Best ice cream parlours in Ontario
Dolce Gelato | Destination Ontario
Whether you prefer soft ice cream, hard ice cream, sugar cone, waffle cones or a specialty ice cream with sprinkles on top, there are so many delicious ice cream parlours to visit this summer. The difficult part is deciding which flavour you want.
Here are some ice cream parlours in Ontario you should visit during ice cream season.
Tip: be sure to bring cash and a debit card in case they are the only payment accepted. Also, be sure to check business hours before you visit.
Greater Toronto Area (GTA)
Eds Real Scoop
Small batch ice cream is available at the three Toronto locations of Ed’s Real Scoop. The original ice cream parlour opened over twenty years ago in Toronto’s Beaches neighbourhood. That location is approximately a twenty-minute walk from Key Balmy Beach.
Locations:
The Beach, 2224 Queen Street East, Toronto
Roncesvalles, 189 Roncesvalles Avenue, Toronto
Mimico, 2370 Lakeshore Boulevard West, Etobicoke
Ice Creamonology
Experience the bold burst of ice cream flavours prepared in small batches. The ice cream at Ice Creamonology is made with fresh ingredients and seasonal fruits. You're in for a treat in Toronto's Harbourfront neighbourhood.
Location: 250 Queens Quay West, Toronto
Eva's Original Chimneys
Try the chimney cones at Eva for something unique. The yummy hand-rolled Hungarian pastry can be filled with ice cream. There are also vegan alternatives available.
Locations:
Toronto, 454 Bloor Street West, Toronto
Port Credit, 53 Lakeshore Road East, Port Credit
Square One, 100 City Centre Drive, Mississauga
Dolce Gelato
Specializing in delicious gelato cones available in three Toronto locations, including Kensington Market. If you love cones choose between a sugar cone, a cookie cone or a waffle cone. Then you’ll need to decide on the right gelato flavour from the seasonal rotating list of flavours.
Locations:
Kensington Market, 234 Augusta Avenue, Toronto
Danforth, 414 Danforth Avenue, Toronto
College, 697 College Street, Toronto
Bang Bang Ice Cream & Bakery
Located in Toronto’s trendy Ossington neighbourhood, delicious ice cream sandwiches and fun flavours have made this one of the city’s favourite spots.
Location: 93A Ossington Avenue, Toronto
Dutch Dreams
It’s worth the inevitable wait in line to be served at this landmark ice cream parlor, just south of St Clair Avenue West. The outlandish décor matches their decadent cones, cups and flavours.
Location: 36 Vaughan Road, Toronto
Murphy’s Ice Cream Parlour
Surprise your taste buds with the new flavours unveiled at Mississauga’s iconic ice cream parlour. There’s always an element of surprise on the flavours and toppings. Murphy’s Ice Cream Parlour is located in Mississauga’s Streetsville, where you can take in summer entertainment while enjoying an ice cream cone on a warm summer day.
Location: 9 Main Street, Mississauga
Kawarthas and Northumberland
Kawartha Dairy
Founded in Bobcaygeon, Kawartha Lakes Dairy is one of the most beloved ice cream makers in Ontario. It is available in many locations across the province. Stop by the Bobcaygeon store to experience where the love, pride and care for this ice cream began.
Location: 89 Prince Street West, Bobcaygeon
Central Smith Creamy
If you come across a red-roofed ice cream shop near Lindsay Highway in Peterborough, head over for a scoop or two of ice cream. Made with 100% Canadian dairy, the ice cream flavours at Central Smith Creamy change often. The ice cream is also Kosher certified.
Location: 739 Lindsay Road, Selwyn
Niagara Region
Avondale Dairy Bar
Ice cream is handmade every day in small batches at Avondale Dairy Bar. You can buy a litre of your favourite ice cream to take home. Limited quantities are available, so get some before it sells out.
Location: 461 Stewart Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Hometown Ice Cream
Just a short drive from Highway 406, Hometown Ice Cream proudly produces ice cream, sorbets, sherbets and baked goods from scratch. They are also open all year round, so you can enjoy ice cream every season.
Hamilton, Halton and Brant
Dairee Delite
Enjoy the retro vibes on a visit to Brantford’s iconic Dairee Delite. It’s been around since the 1950s. Non-dairy ice cream is also available in addition to dairy-free and vegan toppings. Check out the online menu for the latest additions.
Location: 10 King George Road, Brantford
Willard's Ice Cream
Willard’s takes pride in making ice cream in small batches with simple ingredients. They’ve experienced with all sorts of innovative flavours and have had success with ice cream flavours such as Black Licorice and Bubble Gum.
Location: 942 Main Street East, Hamilton
The Purple Pony Ice Cream Shop
Get your hard scoop ice cream at the Purple Pony Ice Cream Shop. The small garage converted into an ice cream parlour is a favourite with kids. It offers the playful kid friendly atmosphere and it’s close to Tiffany Falls Conservation Area.
