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As an ice cream lover constantly seeking the creamiest and most decadent scoops, I set out to visit some of Canada’s most famous and best ice cream shops. After going from coast to coast and eating a lot of ice cream, here are my top five picks for the best ice cream in Canada.
Canadians know how to make ice cream! The wide range of ice cream brands and shops across the country will satisfy your cravings, whether you’re looking for a basic scoop or something a little more unusual. We’ve compiled a list of the best ice cream in Canada, featuring both well-known Canadian brands and lesser-known gems. This is your complete guide to the 12 greatest ice cream places in Canada!
Top Canadian-Owned Ice Cream Brands
Some of the most popular ice cream brands in Canada satisfy our sweet cravings and contribute to the economy. Let’s take a look at the delicious world of ice cream made by Canadians!
Dairy from Kawartha
Kawartha Dairy has been around since 1937 and is now a well-known company throughout Ontario and abroad. This family-run business is renowned for its old-fashioned ice cream. They have everything from rich chocolate and vanilla to seasonal tastes like pumpkin pie and maple walnut. They use fresh, local ingredients to make their ice cream, and they are proud of the ancient traditions that have been passed down through the years. If you live in Ontario, you must not miss Kawartha Dairy’s creamy, high-quality ice cream!
Ice Cream from Chapman
Chapman’s is another great Canadian ice cream shop. This Ontario-based firm has been around since 1973 and is proud to be one of the biggest independent ice cream makers in Canada. Chapman’s stands out because they care about quality, affordability, and welcoming everyone. They have a lot of dairy and non-dairy options, such as lactose-free ice cream, so everyone can find something they like. Chapman’s has something for everyone, whether you enjoy classic flavors like vanilla or more daring ones like caramel crunch.
Häagen-Dazs
Häagen-Dazs started in New York, but Canadians love it and have been providing high-quality ice cream all around the country for a long time. Häagen-Dazs is popular all around the world, and it has a significant presence in Canada. People love its rich, creamy texture and delicious taste. It might not be completely Canadian-owned, but its quality and indulgence make it a good choice for this list.
Creamery for Cows
Cows Creamery, which started on Prince Edward Island, is renowned for its fresh, creamy ice cream prepared with local ingredients. Their flavors are just as silly as their branding, with names like “Cowconut” and “Chocolate Cow-erload.” Cows Creamery is more than just a place to get wonderful ice cream; it’s also a Canadian experience with its strange stores and ice cream cones that seem to float. If you love ice cream, you have to go to Cows Creamery on PEI.
La Crème de la Crème
The Best of the Best La Crème de la Crème is the best location to go if you want a fancy ice cream experience. This business from Montreal makes artisanal ice cream with only the best ingredients. The smooth, rich textures and complex flavors (like tiramisu and pistachio) make this a dessert that seems both fancy and indulgent. If you want to take your ice cream experience to the next level, La Crème de la Crème is the place to go.
Natrel Lactose-Free Ice Cream
Natrel Lactose-Free Ice Cream is a tasty option for people who can’t eat dairy, as it is made without lactose. The goal of this Canadian company is to create delicious dairy-free ice cream. Their unique lactose-free mix uses real milk to give you a pleasant taste without the pain. The combination makes the texture thick and creamy. Natrel has many different tastes, from chocolate to vanilla, so everyone may enjoy a sweet scoop without any problems.
Scotsburn (Since 1880)
Since 1880, Scotsburn has been a key player in Canada’s dairy industry. This well-known company from Nova Scotia makes classic ice cream flavors with a modern twist. People recognize Scotsburn for its smooth, high-quality ice cream and the fact that it uses only fresh Canadian dairy products in every batch. Scotsburn always delivers, whether you like vanilla beans or want to sample their caramel swirl. Whether you’re a fan of vanilla bean or looking to try something like their vanilla caramel swirl, Scotsburn delivers every time.
Beavertails
Though famous for its deep-fried pastries, Beavertails also offers a delightful selection of ice cream that has become a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth. Available at their locations across Canada, Beavertails pairs their famous pastries with scoops of smooth, high-quality ice cream for an irresistible combination. You can even find some fun and unique flavors, such as cinnamon bun ice cream. Beavertails brings a fun twist to the Canadian ice cream scene.
