One of life's greatest pleasures surely must be losing yourself in a good book, and even more so when you're traveling. I particularly love finishing a story on the road and then exchanging for a new one with someone I meet along the way. There are plenty of options for book shopping in Toronto, such as the standard big-box Chapters/Indigo, or the many charming second-hand book stores (there are a handful on College St just west of Bathurst St). However, my first stop is always BMV, a bookstore in Toronto's Annex neighbourhood.
BMV has a huge selection of, well, everything: classics, modern literature, non-fiction, coffee table books, comics, cookbooks, you name it (though they often don't carry the brand-new bestsellers, but that doesn't bother me). Even better than the vast selection are the prices; I rarely spend more than $ 5 - $ 8 on a paperback that otherwise retails for $ 20 or more. You won't leave BMV Books empty-handed.
BMV also has locations at 10 Edward Street (near Yonge and Dundas Square), 2289 Yonge Street (uptown, at Yonge and Eglinton) and on Queen West, at 244 Queen St W. The store on Queen St also has lots of neat Canada- and Toronto-inspired souvenirs.
Find your way with 145 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"Broadview Espresso" in Toronto makes cappuccino just the way I like it -- almost scalding hot! I love sitting at the patio in the wooden seats...
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"Toronto Reference Library" is Canada's largest reference library & a must-stop on any downtown tour, with plenty of exciting cultural secrets to discover.
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"Maids' Cottage Butter Tarts" in Toronto makes some of the best butter tarts you can find in the city, and there's nothing more Ontario than eating them!
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Not only do they have delicious coffee and delightful baked goods, but they also stock a solid selection of Canadian-made food and drink products...
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Pick up a quick lunch at the front of this low-waste shop, which you can take away in your own or borrowed containers that can be returned later!
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"Riverdale Farm" is an oasis of culture, nature, animals and trees at the heart of Toronto. I like visiting with my camera, especially for macro photos
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I recommend ordering a few of their smaller dishes to try, which should definitely include their renowned Bang Bang Broccoli!
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"Khau Gully" is my favorite Northern Indian restaurant in Toronto. Street food is its thing but it's best to sit in for its beautifully painted dining room
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From biodegradable bamboo products to personal care items that are better for both you and the planet, you can find plenty here for a more sustainable life.
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It’s rare that I leave this store without having bought something, be it a beautiful ring for myself, or a unique piece of artwork to give as a gift.
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With environmental sustainability in mind, Gia is a “plant-forward” restaurant, with the goal of sourcing produce locally, and organic when possible.
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145 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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