If you are looking for an opportunity to unwind yourself, prepare for the surprises these 10 independent bookstores in Vancouver, BC, have to offer!
1. Book Warehouse
A proud local independent bookstore that has been serving the local community since as early as 1963, Book Warehouse stands among the most popular destinations for bookworms in Vancouver, BC. It offers an eclectic collection of both fiction and non-fiction titles for various age groups, which range from kids to adults.
There is also a carefully curated collection of books written by local Canadian authors, offering an insight into the Canadian way of life. Preorders for signed copies of the latest bestsellers are also available, but they are limited in quantity.
The store accepts both in-store shopping and online shopping. Check out their website here.
2. Odin Books
For 30 years, Odin Books has been one of the most popular independent bookstores for inhabitants in Vancouver. Specializing in books on mental health, wellness, and education for children with special needs, the store provides good access to these rare resources. It also comes with a vast collection of psychology and psychiatry books that will be particularly interesting to professionals.
You can buy the store’s products from their brick-and-mortar shop or through their website. Contact them here.
3. The Paper Hound Bookshop
On the hunt for a particularly hard-to-find rare edition? The Paper Hound Bookshop, located in Vancouver, BC, might have just what you need! This petite bookstore offers not just the latest bestsellers but also some out-of-print and antiquarian books.
Its collection features many different genres, including art books, business books, fiction, mysteries, science fiction, and much more. If you need to find a specific title, the shop will gladly help you to order it.
Only in-store shopping is possible here for now. They can be reached using the contact details at this page.
4. Kestrel Books
Another great spot to look for hidden gems is Kestrel Books, which was established in 1985. An award-winning independent bookstore, Kestrel Books specializes in rare and out-of-print books that might be particularly hard to find on the market right now. Because books come and go at Kestrel Books, the available genres will change from time to time, but the store generally includes fiction, history, art books, mysteries, and much more.
The store allows both in-store shopping and online shipping. However, its online shop can only be accessed from ABE Books, and it only features about 900 books in the collection. Check out their website for more information.
5. Pulpfiction Books
As one of the largest and busiest bookstores in Western Canada, Pulpfiction Books delivers an amazing shopping experience, whether you are looking for the newest hits or older and rarer books that can be a bit hard to find. Stocking over 80,000 different titles, this store features an eclectic collection of books in various genres, including fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels, children’s books, and much more!
This collection is carefully curated by a team of experts, not by algorithm or by the popularity of the books, so you can expect some lesser-known titles here. As the store also accepts orders, don’t hesitate to let them know if you are looking for a particular title.
The store only allows in-store shopping for now. Their website, which contains a lot more information, is located here.
6. Massy Books
Filled with books from the floor up to the ceiling, Massy Books is one of the most famous independent bookstores in Vancouver, offering a comprehensive collection that even features some rare and lesser-known titles. Its collection features many different genres, which range from business, biography, fiction, drama, design, and much more.
Other than the store’s general collection, you can also find an excellent collection of works penned by indigenous authors. On the second floor of the shop is a gallery showcasing artwork from local artists.
You can order books online or buy them directly from the store’s brick-and-mortar shop. Check out their website here.
7. Canterbury Tales Bookstore
Canterbury Tales Bookstore has long been a staple community-driven bookstore in East Vancouver, offering a vast selection of books in many genres since 1998. The available genres include social sciences, fiction, young adult fiction, pop science, and other non-fiction subjects.
What is cool about this store is that it also offers 30% off on new books and 50% off on used books, making it one the best places in town to hunt for bargain deals. The store also accepts orders if you need specific titles.
The store allows both in-store shopping and online shopping. You can contact the store through the link here.
8. Hager Books
Hager Books is also another notable name in the independent bookstore scene in Vancouver. With a long history that stretches back as far as 1974, the store features an amazing collection of fiction, memoirs, cookbooks, biography, gardening books, history books, and much more.
They also have a section of art books that depict art pieces from famous painters such as Picasso, Michelangelo, and other recent stars. The knowledgeable staff will be very happy to provide whatever assistance you need.
This bookstore allows both online ordering and in-store shopping. You can contact them here.
9. Spartacus Books
One of the most popular bookstores in Vancouver, Spartacus Books has been around for more than 30 years, offering a vast selection of politically controversial books. Their range of topics include political science, gender studies, social justice, feminism, art, and much more, allowing you to dive into hard topics with ease.
Other than books, you will also find some very interesting independent zines and journals.
The store is open to both in-store shopping and online shopping. Check out their website here.
10. White Dwarfs Books
Bookworms who enjoy science fiction and fantasy novels will love this bookstore. Situated in Vancouver, White Dwarfs Books specializes in science fiction and fantasy books, boasting a vast collection of books written by Canadian and British authors that are hard to find in the US.
This store also offers non-fiction books, audiobooks, and fiction relating to the field of true crime and mystery, sold by its other branch, Dead Write Books.
You can only buy books at their brick-and-mortar store only. Contact them through the link here.