Our Favourite Boutique Shops In The Junction

Step into the Junction and it feels like you’re entering another city, not Toronto. Well, thats probably because the Junction was its own city, The Town Of West Toronto, until it amalgamated with the City of Toronto in 1909. The Junction is one of our favourite neighbourhoods, and we can often be found here for a quick lunch meeting, having an after work drink or even picking up a gift from one of the many amazing shops along the Dundas West strip.

These days, when people think of the Junction it brings to mind great restaurants and eclectic bars. Interesting fact, The Junction was dry from 1904 until 1998 when a couple of local businesses got together to change the almost 100 year prohibition on alcohol in the area.

More than just bars and restaurants, the Junction is also home to some amazing vintage furniture stores, gift shops, art shops, pet shops and even motorcycle shops! There is a lot to check out in this pocket of town, so to start you off, here is a list of some of our favourite boutiques in The Junction.

Type Books

A real book store! Full to the brim with actual paper books. Can you believe it? Type Books has been at the corner of Dundas and Keele since 2006. We love heading into this shop and just perusing all the amazing books on display. Not limited to just books, however, Type also has stationery, aprons, puzzles, activity books etc. The list goes on. This is an independent bookstore for serious book lovers and more whimsical readers alike, with very knowledgeable staff, thoughtfully chosen inventory, a selection of unique gifts, and a welcoming venue for literary programs and events.

Type books is located at 2887 Dundas St. West

The Red Canoe

This Canadian inspired clothing and gift shop has been a Father’s Day go-to for us for years. Though they stock women’s clothes and even kids clothes, The Red Canoe has the best selection of interesting clothes and gifts for men. So what is a Canadian inspired shop? Everything in here tells a story or represents a piece of Canada’s story thus far. From t-shirts with the CBC logo on them, the Royal Canadian Air Force, DeHavilland Canada and even the RCMP, to maple syrup scented candles, in an actual syrup can! There is a lot of Canadiana to be found. Pop in here and pick up a piece of Canadian history, or even a bottle of maple syrup, this is the place.

The Red Canoe is located at 2989 Dundas St. West

Mjölk

This beautiful store is simply a must-see. Very thoughtfully curated, featuring stoneware, pottery, and even antiques, Mjölk is part store, part gallery featuring actual exhibitions. A bright and airy space, laid out like you’re in someone’s gorgeous home, everything you see is available for purchase. Stunning Danish designed furniture pieces surrounded by healthy, happy house plants, in handmade Japanese stone pots, the vibe here is fantastic. Mjölk is a lifestyle shop and gallery, representing work with an emphasis on functionality, craftsmanship, and timelessness. Here you can find beautifully hand-crafted kitchenware from Toronto artists, as well as Japanese and Scandinavian artists. A lot of thought has gone into this shop, it is a truly unique spot you really have to experience in person.

Mjölk is located at 2959 Dundas St. West

★ For more on life in The Junction check out:

Simply Beautiful

Another expertly curated shop on the Junction strip, Simply Beautiful is just that, beautiful. We love to come in here and admire all the lovely pieces they have on display. Every product in the store tells a story, the story of the person behind a beautifully made item; the story of how it came into being; and the story of where and why it was created. Storytelling is a key component that gives meaning and purpose to items on a shelf so they become much more than they appear to be. With a distinct focus on Canadian made products, owner and curator, Deborah Ross buys with intention and seeks out partnerships with producers who support a special cause or focus that brings positivity and hope into the world. This is the store for that perfect gift for the hard to buy for person in your life. Giving shelf space to a wide selection of lifestyle pieces, jewellery, clothing and even house wares, this tiny shop is a must on any Junction shopping trip.

Simply Beautiful is located at 2730 Dundas St. West

Above Ground Art Supplies

Above Ground is the de facto art supply shop for every artist worth their brushes. This place is the real deal. Absolutely everything you could possibly need, for any scale of project is available here. Specializing in hard to find items, it is a haven for art students and professional artists alike. Laid out more like a Home Depot and less like a boutique shop, this place has it all, no matter your medium. The staff is exceptionally knowledgeable and can help you find the most obscure little tool you could be looking for. Step into Above Ground and be instantly inspired to create!

Above Ground Art Supplies is located at 2868 Dundas St. West

Coal Miner’s Daughter

Specializing in Canadian clothing, jewellery, and accessories designers and makers (many of them local), including designs by owner and designer, Janine Haller. This very cool, and very trendy shop is a Toronto staple since 2009. Over the last decade or so, Coal Miner’s Daughter has expanded with stores throughout the city. Expect to find at least 80% Canadian designers and the rest a mix of Parisian, Australian and USA designers. You will definitely find the most unique pieces here, an excellent place to diversify your wardrobe or even buy a gift for that one person in your life who seems to have everything!

Coal Miner’s Daughter is locaed at 3023 Dundas West

★ For more local spots in The Junction check out:

Beau Men’s

Self-proclaimed ‘Handsome brute brother store’ Beau Men’s is the male counterpart, or brother to The Beau and Bauble. A unique, beautifully curated boutique for the ladies. With a very curated assortment of barware, men’s grooming accessories and products , clothing, games and even candles. Who knew men needed their own candles? lol. Not everyone wants to smell of roses and vanilla. Here you can find spicy, mysterious scents that lean more towards bourbon, leather and pine. We love it. Beau Men’s carries a great collection of menswear from Brixton, Levis and even bags from Herschel. Yet another stellar shop in the Junction for special gifts, or spoiling yourself.

Beau Men’s can be found at 3083 Dundas West

Take Note

Take Note is a modern pen and stationary shop in the heart of the Junction. The art of writing comes to life at Take Note, offering a selection of writing instruments & accessories, notebooks, paper products and everyday gifting items. A wide selection of writing instruments including Lamy known for meshing high tech engineering and contemporary styling, to Pilot, a precision-quality Japanese-made line. From ballpoint to fountain to rollerball, Faber-Castell, Pelikan, Platinum, Caran d’Ache and Sailor are some of the pen lines carried. This beautiful shop also carries notebooks and stationary from Japan, Italy, France and Germany to name a few. Peruse the shelves of brass desk accessories, gorgeous pens, interesting paper and start planning your memoir or dreaming of your travel diary. This place will awaken your inner Hemmingway as soon as you set foot through the door.

Take Note is at 2993 Dundas West

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Our Favourite Shops In The Junction