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.

Been visiting Bakka for decades. Now in its fourth location since I started. It keeps getting better. The store has always been a place that feels like home for those of us who like to think way way outside the box but still like to have a book that needs no power source and pages you can touch. The staff really care. They know their stuff and their enthusiasm shines out. They remember you and are happy to point out things they think you might like (if you like), share gossip about favorite authors, or just let you roam in quiet contemplation. The inventory of recent publications is amazing. The second-hand book section is pure fun. The website has a classy presentation that makes no bones over what it is about. No hidden adware (thank god!). And it is quick. Perhaps designed by Vulcans? . . . Gotta keep coming back.

I had such a great time perusing the shelves and chatting with friendly professional staff. I was able to locate authors that are not easy to find in my hometown. Loved the basement section that had lots of Star Trek and used books available. DISABILITY ACCESSIBILITY This would be a 5 star review, but, I was challenged with access to the basement. Only stairs are available. But, to be fair... this is a regular issue when visiting Toronto AND this is an independently owned book store. On the PLUS side... The ground level is very spacious, with mostly wide aisles, and staff was very quick to offer help in getting difficult to reach books from the shelves. Will definitely shop here again.

As a lifelong sci-fi and fantasy book lover, I had to visit Bakka-Phoenix while in Toronto. I love visiting local bookstores, and this genre-focused one was a delight. Except for the manager behind the desk, she was a bit curt with her mask direction when we walked in. But we were allowed to use temporary masks she provided. We browsed both floors, the basement was comics, manga, and a few bookcases of "previously loved" books. Back upstairs, I bought a paperback copy of Patricia Briggs' "Wild Sign." The bookstore is deep in the heart of the university district, and we walked there from the ROM. We visited on a late Friday afternoon in late February.

Best sf/fantasy bookstore ON THE PLANET!!! Bakka-Phoenix knows their stuff. Their staff are helpful and well read. They stock everything from best sellers to the really obscure and know just what to recommend. Their author events manage to be both well attended and intimate (you get to really get up close and personal with the authors). If they don't have it in stock (admittedly unlikely, but it can happen) they can get it, and they will ship it to you anywhere you need it (like when I lived in Santiago, Chile!). Even if you're only in Toronto for a day, if you read SF/F you need to visit this bookstore.

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!

The place to go for science fiction and fantasy books. Large selection; helpful and knowledgeable staff. Location is not that convenient - parking is a challenge at Spadina and Harbord - but lower rents no doubt necessitated the move here from Queen West a few years back, and the space here is large enough for a complete inventory - great place to discover a new author or find complete sets of longstanding series. For the avid fan, a must-visit every few months.

Awesome specialty book store for all us Sci-fi/fantasy fans in Toronto. The staff gives great recommendations (One of them gave me advice on where to get started with the amazing but intimidatingly expansive Discworld series which I have since become hooked on) and the selection is head and shoulders above most other shops in the city. If you're looking for a sci-fi or fantasy book that's still in-print you'll most likely be able to find it here!

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!

One of the last of the old-time brick and mortar sci-fi and fantasy bookstores left, and run by a staff who obviously love and appreciate what they're selling. Secondhand books in the basement, notes and recommendations on the shelves, and a selection you'd be hard pressed to find anywhere else (even online for some titles). This store has a history going back decades at several locations, and hopefully will be around for decades more.

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.

Has long been THE science fiction (and fantasy) bookstore of Toronto. Friendly, knowledgeable staff, and considerable selection. Sadly, SF has shrunk, as a genre, so there's less excellent stuff than there used to be. This is of course not attributable to any one store. (More to policies at American book chains such as Barnes & Noble and Amazon, but that is a rather deeper tale...)

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.

Wonderful place for science fiction and fantasy readers of all ages. Staff are friendly and knowledgeable. Wide selection of young adult fiction, and of course wall to wall shelves full of rare to common fantasy collections. There is also a basement full of second hand books to browse. Its hard to leave, I could honestly live in the store and read everything they have.

all of the above reviews are right but they missed something! half the canadian scifi fantasy writing scene does or has worked there and it's not unusual to be talking TO michelle sagara while buying HER book. tanya huff worked there for ages and lots more. this store supports the artists and sells their books. it's extra awesome (and kris, what a treasure she is!)

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.

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.

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!

Even though I don't live in the area, I try to visit this bookstore on a regular basis. It's a Fantasy/Scifi store. Staff is friendly, approachable and knowledgeable. They sell both new and used books. They also have many book launch events with authors in store. Always something interesting going on.

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. :)

Lovely little place with a fabulously huge selection of sci-fi and fantasy books. The lady at the counter was extremely helpful and went out of her way to recommend books she thought I might like to try when I asked her for some help navigating the enormous selection. Definitely recommended!

Friendly and knowledgeable staff, outstanding events and a long history of doing so much for the arts with their little store. One of Toronto's top bookstores, a speculative-fiction hidden gem, and an indie haunt that's somehow survived into this century. Give them your business!

Best collection of scifi and fantasy books. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. They even do book recommendations based on previous books you've enjoyed or based on what you are looking for in a book. I have already recommended this book store to several of my friends.

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.

A Sci-fi & Fantasy specialty book store with great selection and really knowledgable staff. Did my last-minute Christmas shopping there. One of the few places you can go and ask "I really like X" can you recommend something?" and get a quality book in the process.

Always a great experience. The selection of speculative fiction and related work is fantastic and has something for every age group and reader. The staff really know their stuff and can help you make great choices, especially for the kids and teens in your life

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.

