To be recognized as one of Canada’s most eerie bookshops, a vast collection of horror literature is crucial. However, the haunting ambiance of a bookstore goes beyond just the genre. Rare and vintage books carry a mystique of past lives, while establishments offering spell-casting and divination tomes add a different kind of allure.
While not all the independent stores featured focus solely on horror literature, each provides a unique space for community engagement. These bookshops serve as hubs for readers to connect with writers, workshop unfinished stories, showcase local authors’ works, and foster a sense of camaraderie through literary events and discussions.
Here are six of Canada’s most spine-chilling bookstores, each brimming with distinctive atmospheres, personalities, and local charm.
Nocturne Books, Calgary
Scott Ross-Molyneux attributes the inspiration behind Nocturne Books to his wife’s love for horror literature. Together with co-owner Alliye Iriye, they embody the quintessential “goth girlfriend, golden retriever boyfriend” duo. Iriye’s penchant for macabre tales influences the selection at Nocturne Books, catering to those who prefer a darker, more intense reading experience.
Among the notable picks at Nocturne Books is Agustina Bazterrica’s Tender Is the Flesh, a dystopian narrative delving into a world where cannibalism is legal. The shop also showcases works like Calgary-based author Craig DiLouie’s haunted-house novel Episode Thirteen, fostering a close bond with local creatives through author events and a platform for emerging writers.
Raven’s End Books, Winnipeg
Raven’s End Books, helmed by Chelsea McKee-Trenchard in Winnipeg, stands out for its curated selection beyond typical mainstream horror offerings. Prioritizing smaller publishers and underrepresented writers, the bookstore features sections dedicated to body horror, queer narratives, and Indigenous storytelling. It also serves as a venue for various events, including craft nights, book clubs, and tarot readings.
McKee-Trenchard, drawn to gothic haunted-house narratives, recommends titles like Adam Pottle’s Apparitions and Jessica Johns’s award-winning Bad Cree, which explores supernatural themes intertwined with personal loss.
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