August 12, 2026 | Neighbourhoods
The Best Shops in The Junction, Toronto
Step onto Dundas West here and it feels like you’ve crossed into another city entirely. That’s probably because The Junction was its own town, the Town of West Toronto, until it was annexed by the city in 1909. It borders High Park to the south, with Roncesvalles just beyond that, so a day of shopping here can easily turn into an afternoon exploring three of our favourite West End neighbourhoods.
We’re often here ourselves, for a quick lunch meeting, a drink after work, or picking up a gift from one of the many shops along the strip. Those independent shops are a big part of why The Junction has built such a loyal following among West End home buyers.
These days, when people think of The Junction, restaurants and eclectic bars come to mind first. Here’s the thing: The Junction was dry from 1904 until 1998, when a handful of local business owners banded together to end almost a century of prohibition.
But The Junction is more than bars and restaurants. It’s home to vintage furniture stores, gift shops, art galleries, pet shops, and even a motorcycle shop or two. There’s a lot to explore in this pocket of the West End, so to start you off, here’s 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
How does The Junction compare to other West End Toronto neighbourhoods? Read High Park Vs. The Junction: Which is Right For You.
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:
- The Junction Neighbourhood Guide
- Top 5 Reasons Families Will Love Living In The Junction
- Just When You Thought The Junction Strip Couldn’t Get Any Cooler?
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 2909 Dundas St. West
Do you love window shopping on a Saturday morning with a coffee in hand? We do too. Read our Guide to The Junction’s Coffee Scene to find out where to get a great cup.
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 located at 3095 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
If The Junction has you dreaming about a move, we would love to help. We know its streets, shops, and listings better than most. Curious what buying here looks like? Learn how we help you buy in the West End.
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
Are you thinking of calling The Junction home? Book a buyer’s meeting with us, or give us a call directly.
Buying or Selling in the West? We Can Help!
Thinking about making a move? Click here to get in touch and request a Buyer or Seller consultation.
