We don't know about you, but we're ready for ice cream season! BentallGreenOak Residential Services has a list of the best ice cream shops in your Canadian city. Be sure to check them out this summer!
Burlington
If you're looking for a great ice cream place in Burlington, visit Kelly's Bake Shoppe. Here you'll find soft serve, hard ice cream tubs and ice cream sandwiches. They are also vegan and gluten free. Another shop worth checking out is La Creme de la Creme Creamery. They're known for their soft serve ice cream and 18 flavours of Belgian chocolate!
Calgary
At Amato Gelato, you can enjoy classic Italian gelato. Choose from 70 flavours and over 20 dairy-free options. If you're hanging out in Kensington, be sure to check it out. Head over to Parkdale and stop by Leavitt's Ice Cream Shop. This family-run shop has been around since the 1980's and serves 30 different ice cream flavours and sorbets. It's a great place if you have food restrictions because they have dairy-free and sugar-free options.
Edmonton
If you love ice cream and milkshakes, pay a visit to the Ice Cream Shack in Sherwood Park. Try outrageous flavours like black licorice, chocolate cheesecake or espresso chocolate fudge. Another gem is Famoso Pizzeria. Whether you're craving something sweet after dinner, or you're simply craving a scoop of ice cream, you can't go wrong with this place. Choose from a variety of flavours and expect classic Italian-style ice cream.
Hamilton
It's prime ice cream season and Hamilton is a good place to be if you're in search of the best scoop. Don't miss The Purple Pony -- a charming shop set up in a garage. Catch some rays on their small patio and enjoy Kawartha Dairy ice cream. Another shop worth mentioning is Sprinkles On Top. You can get Kawartha ice cream, with or without a decked-out waffle cone or in a classic sundae. It's a great place to take the kids -- they will love the sprinkles, candy and toys which can be added to any ice cream order!
Kitchener
If you're up for trying out some interesting flavours, be sure to stop by Four All Ice Cream. Not only do they have unique flavours, but they also have classic flavours -- so there's truly something for everyone. You can get a scoop, or two, of Salted Caramel Swirl, MadCat Espresso, Cardamom Honey, Coconut Cream Pie and many others! They also have vegan options. Another shop worth mentioning is Indulge. They serve fresh waffle cones, classic ice cream flavours and large portions.
Langley
When you're craving something sweet, be sure to check out Maria's Gelato.You'll find classic gelato flavours as well as vegan and gluten-free options. Daily Scoop is another great option -- serving up gelato flavours like salted caramel, rocky road, nanaimo bar and more. The shop has a cozy atmosphere inside and a cute patio outside.
Markham
The Old Firehall Confectionery is a must-visit in Markham! This iconic landmark shop serves up artisanal chocolates, freshly-pressed waffle cones, Kawartha Dairy ice cream, cold stone ice cream, soft serve and a ton of toppings! They also have options for folks with food allergies. Another great spot is Tendou Matcha & Dessert. This shop specializes in matcha and black-sesame soft serve ice cream and all their ingredients come from Japan. It's worth a visit -- especially if you're looking for something different.
Montreal
How does one choose the best ice cream shop when in Montreal? It's nearly impossible. At Dalla Rose, all your ice cream dreams can come true. You can mix ice cream and cookies or try some really unique flavours that change with the seasons. Hoche Glacé is the perfect spot for vegans. Everything on the menu is dairy-free, using coconut ice cream as a substitute.You can enjoy anything from ice cream scoops to sundaes and ice cream sandwiches.
New Westminster
If you're searching for the best ice cream in New Westminster, check out Tre Galli Gelato Cafe. This family-run spot serves homemade Italian ice cream plus other Italian desserts, food and coffee drinks. You also can't go wrong with Marble Slab Creamery. Expect a ton of flavours, toppings and freshly-made cones.
North York
Don't miss Nanashake in North York! They serve vegan, soft serve ice cream that's made fresh every day. Choose from a variety of flavours including some unique ones like Rosey Pistachio, Spiced Date or Mango Madness. They also have ice-cream in popsicle form and ice cream sandwiches. Another great place is Ice n' Shake, which is a small cafe that serves gelato, crepes, waffles and coffee. Enjoy your gelato in a cup or cone or try a banana split!
Oakville
The Flavour Fox is a must try in Oakville. It's a dessert and coffee shop that serves up some amazing homemade gelato. A few flavours to try include Nutella, Birthday Cake and Pink Grapefruit. Check out La Dolce Vita for a wide range of flavours and a ton of vegan options. Here you can have anything from gelato pops to gelato cakes and milkshakes. Yum!
St. Albert
For a unique ice cream experience, visit Scoop n Roll. This is Canada's first rolled ice cream shop and it's made right in front of your eyes. They have dairy and vegan flavours and a ton of toppings and mix-ins including fruits, nuts and candy. Another not-to-miss ice cream shop is DaVinci Gelato. Everything is made from Canadian dairy and they have vegan options, too. Something really unique about this place is their Boozy Gelato, which is ice cream with 5% alcohol. Sounds like the perfect way to cool off on a hot summer's day!
Toronto
There's a great ice cream shop in almost every neighbourhood in Toronto, but we've selected a few of our favourites. If you're near Bay and Bloor, you must try Summer's Ice Cream. It's a family-owned business, specializing in homemade ice cream and waffle cones. Try the espresso chocolate and double fudge brownie! They also serve frozen yogurt and sorbet, but their ice cream is the specialty! Another fantastic place is Greg's Ice-Cream. They are located in the Annex and in the Distillery District and are known for their many flavours -- 100 to be exact. Some of the most popular flavours include Roasted Marshmallow and Grape Nut. You can go nuts with toppings and choose anything from hot fudge to whipped cream.
Vancouver
It's finally warm enough for ice cream and Vancouver has some amazing ice cream shops worth checking out. You won't be disappointed with the flavour and quality at Rise and Shine. Not only is the ice cream homemade with sustainable ingredients, but they have classic and interesting flavours which change every month. A few flavours include Honey Lavender, Coffee Toffee, Cracked Mint and London Fog. And if you're looking for great vegan options, stop by Umaluma. All the ice cream is dairy free and flavours include Panda (vanilla and chocolate), Drunken Cherry (cherries and pecans) and Waffle You Waiting For (gluten-free waffle cone, vanilla and caramel), just to name a few.
Waterloo
If you're looking for a great ice cream place in Waterloo, visit Scoop du Jour.This ice cream truck serves different flavours every month with generous portion sizes. It's the perfect place to cool off on a hot summer day. You also can't go wrong with Marble Slab Creamery, serving 50 different ice cream flavours and other desserts. The process is unique too -- first you pick the ice cream and the mixins, then everything is mixed together on a super cold marble slab to create a unique scoop. You can enjoy it in a cup or cone!
We hope you enjoyed these ice cream shop suggestions in your Canadian city! BentallGreenOak wishes you a sweet summer!
For information on BentallGreenOak properties across Canada, please visit our website.