Location: 346 Wilson Street East, Ancaster
La Creme De La Creme Creamery Inc.
The soft ice cream at La Creme De La Creme Creamery Inc. is well-loved in Burlington. If you're in the city centre, stop by to order the vanilla ice cream and top it with one of 18 delicious dips.
Location: 389 John Street, Burlington
OMG Ice Cream & Frozen Treats
You can find soft serve and hard ice cream cones at OMG Ice Cream. Dips include Chocolate, Cake Batter, Cotton Candy and Blue Raspberry. Ice cream flavour combinations and dairy-free options are available.
Locations:
1047 King Street West, Hamilton
122 Colborne Street West, Brantford
La Dolce Vita
Choose from over 100 hand-made flavours with featured seasonal specials at the first 100% plant-based gelato shop in Ontario.
Location: 22 Lakeshore Road West, Oakville
Huron, Perth, Waterloo and Wellington
Four All Ice Cream
If you’re in Uptown Waterloo and you’re in the mood to explore places like Waterloo Public Square or the Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery, pop into nearby Four All Ice Cream for a delicious ice cream cone. They work with small farmers and use local ingredients to produce ice cream in small batches. If you can’t make it to the store, there are various retail stores in Guelph and Toronto that carry Four All Ice Cream products.
Location: 75 King Street South Unit 56, Waterloo
JENN and Larry's Ice Cream Shoppe
Stratford’s retro themed ice cream parlour is just a short walk from boat rentals and a stroll around the Avon River. Choose from their wide selection of soft serve ice cream. They also serve floats, milk shake, organic yogurt, ice cream cake and peanut brittle. There are also vegan options.
Location: 49 York Street, Stratford
Scooper’s Ice Cream
Another family-owed ice cream shop in Stratford is Scooper’s Ice Cream. They sell hard ice cream in many flavours. The signature waffle cones are made from scratch and have a marshmallow treat at the bottom of the cone.
Location: 28 Erie Street, Stratford
Mapleton's Organic Dairy
Enjoy nut-free and gluten free ingredients in flavours such as vanilla, chocolate, cappuccino, ginger, mint chocolate chip, vanilla chocolate chip, raspberry, chai and dandelion. Visit the farm and buy your favourite flavour of ice cream at the farm store.
Location: 8548 Wellington Road 7, R.R.1, Moorfield
Grey, Bruce and Simcoe
Mr. Norm’s Nephew
Mr. Norm’s Nephew has been in Wasaga Beach for over 40 years. Make your own ice cream combination featuring fruits, cookies and chocolate.
Location: 1004 Mosely Street, Wasaga Beach
Grandma's Beach Treat
There's a reason why Grandma's Beach Treat attracts long lineups. In addition to the award-winning butter tarts and mouth-watering baked goods, there's a wide selection of ice cream to enjoy.
Location: 1014 Mosley Street, Wasaga Beach
Pom Pom Treat Hut
Soft serve and hard scoop ice cream are available at Pom Pom Treat Hut. They also produce nearly zero waste products. Among the variety of vegan options, enjoy Blue Lavendar, Peach Bourban, Tumeric and Birthday Cake. Dairy ice cream flavours include Pistachio Toasted Almond, Maple Walnut and Nanaimo Bar. The flavours change often, so it’s a good idea to check ahead that your favourite flavour is in stock before you visit.
Location: 6 Bruce Street North, Thornbury
Tomboi Artisan Ice Cream
Indulge in artisanal Australian-style ice cream made onsite. You’ll want to visit often as the menu changes with new signature flavours.
Location: 312 Queen Street South, Paisley
Ottawa
The Beachconers
A short walk from Ottawa’s Britannia Beach, Beachconers produces small batch ice cream. Popular flavours include Nutella. Dairy-free ice cream options are also available.
Location: 273 Britannia Road, Ottawa
The Merry Dairy
Merry Dairy started as an ice cream truck over a decade ago. Today it has a fierce following of loyal ice cream lovers. The Merry Dairy ice cream cones are as Instagram worthy as they are delicious. With flavours such as Vegan Trash Panda and Earl Grey Shortbread you know their cones are packed with a lot of flavour and passion.
Location: 102 Fairmont Avenue, Ottawa
Moo Shu Ice Cream
Try the bubble waffle at Moo Shu Ice Cream. It’s a popular, plant-based and dairy free street food from Hong Kong. This cone can be filled with a couple of scoops of any desired ice cream. Regular flavours include Vegan Chocolate and Local Strawberry. Check often for new flavours.
Location: 477 Bank Street, Ottawa
Southeastern Ontario
Pump House Creamery
Pump House Creamery is a short distance from Gananoque 1000 Islands Visitor Centre. Enjoy a scoop or three of ice cream and gelato flavours. The ice cream is freshly churned with milk that comes from grass fed cows.
