What a Novel Idea! Our Favourite Vancouver Island Bookstores

shelves filled with books in a bookstore

There are few better things than curling up with a good book. Whether you’re into mysteries, biographies, fantasy or history, a new book can make even the rainiest days something to look forward to. There are lots of amazing bookstores on Vancouver Island, British Columbia that carry a wide range of subjects and specialties with friendly, knowledgeable staff. So whether you’re looking for something specific or just browsing, stocking up on your favourite genre or selecting gifts for family and friends, these are the best bookstores on the Island where you find your next adventure among the pages!

Bookstores in Victoria BC

Russell Books

747 Fort St #100, Victoria, BC V8W 3E9

Right downtown Victoria is the beloved Russell Books. Founded in a 300 square foot shop in 1961 in Montreal, Russell Books grew quickly into one of Montreal’s best places for second-hand, new and antiquarian in the city. With such amazing success, in 1991 founder Reg Russell opened a Victoria branch right downtown. As an independent, family-owned bookstore, family, community and the importance of books and literacy has always been at the heart of Russell Books. 

Munro’s Books

1108 Government St, Victoria, BC V8W 1Y2

​​In a stunning heritage building in the heart of downtown Victoria, Monro’s Books might be one of the most beautiful bookstores on the Island. While this landmark bookstore might be breathtaking today, Munro’s is a truly local labour of love. In 1963 Jim and Alice Munro (the Alice Munro of Canadian literary fame) set up a small, narrow shop on Yates Street and filled the shelves with new, contemporary forms of writing and art. From there, the Munro’s added more and more books of all kinds, moving locations to accommodate their growing business until eventually they landed in the beautiful location you can still find them today.

Bolen Books

1644 Hillside Ave #111, Victoria, BC V8T 2C5

At a whopping 20,000 square feet, Bolen Books is currently the largest single-location independent bookstore in Western Canada located in the Hillside Mall. Since 1975 Bolen has been a faithful general interest bookstore who now has impressively large sections dedicated to children’s books, science fiction, cooking, travel, fiction, mystery and more!

Bastion Books

14 Bastion Square, Victoria, BC V8W 1H9

Tucked away in the historic Bastion Square is Victoria’s go-to for vintage and contemporary books. With a great selection across genres, comfy chairs to relax in and warm, knowledgeable staff, Bastion Books is a must stop for every book-lover! 

James Bay Coffee and Books

143 Menzies St, Victoria, BC V8V 2G4

With an eclectic selection of books crammed on the shelves and piled high, this funky independent coffee/bookstore is a rare find. Stay for lunch, peruse the shelves and stop for tea leaf reading. There’s always something fun happening at this great neighbourhood hub!

Bookstores in Sidney BC

Beacon Books

2372 Beacon Ave W, Sidney, BC V8L 1X3

As you walk down Beacon Ave. in Sidney, you won’t be able to miss the striking, bright-red, Dutch door of Beacon Books. Specializing in a wide selection of first-edition, collectable, out-of-print, second-hand, signed, and rare books,  Beacon is a 4,000 square foot paradise for every bibliophile! 

Tanner’s Books

2436 Beacon Ave, Sidney, BC V8L 1X6

For 24 years, Tanner’s has been faithfully serving the little town of Sidney. Since it’s opening, Tanner’s has grown to be one of the best full-service bookstores on the Peninsula with everything from new releases and bestsellers to magazines and newspapers to cards, puzzles and even atlases! Plus, with over 50 categories of children’s, fiction, and non-fiction books, Tanner’s is a one-stop shop for you and anyone on your gift list. 

The Haunted Bookshop

9807 Third St, Sidney, BC V8L 3A6

Established in 1947, The Haunted Bookshop is Vancouver Island’s oldest bookshop. Packed with carefully curated rarities, out-of-print material, crowd pleasing paperbacks, and eye-catching ephemera, this is a bookstore that should be on every bibliophile’s list.

Galleon Books & Antiques

2506 Beacon Ave #106, Sidney, BC V8L 1Y2

If you love antiques and books, this is the bookseller for you! Specializing in non-fiction books with a focus on the history of BC, you’ll find incredible selections on First Nations history, military, exploration and art history plus antiquarian and collectible books. Here, you can also find beautifully displayed antiques and collectibles from serving ware to nautical ephemera and more.

