I Scream, You Scream, Vegans and Gluten Freer’s Scream too. It’s National Ice Cream Day on Sunday! We heard it! That’s why we’ve rounded up the best places to get your cold treats around Metro Vancouver.
We have the scoop on the best places to treat your ice cream-loving hearts, including vegan and dairy-free options. We like our ice cream to be inclusive!
>> Five places to grab a milkshake!
Scoops, Bars and Sandwiches in YVR
Mister – Artisan Ice Cream
Liquid nitrogen ice cream? Think richer, creamier, made-from-scratch deliciousness with natural ingredients sourced from local farmers. This is one ice cream shop you won’t want to miss! Located in Yaletown, a short walk from the Roundhouse Community Centre and oceanside David Lam Park.
1141 Mainland St, Vancouver
La Casa Gelato
Guess who just celebrated their 40th anniversary? This list would not be complete without mentioning this legendary gelateria on Venables. Open until 11 pm seven days a week, you can always count on La Casa to satisfy a late-night craving. With 238 flavours, half the fun is finding your favourite and daring a sample of Durian, Purple Yam, Wasabi, or Pear Gorgonzola.
1033 Venables St, Vancouver
Glenburn Soda Fountain & Confectionery
Glenburn Soda Fountain & Confectionery is a classic must-visit treat shop. Hop on their mailing list so you don’t miss their latest sweet concoctions. Glenburn has it all, in a cup, in a cone, shaken, or floated- everyone will find their sweet symphony of flavours.
4090 Hastings St, Burnaby
Banter Ice Cream
Based in Abbotsford, Banter was inspired by a love for light-hearted conversation and really good ice cream. All of their ice cream is made in-house, and they source as many ingredients from the Fraser Valley as possible. With flavours like Blueberry Basil and Strawberry Elderflower, this is truly ice cream worth talking about!
33660 South Fraser Way, Abbotsford
Welcome Parlour
Serving naturally delicious, hand-crafted, small batch artisan ice cream is a time-honoured tradition for this North Vancouver joint located in the super cool Shipyards. Dig into a flight of fresh flavours! Feeling nostalgic? Share a milkshake, batch of candy, or ice cream float and watch the world go by. Open every day in the summer!
125 Victory Ship Way #126, North Vancouver
With Vegan Options, Vegan, Dairy Free, and yep…Gluten Free!
Rain or Shine
Fresh, natural, sustainable whole ingredients are what define this family-owned gem. By partnering with local suppliers, Rain or Shine creates unique flavours like Coffee Toffee (with freshly roasted JJ Bean espresso beans) or Blueberry Balsamic (with organic blueberries from Hazelmere Organics Farms in Surrey and balsamic vinegar from the Vancouver Olive Oil Company). Check out their vegan, gluten-free and egg-free options at any of their three locations!
3382 Cambie St, Vancouver
1926 W 4th Ave, Vancouver
6001 University Blvd, Vancouver
Earnest Ice Cream
Legions of fans can’t be wrong. And if they are, we don’t wanna be right. The standard by which all artisanal ice cream is measured, Earnest Ice Cream is a must for ice cream fans. Local ingredients, insanely original combinations (as in the aforementioned), summer isn’t complete without a visit to Earnest.
3992 Fraser St, Vancouver
1829 Quebec St, Vancouver
127 W 1st St, North Vancouver
Innocent Ice Cream
We love this adorable, gluten-free ice cream sandwich shop! Handmade, all natural flavours such as Coconut Rose, Chai, and Mystic, the Unicorn Ice Cream Sandwich (pictured) paired with non-dairy, egg-free cookies are a dream come true. Can’t make up your mind? Order a flight of minis – perfect for kids and sharing. Located on Main Street, it’s a convenient stop on your way to Queen Elizabeth Park or Nat Bailey Stadium.
4895 Main St, Vancouver
Say Hello Sweets!
Possibly the cutest and best non-dairy ice cream in Vancouver. Lemon Squeezy, Mint to Be, Monkey’s Uncle, Meet your Matcha – even the offerings have cute names. Make sure you check out their ice cream sandwich and ice cream cake section, too.
620 Quebec St, Vancouver
Honorable Mention
It’s not shop but I can’t pass up mentioning the Strawberry Cloud Ice Cream at Maan Farms. Get it while the season lasts.
Did we miss your favourite cold treat shop? Let us know or tag us at #vancouvermom so we can add it to our running list of must visit ice cream shops.
