Maksym KuzaievSo, my bookworm niece from the US came to visit me last summer, and the first thing she asked about wasn’t Parliament Hill or the Rideau Canal. Nope, she wanted to check out the local bookstores!
Since she’s an avid reader, I knew I had to impress her. Naturally, I asked my team for recommendations so I could bring her to the best bookstores Ottawa has to offer. And wow, did we hit the jackpot!
These bookstores have got you covered with their vast selection, cosy atmosphere, and some even have unique finds like crystals! I figured, why keep this treasure map to ourselves? So here it is, so you’d better read on!
How much do books cost in Ottawa?
The cost of a traditional book in Ottawa usually ranges from $10 to $30, depending on the type—hardcover, paperback, or premium edition.
The base price is included in this range, which may change depending on things like best-selling books or locally published works.
1. Black Squirrel Books & Espresso Bar
Address: 1073 Bank St.
Phone: +1 613 422 9050
Business Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM
Black Squirrel Books & Espresso Bar seamlessly blends the cosy atmosphere of a library with the energising kick of a cafe. What we love is that they feature local roasters!
We also loved their book selection, which is extensively curated. Though the space is snug and somewhat dim due to its minimal windows, the additional lighting and intimate setup make for a snug reading nook.
Furthermore, browsing books is a breeze here, thanks to the organised and categorised layout. Their website is worth the shout too, as it impressively mirrors the bookstore’s easy-to-navigate layout in person.
It’s also a plus that they accept book trade-ins here, in exchange for store credits. Just note that they’ll have to assess your books first to determine the trade-in value.
We’re just a bit disappointed that the limited seating in the store fills up fast. Additionally, the parking might pose a minor challenge, as it’s just a sideway parking.
Fantastic service and delightful food
“What a fantastic book shop! The food is lovely too, something I rarely have said about a used book store. This is one of the most interesting places in Ottawa, if you are a reader or even if you are not, do visit for a cup of coffee! Recently ordered a book, very good service, it came in a reasonable amount of time and I was contacted by one of the super friendly staff.
Also have to compliment the staff for all the service I have received, finding books in store and just popping in to pick up a treat. Thank you”
-L.K., Gardner, Google Review
Charming ambience and great for studying
“Really cute bookstore cafe. The ambiance is so nice and I love to come here to study. It can take between half an hour to an hour to get a seat since there aren’t many seats and there’s lots of people. I recommend going very early between 9-10 if you want to be certain to get seats. Good prices for books.”
-Thea Peters, Google Review
2. Perfect Books
Address: 258 Elgin St.
Phone: +1 613 231 6468
Business Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday, Saturday – 10 AM to 6 PM
- Thursday and Friday – 10 AM to 8 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 5 PM
Perfect Books boasts a curated selection of books, which makes browsing a real delight. Speaking of browning, their books are organised, so it’s easy to find exactly what you’re looking for.
The ambiance inside is cosy and inviting, and the place is clean, adding to the overall positive experience.
Also, the staff here is kind and quick to assist. When we inquired about a specific edition of a book, they eagerly looked through their records and, to our delight, they had it!
Another standout is their excellent online shopping presence. You can reserve books that aren’t yet in stock or place an order online and choose to pick it up at the store or have it delivered to your home.
Though we haven’t tried it ourselves, many regulars we spoke with have praised the on-time delivery and the fantastic rewards program.
It’s worth noting, though, that parking can be tricky at times due to the limited number of spaces available and the high traffic in the area.
Perfectly curated selection and friendly staff
“This bookstore is amazing. Friendly staff and a perfectly curated collection. They have a point system based on how much you spend that allows you to accumulate $$ to put towards future purchases. IMO, it’s the best store in the city for new books.”
-JL EngLund, Google Review
Passionate staff and great book selection
“Lovely staff and owners. They know their stuff and clearly enjoy their work. Good selection. Online store, too. You can also earn store credit.
Buy your books from people that love books.”
-Julian Martinez, Google Review
3. Indigo
Address: 50 Rideau St Unit 135C
Phone: +1 613 690 8549
Business Hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 10 AM to 9 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 6 PM
Indigo is a haven for any book enthusiast in Ottawa. We were happy with how comprehensive their collection is, stretching across countless genres and topics.
Even if you’re on the hunt for bestsellers, obscure titles, or niche interests, they got you covered. We also like how they have a variety of toys, stationery, and unique gifts—perfect for those times we needed to get a quick gift.
Another thing we noticed is the way everything is organised and categorised for easy browsing. However, it gets a bit cramped, since the extensive collection often attracts big crowds, especially during sales events.
