is palpable, and the commitment to fostering local talent—from authors to zine-makers—is evident in every corner. For a first-timer, the experience is best enjoyed by pairing a browse through the shelves with a coffee or a drink from their café counter. While the new location is more intimate than their previous Village home, it retains the same spirit of inclusivity. Check their website or social media for current hours, as they are more limited than in the past, and keep an eye on their event calendar for readings or workshops. The price point is accessible, and the staff are incredibly knowledgeable, so don't hesitate to ask for recommendations if you are looking for something specific. It is a fantastic spot to spend a quiet afternoon, and supporting them directly helps ensure this historic institution continues to thrive in its new chapter.
“The Biblio-Mat alone is worth the trip, but the real magic is the curation — where else can you find a 1960s taxidermy manual next to a collection of Soviet propaganda posters?”
— Very Toronto Editors
An antiquarian shop specializing in uncommon 20th-century printed matter, visual culture, and obsolete technologies. Home to the Biblio-Mat, the world's first randomizing vending machine for old books ($5 per spin).
“The Bloor Street location is a genuine rabbit hole — you go in for one novel and emerge two hours later with a stack of $5 hardcovers you didn't know you needed.”
— Very Toronto Editors
Since opening its doors in 1997, BMV Books has become a cornerstone of Toronto’s literary landscape, evolving from a single shop into a multi-location institution that feels essential to the city's intellectual fabric. The Bloor Street location in The Annex is arguably the flagship, perfectly situated to serve the U of T student crowd and local bibliophiles alike. It is a sprawling, multi-level labyrinth where the air is thick with the scent of paper and the quiet hum of focused browsing. Unlike curated boutique bookstores, BMV operates on a high-volume, high-turnover model, packing shelves floor-to-ceiling with a chaotic yet addictive mix of used paperbacks, pristine remaindered hardcovers, vinyl records, and graphic novels. The vibe is decidedly no-frills and utilitarian; it is a place for serious digging rather than leisurely lounging, where the thrill of the hunt is the primary draw. For a first-timer, the strategy is simple: bring a sturdy tote bag and prepare to spend at least an hour navigating the aisles. The pricing is consistently aggressive, making it one of the most affordable places in the city to build a personal library, especially if you are hunting for art books, academic texts, or recent fiction releases. While the stock changes daily, the basement and upper floors are goldmines for deep discounts on remaindered titles that haven't quite hit the mainstream bestseller lists yet. There are no reservations or fancy amenities here—just straightforward commerce. It is best to visit on a weekday morning to avoid the weekend crowds that can make the narrow aisles feel claustrophobic. Keep in mind that while they buy used books, the lines for selling can be long, so if you are just there to shop, head straight to the stacks and enjoy the hunt.
“The Silver Snail was literally born as a spinoff of this store's comic section in the 1970s — Bakka-Phoenix stuck to books and has outlasted nearly every other genre bookstore on the continent.”
— Very Toronto Editors
Canada's oldest science fiction and fantasy specialty bookstore, operating since 1972. Carries Canadian, American, and British sci-fi/fantasy titles. Uniquely purist: no toys, games, or memorabilia — just books.
“The children's section is quietly one of the best in the city for diverse picture books — parents from across Toronto make the trip specifically for titles they can't find anywhere else.”
— Very Toronto Editors
A proudly independent shop on Roncesvalles with 25+ years of history, specializing in social justice, equity, and diversity themes. Excellent children's section alongside activism, Indigenous issues, and feminism.
“The Beguiling built its reputation by championing non-superhero comics when nobody else would — their Drawn & Quarterly and Fantagraphics sections are better stocked than most bookstores' entire comics offerings.”
— Very Toronto Editors
Toronto's premier comics and graphic novel destination since 1987. One of the largest graphic novel selections in Canada, with deep stock in underground, alternative, and international comics. Organizes the annual Toronto Comic Arts Festival.