Bakka-Phoenix Books

Excellent science fiction book store. I try to go whenever in Toronto since it was named Bakka on Queen (I think) in the 1980s. I always get great recommendations

I love this store so much! The staff is so friendly and the selection is incredible. I'm so happy to get a sticker with Fonda Lee's signature on it, you have no idea!

One of the longest-standing genre bookstores in Toronto, and most important in terms of small business. The biggest thing is they will order on demand books they don't have in stock.

I’m guessing that this store doesn’t get many black visitors and hopefully that trend continues. I was blatantly policed by the store clerk from the moment that I entered the store until I left. Saw some books of interest but refuse to spend a cent with an establishment like this. This experience was particularly disappointing because of the bookstore’s proximity to U of T. I would recommend that black book lovers check out BMV on Bloor instead!

I liked the vibe of this place and their twin: silver snail: a local bookstore with people in charge who like books and comic books: compared to corporations and branches and …

This is the best place to get fantasy books. They have used books in the basement too. They have a great selection in fantasy and science fiction and helpful, kind, and knowledgeable staff.

Amazing place! The bookseller was lovely, with truly informed, insightful, and enthusiastic recommendations

I have been shopping at Bakka-Phoenix (once just Bakka) since they started on Queen Street. They are the principal source for speculative fiction in Toronto, and are a generally reliable source for anything in that area which is in print. Staff recommendations are generally helpful, and the better books have staff mini-reviews in front of them.

Best book store in Toronto for fantasy and science fiction. They really know the genre, and if they don't have what you are looking for, they will get it on order for you quickly. Very helpful and friendly staff.

If you're looking for a sci-fi/fantasy novel you can't find anywhere else, this store will have it. Twice now they've helped me locate books I had given up hope on finding. The staff is friendly and responds to queries quickly. Their website works well, too. Truly, a gem in the book-selling world.:)

Without a doubt my favourite Toronto bookstore, with an amazing selection of science fiction and fantasy books and knowledgeable staff.

Amazing little book store, staff are always knowledgeable, conversational, and awesome people. Not to mention pretty good prices as well.

So many fabulous books! I went there for the "Amazing Stories" event and left with my hands full of new books and sci.fi.magazines. I like the vibe of this store and the selection.

Of the sci-fi and fantasy bookstores in Toronto, this one is a jem. The staff are all eager, willing, and patient to help you find anything you're looking for. The selection is amazing, though limited by the size of the space. If you're looking for one single book, you might find it or you might not. Use that as an opportunity to ask for a recommendation, and I'll bet you'll find something new you'll enjoy.

This is one of the very best bookstores I've had the pleasure of knowing! The selection is fantastic and I love that there's a mix of new and pre-loved books. I ordered my winter reading list online since I live over in Québec. Scott was wonderfully helpful. I will absolutely be ordering from them again (many, many times). Can't recommend enough.

Great place! Love fantasy books- tgere were so many! Very nice man behind the counter, great selection of books!

Huge selection of sci-fi and fantasy books, I've been able to find books here that I can't find anywhere else. Staff is extremely friendly and helpful.

I found this store randomly walking home one day and I'm glad I had the urge to go in! The people working were so fun and I had a great time chatting with the owner (?) and someone else about surnames and cool stuff. It was a great experience and felt very welcoming! I ended up buying a cool comic (Rick & Morty/Dungeons & Dragons crossover! How cool!) I've never seen anywhere else. They also have a fun customer credit system where you can bank a percentage of what you spent in store credit. I thought it was a great addition to just buying books! I definitely want to go again!

A SF and Fantasy specific book store. Selection is good. Staff were knowledgeable and great. If these kinds of books are your thing this store will be your jam

Great selection of books, however the worst customer service I have ever experienced here. There were 2 ladies working last Friday afternoon who were extremely rude to my friend and I. I am not one to write bad reviews, nor am I normally this bothered by customer service skills, but the way we were treated was extremely demeaning. They definitely lost themselves a few customers.

Super quaint bookstore with a surprisingly big basement. Staff seemed nice and it was fun to attend the Q&A with Nicholas Eames and Miles Cameron

If you're a writer or a reader of science fiction and fantasy this place is my self proclaimed nerd paradise.

Knowledgable helpful staff, was able to make specific recommendations for new books I've enjoyed

Wish I lived in Toronto so that I could go to the author events (especially Guy Gabriel Kay later this week)

Great collection of nerd books and the staff are extremely helpful and knowledgeable. Had a great talk with them about D&D, would highly recommend!

Well organized, clean and spacious bookstore focused on fantasy and sci-fi. Basically my brain-candy store! There is so much variety and if you look around, you'll find short hand written recommendations for books from staff members who have read that book. The staff are very friendly and knowledgeable. Highly recommend!

The friendly staff are what makes independent bookstores so wonderful and vitally important to our society: incredibly knowledgeable and enthusiastic about their books, this was a memorable experience. Can't wait to go back, when I've saved up for my next load of books.

I love this store. Every time I visit Toronto I come here. The proprietors are very nice and what's more they know their sci fi and fantasy exceptionally well. This store is why I prefer to buy my sci fi in print and a store instead of Amazon.

Amazing selection, often the employees there are full-time authors making money while they write books. I got a personal recommendation of a lot of amazing books by an employee based on other books I enjoyed. It was really cool!

Oh. My. Gosh.

This bookstore was literally the best bookstore I have ever walked into. It was a recommendation from a friend and boy, am I glad I went in (my wallet, however is shaming me quietly from my backpack).

The shop itself is clean, organized, easy to navigate and, most importantly, is full of that book smell. You know the one. Its the one that prompts reader types into a nostalgia fueled bender where you walk out with 5 books and have no idea how that happened.

Dear reader, let me tell you how wonderful this shopping experience was. Immediately upon walking in I was asked if I needed help. I was in a browsing mood and this was fine. The sheer number of books can be totally overwhelming but trust me. Take the time to browse. Some books are signed. Some are recommended. All of them are waiting patiently to be adopted. Take some time to read the signs posted on the shelves. The staff has great recommendations.

Finally, I browsed my way to one book I was planning to buy and chatted with the resident book expert (who had been recommending a fantastic book to a man who's daughter had just finished the heartbreaking Bridge to Terabithia).

Reader, here I must issue a warning. When you speak to the book sellers, they are passionate about books and will sell you on new and exciting reads. You must brace yourself for both the expense and the thrilling adventure the folks here are going to take you on. Go with it. They were not wrong with the recommendations. I walked out with 3 unexpected reads and I'm so excited to dive in.

Anyway. If you're in Toronto and love books, stop by here (even if you dont love books. The sellers here may convince you). You may get lost amongst the small stacks but that's okay. You'll be a happier human.

In the greater Toronto area and a science fiction lover. Make time to get to the store. Very knowledgeable and friendly staff.

This is a marvelous bookstore for science fiction and fantasy, with very thoughtful, progressive and nerdy staff.

Awesome place to find old favorites and new reads alike, friendly but absolutely not pushy staff. I love having this store in my neighborhood.