Karsten SturmayWhenever I walk into a new bookstore, I promise myself I’ll just grab a book or two and head out. But somehow, that never happens.
I end up wandering the aisles, flipping through random titles, and just getting completely lost in the stories around me. Hours pass before I even realize it.
So after one too many “quick stops” that turned into half-day visits, I decided to make this habit useful. I compiled a list of the best bookshops in Edmonton that I’ve visited throughout the years. I also explored new ones to make sure the list only has the best.
Whether you’re browsing new releases or hunting for that title you’ve been looking for, these shops are worth getting lost in.
Audrey’s Books Ltd
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Location: 10702 Jasper Avenue NW
Contact: +1 (780) 423-3487
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Pricing: $$
Audrey’s Books has that old-school Edmonton bookshop charm that’s getting harder to find. The first time I came here, it felt like walking into someone’s personal library.
They’ve got a pretty wide mix of titles, from local authors and Canadian literature to non-fiction and poetry. But what really caught my eye was their Orlando Corner.
It’s a small section that focuses on queer and feminist reads, plus a few titles you probably won’t spot in chain stores.
What I like most about Audreys is that it feels genuine. The staff actually care about books, and the selection reflects that. It’s thoughtful, a bit quirky, and just different enough to make you curious.
Pro tip:
- Keep an eye on their events board near the entrance. They sometimes host author signings and book launches that are worth dropping by for.
Wee Book Inn
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Location: 10310 82 Ave NW
Contact: (780) 432-7230
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 9:00 AM to 11:30 PM
Pricing: $$
Wee Book Inn has that comfortable, slightly chaotic vibe that makes used bookstores fun to explore. It’s been around since the ‘70s, so it’s a pretty well-known bookstore in Edmonton.
Shelves are stacked high, the air smells like old paper, and there’s usually a cat lounging somewhere near the register. The staff happily shares details about the books and recommends similar titles based on your favorites.
You’ll find everything from secondhand novels and art books to vintage sci-fi and history books. There’s a pretty good kids’ section too.
They also buy and trade books, so the stock changes often, which makes it worth coming back.
Pro tip:
- Check out their request system if you’re after something specific that they don’t have on the shelf.
Alhambra Books
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Location: 10115 81 Avenue NW
Contact: (780) 439-4195
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Monday & Sunday: Closed
Pricing: $$
If you’re into rare books, I’d recommend checking out Alhambra Books.
Some books are gently worn, others look untouched. Since they focus on used and rare finds, you might end up holding something that’s been out of print for decades.
Even with so many titles, the store stays surprisingly organized. You won’t see random piles everywhere, and each section is clearly labeled, from literature and history to politics and science.
On one visit, I came across copies of Washington Irving’s Tales of the Alhambra, a classic collection of essays and stories inspired by the Alhambra palace in Spain. Finding them felt like a little win for any 19th-century literature fan.
Pro tip:
- Browse slowly. Some of the best finds are tucked in the corners or on higher shelves.
Paper Birch Books
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Location: 10825 95 Street NW
Contact: +1 587-400-3207
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Pricing: $$
Paper Birch Books is a cozy, indie bookstore tucked into Edmonton’s Little Italy. It’s a haven for book lovers, especially those who appreciate a thoughtfully curated selection.
The store carries both new and secondhand books. The selection highlights rare editions, vintage titles, and work from underrepresented authors. If you’re into fiction, art, or cookbooks, there’s always something intriguing to discover here.
Poetry lovers will find a standout selection here. Books like “The Idea of An Entire Life” and “NDN Coping Mechanisms” are memorable reads that stay with you.
The vibe here is also warm and welcoming. Benjamin Hertwig and Céline Chuang have made it feel more like a community hangout than a store. You can spend hours just browsing, chatting with the staff, or discovering something totally unexpected.
Pro tip:
- Keep an eye on their “Backroom Picks” section. It’s a tucked-away corner where they rotate rare, out-of-print, or local-interest books that you won’t see on the main shelves.
Daisy Chain Book Co.
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Location: 12525 102 Ave NW
Contact: (825) 512-1342
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Pricing: $$
Daisy Chain Book Co. is a bright, inviting bookstore in Edmonton that feels like a little community hub for book lovers.
Their shelves are full of new and used books across all sorts of genres, from fiction and mystery to cookbooks and puzzles.
