The Best Record Stores in Toronto

No.1

Shop• Downtown / Chinatown

Sonic Boom

“Dive into their massive basement for hidden gems in the used vinyl bins, and keep an eye on their schedule for surprise artist appearances.”

— Very Toronto Editors

Since its inception in 2001, Sonic Boom has cemented itself as a cornerstone of Toronto’s music scene. While it has navigated several moves across the city—including a memorable stint in the Annex—its current home in a spacious, two-level garment warehouse on Spadina Avenue feels like its definitive chapter. The vibe is refreshingly unpretentious, balancing the serious crate-digging energy of a dedicated record store with a bright, airy atmosphere that avoids the dusty, cramped tropes of its peers. It is a true community hub, staffed by a mix of music lifers and knowledgeable enthusiasts who are genuinely happy to help you track down everything from obscure punk 7-inches to the latest indie releases. The store is also a vital venue for the local scene, regularly hosting intimate in-store performances and signings that bring artists directly to their fans. For a first-timer, the sheer volume of inventory can be overwhelming, so start by browsing the curated new releases on the main floor before heading downstairs to lose yourself in the sprawling used vinyl section. Beyond music, the shop is a treasure trove of pop culture, stocking everything from turntables and accessories to retro band tees, books, and quirky collectibles like Funko Pops. Prices are fair and reflect the quality of the selection. It is open 364 days a year, making it an easy stop regardless of your schedule, though I recommend visiting on a weekday afternoon to avoid the weekend crowds. If you have mobility concerns, just ask the staff for access to the elevator to reach the lower level.

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No.2

Shop• Ossington

Rotate This

“Don't just browse the vinyl; check their counter for cheaper-than-online tickets to indie shows, a true insider perk.”

— Very Toronto Editors

For over three decades, Rotate This has stood as a pillar of Toronto’s music scene, evolving from its long-time Queen West roots to its current home on Ossington. Founded by Pierre Hallett and managed by industry veteran Brian Taylor, the shop is a no-nonsense sanctuary for vinyl enthusiasts. The vibe is intentionally focused: you won’t find gimmicks or lifestyle clutter here, just floor-to-ceiling shelves packed with new releases and a deep, constantly rotating selection of used records. They are famously genre-agnostic, covering everything from indie rock and hardcore to jazz and electronic, though they pointedly skip classical and country. It is the kind of place where the staff’s deep musical knowledge is palpable, and the atmosphere feels like a genuine hub for the city's underground and independent music community. When you visit, head straight to the back for the alphabetized used bins, where the real crate-digging rewards are found. First-timers should also make a point of checking the front wall for the latest arrivals, which are curated with an expert eye. Beyond the vinyl, this is one of the best spots in the city to pick up physical tickets for local concerts, often avoiding the hefty fees associated with major online distributors. The shop is well-organized and welcoming, but it is a serious destination for collectors, so expect to spend some time browsing. It is best to visit during weekday afternoons if you want to avoid the weekend rush, and keep in mind that this is a pure vinyl shop—don't go looking for CDs or other formats.

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No.3

Shop• Queen West

Kops Records (Queen West)

“Head straight for the backroom at the Queen West store to dig through their 'Backroom Records' for unpriced rarities and unique finds.”

— Very Toronto Editors

Founded in 1976 by Martin Koppel, Kops Records holds the title of Toronto’s oldest independent record store. Originally established on Queen Street, the shop has moved a few times over the decades but remains a cornerstone of the city’s vinyl culture. Now situated at 395 Queen Street West, this location offers a bright, spacious environment that feels less like a dusty archive and more like a curated hub for music lovers. It is deeply respected for its roots in the Northern Soul scene, housing what is widely considered North America’s largest collection of Rare and Northern Soul 45s. The atmosphere is welcoming and unpretentious, catering to everyone from seasoned crate-diggers hunting for obscure soul tracks to younger fans picking up the latest pop releases on vinyl. If you are a first-timer, set aside plenty of time to explore, especially if the basement is open—it is a treasure trove for serious collectors. While the main floor is perfect for browsing new arrivals and popular genres, the real magic happens when you start digging through the 45s or checking the staff picks near the counter. Prices vary widely depending on rarity, but you can often find gems in the bargain bins. It is a great spot to visit on a weekend afternoon while walking the Queen West strip. Be sure to call ahead if you are specifically hoping to access the basement, as its availability can be subject to staff levels. They are open daily, making it an easy stop for any vinyl enthusiast.

