11 Best Places to Shop in Queen's Park, The Annex, and Little Italy, Toronto

Established in 1972, Bakka Phoenix has the distinction of being the world's oldest science fiction and fantasy bookstore. The shop is home to several thousand new and used titles, with the selection catering to readers of all ages. Knowledgeable staff members are always on hand to help find what you're looking for (or suggest something new).

This hushed secondhand bookshop has a tempting selection of coffee table--sized art and photography books, along with more luggage-friendly novels and plays—all denoted with Scrabble-tile signs. You may even spot some rare out-of-print treasures.

Snag deals on classic books and new releases alike at this multilevel used bookstore (short for "Books Magazines Video"). Comics fans will also be happy with the selection of single issues and graphic novels.

The best-dressed Torontonians clear out their closets at this consignment store, which always has something cheap and cheerful on the racks. Brands range from fast-fashion to vintage to designer; the eagle-eyed might even spot some Marni or Max Mara.

Dramatic wide-brimmed hats, extravagant fascinators, and practical straw hats that pack flat in your carry-on—all these can be found at Lilliput Hats. For men there are trilbies, wide-brimmed fedoras, and pork pies. Owner and milliner Karyn Ruiz has a devoted local following; notably, Ruiz made the hats Canadian rock star Gord Downie wore during his final Canadian tour.

Shop alongside Toronto chefs for quality kitchen supplies—cheese knives, seafood shears, or unique showpieces like locally made wood cutting boards—at this multifloor shop that also hosts cooking classes.

Go crate-digging at this basement record store where new releases sit beside jazz, punk, and reggae oddities. Their buy-and-sell program accepts cassettes, CDs, DVDs, and even vintage studio gear—so if you're looking for something obscure, you just might stumble upon it here.

Need a stylish gift for someone back home? You'll likely find something suitable at this cute boutique, where the shelves are lined with greeting cards, puzzles, kids' books, and locally designed wares like tea towels and jewelry.

Breezy, colorful, and wearable styles—from dresses and blouses to trendy accessories—fill this boutique, owned and operated by two sisters. You may spot brands like Levi's interspersed among pieces from their house line.

The art of the brassiere is taken seriously at this appointment-only bra-fitting boutique. Knowledgeable (but pretension-free) staffers host fitting sessions that typically last around 30 minutes. The massive selection includes sports, fashion, strapless, seamless, and nursing bras, plus sleepwear and experimental lingerie, in wide-ranging sizes and fits.

Decor enthusiasts should make a pit stop at this airy boutique in the heart of the Annex. Expect to find modern glassware, handmade ceramics, and charming art prints, plus taper candles and folding plastic storage crates in every conceivable color.