Ask any bookworm: There's no better way to spend a rainy fall day than curling up with a good book. Some of our real estate agents love this ritual so much that they almost look forward to rainstorms! Sometimes, though, they crave a change of scenery for their next reading session. That's where Victoria's many cozy bookshops and reading spots come in handy. Next time it rains, head out to one of these book lovers' retreats near our Victoria homes for sale and treat yourself to a perfect afternoon. 

Victoria's Rainy-Day Reading Spots at a Glance

• Munro's Books – A beautiful historic bookstore with an impressive selection of fiction, nonfiction, and staff recommendations.

• Russell Books – A two-storey destination for used books, new releases, and hard-to-find titles.

• Bolen Books – A spacious independent bookstore offering new books, puzzles, games, and gifts.

• Habit Coffee – A cozy Chinatown cafe where you can enjoy coffee, baked treats, and a good book.

• Greater Victoria Public Library – Central Branch – A welcoming, free place to settle in with a book or explore the library's extensive collection.

Rainy-Day Bookshops and Reading Spots Around Victoria 

Munro's Books – Victoria, BC 

Address: 1108 Government St., Victoria, BC V8W 1Y2 

Founded by famed Canadian author Alice Munro and her husband, Munro's Books is arguably the country's most iconic bookstore. There aren't many spots to sit down and read here, but the shop's stunning vaulted ceilings and elaborate decor (they have real tapestries!) make this place feel special enough to make up for it. Browse the shelves and tables to discover:  

• More fiction and nonfiction books than you've ever seen in one place 
• The latest bestsellers in every genre 
• Special staff picks to help you find new titles that match your taste

You can stop by this iconic shop from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday or from 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Be prepared for crowds, especially during peak hours.  

Russell Books – Victoria, BC 

Address: 100-747 Fort St., Victoria, BC V8W 3E9 

Russell Books boasts two full floors and more than 18,000 square feet of floor space. The endless rows of floor-to-ceiling shelves inside are sure to make any book lover's day, rainy or not.  

This shop stocks mostly used books with some new and special-order selections for high-demand titles. They also have:  

• A trade-in counter where you can trade your old books for store credit
• A standing 10% discount on books for both students and teachers  
• A request list where you can sign up to be notified if they get a particular book in stock 

They're open every day from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., including most holidays. The trade-in counter isn't regularly staffed, though, so be sure to book an appointment online if you plan to use it during your visit. 

Bolen Books – Victoria, BC 

Address: 111-1644 Hillside Ave., Victoria, BC V8T 2C5 

Bolen Books' sleek glass facade makes their Hillside Avenue store easy to spot while out on the town. Their massive 20,000-square-foot space is filled with:  

• New books in every genre you can think of, from business and self-help guides to the latest romantasy reads 
• Limited-print books by up-and-coming BC authors 
• Board games and puzzles for rainy-day fun with friends 

Come inside, take a seat in one of their wooden chairs or bench seats, and let your new read transport you to parts unknown. They're open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday through Wednesday and from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays.  

Habit Coffee – Victoria, BC 

Address: 552 Pandora Ave., Victoria, BC V8W 1N7 

Habit Coffee's Chinatown location is a small Pandora Avenue cafe with more than just hot drinks waiting for patrons. The shop is partnered with Alphabet City, a micro-bookstore with an ever-changing stock of used books to enjoy. They've also got plenty of drinks and treats to accompany your rainy reading session, including:  

• Espresso drinks and drip coffee 
• Tea and tea lattes 
• Hot chocolate and hot apple cider 
• A selection of baked treats like danishes, cookies, and croissants 

The shop is open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. every weekday and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends. You don't have to buy a book to enjoy some time sitting and reading inside – feel free to bring your own book to flip through while you sip. 

Greater Victoria Public Library – Central Branch – Victoria, BC 

Address: 735 Broughton St., Victoria, BC V8W 3H2 

If you want a place where you can sit and read for hours without spending a dime, you can't beat the Greater Victoria Public Library. This public building is sheltered by a massive glass atrium that offers an incredible bottom-up view of the rain during storms. Stepping inside, you'll find: 

• Thousands of books to get lost in 
• Upholstered armchairs where you can hang out as long as you want 
• A kids' section where little ones can play or read while you enjoy your book 
• Study rooms and pods you can reserve for up to 2 hours (perfect for getting truly absorbed in your read) 

The library is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. It stays open until 7 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays and welcomes visitors from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays.  

Rain or Shine, It's Always a Good Time in Victoria, BC 

If you think rainy reading days in Victoria sound fun, wait until you hear about all the fun things you can do here when the sun is out! Our team can help you make this gorgeous coastal city your new hometown. Contact us today to get matched with an agent and get started.