Quirky Independent Bookstores in Vancouver
Vancouver has a vibrant literary scene thanks to our city's diverse population. Discover your latest read, connect with the community, and support local businesses at these quirky independent bookstores.
Massy Books
Where: 229 E. Georgia Street, Vancouver
Massy Books in Chinatown is a stand-out amongst Vancouver's bookshops. This Indigenous and women-owned store highlights diverse and underrepresented authors as well as independent publishers. They also provide a great gathering space for community meetings at their nearby gallery space.
Pulp Fiction Books
Where: 2422 Main Street, Vancouver and 1744 Commercial Drive, Vancouver
Open since 2000, Pulp Fiction has locations on both Main Street and Commercial Drive. This fiercely independent shop carries only books: You won't find candles or gifts here. They stock a wide variety of fiction and nonfiction in both new and used condition with many new releases.
Iron Dog Books
Where: 2671 E. Hastings Street, Vancouver
Now based in the Hastings-Sunrise neighbourhood, Indigenous-owned Iron Dog Books started as Vancouver's first mobile book truck. Their brick-and-mortar shop sells both new and used books. They also focus on making books accessible through their book trade-in program.
Kidsbooks
Where: 2557 West Broadway, Vancouver and 3040 Edgemont Boulevard, North Vancouver
For over 40 years Kidsbooks has provided a fun and inviting space to get kids excited about reading. They stock books for kids of all ages along with educational toys, puzzles, and gifts. They also host author readings and book-themed events for young readers.
Upstart and Crow
Where: 1387 Railspur Alley, Vancouver
Upstart and Crow opened on Granville Island in 2020. If you want to discover new and diverse authors, this is the place to start. They carry lots of titles from small and independent publishers. Upstart and Crow is not just a bookstore - they also offer writers retreats, author discussions, workshops, and more.
The Paper Hound
Where: 344 W. Pender Street, Vancouver
Located downtown, The Paper Hound sells new, used, and rare books in an eclectic and inviting space. As their website states, they favour the "classic, curious, odd, beautiful, visually arresting, scholarly, bizarre, and whimsical".