There’s something magical about stepping into an independent bookshop — the scent of paper and ink, the creak of wooden floors, and shelves stacked with stories waiting to be discovered. For families, these cozy literary havens offer more than just books; they’re places to spark imaginations, swap recommendations, and find that next unforgettable read. With so many local shops closing their doors this year, it’s more important than ever to shop local (and shop Canadian!) whenever possible. Whether you’re hunting for picture books, graphic novels, or hidden classics, we’ve rounded up the best indie bookshops where every family member can turn a new page together.
Happy book hunting!
Kidsbooks | Vancouver & North Vancouver
One of my all-time favourite book shops features wall-to-wall options for the most highly curated book and activity selections for children, teens, and adults.
Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM daily.
Address: 2557 West Broadway, Vancouver | 3040 Edgement Boulevard, North Vancouver
Website: www.kidsbooks.ca
Pulpfiction Books | Vancouver
If you ask a Vancouverite the best independent bookstore in the city is, chances are they will point you to this iconic spot, operating since 2000 with one of the largest selections and highest turnover of books in Western Canada. Pulpfiction Books features new, used, and out-of-print selections you won’t find anywhere else, making it a worthy stop for your literary adventures.
Hours: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM daily
Address: 2422 Main Street, Vancouver | 1744 Commercial Drive, Vancouver
Website: pulpfictionbooksvancouver.com
IronDog Books | Vancouver
An Indigenous-owned bookstore, Iron Dog Books initially started out as a mobile bookstore visiting festivals and events throughout the city before also opening a more permanent storefront. With a mix of current and classic selections and a group of die-hard book lovers at the helm, you’re guaranteed to get the best recommendations for books you can’t put down.
Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Address: 2671 East Hastings, Vancouver
Website: irondogbooks.com
Massy Books | Vancouver
If you’re looking for an unusual or unique book, chances are you’ll find it at Massy Books! This funky space specializes in finding rare gems from all corners of the world and prides itself on being a space of wonderous finds for the book-lover that thinks they’ve read ‘everything’.
Hours: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Sunday – Tuesday); 11:00 AM – 6:00PM (Thursday- Saturday); closed Wednesday.
Address: 229 E. Georgia Street, Vancouver
Website: www.massybooks.com
Secret Society of Books | Traveling Book Shop
This charming store-on-wheels was a welcome escape from the rain when we popped by in early March. Stepping inside, an incredible selection of new and gently-used books brought back childhood nostalgia as I found treasures I hadn’t seen since I was little. This traveling bookshop is beautifully decorated both inside and out and offers trade-in deals to buy your gently loved books.
Website: www.secretsocietyofbooks.com
Western Sky Books | Port Coquitlam
An award-winning independent bookstore nestled in Port Coquitlam, Western Sky Books houses an impressive selection of new and used books in its space, plus a running list of newly released options in all genres. Western Sky Books also partners with Libro.fm to trade in and purchase audiobooks for those who prefer to listen.
Hours: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Sunday- Tuesday); 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Wednesday- Saturday)
Address: 2132-2850 Shaughnessy Street, Port Coquitlam
Website:store.westernskybooks.com
Wendel’s Bookstore & Cafe | Fort Langley
You can’t miss this iconic space in the heart of Fort Langley! The smell of coffee wafts through this charming independent bookstore as the wooden floors creak below. Around every little corner is a new title and unique cover jumping out to be read. Once you find your next read, the second part of your outing begins as book lovers can pull up a seat, grab a coffee and a pastry, and start their reading journey immediately.
Hours: 7:30 AM – 10:00 PM, daily
Address: 103-9233 Glover Road, Fort Langley
Website: www.wendelsonline.com
Little Free Libraries
You can’t get much more ‘independent’ than the Little Free Libraries that pop up around neighbourhoods in Metro Vancouver. Free to take and a great place to leave your loved books once you’re done reading them, these little libraries offer an accessible way for all families to gather some new reads.
April 23 is World Book Day, and April 26 is Canadian Independent Bookstore Day!
Looking for more independent bookstores across Canada? Click here.
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