Bookstores in the Cowichan Valley BC

Bucknucks Books

1400 Cowichan Bay Rd #47, Cobble Hill, BC V0R 1L0

As the largest, family-owned bookstore in the Cowichan Valley near Duncan, Bucknucks is the place to go for incredible second-hand books. With a passion for their community, literacy, access to books and the environment the owners created an environmentally sustainable business that allows people to get great quality books at affordable prices.

Bookstores in Parksville BC

Sea & Summit Bookshop 

280 Island Hwy E #102, Parksville, BC V9P 2H6

When Kristie and Kevin Lauer discovered that Mulberry Bush Bookstore in Parksville was for sale, Kristie leapt at the chance to fulfill her lifelong dream to become a bookstore owner. Since then, Sea & Summit has become one of the best independent bookstores in the area to find an incredible selection of new releases and bestsellers. If you’re needing a new book for your stay in Nanaimo or that new release that you’ve been dying to read, Sea & Summit is worth the short drive to Parksville!

Fireside Books

114 Middleton Ave, Parksville, BC V9P 2G8

Since 1993, Fireside Books in the heart of the little town of Parksville has been providing the community with an eclectic array of new, second-hand, vintage and signed books. With over 100,000 books to browse and an enormous selection of high-quality puzzles, this long-standing store in the heart of the community is sure to carry more than a few gems for you to find!. 

Bookstores in Courtenay BC

Laughing Oyster Bookshop

286 5th St, Courtenay, BC V9N 1J6

This charming, locally owned and operated bookstore has an extensive collection of books and a wide range of genres. Whether you’re looking for something specific to curl up with while you’re staying in the Comox Valley or if you need a recommendation, the incredible staff at Laughing Oyster are always happy to help.

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Holidays Made with Love: Small Businesses to Support on Vancouver Island Part II: Bath, Books, Clothing and More!

Part two is here! In this list we’ve rounded up the best local handmade gifts from bath and body products, eco-friendly kitchen accessories, gift boxes, handmade clothing and more! Each of these Vancouver Island businesses are all about strengthening their community, creating a more sustainable world and showcasing the beauty of this incredible Island. Shop online or in-person when available and give gifts that are made with love!

Bath and Body

RavenSong Soap and Candle 

Born and raised on Haida Gwaii, owner and operator Valerie, whose Haida name Slin-ga_a_Jaad means “creative girl”, has a passion for bringing parts of her home and culture to the world through soapmaking. With distinctive colours, incredible textures and unique Vancouver Island scents, RavenSong has taken the soap making world by storm winning national and international soapmaking awards. 

How to order: straight from ravensongsoap.com or stop in the shop at Willow Point in Campbell River.

Rebel Earth Soap Company

This tiny Parksville based business really takes the cake (or soap) when it comes to small batch, handmade soaps. Made with high-quality ingredients that are sourced as locally as possible as often as possible, this little local business is a great place to grab great treats for all your loved ones! 

How to order: Check out their Facebook page to see what soaps are ready to be picked up, place your order and arrange shipping or pickup at 606 Morison Avenue in Parksville! 

Food, Pottery and Kitchen

Vancouver Island Gift Box

While Frazer, founder of Vancouver Island Gift Box may have been raised on the Island, it wasn’t until he left it that he realized what a truly remarkable place it is. With endless outdoor activities, incredible agriculture, food, wine and a thriving artisan community, Vancouver Island might be small, but it’s got a big personality. The Vancouver Island gift boxes are packed with goodies from Vancouver Island to give to the people you love. Whether you want to introduce them to a taste of Island life or if they’re as much a fan as you are, these boxes make a perfect, thoughtful gift this holiday. 

How to order: go online and choose one of the pre-built boxes or build your own and ship to anywhere in North America for free with a purchase of a premium box! 

Evercoast Handmade

If you’re looking for high-quality, sustainable kitchen fabrics and accessories that are fun and functional, this is the place to shop! From trendy beeswax food wrap and reusable snack bags, to aprons and reusable paper towels, Evercoast handmakes all the latest in reusable kitchen fabrics right here on Vancouver Island. 

