Bookstores keep the magic of books alive. And Victoria, BC, Canada has ample bookstores to keep bibliophiles happy and their bookshelves full. Here’s a list of the main bookstores selling new books in the Greater Victoria area.
Greater Victoria Bookstores – New Books
- Bolen Books – One of the largest independent bookstores in Canada. Bolen Books has 20,000 square feet housing an extensive selection of new books in all major genres. They also carry puzzles, games, wrapping paper, journals, and gifts. Bolen’s is also known for hosting events and author signings. While the dim lighting may not suit everyone, the store remains a spacious, well-curated literary hub. They have knowledgeable staff, comfortable seating, and themed displays.
- Munro’s Books – Rated the third best bookstore in the world by National Geographic in 2016. The store is located in a beautiful 1909 building on Government Street in downtown Victoria (see photo above) with a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable. Munro’s carries only new books, with a wide variety of fiction, non-fiction, history, literature, poetry, children’s books, and local authors. The store also features well-stocked bargain tables, themed displays, and popular literary events.
- Russell Books – This spacious two-floor independent bookstore located in downtown Victoria features new, used, vintage, and rare books. Their million+ inventory is available both in-store and online. They are a favourite literary hub and often feature local authors.
- Tanner’s Books – This stellar bookstore is worth the journey from Victoria to Sidney (not far from the ferry terminal). They stock an impressive selection of magazines, maps, popular new fiction, non-fiction, local history, and bargain books. Their dedicated children’s books room is large and well-stocked. New books only.
- Ivy’s Book Shop – For decades, Ivy’s has been a favourite neighbourhood bookstore located in the heart of Oak Bay Village. Cozy, yet well-stocked, this independent bookstore is known for its friendly, knowledgeable staff. They carry new fiction and non-fiction and often features themed window displays.
- Books & Shenanigans – A newer neighbourhood bookstore at Cook Street Village. They carry carefully curated and eclectic mix of new and used books, Canadian fiction, toys, puzzles, and gifts. They host numerious book clubs and events.
- Chapters -Indigo Canada –Located in Mayfair Mall, you can enter through the mall or by their entrance off Douglas Street. This large chain store carries popular new fiction, non-fiction books, magazines, and themed book displays. They offer book nooks, a children’s and baby area, and a large inventory of gifts, toys, puzzles and home decor.
- Royal BC Museum Gift Shop – Located downtown near the Inner Harbour in the Royal BC Museum. Their gift shop is worth a visit for its quality inventory of new BC history and art books. In addition, they carry a wide range of unique BC Indigenous art, jewellery, children’s books, puzzles, and toys.
Rare, Vintage and Used Books
- The Haunted Bookshop – Stuffed full of rare, collectible, vintage, literature, ephemera as well as popular crime fiction. Located in Sidney by the Sea.
- Period Fine Bindings – Antiquarian books & world-famous book binding in Oak Bay Village. Originally from the U.K.
- Chronicles of Crime – A cozy book shop specializing in all things crime and mystery located in Downtown Victoria.
- Sorensen’s Books – Curated quality used, vintage, antiquarian books on history, art, and more. Located downtown Victoria
- Bastion Books – A large bookstore of art, history, vintage and more located in downtown Victoria.We stock both vintage and contemporary books, across a wide variety of genres. In Bastion Square with comfy chairs and a children’s nook.
- Camas Books – A niche Quadra Village bookstore specializing in social and environmental justice books.
- Cavity Curiosity Shop – Eclectic collection of used books, music, and “the strange” (in Victoria)
- Dragonfly Books – Popular used books for the Westshore community.
- Smart Bookshop – Popular new and used books at the Royal Oak Centre.
- Victoria Little Free Libraries 100+ locations all over Greater Victoria.
Comic Book Specialty Shops
- Legends Comics & Books – This “Outstanding Comic Book Retailer” located in downtown Victoria specializes in new and vintage comics, graphic novels, back issues, and rare collectables.
- Curious Comics – Their three locations (downtown Victoria, Langford, and Nanaimo) carry comics, graphic novels, toys, board games, clothes, and collectables. They have an active events calendar and support charities and literacy.
Find Victoria, Vancouver Island, Gulf Islands, and Vancouver bookstores selling here.
Did you find this list of bookstores in Victoria helpful? Please visit our online Gifts for Bibliophiles store featuring tiny and large bookish accessories, book totes, reading pillows, home library wall signs, and much more.
Updated July 2025 by 3PennyPublishing – Victoria, BC, Canada; researching and sharing self-publishing resources with writers since 2010. Appreciator of bookstores in Victoria, BC, Canada.