What qualities define Canada’s most eerie bookstores? While a vast collection of horror books is crucial, the ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia through rare and vintage books is equally important. Some stores go beyond genre, offering spell-casting tomes and books on divination and rituals.
Although not all the independent bookstores featured solely focus on horror literature, they all provide a space for community engagement. These establishments host author-reader meetings, workshops for unfinished stories, support local writers by showcasing their works, and create a welcoming ambiance where tea is served both literally and metaphorically.
Here are six of Canada’s most haunting bookstores, each brimming with unique atmospheres and local charm.
Nocturne Books, Calgary
At Nocturne Books, Scott Ross-Molyneux attributes the inspiration behind the store to his wife’s love for horror literature. The store, co-owned with Alliye Iriye, caters to dark literary tastes, exemplified by titles like Tender Is the Flesh by Agustina Bazterrica. Nocturne Books also supports local authors, such as Craig DiLouie, fostering a close-knit relationship with the creative community through events and book clubs.
Raven’s End Books, Winnipeg
Chelsea McKee-Trenchard curated Raven’s End Books to offer a specialized collection beyond mainstream horror genres. This Winnipeg bookstore prioritizes smaller publishers, with sections dedicated to body horror, queer narratives, and Indigenous storytelling. It hosts a variety of events, from craft nights to tarot readings, emphasizing community engagement.
Mystic Wisdom Tea and Bookshop, London, Ont.
At Mystic Wisdom Tea and Bookshop, visitors can explore books on witchcraft, divination, and paganism, alongside tea-related events and community gatherings. Charles and Carolyn Innis, the proprietors, aim to foster inclusivity and shared experiences through books and tea. Their reading preferences, such as Frankenstein and Carrie, reflect their store’s thoughtful ambiance.
Little Ghosts Books, Toronto
Little Ghosts Books, a popular haunt for horror enthusiasts in Toronto, hosts a Work in Progress Night for local writers to share and receive feedback on their unfinished works. Co-owner Chris Krawczyk highlights the community support and excitement surrounding debut novels at the store’s events, including the annual Little Ghosts Festival.
The Haunted Bookshop, Sidney, B.C.
The Haunted Bookshop, a longstanding establishment in Sidney, specializes in old and unique books, with a particular focus on science fiction, fantasy, and supernatural fiction. Owner William “Bill” Matthews, an antiquarian bookseller, preserves the store’s legacy as one of Vancouver Island’s oldest bookshops.
The Monkey’s Paw, Toronto
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