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No.4

Shop• Bloordale Village

Dead Dog Records (Bloor)

“Their staff, with decades of collective experience, are always happy to help special order out-of-stock items, making them a reliable spot for specific wants.”

— Very Toronto Editors

Born from the ashes of the beloved Yonge Street Sunrise Records, Dead Dog Records opened in 2015 when veterans Stephen Yorke, Maesy Kitching, and Kristie Callaghan decided to keep the spirit of independent music retail alive. They landed in Bloordale Village, creating a space that feels both established and refreshingly unpretentious. The name, inspired by a story about failed animatronic puppies, perfectly captures their ethos: finding value in the unexpected and not taking themselves too seriously. The shop is a masterclass in organization, making it easy to lose hours flipping through their deep, well-curated bins of new and used vinyl, CDs, and Blu-rays. It’s a cornerstone of the neighbourhood, where the staff’s decades of collective experience mean you’re just as likely to find a rare jazz pressing as you are a current indie hit. For a first-timer, the used vinyl section is the main event; it’s consistently lauded for its high standards of condition and fair pricing. If you’re hunting for something specific and don’t see it, don’t hesitate to ask—the staff are famously patient and will happily special order titles for you. While they carry everything from heavy metal to hip-hop, their jazz and punk sections are particularly strong. The shop is spacious enough to browse comfortably without feeling cluttered, and they also stock turntables and cool merch if you’re looking to upgrade your setup. They are open daily, with slightly longer hours on Fridays, making it an easy stop after a coffee or a bite in the vibrant Bloordale area. It’s the kind of place that rewards repeat visits, so keep an eye on their bins for fresh arrivals.

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No.5

Shop• Riverside / Leslieville

Tiny Record Shop

“Despite its small size, the shop's razor-sharp curation means every crate is worth a deep dive, especially for fans of '50s to present-day country, soul, and indie rock.”

— Very Toronto Editors

True to its name, Tiny Record Shop is a masterclass in focused, high-quality curation. Originally launched as a small corner inside the Token gift shop by Paper Bag Records founder Trevor Larocque and his wife, Maude Fallon-Davesne, the store eventually moved into its own dedicated space on Queen Street East to better accommodate its loyal following. It is the antithesis of the overwhelming, dusty warehouse-style record store; instead, you get a clean, expertly organized space where every record feels like a deliberate choice. The vibe is intimate and unpretentious, making it a favourite for locals who want to dig through bins without the fatigue of sorting through junk. They are particularly well-regarded for their strong selection of jazz, classic rock, reggae, and ska, often stocking high-caliber vintage pressings that you might otherwise only find online. For a first-timer, the best approach is to trust the staff’s taste—they are incredibly knowledgeable and genuinely happy to guide you toward something you will love. Because the footprint is so small, the inventory turns over quickly, so it is worth popping in whenever you are in the Riverside or Leslieville area. There is no massive online database to browse, which is part of the shop's charm; you have to show up to see what is fresh in the bins. Prices are fair for the quality of the condition and curation, and you will rarely leave empty-handed. It is a perfect stop to pair with a coffee or a walk along Queen East, and it remains one of the most reliable spots in the city to find a genuine gem without having to spend hours digging.

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No.6

Shop• Chinatown

Play De Record

“This is the ultimate destination for electronic music and hip-hop vinyl, and don't miss their selection of battle breaks for aspiring and professional DJs.”

