The Great Escape Book Store has been a fixture on Kingston Road for more than 50 years. It first opened as Ed’s Book Store before becoming The Great Escape under new ownership in the 1990s.
When owner Katya Nosko took over in 2011, she was determined to keep the beloved neighbourhood bookstore a part of the community. Since then, she’s run it alongside her son, Caleb Mitchell, with their dog, Scout, greeting visitors along the way.
After more than five decades and just a handful of dedicated owners, the bookstore has kept its warm, community-focused spirit, making it a rare independent shop that still feels like home the moment you walk in.
Browse The Shelves
The shelves are packed with a carefully curated mix of new and used books spanning fiction, history, self-help, young adult, travel, children’s titles, and more, along with plenty of hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
Visitors often rave about finding hard-to-track-down books at surprisingly reasonable prices. The knowledgeable staff know their inventory inside and out, making it easy to track down your next great read. Beyond the books, you’ll also find prints, postcards, bookmarks, and other literary gifts that make it easy to spend far longer browsing than you planned.
This is the kind of bookstore best enjoyed without a shopping list. Stop in, say hello to Scout if she’s on greeting duty, and take your time exploring shelves filled with unexpected finds.
The Details
- Where: 957 Kingston Rd., Toronto, ON M4E 1S8
- Hours: Tuesday–Wednesday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Thursday–Friday: 10 a.m.–7 p.m.; Saturday–Sunday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. (Closed Mondays)
- Holiday Closure: Closed for approximately three weeks after Christmas
- What You Will Find: A curated selection of new and used books for all ages. As well as prints, postcards, bookmarks, and a peaceful patio and rose garden for browsing
- Contact: (416) 691-7150 | greatescape.bookstore@gmail.com
- More information: The Great Escape Book Store
