To be recognized as one of Canada’s most eerie bookshops, a vast selection of horror literature is essential, but the genre is not the sole way to create a haunting atmosphere. Rare and vintage books carry a peculiar nostalgia, retaining traces of past lives. Some bookstores are stocked with volumes on spell-casting, divination, and other ritual practices.
While not all independent establishments mentioned here specialize exclusively in horror literature, each provides a creative hub for community gatherings. These are places where readers can interact with writers, where unfinished stories are refined, where local authors witness their works showcased, and where tea, both literal and metaphorical, is served.
Here are six of Canada’s eeriest bookshops, each brimming with atmosphere, individuality, and local charm.
Nocturne Books, Calgary
The inspiration behind Nocturne Books in Calgary was a simple one for Scott Ross-Molyneux: his wife. Together with co-owner Alliye Iriye, they embody the classic “goth girlfriend, golden retriever boyfriend” duo. Iriye’s fascination with horror literature and films, shared early in their relationship, resonated with Ross-Molyneux, leading to the shop’s distinctive collection.
Nocturne Books’ shelves reflect Iriye’s penchant for the macabre, with a preference for dark, intense reads. A notable selection is Tender Is the Flesh by Agustina Bazterrica, a dystopian tale depicting a world where consuming animal meat becomes forbidden, leading to legalized cannibalism. Iriye finds joy in feeling devastated while reading, indicating a thrilling experience.
Ross-Molyneux’s favorites include Calgary-based author Craig DiLouie’s ghostly novel Episode Thirteen. An interesting twist occurred when DiLouie unexpectedly visited Nocturne on its opening day and noticed his own works on display, showcasing the shop’s strong connections to local creatives. Nocturne hosts author meet-ups, runs a program for self-published and emerging writers, and is launching horror and thriller book clubs soon.
Raven’s End Books, Winnipeg
Chelsea McKee-Trenchard envisioned Raven’s End Books in Winnipeg to offer a more curated selection than standard horror sections in chain stores. This shop prioritizes smaller publishers and lesser-known authors, with dedicated areas for body horror, queer narratives, and Indigenous storytelling. It frequently hosts various events, including craft nights, a Silent Reading Club, queer book clubs, tarot sessions, and showcases local vendors.
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