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The 9 Must-Visit Ice Cream Parlors in Ontario
If you’re anything like us, you know that ice cream isn’t just a summer fling—it’s a year-round love affair. And when it comes to finding the creamiest, dreamiest scoops, Ontario is a gold mine!
We’ve scoured the province, from big city nooks to quaint small-town gems, to bring you our top 9 must-visit ice cream parlors. Whether you’re into classic vanilla or daring flavors that push the boundaries of your taste buds, we’ve got the scoop on where to find your next frozen treat.
So, grab a spoon (or two) and let’s dive into Ontario’s coolest spots for ice cream that are worth every lick!
Honey’s Ice Cream
Address: 1448 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1Y6, Canada
Contact Details: +14166720479
Website: https://honeysicecream.ca/
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday 2 to 9 PM; Saturday and Sunday 12 to 9 PM
Honey’s Ice Cream in Toronto is a haven if you love cold treats that are creamy and healthy. This premium plant-based ice cream parlor scoops out joy with a rotating selection of 12 flavors daily, ensuring there’s always something new to tantalize your taste buds.
And for those with dietary restrictions, you’ll be delighted to know that Honey’s offers a plethora of gluten-free options, making it a guilt-free indulgence for just about everyone.
Imagine walking into Honey’s and being greeted by the aroma of freshly prepared, 100% vegan ice cream.
The flavors of the month might include the decadent Black Forest Cake, the nutty delight of Mixed Nuts, or the Canadian classic Nanaimo Bar. Each scoop is a testament to Honey’s commitment to quality and flavor, without compromising on ethical standards.
| Pro Tip: Dive into the full Honey’s experience by trying their unique ice cream pies or grab a pint of your favorite flavor to savor at home. And if you’re looking for a sweet gift, Honey’s merch and gift cards are as delightful as their ice cream. |
Pump House Creamery
Address: 2 King St E, Gananoque, ON K7G 1E6, Canada
Contact Details: +16138934680
Website: https://www.pumphouse-creamery.com/
Operating Hours: Monday and Tuesday, closed; Wednesday to Thursday 11 AM to 7 PM; Friday and Saturday 11 Am to 8 PM; Sunday 11 AM to 6 PM
If you’re around the Gananoque 1000 Islands area, you’ve got to check out Pump House Creamery—it’s super close to the Visitor Centre.
You can grab a scoop of classic flavors or try something new—they’ve got a bunch of choices. Ever tried Maple Bacon Crunch or Lavender Honeycomb?
The best part? They make their ice cream with milk from happy, grass-fed cows right from the local farms. Plus, they whip up the ice cream in small batches, so it’s always fresh.
Plus, by enjoying a scoop (or, let’s be real, three scoops) there, you’re helping out the local farmers and keeping things green, which is pretty cool.
| Pro Tip: For the ultimate Pump House experience, visitors should ask for the “Flavor Flight,” a sampler of several flavors that allows one to indulge in a spectrum of the Creamery’s best without having to choose just one. |
Dairee Delight
Address: 10 King George Rd, Brantford, ON N3R 5J7, Canada
Contact Details: +15197530551
Website: http://www.daireedelite.ca/
Operating Hours: Daily 7 AM to 10 PM
Let’s take a trip down memory lane to ’53, when Dairee Delite first opened up. This isn’t just your average ice cream joint; it’s a place with a history as rich as its flavors.
Picture this: simple, delicious cones, over-the-top banana splits, scrumptious strawberry shortcakes, and those iconic chocolate twists that’ll have you coming back for more.
It all kicked off as Koster’s Cream-EEE-Freeze, nestled on the corner of Brant and Bedford, until ’65 rolled around.
And here’s an interesting scoop you don’t hear every day— the original stand was actually up for grabs in a poker game. Twice! It switched owners right there at the table.
The second winner had a stroke of genius and moved the stand from the Brantford Mall lot to its current spot in the Home Hardware plaza on St. Paul Avenue.
| Pro Tip: When you drop by for a cone, don’t forget to stamp your Brantford Great Taste of Ontario passport. It’s your tasty ticket to remembering the good times! |
Holy Cow Ice Cream Parlour
Address: 938 McNabb St, Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6B 6J1, Canada
Contact Details: +17052566455
Website: https://www.holycowsicecreamparlour.com/
Operating Hours: Daily 8 AM to 6:30 PM
Alright, let’s chat about a little gem in Sault Ste. Marie that’s been serving up smiles with a side of ice cream for ages in Ontario.