How to order: get one of their ready-made items from their online shop, contact them to place a custom order and choose shipping or local Victoria pickup for anyone staying in an EMR Victoria properties. For anyone staying in the Comox Valley, you can head into Little Village Store in Cumberland and pick up a few pieces in person!

FaeGarten Clay

Based in Nanaimo, owner and operator of FaeGarten Clay, Brenda Schnell uses the wild and imperfect beauty of nature to inspire her one-of-a-kind pottery. Without the use of a potter’s wheel, Brenda creates pieces that have their own unique, beautiful asymmetry and charm. You can find mugs, tea bag holders, vases and whimsical decor all with a distinct West Coast flair. 

How to order: go to FaeCarten’s Etsy shop or find them in-person at Neck of the Woods in Ladysmith, Island-ish in Nanaimo, Sea Thrift Artisan Boutique near Parksville, and The Tea Emporium in Victoria.

Books 

Bread + Clutter

If you’re looking for amazing children’s books, look no further. Vancouver Island author and illustrator of Bread + Clutter Books, Lindsay Ford, is revolutionizing the way we think of the world, the people in it and how we can talk to our kids about it. Her children’s books are all about changing the world we live in just by celebrating differences with every turn of the page. The series allows kids to approach difficult conversations like mental health, aging and gender norms and how being weird is wonderful. 

How to order: shop directly through the website! 

Clothing

Modern Mini’s Apparel

This amazing online shop is owned and operated by “slay-at-home-Mom” Jessica who fills her days with four kiddos and her nights running her clothing company. This Nanaimo based company is positively packed with fun clothing, mugs, hats and more for everyone on your list. 

How to order: shop online to grab some incredible gifts! 

Cowichan Knitting

If you’ve walked around anywhere on Vancouver Island you’ve probably seen more than one person wearing a Cowichan sweater. They’re distinctive in the natural palette of grey, brown, cream and black and mirrored, geometric animal design. Cowichan knitters also make touques, socks, slippers and scarves all with the same palette and distinct designs. These items are all handmade using skills and traditions passed down through generations with all-natural fibers making them incredibly warm, water resistant and durable. In fact, many sweaters are passed down through families on Vancouver Island (I have one from my father), a testament to their longevity. In recent years, these items have seen a rise in popularity as a younger generation adopted them to both ward off the winter chill and as a fashion choice for everyday wear. Many global clothing brands have made their own versions of the Cowichan sweater, but there’s nothing quite like the quality and sentiment of a genuine article of Cowichan knitting. So if you’re looking for a Cowichan sweater, consider purchasing from one of these vendors who have personal relationships with the artisans who make these incredible items. 

Judy Hill Gallery

In heritage downtown Duncan you will find the Judy Hill Gallery, a space that ensures that the works of the Pacific Northwest First Nations artists are displayed as what they are: art. If you’re looking for an authentic Cowichan Sweater, this long-standing, little gallery in the Cowichan Valley is a great place to start. 

How to order: with worldwide shipping available, simply use her website to contact her about purchasing options.

Jennifer George 

There’s no doubt that the best way to purchase an item of Cowichan knitting is directly from the knitter themselves. Jennifer ‘Jenny’ George learned how to knit by watching her mother, helping wash, dry and card the wool to get it ready for spinning. Today, Jennifer is thankfully able to outsource much of the time consuming work of washing, drying and carding but she still insists on choosing only the highest quality raw wool and spinning it herself. Buying something from Jennifer means that you can give the gift of wearable art. 

How to order: you can browse her knitting on her website and contact her directly for ordering. 

Cowichan Trading 

For over 50 years, Cowichan Trading on the corner of Johnson St. and Government St. has been supplying Victoria with a large selection of authentic First Nations art, clothing, jewelry, baskets and more! Buying everything in stock directly from the artists themselves ensures that when you purchase an item of Cowichan knitting, you’re getting an authentic piece and helping to support local artisans! 
How to order: shop online or head to one of the downtown Victoria locations to have a look around! 