— Very Toronto Editors

Founded in 1990 by Eugene Tam, Play De Record is far more than just a shop; it is the bedrock of Toronto’s DJ and underground music culture. Originally a small, unassuming space tucked behind a convenience store on Yonge Street, it became the essential hub where local radio and club DJs would congregate to hunt for the latest imports. After decades of shaping the city’s sound—from hip-hop and house to drum n' bass and soca—the institution relocated to its current home in Chinatown. The atmosphere remains authentic and unpretentious, defined by floor-to-ceiling crates of vintage vinyl, a curated selection of new releases, and a genuine passion for the craft that has attracted international legends and local crate-diggers alike for over thirty years. For a first-timer, the experience is best enjoyed by taking your time to dig through the floor crates, where you will often find rare gems that define the store's legacy. Beyond the vinyl, this is one of the few places in the city that functions as a true DJ supply house, stocking everything from needles and cartridges to professional-grade controllers and headphones. Prices vary widely depending on the rarity of the record, but the gear is competitively priced for working professionals. Check their website for current hours before heading out, as they are not open daily, and be prepared to chat with the knowledgeable staff who are always ready to offer recommendations based on your taste.

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No.7

Shop• College Street

She Said Boom

“Beyond the records, explore their '5 for $5' book section for unexpected literary treasures to accompany your new vinyl finds.”

— Very Toronto Editors

She Said Boom on College Street is a quintessential Toronto institution, born out of a pragmatic, accidental partnership in the late 90s when two friends needed to share rent to keep their respective dreams of a record store and a bookstore alive. Named after a track by the local post-punk band Fifth Column, this spot has long served as a cultural anchor for the neighbourhood, particularly for the nearby University of Toronto crowd and local residents. The atmosphere is unpretentious and lived-in, prioritizing substance over polish. You won't find sterile, curated displays here; instead, you get the authentic, slightly chaotic joy of digging through shelves packed with a deep, eclectic mix of secondhand books—with a heavy lean toward philosophy, politics, and literature—and a solid, ever-changing rotation of vinyl records that spans everything from rock and jazz to funk and reggae. For a first-timer, the strategy is simple: bring time and patience. This is a place for browsing, not for a quick transaction. If you are looking for a specific title, the staff are knowledgeable, but the real reward is stumbling upon something you didn't know you needed. Prices are consistently fair, making it easy to walk out with a stack of paperbacks and a new record without breaking the bank. They are open daily, and while they do buy used items from the public, it is best to check their current buying policies if you are planning to offload your own collection. It is a reliable, no-frills refuge that feels exactly like what a city bookstore should be.

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No.8

Shop• Queen West

Cosmos Records

“Prepare to spend some time digging through their meticulously curated crates; you're likely to unearth a rare funk 45 or an obscure jazz LP you never knew you needed.”

— Very Toronto Editors

Founded in 1998 by Aki Abe, Cosmos Records is a cornerstone of Toronto’s vinyl culture, deeply influenced by the meticulous crate-digging traditions of Japan. This Queen West location—often referred to as Cosmos East—is a compact, unpretentious space that feels like a time capsule for serious collectors. The atmosphere is quiet and focused, lacking the overwhelming clutter of larger shops, which allows the quality of the curation to take center stage. They are renowned for their expertly sourced, original pressings, with a heavy emphasis on soul, funk, disco, hip-hop, and vintage rock. The walls are lined with history, and the shop’s commitment to in-person discovery is absolute; they famously reject online sales to preserve the tactile experience of browsing and the genuine human connection that comes with it. For a first-timer, the experience is all about patience and exploration. Don't expect bargain-bin pricing here; you are paying for the rarity, condition, and the expertise required to unearth these gems. The shop is small, so it’s best to visit during off-peak weekday hours if you want to spend time at the listening stations without feeling rushed. If you are hunting for specific breaks or rare grooves, don't hesitate to ask the staff, who possess an encyclopedic knowledge of their inventory. While they accept cards, keep in mind that this is a destination for those who value authenticity over convenience. It is a place that rewards those who truly listen, so take your time, dig through the bins, and enjoy the thrill of finding something that has been waiting to be rediscovered.

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