One of the things I noticed is their focus on special categories, like banned books, LGBTQ+ titles, and books by local authors. I recently spotted “Klara and the Sun” and “Tess of the D’Urbervilles”—great picks for contemporary or classic reads.
They also rotate in just-added titles often, so there’s usually something fresh waiting for repeat visitors.
Pro tip:
- Check out their “Previously Owned” and sale sections first. You can find some hidden gems at really good prices. They also update them often, so it’s worth a peek every time you visit.
Indigo – South Common
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Location: 1837 99 St NW
Contact: +1 780-432-4488
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Pricing: $$
Indigo – South Common is a spacious and clean bookstore that makes browsing easy.
They offer a little bit of everything: novels, non-fiction, and kids’ favorites. Beyond books, they’ve got some fun extras like home items on sale and a sweet collection of stuffed animals, including Jellycats.
If you’re into small collectibles, they also carry anime trading cards and sports cards, plus a few vinyl records for music lovers.
Everything feels reasonably priced, so it’s easy to pick up a little something even if you’re just popping in for a quick browse.
I personally like the store’s layout as it has plenty of room to wander, and a few seats to settle in.
Pro tip:
- Keep an eye on their local author section. It’s a great way to discover Edmonton writers and support the local literary scene.
Porch Light Books
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Location: 9867 89 Avenue NW
Contact: (780) 249-4905
Operating hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Pricing: $$
Porch Light Books is a cozy little Edmonton bookstore for anyone who loves discovering new reads.
They focus a lot on independent and small press titles, so you can find books that aren’t in every big chain. Fiction, poetry, and nonfiction are all covered, with a nice mix of contemporary stories and unique perspectives.
Beyond the usual books, they also carry zines, chapbooks, and other small-format publications. This gives customers a chance to explore really niche topics or experimental writing.
Another thing that makes browsing here enjoyable is their commitment to thoughtful curation. Staff picks are scattered on the shelves with little notes, making it feel like you’re getting recommendations from a friend who knows your taste.
Pro tip:
- Keep an eye on their events and new arrivals. Porch Light often features book launches, local author signings, and small press releases that aren’t available anywhere else.
Ascendant Books
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Location: 105–10310 124 St NW
Contact: (780) 452-5372
Operating hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday & Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Wednesday & Thursday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Pricing: $$
Ascendant Books is a unique spot that goes beyond your usual bookstore in Edmonton. It’s focused on metaphysical and spiritual reads, so if you’re into tarot or astrology, you’ll find a solid selection to dive into.
They also carry guides and journals that complement the more mystical titles, which makes exploring the shelves feel like a mini spiritual adventure.
What I liked is that the store combines books with other metaphysical tools. Crystals, incense, and even tarot decks are all available.
It’s a neat mix that makes the experience feel more interactive than just browsing books.
Pro tip:
- Bring a notebook or journal. With all the guides and mystical tools available, it’s a great place to jot down insights or ideas as you explore.
Magpie Books
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Location: 9553 76 Avenue NW
Contact: (780) 435-0538
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Friday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Saturday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday & Monday: Closed
Pricing: $$
What I liked about Magpie Books is that it’s more than just a bookstore. Instead of trying to carry every bestseller, they curate books you won’t easily find elsewhere.
While they have fiction and nonfiction books, the real highlight is their focus on underrepresented voices and socially conscious topics. You can discover poetry, memoirs, or guides on activism while browsing through the shelves.
They host fun, creative events like the Craft Book Club too. This makes the store feel more like a community hub.
Pro tip:
- Try joining Magpie’s workshops, book clubs, or author talks. They’re a fun way to meet people and dive into their collection.
The Book Boudoir
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Location: 102–12017 102 Avenue NW
Contact: +1 587-989-9367
Operating hours:
- Monday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Tuesday to Thursday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Pricing: $$
The Book Boudoir is a cozy little Edmonton book shop with a sexy, romantic setup.
As you browse the shelves, it feels like you’re part of a story yourself. Each spot encourages you to stop, pick up a book, and dive right in.
If you like smut, romance, or dark romance, you’ll want to check this place out. They offer a good mix of fiction, poetry, and interesting picks, so finding something new feels special and fun.
The space itself is intimate and inviting, and the staff are approachable if you want a recommendation or just want to chat about your latest read.
Pro tip:
- Visit during their themed events or book nights if you can. They sometimes create setups or displays that match the steamy, romantic vibe of the shop.