Location: 2 King Street East, Gananoque
White Mountain Homemade Ice Cream
Home made ice cream is produced daily with all natural ingredients and no artificial colours at White Mountain Homemade Ice Cream. Check back regularly to find out the latest flavours or stop by the store and check out the production board at the back of the store.
Location: 176 Ontario Street, Kingston
The Opinicon
The historic Opinicon sits along the legendary Rideau Canal at Chaffeys Lock. There’s a 1950 ice cream parlour inside the hotel. Sit down and enjoy the ice cream selections in the parlour. You can also grab a seat on the patio to enjoy the views and summer atmosphere.
Location: 1697 Chaffeys Lock Road, Elgin
Slickers County Ice Cream
A road trip through The County isn’t complete until you’ve been to Slickers Ice Cream. Ice cream enthusiasts will appreciate taking home the ice cream in litres and half litre tub containers. Campfire Cream is a nod to S’mores with a twist and is an overwhelming favourite flavour. It’s always in stock, along with Rhubarb Ginger and Apple Pie. Other flavours are rotated between the Picton and Bloomfield ice cream parlours.
Locations:
Picton, 232 Main Street, Picton
Bloomfield, 271 Main Street, Bloomfield
Southwestern Ontario
Twin's Ice Cream Parlour
There are over 40 different flavours of ice cream to try at Twin’s Ice Cream Parlour. It has an old fashioned aura from its exterior décor. Inside you will see a variety of memorabilia. Enjoy a homemade waffle cone while before exploring the pretty town of Port Rowan.
Location: 1028 Bay Street, Port Rowan
Ice Cream Galore
Living up to its name, there’s no shortage of ice cream flavours at Ice Cream Galore. You can indulge in various plant-based flavours such as Cotton Candy, Apple Pie, Cookies N’ Cream and Vanilla Bean if you want dairy-free options. They also have vegan waffle cones. Ice Cream Galore is a short drive from Canatara Beach & Park.
Location: 105 St Clair St, Point Edward
Shaw’s Ice Cream
Shaw’s has what you need if you like old fashioned ice cream. An iconic fixture in St. Thomas, this shop has been around since 1948. Fans will travel far for the ice cream at this popular ice cream parlour.
Location: 6598 Sunset Road, St. Thomas
Waterfront Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt
Voted the #1 Ice Cream Parlour in Essex County, Waterfront Ice Cream produces hard ice cream and soft serve ice cream. Gelato, frozen yogurt and specialty ice cream, such as lactose-free and sugar-free ice cream, are also available. The gazebo is a popular place to enjoy a cool summer treat.
Location: 229 Dalhousie Street, Amherstburg
Broderick's Ice Cream Parlour
After enjoying the beach at Port Stanley Beach, take a stroll to Broderick’s for a delicious ice cream cone. It has an old-fashioned vibe and cozy small-town atmosphere. The pleasant smell of the homemade waffle cones is truly enticing.
Location: 290 Bridge Street, Port Stanley
Sugar Shack
From mini melts, frozen yogurt to ice cream and soft serve ice cream, Sugar Shack has something for your sweet cravings. Conedips are also available. Cotton Candy and Blue Raspberry have been popular conedip flavours.
Location: 1645 Dufferin Avenue, Wallaceburg
Udderly Ridiculous
The goat milk ice cream from Udderly Ridiculous has won numerous awards. It has also won the hearts of many ice cream lovers. Popular flavours include vanilla bean and lavender, a peachy mango and a delicious coffee craft beer blend.
Location: 906200 Township Road 12, Bright
Northern Ontario
Buttercup Ice Creamery
Serving hard scoop and soft serve, Buttercup Ice Creamery also sells hot and cold food and is open year round. Dairy-free options are also available, as well as bubble tea.
Location: 67 Main Street, Kagawong (Manitoulin Island)
Lock City Dairies
Located near the John Rowswell Hub Trail, Lock City Dairies is the perfect place to stop and cool off after biking or hiking. You’ll want to snap a photo in front of the landmark of the whimsical balancing cows that’s hard to miss.
Location: 938 McNabb Street, Sault Ste. Marie
The Big Moose Ice Cream Parlour
The home of Murphy the Mascot has many flavours for you try during ice cream season.
Homemade waffle cones are a hit with ice cream patrons. Find out what will be this season’s popular ice cream. Don’t forget to head over to the Bear Patch to take some photos.
Location: 1332 Great Northern Road, Sault Ste. Marie
Flurple’s
You can’t miss the upbeat external décor of Flurple, a vegan ice cream parlour with a wide selection of soft serve ice cream. They are located close to two another vegan establishments, Beard’s Bakery & Coffee Bar and Tucos Taco Lounge.
Location: 593 Kathleen Street, Greater Sudbury
Central Ontario
If you love generous scoops of ice cream, you should visit Enniskillen General Store to enjoy the Big Baby Ice Cream. There are also locations in Bowmanville, Oshawa and Peterborough.
Location : 7851 Old Scugog Road, Enniskillen
Last updated: August 22, 2023