I took note of Take Note when I was in The Junction a couple of Saturdays ago. I was parked steps away to have brunch with friends. I was early and checked the area out. This store is for folks who love to write, do calligraphy, or have a fondness for fountain pens and decent stationery. It is heaven and deadly. I decided not to go in. I knew that if I did, I'd be there for hours, wanting every fountain and calligraphy pen, and every ink imaginable. I love fountain and calligraphy pens. I am content with the pens that I have, so I did some window-browsing instead. I noticed Blackwing pencils on a desk close to the window. They aren't cheap! A single pencil will cost you $40. My not entering this store was a wise choice. Blackwing pencils are special in that they use high-quality graphite that rarely breaks. It is made of incense-cedar wood that makes sharpening it easy. There's a rectangular eraser on top, likely for flair. It's still crazy expensive for a pencil! If you are looking for a fancy writing instrument or quality paper, this store is for you. I was happy browsing from afar. If I do win the lottery, you'll find me here buying everything. (490) read more

See all

I went to Take Note to get a Hobonichi stencil for my planner. And I'm glad I did. I was able to see other brands not available in another stationery stores. Price range is okay, just think it saves you time and money from buying online or overseas. I also got a Pilot Calligraphy pen orange. And the best part is they wrapped my purchased, more ephemera for me to use on my journal. read more

See all

Wonderful establishment in the heart of junction. If you are into writing, calligraphy or just want to buy good quality stationary items as gift for someone, then this place is perfect for you. I also love their customer service. Always friendly and helpful. read more

Beautifully curated collection of notebooks and pens. Love the incense and brooches, too. Overall a tranquil little store in the junction with friendly staff and COVID-safe shopping experience! read more

Wow. Other stationery stores, take note. This is how you stock and run a stationary store. So many "specialty stationary" stores in Toronto (the majority of which reside on Queen Street West), have fancy paper, overpriced calendars and journals and generally kitschy stuff. You're hard pressed to find really good brand pens (like Lamy) or proper notebooks. Every store thinks they're "specialty" because they carry every damn brand of Moleskine and Rhodia notebooks. Sorry, but those are overpriced brands for casual note-takers. TAKE NOTE has actual legitimate brands of notebooks from all around the world: Maruman (which no other store in Toronto seems to carry), Calirefontaine, and even obscure brands like Shinola (which are all made in the USA) and Hobonichi! Talk about careful and precise curation of a shop. Their pen selection is also expansive. Seriously, Toronto needs to step up their pen game. Thankfully, Take Note has entered the ring with stellar products. And seriously, the best prices I've encountered. I buy all of my stationary from JetPens because of the limited options in this city and this store holds up to those prices and many times beats them. Super happy this moved into my hood. Will be returning. Here's the thing: people often argue I shouldn't buy all of my stuff online. And I shouldn't! I'm more than happy to support a local shop than be forced to go online. As long as those brick and mortar stores are like Take Note, I see no reason to go into cyberspace. read more

Love this assortment of great notebooks! Nice little shop that packs a lot of high quality products if you like high end stationary.

Take Note is a wonderful place. In our increasingly digital world, slowing down and enjoying the pleasure of a beautiful fountain pen or the feel of carefully crafted Japanese stationery in a rare treat. Send a handwritten thank you note to someone today - you'll be amazed at the response you will get! This store in the middle of the Junction is a labour of love for the owner - everything there is carefully curated. She's not going to become a gazillionaire from the proceeds of selling stationery and fine writing implements, which makes this store even more special. She is passionate about what she sells. Go today! You'll love your experience. read more

All hail The Junction. Sometimes when you really want something unique, you gotta' go a bit further for it. And this is a bit further for us downtowners who are used to 5 minute bike rides to everything, but let me tell you it's worth it. I've always been a fan of paper and pen stores and items, but it's much more of a niche market than it used to be so you have to look a bit harder to find them and those hidden gems. If you're here in Toronto and are looking for that, this is it. I walked in a little less than a half hour before they closed. Despite this, there was no hurry up from the staff. I told them I was glad to be there as I'd taken three streetcars or buses to get there and they smiled and welcomed me. The merchandise is something else. They carry a supreme collection of difficult to find designer and specialty brands that you won't find at Staples (with no disrespect to Staples). The woman who helped me was Jolanta, and she was extremely knowledgeable. She made picking out a good pen an experience instead of a formality. She spoke of the customization, technical points, whether or not it was a novice level pen or one that would be well liked by connoisseurs and bellied the benefits of each according to price, pragmatic qualities and just pure style. She asked me to try out the pens, so no rush purchase was made and hasty decisions were not made. I picked out two pens, a fountain cartridge Pilot and a Retro 1951 roller. Both very high quality and fairly priced. As a first time buyer, she advised me on what cartridges I could buy there or at other stores of need be (very useful info on a pinch) and even gave me a replacement cartridge for my Vintage 1951 so I wouldn't get left high and dry (so to speak ). I wish this store was closer to my apt, as it's got lots of cool things I'd want to buy. Shinola brand notebooks, cards, other foreign imported pens, and cool custom notebooks, paper and ink wells. This store is the best. You should go read more

Five stars for the products and service, three stars for the woman who works here who smells like she bathes exclusively in the heaviest perfume I've ever smelled and who has prevented me from staying every time I've tried to shop here. Can't shop if you can't breathe. read more

Great place; amazing customer service. I wish I lived in Toronto so I could go here every day!! Amazing and knowledgeable employees!!

Lovely, neat, delightful pen and stationery shop. Customer service was equally wonderful.

Frustrated with YELP, not with Take Note - it keeps saving this review with no stars not the FIVE STARS I want it to show. Take Note was only open 9 weeks when we passed by HAPPY accident. There are exquisite stationery items - Midori Travellers Notebook fans will not be disappointed - plus a lovely collection of inks and pens. The owner is a delight to speak with. Let's keep this place happily in business and, hey YELP, save my stars!!! read more

I have been into Take Note several times and have purchased notebooks and a couple of Fountain Pens. The store carries quality paper, pens and inks at very fair prices. The staff are very helpful and knowledgeable. As someone who loves using fountain pens and lots of different inks, this place is dangerous! It is well worth the effort to check out this store! read more