We visited Bakka-Phoenix books whilst visiting Toronto from the UK. Wow!! What an amazing place. They have easily the most comprehensive selection of Sci-fi and Fantasy books I have ever seen. A must for anyone who are fans of the genre.

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!

Best selection of sci-fi, fantasy, and horror in the city! Great selection for YA and children's fiction. Has an amazing used book basement. Features many queer and POC writers. Great place stop before lunch in Chinatown!

Fantastic selection of science fiction and fantasy. The staff all have excellent knowledge of the genre, and many are published authors. They give great recommendations, based on what you or the recipient has enjoyed.

Lovely book store with a great collection of titles in the fantasy and sci-fi realm. Plus, they'll do a great job of getting in any book you're looking for. 10/10 would recommend over Amazon or other online retailers.

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.

Best Sci-fi/Fantasy Bookstore in Toronto! Hands down. The staff are really awesome. I often just wander in there when I don't have something specific in mind and they always have some hidden gem to toss my way.

Good range of science fiction and fantasy. All the people I have spoke to are knowledgeable about books, even if they are little awkward, the recommendations are good. Worth a visit and the buying of books here

It's the best bookstore I know. The staff is friendly and helpful and the selection of books is fantastic. I feel very lucky to live nearby and almost always leave with more books than I intended to

Staff are excellent. I went here for a book signing and everything was well organized. They were very friendly and helpful. They have an amazing selection of books, especially in the fantasy genre!

Excellent selection of science fiction and fantasy.I found two books I had been looking for over a decade. Basement level is tv show tie ins and used books. Next trip I will be back to shop again.

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.

All the reviews are true! Best selection of fantasy-paranormal titles and the staff make brilliant recommendations. Just give three titles/authors you love and they will work their magic!!

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.

Amazing bookstore! Great selection, I always find something great here. The used section is a little small but there's other used bookstores for that. Tons of events with authors.

Update: I used to be a fan of this store. I tried to shop there this week and saw the 'mask required' sign on the door. I haven't carried a mask in a year. This is 2023 not 2020.

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 …

Wonderful shipping service, my books arrived fast and undamaged. Their collection of fantasy and sci-fi is epic. I look forward to an inperson visit and shopping experience.

I love coming here. The staff are incredibly knowledgeable, and love nothing more than to recommend you a great book! If you're a fan of blind book dates, this is the spot.

I have chased this great bookstore all over town for the past 30 years. The staff picks are great. Ido mis the used section . So nice to have such a quality specialty shop.

This is the only bookstore I’ve seen specifically for sci-fi and fantasy. They have a great selection of popular and lesser known books, as well as a section of novellas.

The best staff — they know good books and can always give excellent recommendations. Terrific service in store, by phone and online. Bakka is the heart of Toronto SFFH

My favourite bookstore in Toronto, it has every fantasy book you could ever think of, and has the best selection of fantasy sci Fi of any bookstore I've visited …

Beautiful and specialized book store with book reviews on the shelf from the staff. I had to buy at least one book before I left and added to my list of future reads.

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!

Bakka is one of the best speciality bookstores in the City. Staff are friendly and knowledgeable. If you are a science fiction or fantasy fan, take a trip to Bakka!

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

Really great bookstore. The staff is always helpful and they have an extensive offering of sci fi and fantasy novels from middle school to ya to adult.

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.

Good sci-fi specialty bookstore, but it's a bit empty compared to the original Bakka's glory days. No used book section for the old classics.

Truly awesome scifi-fantasy bookstore. Great selection and friendly knowledgeable staff ready to offer recommendations for your next read!

Great specialty niche bookstore. Wonderful selection of science fiction and fantasy books. Great staff - very friendly and knowledgeable.

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

Beautiful bookstore with a great selection of books and author events. Appreciated the location and staff, got a great signed book here.

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

If you like Science Fiction and Fantasy, this is the place to go. They have a great selection and the staff really know these genres.

The staff here are amazing! There’s a great selection of all things fantasy—if you’re a reader in the area, this place is a must.

Well-stocked and well-curated bookshop with a focus on scifi and fantasy. Bright, friendly, great place to get lost for an hour!

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

They always have the book I'm looking for and their rewards program makes it a better deal than big chains. It's all wins.

Helpful staff and good selection! Always great for getting fantasy and sci fi books for family and friends for presents!

A nice book store with very helpful people. The oldest sci-fi bookstore in Canada. There are used books in the basement.

It's great to have an entire store dedicated to my favourite genre! Great service & selection of SF books. Five stars.

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

Very nice bookstore! Clean, organized, lots of content. The notes on the books are my favourite. Loved it here!

Great place for sci-fi books and novels. Unlike popular belief it has NO manga in store. Don't fall for it.

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

Great selection of books for a good price. Staff are very friendly and knowledgeable

Absolutely amazing store with a huge collection of sci-fi/fantasy/horror books!

Neat bookstore with scifi and fantasy everywhere. Good booklaunch event here.

If you are looking for SF or fantasy, you almost certainly will find it here.

Very cool specialty book store. Great to talk sci/Fi fantasy with the staff!

A gem. The atmosphere is friendly and the suggestions are top notch

Awesome store! Amazing selection. Check downstairs for used books.

Great store to find sci-fi and fantasy book. Staff is wonderful.

Wonderful bookstore, great service, informed hand-selling.

My go-to store for guilty pleasure SF and fantasy reading.

Knowledgeable staff make finding the right book easy

If you love SF, this is the place for you.

Great selection of science fiction books.

Best sci Fi and fantasy book store

Amazing selection. Call ahead.

Good selection. Amazing staff.