Welcome to Ivy’s Bookshop
EJ [right] of New Society Publishers pose with Megan Scott [left] outside the bookshop.
Since opening its doors in 1964, Ivy’s Bookshop has been “a neighbourhood bookstore located in the heart of Oak Bay Village.” Over the decades, it has grown into a beloved gathering place once described as “an island of hippie culture,” where ideas, stories, and people come together.
In its early years, the shop became a hub of literary and cultural activity in Victoria. Notable writers like Margaret Atwood, Robertson Davies, Farley Mowat, and John Mortimer passed through its doors. This history speaks to its longstanding place in the literary landscape.
Located on the unceded lands of the Lək̓ʷəŋən People, today represented by the Songhees Nation and the Esquimalt Nation, Ivy’s continues to honour its deep connection to place and community.
From tea breaks to author events, to spontaneous literary discussions, the store has long fostered the kind of engaged, thoughtful community that aligns closely with New Society’s mission of providing “tools for a world of change.”
Its legacy as a gathering place for literary voices and curious minds makes it a natural fit for readers who value connection, dialogue, and the enduring power of books to shape communities. Ivy’s is a space where culture is created and shared.
Next time you’re in Victoria, be sure to stop by Ivy’s Bookshop and experience a true neighbourhood classic.
