From One Music Lover to Another: A Student’s Guide to Record Stores in Toronto

As a big music fan, there is no end to great record stores in the heart of the city. Whether you’re a vinyl collector or just looking for a way to spend an afternoon, exploring the city’s massive record collection is an experience in itself.

Besides just looking for records, most of these places are known for hosting fun events for music lovers. If there is an artist releasing a new album soon, chances are one of these places will hold an event for fans to be able to listen to the album in full, ahead of the release, with other fans. What a great place to build a community and make some new fangirl friends!

Starting with Canada’s largest record store!

1. Sonic Boom Records

Sonic Boom is the largest record store in all of Canada, spanning over 13,000 sq ft across two levels. Searching for new vinyls, vintage vinyls, CDs, cassettes, and merch items such as t-shirts or stickers? Needless to say, there is no shortage of things to look at. With a selection like that, it can definitely feel overwhelming in the beginning but take some time and maybe you’ll find something special.

The store is well organized, with the newer releases on the main level right when you enter, and as you go deeper into the store, you will hit the basement which holds the more vintage vinyl records.

Sonic Boom hosts early release listening parties and sometimes they will have free snacks to go with it. I attended the Louis Tomlinson listening party for his most recent album and they had a big poster at the entrance to allow fans to snap a photo, and free cupcakes and drinks for the guests.

📍 215 Spadina Ave
🚇 Spadina Ave at Sullivan St, located right in front of the store

2. Kops Records

I’ll be talking about the Queen St. West location as it’s my personal favourite one. It’s packed with amazing finds, and the basement level holds many CDs and vinyl records that could cost you as little as $1! Yes, you read that right. I’ve been there many times with friends and whether or not you go in looking for something, you can spend ample time and eventually end up leaving with a random record you never intended to buy. Like Sonic Boom, newer releases are often displayed at the front of the store, and the vinyl records are organized by genre/mood and artist.

A little fun fact; Kops Records is one of Sabrina Carpenter’s favourite record stores in Toronto. When she was in town for her Short ‘n Sweet tour, she took a photo with one of the staff which is now proudly displayed in the store.

This record store hosts many early release listening parties where fans tend to leave with some exclusive goodies to remember the experience. They’ve done many events for artists such as Niall Horan, Olivia Rodrigo, and Bruno Mars. Not only do they host listening events, but occasionally welcome smaller artists to do meet-and-greets and intimate live mini performances.

Queen St. West location
📍 395 Queen St. West
🚇 Queen St. West at Peter St., or Queen St. West at Soho St.

Danforth Ave location
📍 209 Danforth Ave
🚇 Danforth Ave at Playter Ave

3. Dead Dog Records

This record store has a name that may catch you off guard. I only recently discovered the meaning of the unconventional name: finding value in things or places where others may not see any. It’s not big, but they sure have a diverse collection ranging from Punk and Heavy Metal to Blues and R&B. 

The store’s layout makes it easy to browse, grouped by genre and alphabetized by artist. Like many other record stores, the new and most popular releases are displayed at the front. It’s a great place to browse for records that go beyond the mainstream and stumble upon an artist you’ve never listened to before. In addition to the large collection of music they sell, the store carries merchandise in its own dedicated section.

Like the rest of the places I’ve mentioned, Dead Dog Records also holds fan-tailored events giving you a chance to connect with other fans. While it may be lesser known than the other stores, be sure to add it to your list,

Bloor St. W location
📍 1277 Bloor St. W
🚇 Bloor St. West at Lansdowne Ave

Church St. location
📍 568 Church St.
🚇 Wellesley St. East at Church St.

4. Paramusic Records

Paramusic is one of the city’s smaller record stores. Previously located on Dundas St. East, it has recently moved to Bay St. I stumbled upon it while living in the city during my first year of university. It was just a five-minute walk from where I lived. I wandered in there one day, just curious to see what they had to offer. They carry vinyl, CDs, cassettes, and movies across a wide variety of genres. In addition, they even carry audio accessories and care supplies.

📍 595 Bay St.
🚇 Dundas St. West at Yonge St., or Dundas St. East at Yonge St.

That’s a wrap!

If you’re looking for a way to spend a free day, why not get lost in the vast collections of music this city has to offer? Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just beginning your vinyl journey, it certainly gets addicting once you start browsing. And don’t forget about the listening parties! They’re a great excuse to bring friends or go solo, and you might even walk away with some free merch. Either way, you’ll always be surrounded by others who share your love of music, and chances are you’ll end up making new friends along the way. It can be so much more than spending an afternoon browsing. It’s about discovering new music and finding a community of people who share your passion.