Jun 28, 2025

Toronto Reference Library Toronto

Literally awesome!

""Toronto Reference Library" is Canada's largest reference library & a must-stop on any downtown tour, with plenty of exciting cultural secrets to discover."

Bookmark the Toronto Reference Library as a must-stop on any downtown tour – especially given its super convenient location at Yonge & Bloor.

Once inside Canada largest reference library, you’ll find yourself strolling through a spacious atrium. Above you, four stories of curving balconies and layered ceiling capture the building’s progressive construction, and marks Toronto’s state of modernity at the library’s opening in 1977.

Among the floors are all manners of books, historical photographs and maps, art posters and rare manuscripts. Poke around and you’ll even discover a piano practice room and a sheet music collection.

Fans of Sherlock Holmes will want to check out the works devoted to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The collection is housed in a replica of his famous study on Baker Street in England.

At the base of the atrium is a staging area for literary events, and numerous glass-walled rooms for groups. My favourites are four, round study pods arranged in a dot pattern on the second floor. Many computers are available for free. 3D printers can be used for just the cost of the plastic.

The long balcony counters on any floor offer a great vantage spot to scope out the comings and goings of people at the entrance; and, the ups and downs of people taking one of two glass elevators.

Exit past the gift shop.

What’s Spot On:
• Soothing sound that emanates from waterfall feature
• Cup of joe from one of Toronto’s fave coffee chains, Balzacs, located just inside.

002-building
Art & culture

About this spot

Yonge Street 789

C$

free

4163955577

Find your way with 145 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Toronto guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Toronto

Arcadia Earth

An inspiring, immersive experience

Throughout the experience, you’ll visit several different rooms, each with its own focus on threats to our precious planet, such as electronic waste.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Cassandra

Della Mora

Jul 10, 2025

Arts Market

Great selection of artisanal gifts

From beautiful jewelry to handmade or vintage home decor, amazing artwork, and candles scented with classic Canadian smells, it’s a gift-givers heaven!

002-building
Art & culture
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Cassandra

Della Mora

Jul 10, 2025

A Different Booklist

A bookstore for better

A couple of great finds I’ve gotten from this store are Braiding Sweetgrass, my favourite book of all time and The Intersectional Environmentalist...

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Cassandra

Della Mora

Jul 10, 2025

The Latest Scoop

Treasure trove for trend seekers

Each visit to The Latest Scoop is a like a little treasure hunt, with regularly updated inventory to keep up with the latest trends.

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Cassandra

Della Mora

Jul 10, 2025

Karma Co-op

A co-op for the conscious consumer

Somewhat tucked away in the Annex neighbourhood of Toronto, this sweet shop welcomes you with a selection of locally made baked goods you can take to-go.

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Cassandra

Della Mora

Jul 10, 2025

Ecotique

Great for eco-friendly goods and gifts

I’ve bought a bunch here, from seed bombs to sustainable swaps like planet-friendly nail polish, and a pair of mittens made from old sweaters!

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Cassandra

Della Mora

Jul 10, 2025

Pretty Clean Shop

A sustainable & stunning shop

There is so much to see in this stunning space, and they have such a wide selection, you could spend hours inside and still not see it all!

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Cassandra

Della Mora

Jul 10, 2025

Coal Miner's Daughter

Canadian clothing and more

Their guiding principles are rooted in the slow fashion movement of quality over quantity, meaning sustainably and ethically produced pieces!

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Cassandra

Della Mora

Jul 10, 2025

Brodawka & Friends

Sweet store for grabbing gifts

I’ve bought plenty here from a beautiful, sustainably-made beach towel to a gorgeous gold-dipped necklace - both were gifts for myself!

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Cassandra

Della Mora

Jul 10, 2025

Broadview Espresso

Comfy coffee corner

"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...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

by

Jeffrey

Wood

Jun 28, 2025

Maids' Cottage Butter Tarts

Taste of Ontario

"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!

024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Jeffrey

Wood

Jun 28, 2025

Plenty Market & Cafe

Cute cafe meets sweet market

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...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Cassandra

Della Mora

Jun 22, 2025

Heading to Toronto?

145 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

145 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture

Our team loves Toronto

Get to know our other Spotters from Toronto

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
7300
Filters