In the age of Amazon, Indigo and Barnes & Noble, it seems like going to your neighbourhood, independent bookstore (or any bricks & mortar bookstore) is a rare occurrence. I get it, shopping online is convenient and, let’s be honest, often a bit cheaper. To me, however, there is still magic in going into a shop and perusing the books with your eyes and flipping through the pages with your hands. Type Books on Toronto’s Queen West offers such magic.
Type Books is a quintessential independent bookstore – it’s a small, slightly odd-shaped room organized into different genres: fiction, mystery, food, children’s books, etc. It has cute little gift items at the front of the store, funky wallpaper, a chandelier and knowledgeable staff willing to answer all of your questions. Above all, Type Books offers a great selection of books. Every time I go in there, I seem to walk out with a new book that I didn’t even know existed. That’s the magic of going into brick and mortar book shops – you aren’t just glazing over the Top 10/50/100 list, you are perusing the tables and shelves looking to see what book jumps out at you and captures your attention.
Find your way with 145 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
The store offers containers for specialty recycling which would otherwise be tossed in the trash, and they even help with the hosting of recycling events.
By
"Allan Gardens Conservatory", strangely advertised as a major Toronto landmark, remains a well-kept secret. Have a picnic in 100s of flowers and old trees!
By
Throughout the experience, you’ll visit several different rooms, each with its own focus on threats to our precious planet, such as electronic waste.
By
From beautiful jewelry to handmade or vintage home decor, amazing artwork, and candles scented with classic Canadian smells, it’s a gift-givers heaven!
By
Each visit to The Latest Scoop is a like a little treasure hunt, with regularly updated inventory to keep up with the latest trends.
By
A couple of great finds I’ve gotten from this store are Braiding Sweetgrass, my favourite book of all time and The Intersectional Environmentalist...
By
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.
By
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!
By
Their guiding principles are rooted in the slow fashion movement of quality over quantity, meaning sustainably and ethically produced pieces!
By
I’ve bought plenty here from a beautiful, sustainably-made beach towel to a gorgeous gold-dipped necklace - both were gifts for myself!
By
"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...
By
145 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 145 Insider Tips