5 bookstores in Edmonton to check out with the coziest cafes nearby

There’s nothing better than heading down to one of Edmonton’s local bookstores during the fall and settling into the story with a warm drink from a nearby cafe.

Fall is perfect for cozying up to a good book and drinking a delectable pumpkin spice latte. Don’t worry, we’re here to help you celebrate the season. We’ve rounded up some great Edmonton bookstores with great cafe options close by. So, if you’re ready to open up a new novel and enjoy the autumnal vibes, we’ve got a few spots right here.

Audrey’s Books

According to their website, Audrey’s is Edmonton’s oldest independent bookstore. It’s named after two Audreys, whose husbands were the store owners.

This downtown bookstore spans two floors, offering a wide variety of genres with novelists and writers from Alberta and beyond. Here, they also host a ton of events, like book launches and other bookish events, which you can check the schedule for online.

Nearby cafes include Ayco Cafe, District Cafe and Bakery, and Objects.

When: Daily
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Monday to Friday; 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturdays; Noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays
Where: 10702 Jasper Ave., Edmonton, Alta.

Porch Light Books

After starting online in 2020, Porch Light Books got its own physical bookshop within the city in 2024.

Though they do have a curated selection of new reads, most of the selection is good-quality used books. In their own words, “most of our stock is used, with a premium on quality and condition (in other words, our used books look pretty darn new).”

Nearby cafes include The Colombian‘s Mill Creek location, Nero Cafe, and Cafe Bel-Air.

When: Daily
Time: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Monday to Saturday; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays
Where: 9867 89th Ave. NW, Edmonton, Alta.

Magpie Books

This small, independent bookstore in the neighbourhood of Ritchie focuses more on literature written by Indigenous, Black, racialized, and queer and trans authors. According to its website, it is “small but mighty” but still has a wide array of books here that you’ll know and love.

Like Audrey’s, Magpie Books is also home to its own book clubs, launch events, pop-ups, and community gatherings.

Nearby cafes include Transcend Coffee and Bakery, Aspen Coffee Roasters, and Little Dutchess Bake Shop.

When: Daily
Time: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Monday to Friday; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays
Where: 9553 76th Ave. NW, Edmonton, Alta.

Paper Birch Books

Paper Birch has made a name for itself in the city after opening in 2022. This spot is a joint venture between Benjamin Hertwig and Céline Chuang, who are life and business partners.

They specialize in quality used, rare, and spectacular books like first editions, rare copies, and so much more you’ll never find anywhere else.

Nearby cafes include Zenari’s Little Italy and Earths Refillery and Cafe Coop.

When: Daily
Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Monday to Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays
Where: 10825 95th St., Edmonton, Alta.

Daisy Chain Book Co.

Daisy originally started as a travelling bookshop, and now it’s grown into one of Edmonton’s best. If you’re looking for a bookstore with a fresh, funky vibe, this one is definitely it. Additionally, with a hybrid of new and previously owned books, there’s no way you can go wrong.

Nearby cafes include Cafe Versailles, Va Caffe, and Iconoclast Coffee Roasters.

When: Daily
Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Monday to Saturday; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays
Where: 12525 102nd Ave. NW, Edmonton, Alta.

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