Finally, if you prefer a peaceful space to read, this might not be the best choice due to the heavy foot traffic, especially since it’s located in the bustling Rideau Centre. On the upside, they have an online store, which is convenient!
Inviting atmosphere and inspiring selection
“Indigo in Ottawa, Ontario, located right in the heart of the city, is truly a gem for book lovers. Every time I visit, I discover so many amazing books that I can’t wait to add to my collection. The prices are great, and the atmosphere is so inviting—it always smells wonderful inside. The staff is friendly and helpful, making the experience even better. There’s something about the cozy, book-filled atmosphere that sparks new thoughts and ideas, making you reflect on things you hadn’t considered before. The selection is excellent, with a wide range of books and products to choose from. It’s a place I always look forward to visiting, and I leave inspired every time!”
-Denys Savchenko, Google Review
Welcoming staff and diverse book sections
“This bookstore has a very wide selection of books and more!! I loved the different sections like “Staff pics”, “Heather’s pics”, and ” Canadian Bestsellers”. The best part of the experience was definitely that the person that did our checkout, Bill, made us feel so welcomed 🫶🏽. …”
-Diane Airala, Google Review
4. Books on Beechwood
Address: 35 Beechwood Ave.
Phone: +1 613 742 5030
Business Hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 10 AM to 5 PM
Books on Beechwood is a charming independent bookshop that’s been a beloved part of the Ottawa community since 1994. This local gem offers a delightful variety of books—there’s something for every reader’s taste.
They don’t just stop at books; they also sell greeting cards, a selection of CDs, and audiobooks. Moreover, you can purchase all these not only in person but also via phone, email, or through their user-friendly online store.
The ambiance of the place is just lovely; cosy and inviting. The staff is wonderful as well—one employee went out of their way to help us find a rare book and even recommended a few hidden gems based on our interests!
We were even more impressed by how Books on Beechwood actively engages with the community—hosting special events like book signings and book clubs. They also offer special arrangements for schools, libraries, and book clubs.
We noted, however, that they do have a limited space, which might not be ideal for large crowds.
Cosy yet extensive selection
“I’ve been a customer for many years. It’s a fantastic place for book lovers with friendly staff who, importantly, also love books. I have no idea how they get so many books into such a small store — perhaps it’s like the Tardis — but it’s all well organized and they have cards and gifts too. You can also order online.”
-Jennifer Priest, Google Review
Knowledgeable staff and broad selection
“Books on Beechwood is the perfect independent book store and a neighborhood treasure! Lovely and knowledgeable stagg, wide selection of books and gifts…and they can order any book…shop local!”
-Sandy Ramos, Google Review
5. Singing Pebble Books
Address: 206 Main St.
Phone: +1 613 230 9165
Business Hours:
- Monday – 10 AM to 5 PM
- Tuesday and Wednesday, Saturday – 10 AM to 6 PM
- Thursday and Friday – 10 AM to 8 PM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 4 PM
Visiting Singing Pebble Books feels like stepping into a curated sanctuary for the mind and soul. Our exploration led us through a thoughtfully organised collection that spans health, women’s studies, and psychology.
Their collection even extends to spiritual topics, parenting advice, and metaphysics. These genres are organised, with books on the same topics grouped in clearly labelled sections, so it’s easy to find what you’re interested in.
Additionally, the shop exudes a warm ambiance, thanks to its eclectic mix of ornaments, crystals, incense, and more. We also loved their cosy corner, where you can settle in with a good read while enjoying a beverage from the adjoining coffee shop.
Another thing we commend is the staff who are always ready to help, whether you’re hunting for a specific title or simply asking about the origins of their ornaments.
However, parking can be a bit tricky on weekends because the lot is small so it fills up quickly, and nearby street parking is limited.
Friendly staff
“I love this store. Books are a perfect gift and even better when you can support a local store. I always find what I want in there including great greeting cards. Staff is super friendly.”
-Sandra, Google Review
Good incense selection and friendly owner
“If you dig through my reviews you know I collect incenses, if you are doing that too, then don’t skip this place thinking it’s a book store why should I go to a book store wanting to buy incense. This place is worth your efforts to go to. The incenses are on the shelf below the window (deep inside the store), just don’t be too shy to talk to the owner, they sell some other interesting things as well, even I’m not a spiritual person (often feel great pressure hanging around “spiritual supplies stores” only to buy incense for a nonspiritual / practical reason), the owner is a beautiful and friendly lady, I feel I owe her a 5 star review, good selection of incenses and the owner just sat at the counter so I browsed around the store and that is a valuable learning experience for me.”
-Etty Lu, Google Review