Other Iconic Ice Cream Spots in Canada
There are many other ice cream shops in Canada that are worth visiting, but the Canadian-owned ones are some of the best. Canadians love to go to these famous places to get their ice cream.
Calgary’s Village Ice Cream
If you’re in Calgary, Village Ice Cream is the place to go for artisanal flavors made using ingredients from the area. This local favorite is known for its small-batch productions and unusual tastes like “Milk Chocolate with Almonds” and “Earl Grey.” It has a loyal following. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the ice cream is always creamy. This is a great place for dessert lovers to explore Calgary’s food scene.
Vancouver’s Milkcow Cafe
Milkcow Cafe is in the middle of Vancouver and is the best place to go if you want a chilled treat with a twist. This Korean-style soft-serve ice cream restaurant is all about fun and unique toppings. Their famous “Milky Cube,” which is a thick, smooth soft-serve topped with fluffy cotton candy or other sweet things, is a great photo opportunity. Milkcow Cafe is a must-see if you’re in Vancouver and want to do something different.
Kem CoBa in Montreal
There are a lot of great ice cream places in Montreal, and Kem CoBa is one of the greatest. This artisanal ice cream parlor is proud of how it mixes new flavors with old-fashioned methods. Kem CoBa has a lot of interesting flavors that go beyond what you would expect from regular ice cream. Some examples are lavender honey and fiery chili chocolate. This is the place to go if you want something that’s not quite normal.
Moo Shu Ice Cream in Ottawa
Moo Shu Ice Cream in Ottawa is all about trying new things and having fun with ice cream tastes. They have a huge selection, including some strange but unexpectedly tasty flavors like “Black Sesame” and “Matcha Red Bean.” Moo Shu wants to provide ice cream that is excellent quality and draws people together with its robust flavors and unusual textures. If you live in Ottawa or are just visiting, you have to go to Moo Shu for ice cream.
Quebec’s Chocolats Favoris
Chocolats Favoris is known for its rich, luscious ice cream and chocolate desserts. This one-of-a-kind store in Quebec sells ice cream that has been dipped in high-quality Belgian chocolate. There are many toppings and flavors to pick from, so it’s a treat for every chocolate fan. Chocolats Favoris combines the finest of both worlds: creamy ice cream and the luxury of gourmet chocolate. This makes for a treat that is both gratifying and indulgent.
Ontario’s London Ice Cream
If you’re in Ontario, London Ice Cream is the best spot to get a scoop of creamy, rich ice cream. London Ice Cream is known for using only the best ingredients and having a wide range of flavors. Each bite brings back memories of the past. This cute ice cream shop in Ontario is a must-visit, whether you’re getting a basic cone or one of their famous sundaes.
Last scoop
The ice cream landscape in Canada is full with long-standing traditions, new flavors, and hidden gems. There are plenty of tasty delicacies to fulfill your needs, from Canadian-owned businesses like Kawartha Dairy and Chapman’s Ice Cream to famous places like Village Ice Cream and Kem CoBa. These 12 ice cream shops in Canada have something for everyone, whether you like classic flavors or want to try something new. So go ahead and enjoy the sweet side of Canada by getting a scoop (or two).