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Holiday Shopping on Vancouver Island Part II: Sidney and Beyond

When it comes to holiday shopping, Victoria isn’t the only place to find incredible gifts on Vancouver Island! This time, we’re heading up the Peninsula and then going up-Island to find the best places to get gorgeous gifts for everyone on your list. Even in the smallest Vancouver Island towns, people care about quality products and have opened shops to ensure that their community and visitors can find great items that are local, sustainable and unique! 

Sidney

If you’re staying at the top of the Saanich Peninsula and looking for some great places to get some holiday shopping done, we’ve got you covered!  

Miss Bliss Boutique

2389 Beacon Ave, Sidney, BC V8L 1W9

This bright, beautiful boutique is filled with chic, comfortable and affordable clothing and accessories for women of all ages. It’s the perfect place to find the right gift for the stylish women in your life!  

Moden Boutique

2418 Beacon Ave, Sidney, BC V8L 1X4

Meaning ‘mature’ in Norwegian, Moden offers incredible, investment pieces for women who want to have clothing that fits their lifestyle while elevating their wardrobe. With so much fast fashion out there, Moden is dedicated to filling their shelves with timeless, sustainably made pieces.

Cottons and Blues

2437 Beacon Ave, Sidney, BC V8L 1X7

Since 1979, Cotton and Blues has been the place to go for great jeans in Sidney. Throughout the years, many styles of jeans have come and gone but what has never changed is their dedication to quality products and great customer service.  

House of Lily Koi

2507 C Beacon Ave, Sidney, BC V8L 1Y1

This luxury consignment boutique is a great place to go hunt for clothing treasures. If you love thrifting, but are looking for a sustainable way to shop for high-quality and designer pieces for someone special, Lily Koi is a great option! 

Ecotopia Naturals

9816 Seaport Pl #101, Sidney, BC V8L 4X3

If you’re looking for a gift for the eco-warrior on your list, Ecotopia is the place to go! They are committed to sourcing items from local designers or products that are made in Canada that are high-quality, comfortable, fair trade, and ethically made. Everything they sell is made of natural fibers like organic cotton, hemp, linen, bamboo and soy!

The Dancing Orchid

2537 Beacon Ave, Sidney, BC V8L 1Y3

This lovely boutique gift shop carries a great selection of chic jewelry, housewares, bath and body products right in the heart of Sidney.

Cameron Rose Gifts

2506 Beacon Ave #102, Sidney, BC V8L 1Y2

Since 2004, Cameron Rose has been providing Sidney with an incredible array of clothing, accessories, house wares and decor, games, toys, stationary and more! If you’re not sure what you’re looking for, Cameron Rose is a great place to get inspired! 

Deep Cove Market

10940 W Saanich Rd, North Saanich, BC V8L 5R9

If you’re looking for something a little different for the gourmand on your list, have a look at the Deep Cove Market where they stock delicious and unique items that are sure to impress! 

Sea Cider Farm and Ciderhouse

2487 Mt St Michael Rd, Saanichton, BC V8M 1T7

With an extensive orchard and an incredible commitment to quality, Sea Cider ciders are exceptional. With unique flavours and a distinctly West Coast appeal, these ciders make a wonderful gift.

The Cowichan Valley

While you’re enjoying the peace and quiet in the Cowichan Valley, shopping might be the last thing on your mind, but don’t worry, these great shops aren’t too far away! 

Wear It’s At Clothing

2720 Mill Bay Rd, Mill Bay, BC V0R 2P0

For up-to-the-minute trends, high-quality clothing, shoes, handbags and accessories and friendly service, Wear It’s At is well…where it’s at! 

Troll Brothers Quilt Shop 

2744 East, Shawnigan Lake Rd, Shawnigan Lake, BC V0R 2W0

This sweet, full service quilt shop in the little village of Shawnigan Lake is a real gem for quilters! With an impressive selection of beautiful material, including hand-picked quilting packages, this store is the perfect place for the quilter on your list.

Merridale Cidery

1230 Merridale Rd, Cobble Hill, BC V0R 1L0

Delicious, sustainably made and naturally produced cider is what Merridale’s ciders are all about. Head over to the beautiful farm, have a tasting and some lunch and pick up a few gifts! It’s an afternoon well spent! 

