Bookstores in Canada are more than places to buy books — they’re community hubs, cultural landmarks, and quiet escapes from busy city life. In 2025, readers continue to gravitate toward stores that offer thoughtful curation, knowledgeable staff, and a welcoming atmosphere. This list highlights the 15 best bookstores in Canada, ranked based on reader popularity, reputation, in-store experience, event programming, and overall book selection. Each bookstore below is well-established, trusted, and loved by readers year after year.
1) Munro’s Books — Victoria, British Columbia
Munro’s Books consistently tops “best bookstore” lists in Canada, and for good reason. Located in a restored heritage building in downtown Victoria, this bookstore feels more like a cultural landmark than a retail space.
Stunning interior with high ceilings, wooden shelves, and classic architecture
Carefully curated fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and Canadian literature
Exceptionally knowledgeable staff who provide thoughtful recommendations
Strong connection to Canada’s literary history
- Founded by Nobel Prize–winning author Alice Munro, the store has earned an international reputation while still feeling personal and local.
What you’ll find inside
Readers love Munro’s for its balanced selection — popular titles sit alongside literary classics, local authors, and lesser-known gems. The store is especially strong in:
Canadian fiction and non-fiction
History and biography
Travel and nature writing
Gift-quality books
- Victoria, BC
- Visit the official site: Munro’s Books
2) Ben McNally Books — Toronto, Ontario
Ben McNally Books is widely regarded as one of Toronto’s most refined independent bookstores. It’s smaller than many chain stores, but readers appreciate its quiet elegance and intelligent curation.
Thoughtfully selected titles rather than overwhelming shelves
Calm, boutique-style atmosphere
Strong focus on literary fiction and serious non-fiction
Excellent customer service
- Many readers say this is the kind of bookstore where every book feels intentionally placed.
Special highlights
Beautifully arranged shelves and reading tables
Frequent author talks and book launches
Strong selection of Canadian and international literature
Ideal place to discover high-quality, award-winning titles
- Toronto, ON
- Official website: Ben McNally Books
3) McNally Robinson Booksellers — Winnipeg & Nationwide
McNally Robinson is one of Canada’s most respected bookstore names, particularly beloved in Winnipeg. While it has expanded beyond a single location, it has maintained the feel of an independent, reader-focused bookstore.
Massive inventory across all genres
Regular literary events, readings, and book signings
Strong children’s and young adult sections
Welcoming, community-driven environment
- Readers trust McNally Robinson because it offers both breadth and depth — from bestsellers to niche academic titles.
What sets it apart
One of the best bookstores in Canada for author events
Excellent online ordering system
Café spaces in select locations
Friendly staff who know their sections well
Winnipeg, MB (and other locations)
- Shop online: McNally Robinson Booksellers
4) Librairie Drawn & Quarterly — Montréal, Quebec
Originally known as a world-class comics publisher, Drawn & Quarterly has grown into one of Canada’s most respected bookstores — especially for readers interested in graphic novels, art books, and literary fiction.
Outstanding graphic novel and illustration collections
Carefully curated literary titles
Strong bilingual (English/French) literary presence
Unique cultural identity rooted in Montréal
- This bookstore attracts artists, writers, designers, and serious readers from around the world.
Inside the store
Premium graphic novels and comics
Independent and experimental literature
Children’s books with artistic focus
Frequent cultural and literary events
- Montréal, QC
- Official site: Librairie Drawn & Quarterly
5) TYPE Books — Toronto, Ontario
TYPE Books has become one of Toronto’s most trusted independent bookstores, with multiple neighborhood locations and a loyal customer base.
Friendly, approachable atmosphere
Reliable staff recommendations
Mix of mainstream and indie titles
Strong online presence and pre-order service
- Readers appreciate that TYPE Books feels local and personal, even as it grows.
What you can expect
Literary fiction and contemporary non-fiction
Children’s books and gifts
Regular author events
Easy online shopping
- Toronto, ON (multiple locations)
- Visit: TYPE Books
6) Indigo Books & Music (Flagship Stores) — Nationwide
While Indigo is a national chain, its flagship locations continue to rank highly among readers in 2025 because of scale, accessibility, and curated experiences that go beyond basic book shopping.
Massive selection of bestsellers, non-fiction, and lifestyle books
Comfortable seating and café-style atmosphere
Easy availability across major Canadian cities
Strong online store with fast shipping
- Readers often mention Indigo as their entry point into reading, especially for new releases and trending titles.
Best for
Bestsellers and new releases
Coffee-table books and gifts
Easy in-store browsing
- Visit: Indigo Books & Music
7) Book Warehouse — Multiple Locations Across Canada
Book Warehouse has built a loyal following by offering discounted books without sacrificing quality. Readers love the “treasure hunt” feeling of finding great books at lower prices.
Excellent prices on overstock and popular titles
Wide range of genres
Family-friendly stores
Constantly changing inventory
- Many readers say Book Warehouse is where they discover books they didn’t know they needed.
Best for
Affordable reading
Kids’ books
Gift shopping on a budget
- Official site: Book Warehouse
8) Russell Books — Victoria, British Columbia
Russell Books is one of Canada’s most respected used and rare bookstores. Located in downtown Victoria, it attracts collectors, students, and serious readers alike.
