The Indigo Inside Eaton Centre
by Matt Grommes
There is something truly wonderful about stepping into a good bookstore. There is that anticipation of finding a new favourite book, and with that, the allure of the hours of relaxation that come with getting caught up in a book — the possibility of those warm, breezy Saturdays sprawled out on a blanket at Trinity-Bellwoods Park.
Getting over the hurdle
Fortunately, downtown Toronto is sure to prove satisfying to any avid reader. The most accessible bookstore is, of course, the Indigo located in the Toronto Eaton Centre. This large bookstore has a wide range of contemporary and classic books in fiction and non-fiction, as well as a lovely area to shop for gifts. In the unlikely event that they do not have the book you seek, its sister store (aptly named The World’s Biggest Bookstore) is just around the corner from the Eaton Centre.
A Different Booklist Logo
Sometimes, though, it is nice to find a smaller, independent bookstore to browse. The selections in a smaller bookstore are often carefully curated to fit the store’s special area of focus. If you can find one that matches your own interests, it can spark a lifelong relationship that yields many excellent literary finds.One such bookshop, nestled in Toronto’s Annex neighbourhood at Bloor and Bathurst, is A Different Booklist, which specializes in Caribbean and African literature.
Swipe Bookstore
Swipe Books can be found in the well-known 401 Richmond building – a beautifully restored tin factory that now houses mostly art and fashion studios and non-profit organizations. The tantalizing collection of Swipe Books is like two stores in one: part advertising-and-design bookstore, and part homeware and lifestyle shop.
Toronto Womens Bookstore Logo
A third bookstore of note is the Toronto Women’s Bookstore, which is the go-to bookstore for people of all genders who are interested in learning more about race, gender, and international politics. This shop is located near the University of Toronto, at Harbord and Spadina.
Bakka Phoenix Books Logo
The spacious Bakka-Phoenix Books, also at Harbord and Spadina, focuses on science fiction and fantasy works. Its devoted staff are always ready with personalized recommendations to help you find something special. These four shops merely scratch the surface of Toronto’s rich network of distinctive bookstores, but they offer a taste of the literary treasures that can be discovered here with just a little effort and a willingness to explore.