Eclectic Avenue Vintage Boutique & Consignment

132 Station St, Duncan, BC V9L 1M8

For show-stopping vintage pieces including vintage band t-shirts, hats, shoes, dresses and accessories, you can’t go wrong with a trip to Eclectic Avenue in Duncan. Browse online and pick up in store or head in and peruse the racks yourself, you’re sure to find that perfect one-of-a-kind gift you’ve been looking for!

The Duncan Garage and Ten Old Books 

330 Duncan St, Duncan, BC V9L 3W4

This funky building is home to a lovely cafe as well as an amazing, rare and second-hand bookstore. It might be tiny, but this bookstore is packed with gems with special sections on local history, authors and special interests.  

Volume One Bookstore

149 Kenneth St, Duncan, BC V9L 1N5

This long-standing bookstore in the heart of downtown Duncan is filled with incredible new releases, bestsellers, classics, a large kids section and so much more. The friendly staff is always available to help you find what you’re looking for or offer recommendations to wow the bibliophile on your list. 

The Red Balloon Toy Shop

158 Craig St, Duncan, BC V9L 1V9

A beloved staple for the kids in the community, the Red Balloon right in the heart of downtown Duncan has an incredible selection of thought and imagination provoking toys, games, costumes and more. Whether you’re just perusing the aisles or heading in for something specific, The Red Balloon will spark your imagination and make you feel like a kid again. 

SaltSpring Soapworks

269 Craig St, Duncan, BC V9L 1W2

For 40 years, Saltspring Soapworks has been creating natural bath and body products that are simple and effective. Using the highest-quality, sustainable ingredients as well as producing and packaging everything by hand, this is one of the best, slow beauty brands that have products that really work! 

Pots and Paraphernalia

269 Craig St, Duncan, BC V9L 1W2

Located in a stunning heritage brick building just north of downtown Duncan, Pots and Paraphernalia offers customers a beautiful array of stunning kitchen and homewares. From the gorgeous flatware to rare, hard-to-find kitchen appliances to the finest quality bedlinen, Pots and Paraphernalia is the place to go for luxury home and kitchen items in Duncan. 

Nanaimo

At these incredible shops, you’ll have all your holiday shopping done in no time! 

Artzi Stuff

2 Church St, Nanaimo, BC V9R 5H4

If you’re looking for one-of-a-kind gifts, this is the store to visit downtown Nanaimo. Sourcing only items made by local and BC based artists you’re sure to find truly authentic West Coast gifts that are stunning and well made.

Olive This and More

6332 Metral Dr, Nanaimo, BC V9T 2L8

This interactive, hands-on tasting room and shop is a wonderful experience and a great place to get something really outstanding for the gourmand in your life. The friendly staff will guide you through a few tastings offering insights and recommendations to help you with your selection! 

Lobelia’s Lair Metaphysical Treasures

321 Wesley St #8, Nanaimo, BC V9R 2T5

For the spiritual person on your list, it can be difficult to find them a wonderful gift that will truly resonate. At Lobelia’s, however, you can find the most beautiful spiritual accessories like crystals, tarot cards, singing bowls as well as the kindest service.

Strong Nations Gifts & Books

2595 McCullough Rd, Nanaimo, BC V9S 4M9

With a carefully curated selection of local and Indigenous items from all over Vancouver Island and Canada, plus books on a wide range of subjects related to Indigenous peoples and cultures from across Canada and the globe, this store is an incredible place to shop. In addition, Strong Nations also produces its own range of books and related products that are used in schools across Canada. This is an excellent place to come to learn more about the history, life and culture of the Indigenous peoples of BC.

Parksville

Parksville may not be a very big town, but there are still some great shops that are more than worth a visit while you’re staying in the area! 

Shades of Green

117 Craig St, Parksville, BC V9P 2H4

It’s safe to say that Shades of Green has been a trailblazer in the Parksville community when it comes to sustainable, earth friendly, Canadian sourced and fair trade products. Since 2009 this store has helped create a way for the community to access high-quality, sustainable products and participate in more environmentally friendly practices.