Floor-to-ceiling shelves across multiple levels
Massive selection of used, rare, and out-of-print books
Excellent pricing compared to new books
Strong academic and philosophy sections
- Readers often describe Russell Books as a place where hours disappear without notice.
Best for
Used and rare books
Academic and non-fiction titles
Collectors and researchers
- Visit: Russell Books
9) The Bookmark — Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
The Bookmark is PEI’s most famous bookstore and a cultural anchor in Charlottetown. Readers value its strong focus on Atlantic Canadian authors and local literary events.
Deep selection of Canadian and regional literature
Warm, welcoming atmosphere
Strong community engagement
Author events and book launches
- Visitors often say The Bookmark offers one of the most authentic independent bookstore experiences in Canada.
Best for
Canadian literature
Local authors
Thoughtful gift books
- Official website: The Bookmark
10) Audreys Books — Edmonton, Alberta
Audreys Books has served Edmonton readers for decades and continues to thrive in 2025 thanks to strong curation and community involvement.
Carefully selected fiction and non-fiction
Excellent Indigenous and Canadian author sections
Friendly, knowledgeable staff
Active local literary support
- Readers often praise Audreys for maintaining an authentic indie bookstore feel in a growing city.
Best for
Canadian and Indigenous literature
Book clubs and reading groups
Discovering emerging authors
- Visit: Audreys Books
11) Massy Books — Vancouver, British Columbia
Massy Books is one of Vancouver’s most community-focused independent bookstores. Readers consistently praise it for giving space to marginalized voices, diverse authors, and meaningful conversations.
Strong focus on Indigenous, Black, and diverse writers
Community events, readings, and discussions
Warm, welcoming atmosphere
Thoughtful book curation rather than mass inventory
- Readers often say Massy Books feels like a safe, inclusive space where books and community come together.
Best for
Social justice and cultural literature
Contemporary fiction and non-fiction
Community-driven events
- Visit the official site: Massy Books
12) Pages Books & Magazines — Toronto, Ontario
Pages is a long-standing Toronto favorite, especially known for its children’s section and family-friendly environment.
Outstanding children’s and young adult collections
Friendly staff who help parents choose age-appropriate books
Cozy, neighborhood bookstore feel
Well-organized and easy to browse
- Parents and educators frequently recommend Pages as one of the best bookstores in Canada for young readers.
Best for
Children’s books
Young adult fiction
Educational reading
13) Cross & Crows Books — Vancouver, British Columbia
Cross & Crows Books is widely respected for its carefully curated selection and knowledgeable staff, especially among Vancouver’s serious readers.
Strong literary fiction and translated works
Excellent poetry and small-press titles
Personalized staff recommendations
Calm, focused browsing experience
- Readers often mention that Cross & Crows helps them discover books they wouldn’t find elsewhere.
Best for
Literary fiction
Poetry and independent presses
Readers seeking curated picks
- Visit: Cross & Crows Books
14) Woozles — Halifax, Nova Scotia
Woozles is one of Canada’s oldest children’s bookstores and a beloved literary institution in Halifax.
Specializes entirely in children’s books
Trusted by parents, teachers, and librarians
Fun, colorful, and engaging store layout
Strong focus on Canadian children’s authors
- Readers say Woozles makes kids excited about reading, which keeps families coming back year after year.
Best for
Children’s and early reader books
Educational titles
School reading programs
- Official site: Woozles
15) Owl’s Nest Books — Calgary, Alberta
Owl’s Nest Books is one of Calgary’s most respected independent bookstores, known for its intellectual depth and curated non-fiction.
Strong philosophy, politics, and history sections
Loyal local customer base
Quiet, serious reading atmosphere
Well-informed staff
- Readers who enjoy deep thinking and long discussions say Owl’s Nest is one of the most rewarding bookstores to browse.
Best for
Non-fiction and academic titles
Philosophy and politics
Serious readers
- Visit: Owl’s Nest Books
Final Thoughts
Canada’s bookstore culture remains strong in 2025 because readers continue to value more than just convenience. Independent bookstores, in particular, offer something algorithms can’t replace — knowledgeable staff, carefully curated shelves, meaningful community events, and a sense of connection to the stories we read.
Whether it’s the historic charm of Munro’s Books in Victoria, the literary curation at Ben McNally in Toronto, or the community-driven spirit of local independents across the country, these bookstores have earned their reputations through consistency and reader trust.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1) How were these bookstores selected and ranked?
These bookstores were ranked based on reader popularity, long-term reputation, community involvement, quality of book curation, event programming, and official bookstore information available in 2025.
2) Are these bookstores good for online shopping?
Yes. Most of the bookstores listed offer online ordering, pre-orders, and shipping across Canada. Their official websites provide the most accurate details on availability and delivery options.
3) Which bookstore is best for rare or used books?
Russell Books in Victoria is especially well-known for used, rare, and out-of-print titles. Some other independent stores also carry limited or collectible editions.
4) Do these bookstores host author events and signings?
Many of them do. Stores like McNally Robinson, TYPE Books, and Drawn & Quarterly regularly host author talks, book launches, and community literary events throughout the year.
5) Why should I support independent bookstores in Canada?
Independent bookstores help sustain local communities, promote Canadian authors, and offer personalized recommendations that large retailers often can’t provide. Supporting them keeps Canada’s reading culture diverse and thriving.
