Our story

More than a place to buy books—a home for the people who love them

Nestled behind the General Store in the charming town of Nottawa, our cozy cottage is a haven for book lovers and seekers of tranquillity alike. Step inside to browse our shelves, swap stories with fellow readers, and take a moment to slow down.

Est. 2024 Nottawa, Ontario
The founders of Nottawa Cottage Bookstore
Meet the founders

Two proud book nerds from Creemore

Our founders grew up in Creemore, just a stone's throw from Nottawa. We carefully curate each title—ensuring that every visit to the store is an adventure in itself—and we're not afraid to show the dorky side, especially when geeking out over a new favourite.

What started as a love of the little things in life became a tiny shop in the cottage out back, where the kettle's always on and there's a seat saved for you.

“We share your love of the little things—and there's nothing quite like losing yourself in a good book in a cozy cottage.”
From the very first book

How the cottage came to be

2024

The cottage out back opens

Two book nerds who grew up in Creemore open a tiny shop in the cottage behind the historic Nottawa General — every title chosen by hand.

Early 2025

Our programs take root

The Swan Society membership and the Sunday Letter Project launch, alongside discounts for educators and our Literary Concierge for local hotels and B&Bs.

April 2025

Our first Independent Bookstore Day

We pull out all the stops for Canadian Independent Bookstore Day — the first of what's become a yearly cottage celebration.

2025

More ways to read along

The Cottage Experience quarterly subscription box launches, and free local delivery rolls out to Collingwood, Stayner, Creemore, and Wasaga Beach.

Late 2025

A full calendar of gatherings

Book clubs, author afternoons, and seasonal gift guides turn the cottage into a year-round gathering place for readers.

2026

New Business of the Year

We receive the Clearview Chamber of Commerce's 2025 New Business of the Year award — an honour we share with every reader who's walked the garden path.

March 2026

A little quiet company

Our first Silent Book Club brings readers together for tea, cookies, and time with their own books — a quiet new way to feel at home at the cottage.

March 2026

Book-fair joy, all grown up

We take the books beyond the garden gate for a Grown-Up Book Fair at Side Launch Brewing Company, bringing readers, local makers, food, and live music together.

August 2026

Our readers make their picks

We invite Swan Society members to share a favourite book through Swan Selections, giving our reading community a hand in what we recommend next.

August 2026

A monthly note from the stacks

The Cottage Bulletin begins — a little dispatch filled with what we're reading, things that bring us joy, and news from the cottage. Best enjoyed with something warm.

September 2026

A shelf of your own

We introduce our For you page — a little cottage matchmaking online, with book recommendations shaped by the reads and reviews you've shared with us.

October 10, 2026

Wealthsimple spotlight

Wealthsimple features Nottawa Cottage Bookstore in its app as part of October's Monthly Millionaire spotlight on Canadian small businesses.

What you'll find inside

A guaranteed-good-read, a warm seat, and a little something to take home

A curated selection of books

A curated selection

Shelves stocked with guaranteed good reads, handpicked by our discerning staff.

A cozy reading spot on the porch

A cozy atmosphere

Curl up by the crackling fireplace or bask in the sun on the patio — there's a perfect spot for every reader.

Fine books and gifts with a latte

Fine books & gifts

Beyond the books, a warm range of stationery, candles, and gifts for the literature lover in your life.

Our promise

We're here to help you find your next favourite book, share in your excitement over a newly discovered author, or simply offer a peaceful retreat from the bustle of everyday life.

Come visit us, grab a seat, and let's geek out over books together.

More ways to belong

Programs from the cottage

The Sunday Letter Project

The Sunday Letter Project

Commit to quiet time each Sunday — find a pen-pal through our cozy letter-writing program, with us as your Letter-Keeper.

Learn more
The Swan Society membership

The Swan Society

15% off all orders, free shipping, and a few more little perks for our members. 🬢

Join the society
Schools and libraries discount

Schools & libraries

A 15% discount for the people who bring stories to life — teachers, librarians, and schools.

Apply for discount
From our readers

A home away from home

★★★★★

“It is always a joy to pop in to this amazing little bookstore — it's like entering your favourite reading corner, filled with warmth and amazing reads!”

Tara M. · Verified buyer
★★★★★

“A fairytale cottage in the trees…with books! It really is a dream come true.”

Kathy T. · Verified buyer
★★★★★

“The care and attention to detail carries into their online orders too — the book was beautifully wrapped. They treat their online customers with the same care as their in-person ones.”

Kathryn B. · Verified buyer
Come visit

The bookstore out back

You'll find us in the cottage tucked behind the Nottawa General. Follow the garden path, mind the hydrangeas, and let yourself in—we'd love to see you.

Behind the Nottawa General
Nottawa, Ontario, Canada
Tuesday–Sunday, 10am–6pm
Closed Monday
Get directions
The bookstore out back, behind the garden gate