5 Best Bookstores in Toronto (2026)

Indigo's Toronto Eaton Centre location is the flagship store for Canada's largest bookstore chain, stocking books alongside gifts, stationery, toys, and lifestyle goods across a large downtown footprint. It carries a huge range of genres and bestsellers, with dedicated kids' and teen sections, and runs frequent promotions and Canadian-author spotlights. As part of a national chain, it benefits from consistent stock and extended evening hours most days of the week.

BMV Books on Bloor Street West is a two-story used and new bookstore in The Annex, stocking books across nearly every genre alongside comics, collectibles, board games, and a growing vinyl section. It's known for deep discounts on used and remaindered titles, plus a strong selection of art, design, and vintage fiction that's harder to find at chain retailers. The Bloor location has built a loyal following among Toronto book lovers who return specifically to browse for hours.

Seekers Books on Bloor Street West is a used bookstore specializing in metaphysical, spiritual, philosophy, and religion titles, alongside a broader used-book selection across genres. The shop is run by owner Patrick, described by regulars as knowledgeable and a great conversationalist, and features a resident orange cat named Churchill who's become something of a shop mascot. Stock rotates and is limited to what's been sourced secondhand, so it favors browsing over searching for a specific title.

Queen Books is an independent general-interest bookstore in Toronto's Leslieville neighbourhood, offering a curated selection across genres alongside a well-loved kids' section and a running book club. Staff, including store manager Raheleh Abbasinejadi, are frequently named by reviewers for personalized recommendations and genuine enthusiasm for matching readers with the right book. The shop also offers free gift wrapping and cute merchandise alongside its book selection.

Another Story Bookshop on Roncesvalles Avenue is an independent bookstore built around equality and diversity, stocking a strong selection of BIPOC and queer literature alongside a large children's book section spanning toddler to adolescent ages. The shop regularly hosts book launches and community events, and reviewers describe it as a warm, welcoming space that stocks titles genuinely hard to find at bigger retailers. It holds the highest rating among the shops on this page.