Wilde & Sparrow

152 Morison Ave, Parksville, BC V9P 2G5

If you’re looking for incredible clothes and locally made art and accessories, this is the shop to visit! With sought-after brands and investment pieces, Wilde & Sparrow is the destination for chic women’s clothing in Parksville.

Soak Lifestyle Boutique

180 Craig St #4, Parksville, BC V9P 2G3

At Soak, you can find everything from clothing and home decor to body products and kitchen gadgets. Almost everything in the store is hand-made from the Island and beyond or recognizable top-shelf brands. If there’s someone that is difficult to buy for, start here and let the incredible displays inspire you! 

Petal & Kettle

122B Craig St #1379, Parksville, BC V9P 2H3

For the person on your holiday shopping list who really has it all, there’s Petal & Kettle. With their contemporary floral designs, thoughtfully curated gift sets and subscription options, you can finally find something they’ll love and appreciate. Have a stunning arrangement delivered or pick up a luxurious relaxation gift set or sign them up for a monthly flower subscription or a monthly gift set subscription filled with beautiful, locally sourced products.

Comox Valley

There are some really lovely shops to explore in the Comox Valley where you’re sure to find the perfect holiday gifts!  

Artifact 

214 5th St, Courtenay, BC V9N 1J6

At this lovely, thoughtful shop you can find beautiful limited edition, handmade items made by independent Canadian designers and artisans. If you want to support sustainability and reduce the amount of fashion waste, this is a great place to shop for slow fashion and pieces that are quality and built for longevity.

Sage and Tree Gallery 

231 5th St, Courtenay, BC V9N 1J5

With a strong connection with local artists this incredible shop is filled with beautiful pieces that are handmade right in the beautiful Comox Valley and BC. You can find a little bit of everything here from apparel and teas to glass art and jewelry. A gift purchased from is sure to be made with love.

I-Hos Gallery

3310 Comox Rd, Courtenay, BC V9N 3P8

At I-Hos Gallery, you’ll find a breathtaking collection of traditional and contemporary Northwest Coast artwork. The masks, jewelry, wood carvings and more are all produced by local First Nations artists. Because the gallery deals directly with the artists, you can be sure that you can learn about the artist themselves as well as support the incredible work of the First Nations artists.

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Here’s a Novel Idea: Our Favourite Bookstores on Vancouver Island

There are few better things than curling up with a good book. Whether you’re into mysteries, biographies, fantasy or history, a new book can make even the chilliest fall days something to look forward to. Here on Vancouver Island, there are lots of amazing bookstores with friendly, knowledgeable staff that carry a wide range of subjects and specialties. So whether you’re looking for something specific or just browsing, stocking up on your favourite genre or selecting gifts for family and friends, the bookstores on the Island are ready to help you find your next adventure among the pages!

Victoria

Russell Books

747 Fort St #100, Victoria, BC V8W 3E9

Right downtown Victoria is the beloved Russell Books. Founded in a 300 square foot shop in 1961 in Montreal, Russell Books grew quickly into one of Montreal’s best places for second-hand, new and antiquarian in the city. With such amazing success, in 1991 founder Reg Russell opened a Victoria branch right downtown. As an independent, family-owned bookstore, family, community and the importance of books and literacy has always been at the heart of Russell Books. 

Munro’s Books

1108 Government St, Victoria, BC V8W 1Y2

​​In a stunning heritage building in the heart of downtown Victoria, Monro’s Books might be one of the most beautiful bookstores on the Island. While this landmark bookstore might be breathtaking today, Munro’s is a truly local labour of love. In 1963 Jim and Alice Munro (the Alice Munro of Canadian literary fame) set up a small, narrow shop on Yates Street and filled the shelves with new, contemporary forms of writing and art. From there, the Munro’s added more and more books of all kinds, moving locations to accommodate their growing business until eventually they landed in the beautiful location you can still find them today.

Bolen Books

1644 Hillside Ave #111, Victoria, BC V8T 2C5

At a whopping 20,000 square feet, Bolen Books is currently the largest single-location independent bookstore in Western Canada located in the Hillside Mall. Since 1975 Bolen has been a faithful general interest bookstore who now has impressively large sections dedicated to kids books, science fiction, cooking, travel, fiction, mystery and more!