Find the locations and pricing
| Brand Name | Approx Price (per scoop) | Description | Locations |
| Kawartha Dairy | $4 – $6 | Old-fashioned, rich ice cream made with local ingredients. Classic flavors and seasonal specials. | Ontario (Multiple locations) |
| Chapman’s Ice Cream | $3 – $5 | Independent brand offering affordable, quality ice cream with dairy and lactose-free options. | Ontario (Multiple locations) |
| Häagen-Dazs | $6 – $7 | The brand offers premium ice cream that emphasizes decadent, creamy textures and luxurious flavors. | National |
| Cows Creamery | $5 – $7 | Famous for quirky, creamy ice cream flavors made from local PEl ingredients. | Prince Edward Island |
| La Crème de la Crème | $6 – $8 | This classic ice cream brand from Nova Scotia is known for its smooth textures and the use of fresh Canadian dairy. | Montreal, Quebec |
| Natrel Lactose-Free Ice Cream | $4 – $6 | Lactose-free ice cream that provides creamy texture and classic flavors without the discomfort. | National (Multiple locations) |
| Scotsburn | $3 – $5 | like cinnamon bun pairs its famous fried pastries with rich ice cream, offering fun flavor combos like cinnamon bun. | Nova Scotia (Multiple locations) |
| Beavertails | $5 – $6 | Calgary offers artisanal ice cream made with locally sourced ingredients and creative flavors. | National (Multiple locations) |
| Village Ice Cream | $4 – $6 | Artisanal ice cream with locally sourced ingredients and creative flavors in Calgary. | Calgary, Alberta |
| Milkcow Cafe – Vancouver | $5 – $8 | This Ottawa-based ice cream shop offers adventurous and bold flavors, such as black sesame and matcha. | Vancouver, British Columbia |
| Kem CoBa | $5 – $7 | Artisanal Montreal-based ice cream with exciting, out-of-the-box flavor combinations. | Montreal, Quebec |
| Moo Shu Ice Cream | $5 – $7 | Ottawa-based ice cream spot offering adventurous, bold flavors like black sesame and matcha. | Ottawa, Ontario |
| Chocolats Favoris | $6 – $8 | Decadent ice cream dipped in Belgian chocolate, with many flavor and topping options in Quebec. | Quebec (Multiple locations) |
| London Ice Cream | $4 – $6 | Premium ice cream with a wide variety of flavors and nostalgic sundaes in Ontario. | Ontario, Canada. |
Top 5 Ice Cream Recommendations
1. Kawartha Dairy (Ontario)
A classic Canadian favorite offering rich, old-fashioned ice cream made with fresh, local ingredients.
2. Cows Creamery (Prince Edward Island)
Known for quirky, creamy flavors made from fresh PEI dairy, Cows Creamery is a must-try for both tourists and locals.
3. Village Ice Cream (Calgary)
This artisanal, small-batch ice cream prioritizes unique, locally sourced flavors, ensuring a fresh and creamy experience.
4. Chocolats Favoris (Québec)
Premium ice cream dipped in Belgian chocolate, offering a luxurious and indulgent treat for the chocolate lover in you.
5. Kem CoBa (Montreal)
This Montreal-based gem offers bold, adventurous flavors such as lavender honey and spicy chili chocolate, catering to the adventurous ice cream enthusiast.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re indulging in Kawartha Dairy’s classic flavors, exploring the artisanal creations at Village Ice Cream, or getting your chocolate fix at Chocolats Favoris, Canada has a treasure trove of ice cream spots that cater to every taste. These top 5 spots I’ve recommended are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and make any ice cream lover’s day. So, grab your cones and start tasting – it’s a Canadian ice cream adventure you won’t regret!
FAQs About Ice Cream in Canada
Q1: What is the best ice cream flavor in Canada?
The best flavor is really up to your taste! However, classics like chocolate, vanilla, and maple walnut (especially at Kawartha Dairy) are Canadian staples. For a more adventurous experience, try Kem CoBa‘s unique creations like Lavender Honey or Spicy Chili Chocolate.
Q2: Are there dairy-free or lactose-free options available in Canada?
Yes! Several Canadian ice cream brands offer dairy-free or lactose-free options. For example, Chapman’s Ice Cream and Natrel Lactose-Free Ice Cream both offer wonderful lactose-free alternatives that don’t sacrifice on taste or texture. So, if you’re lactose intolerant, you’ll still be able to enjoy creamy goodness!
Q3: Where can I discover the best ice cream in Quebec?
For a truly unforgettable ice cream experience in Quebec, Chocolats Favoris is the top contender. Their chocolate-dipped ice cream is a must-try! If you’re into artisanal ice cream with more experimental flavors, Kem CoBa in Montreal should definitely be on your radar.
Q4: What are some affordable ice cream options in Canada?
If you’re looking for something affordable without compromising on quality, both Chapman’s Ice Cream and Kawartha Dairy offer ice cream that’s delicious and budget-friendly. Prices typically range from $3 to $6 per scoop.
Q5: Which ice cream place in Canada has the most Instagram-worthy treats?
The most Instagram-worthy ice cream spot is Milkcow Cafe in Vancouver. Their Korean-style soft serve topped with fluffy cotton candy is both delicious and photogenic. It’s a fun, visually appealing treat that’s perfect for your feed!