Bolen Books, founded in 1975, is an owner-operated family-run enterprise. At 19,800 square feet we are the largest independent bookstore in B.C.

Located in Hillside Centre, Bolen Books has grown from 850 sq. feet in our original location to our present size. Located near the university in a residential neighbourhood, our location is convenient to everyone in Victoria.

Bolen Books is a general interest bookstore with large sections dedicated to kids books, science fiction, cooking, travel, fiction & mystery. We also carry a wonderful selection of puzzles, games, toys and other gift products.

We have more than 50 staff members trained to help with your book-buying experience, whether it is a special order request or a recommendation of a new genre. Bolen Books staff are happy to help you 8:30 am to 9:00 pm Monday – Saturday and 8:30 am – 6:00pm on Sundays!

Our author signing and reading series are nationally known. We have hosted all types of authors, from literary giants like Margaret Atwood and Timothy Findley to hockey greats Jean Beliveau, Vladislav Tretiak and Eddie Shack to cooking entertainers like Anthony Bourdain and personal heroes like General Romeo Dallaire. Check out a full list of upcoming authors as well as autographed copies of books we have in stock here.

Bolen Books is pleased that Victorians have recognised our hard work & demand for excellence by regularly voting us the #1 bookstore in the city. We have also been nominated Bookseller of the Year by the Canadian Booksellers Association multiple times, and are proud to say we won the award in 1996 and 2007.