Bastion Books

14 Bastion Square, Victoria, BC V8W 1H9

Tucked away in the historic Bastion Square is Victoria’s go-to for vintage and contemporary books. With a great selection across genres, comfy chairs to relax in and warm, knowledgeable staff, Bastion Books is a must stop for every book-lover! 

James Bay Coffee and Books

143 Menzies St, Victoria, BC V8V 2G4

With an eclectic selection of books crammed on the shelves and piled high, this funky independent coffee/bookstore is a rare find. Stay for lunch, peruse the shelves and stop for tea leaf reading. There’s always something fun happening at this great neighbourhood hub!

Sidney

Located right in the heart of Sidney town centre, all of these bookstores are perfect for anyone staying at the top of the Peninsula in any of these stunning rentals! 

Beacon Books

2372 Beacon Ave W, Sidney, BC V8L 1X3

As you walk down Beacon Ave. in Sidney, you won’t be able to miss the striking, bright-red, Dutch door of Beacon Books. Specializing in a wide selection of rare, collectable, out-of-print, second-hand, signed, and first-edition books,  Beacon is a 4,000 square foot paradise for every bibliophile! 

Tanner’s Books

2436 Beacon Ave, Sidney, BC V8L 1X6

For 24 years, Tanner’s has been faithfully serving the little town of Sidney. Since it’s opening, Tanner’s has grown to be one of the best full-service bookstores on the Peninsula with everything from new releases and bestsellers to magazines and newspapers to cards, puzzles and even atlases! Plus, with over 50 categories of both fiction and non-fiction books, Tanner’s is a one-stop shop for you and anyone on your gift list. 

The Haunted Bookshop

9807 Third St, Sidney, BC V8L 3A6

Established in 1947, The Haunted Bookshop is Vancouver Island’s oldest bookshop. Packed with carefully curated rarities, out-of-print material, crowd pleasing paperbacks, and eye-catching ephemera, this is a bookstore that should be on every bibliophile’s list.

Galleon Books & Antiques

2506 Beacon Ave #106, Sidney, BC V8L 1Y2

If you love antiques and books, this is the shop for you. Specializing in non-fiction books with a focus on the history of BC, you’ll find incredible selections on First Nations history, military, exploration and art history plus antiquarian and collectible books. Here, you can also find beautifully displayed antiques and collectibles from serving ware to nautical ephemera and more.

Cowichan Valley

Bucknucks Books

1400 Cowichan Bay Rd #47, Cobble Hill, BC V0R 1L0

As the largest, family-owned bookstore in the Cowichan Valley, Bucknucks is the place to go for incredible second-hand books. With a passion for their community, literacy, access to books and the environment the owners created an environmentally sustainable business that allows people to get great quality books at affordable prices.

Parksville

Sea & Summit Bookshop 

280 Island Hwy E #102, Parksville, BC V9P 2H6

When Kristie and Kevin Lauer discovered that Mulberry Bush Bookstore in Parksville was for sale, Kristie leapt at the chance to fulfill her lifelong dream to become a bookstore owner. Since then, Sea & Summit has become one of the best independent bookstores in the area to find an incredible selection of new releases and bestsellers. If you’re needing a new book for your stay in Nanaimo or that new release that you’ve been dying to read, Sea & Summit is worth the short drive to Parksville!

Fireside Books

114 Middleton Ave, Parksville, BC V9P 2G8

Since 1993, Fireside Books in the heart of the little town of Parksville has been providing the community with an eclectic array of new, second-hand, vintage and signed books. With over 100,000 books to browse and an enormous selection of high-quality puzzles, this long-standing store in the heart of the community is sure to carry more than a few gems for you to find!. 

Courtenay

Laughing Oyster Bookshop

286 5th St, Courtenay, BC V9N 1J6

This charming, locally owned and operated bookstore has an extensive collection of books and a wide range of genres. Whether you’re looking for something specific to curl up with while you’re staying in the Comox Valley or if you need a recommendation, the incredible staff at Laughing Oyster are always happy to help. 

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