About Us

Bolen Books, founded in 1975 is an owner operated family run enterprise. At 19800 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 10:00 pm 7 days a week!

Our Book 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 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 Book Seller of the Year multiple times and are proud to say we won the award in 1996.

Bolen Books is a member of the Better Business Bureau, the Chamber of Commerce and the Canadian Association of Family Business.

Bolen Books takes your privacy seriously. For more information please see our Privacy Policy