The Best Record Shops In Toronto

The number of record stores in Toronto is a testament to Torontonians’ loyalty to – and love of – vinyl records. Despite the influx of new and evolving music formats, music just sounds better on vinyl. Toronto is serious about preserving the art, with independent shops scattered throughout the city. Whether you’re simply looking to browse, or are on the hunt for rare vinyl finds, check out these 10 shops.

1. Ric’s Recollections

Store

After 23 years in business, Ric’s Recollections may no longer be a ‘best kept secret’; word has spread that this is the go-to place for vinyl if you find yourself in Mississauga. While not in Toronto proper, this list wouldn’t be complete without Ric’s: here you’ll find every genre, and both used and new records. Browse over 20,000 titles in rock, jazz, blues, R&B, country, pop, and international collections. You’ll also find everything you need to keep your records up and running, including cartridges, brushes, vinyl record cleaning fluid, and more. Remember, it is ‘recollections,’ not just ‘collections,’ at Ric’s.

2. Rotate This

Store

Rotate This has become a sort of Toronto institution among fans of independent music. With its convenient Queen West location, you’ll have ample opportunity to stop in. Stocking both classic and new releases, Rotate This sells records by your favorite independent artists and bands from both Canada and around the globe. Don’t let the hipness deter you; the music-savvy staff knows its stuff – be sure to ask for recommendations. And for all your live-music-going needs: get official tickets to concerts, as well.

3. Cosmos Records

Store

Cosmos Records established itself as a name in vintage vinyl in 1998. Known to house rare editions, the store draws a variety of music fans to its two Queen Street locations. A friendly and casual space, the store also has listening stations to help you pick and choose from a wide variety – jazz, soul, Latin, Brazilian, vintage rock, disco, house and hip hop, among many others. Cosmos Records buys old records, and if you are looking to sell an old collection, get in touch on the website.

5. Pandemonium

Store

Pandemonium record store is on Dundas Street, where you can walk through the collections of CDs, DVDs, t-shirts, and vinyl records. Open since 2000, the store buys and sells records, CDs, and DVDs as well. Pandemonium is open to buying jazz, funk, soul, rock, metal, punk, and blues; classical records might be turned away.

6. In The Groove

Store

With over 40,000 records in store, In The Groove is a store for your vintage music cravings. The Queen Street store keeps an extensive rock, blues, and jazz collection. It prides itself on building personal rapport with customers while they browse the collections at leisure. The staff is happy to give suggestions and help you pick your favorites from the collection.

7. The Tiny Record Shop

Store

This tiny Queen Street store is not short on music; in fact The Tiny Record Shop is Downtown Toronto’s most well known space for music and more. The store boasts a variety of genres and stocks new and vintage vinyl releases from 1950 to the most recent and hard to find titles – country, blues, soul, reggae, and classical. Get tickets to concerts, and for as little as a non-perishable item as donation, gain free access to in-store performances. Visit the online store, as well, to find and order titles.

8. Play De Record

Store

Play De Record is an old hand, serving Toronto’s music community for 25 years. Disco, hip hop, jazz, or rock… you can browse the collection on the website, as well. The store also sells a host of other items of interest to music makers, such as DJ and studio equipment, tickets, t-shirts, and more. If you are looking for a space to learn or practice being a DJ, there is rental space available right in the store. Check out the website to learn more about what’s available. Do not give a miss to this old player.

9. She Said Boom

Bookstore, Store

She Said Boom is a record and bookstore that sells new and used CDs and records at its two locations, High Park and Kensington Market. You can specifically find alternative, electronica, jazz, and reggae. The store has served Toronto for over 20 years and continues to keep the city’s music folk updated on what’s in and the latest in vinyl, books, and CDs.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.