Canada boasts some of the spookiest bookshops, each with its unique charm and atmosphere. While horror literature plays a significant role in these establishments, it’s not the only factor that adds to their eerie allure. Rare and vintage books with a mysterious past, as well as shops dedicated to spell-casting and divination, all contribute to creating an otherworldly experience for visitors.
Despite not all of the bookshops specializing solely in horror literature, they provide a creative space for the community to come together. These venues host events where readers can connect with writers, workshops for unfinished stories, and support local authors by showcasing their works. They offer not only tea but also a figurative serving of warmth and camaraderie.
Here are six of Canada’s most haunting bookshops, each brimming with personality and local flavor.
1. **Nocturne Books, Calgary**
Nocturne Books, founded by Scott Ross-Molyneux and Alliye Iriye, is a haven for horror enthusiasts. The shop’s selection, curated by Iriye’s love for the macabre, features chilling reads like “Tender Is the Flesh” by Agustina Bazterrica. Nocturne Books nurtures local talent, with Calgary author Craig DiLouie’s works prominently displayed and a platform for emerging writers through a consignment program and book clubs.
2. **Raven’s End Books, Winnipeg**
Raven’s End Books, led by Chelsea McKee-Trenchard, focuses on niche horror genres like body horror and queer storytelling. The bookstore prioritizes lesser-known writers and hosts various events, including craft nights and book clubs, creating a space for diverse voices in the horror genre.
3. **Mystic Wisdom Tea and Bookshop, London, Ont.**
Mystic Wisdom Tea and Bookshop, managed by Charles and Carolyn Innis, offers a blend of witchcraft literature, divination tools, and community events. The shop aims to foster connections through shared experiences, with a special emphasis on inclusivity and engagement.
4. **Little Ghosts Books, Toronto**
Little Ghosts Books, a popular haunt for horror enthusiasts, hosts a monthly Work in Progress Night for local writers to share and receive feedback on their unfinished works. The bookstore’s annual Little Ghosts Festival brings together vendors, authors, and artists, celebrating the vibrant horror community.
5. **The Haunted Bookshop, Sidney, B.C.**
The Haunted Bookshop, a longstanding establishment since 1947, specializes in rare and unusual books, particularly in science fiction and fantasy. Owner William Matthews preserves the shop’s legacy, offering a treasure trove of literary artifacts for book lovers and collectors alike.
6. **The Monkey’s Paw, Toronto**
The Monkey’s Paw, a rare-book shop in Toronto, entices visitors with its mysterious aura. Owner Stephen Fowler’s fascination with the stories behind old books and the shop’s unique Biblio-Mat vending machine, which dispenses random vintage books, adds to the allure of this literary gem.
These spooky bookshops across Canada offer more than just a collection of books; they provide a gathering place for horror enthusiasts, budding writers, and community members to come together and celebrate their shared love for the macabre.