This isn’t just any old ice cream spot; we’re talking about a place that takes local to a whole new level. They use milk straight from Lock City Dairies — talk about supporting the neighbors!
Now, imagine this: a menu that changes weekly with over 50 flavors. That’s right, fifty! And they’re not just your vanilla and chocolate kind of deal.
We’re diving into tastes that scream ‘Northern pride’ like the Algonquin Canoe — think of it as a paddle through a delicious, creamy river. Then there’s the Muskoka Mocha for when you need that coffee kick, and Lavender Lemonade for a twist of tang and a hint of floral.
You can also jazz up these flavors into sundaes that are pretty much a work of art, or go old school with a hot, fresh waffle cone that’s made right in front of you.
| Pro Tip: When you plan to visit Holy Cow, timing is everything. Aim for off-peak hours if you can, like late afternoon on a weekday, to avoid the long lines that are common at this popular spot. |
Hewitt’s Dairy Bar
Address: 4210 Hwy 6, Hagersville, ON N0A 1H0, Canada
Contact Details: +19057685266
Website: http://www.hewittsdairy.com/dairy-bar/
Operating Hours: Daily 10 AM to 8 PM
Strolling into this vintage ice cream shop is like taking a step back to 1962, and let us tell you, the flavor lineup is as timeless as the decor.
You’ve got your classics — the rich vanilla, indulgent chocolate, and sweet strawberry. But why stop there when you can go for a swirl of cotton candy, a scoop of butter pecan, or dive into the nutty depths of maple walnut? Chocolate peanut butter ripple? Yes, please.
Or maybe you’re feeling fruity with a choice of grape, orange, pineapple, or the decadent blueberry cheesecake. Need a caffeine hit? The coffee break flavor has got you covered.
But wait, there’s a twist in the tale— if you have a taste for the unconventional, they churn out goat milk ice cream, with just the right touch of honey sweetness, available in an assortment of flavors.
And when the seasons turn, keep your eyes peeled for the holiday specials – pumpkin pie, eggnog, and the festive Christmas pudding. Picking just one flavor here? Now that’s the real challenge!
| Pro Tip: If you’re aiming for a specific taste, like their goat milk ice cream sweetened with honey, it’s best to call ahead and make sure it’s in stock. |
Minden River Cone
Address: 119 Bobcaygeon Rd, Minden, ON K0M 2K0, Canada
Contact Details: +17052863456
Website: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Minden-River-Cone/100057561605628/
Operating Hours: Daily 9 AM to 8:30 PM
Let’s now turn our attention to one of our favorite ice cream spots in Ontario! Minden River Cone is the new kid on the block of our retro shop roundup.
Since ’95, the Scott clan has been at the helm, whipping up not just any old fast food, but the kind that’s a notch above your usual fare. But let’s cut to the chase – it’s the soft serve that steals the show.
If you’re in the mood for a throwback treat, do yourself a favor and try the orange-dipped vanilla. It’s like a sunny day in a cone, especially when it’s perched on top of a classic corn cone.
And hey, if your furry friend is tagging along, this place is pawsome because they dish out pup cones for just a buck!
| Pro Tip: If you’re going with your friends? They have special bundles of twos and threes that’ll make the experience much more worth the go! |
Tom’s Dairy Freeze
Address: 630 The Queensway, Etobicoke, ON M8Y 1K5, Canada
Contact Details: +14162591846
Website: https://tomsdairyfreeze.ca/
Operating Hours: Daily 12 to 9 PM
Nestled in the heart of Etobicoke, there’s a vintage ice cream haven that’s been charming locals since the summer of ’69.
It’s a spot where the soft serve is more than just ice cream; it’s a craft, with swirls that dance and dips that dazzle. The rainbow dip? It’s like a joyous parade for your palate.
But let’s not stop there. Dive into their slushie floats that are a throwback to simpler times, or indulge in the creamy bliss of their frozen yogurt.
The banana splits are a grand slam of taste! As for the milkshakes, you’ll feel like you’re sipping on a cloud!
| Pro Tip: If you’re in the know, you’ll whisper to the server about the birthday cake dip— it’s their secret handshake of flavor. |
Avondale Dairy Bar
Address: 461 Stewart Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0, Canada
Contact Details: +19056877403
Website: http://www.avondaledairybar.com/
Operating Hours: 12 to 9 PM
The Avondale Dairy Bar is more than just an ice cream shop; it’s a piece of Niagara’s heritage. Here, you can bask in the rural charm of farm country, watch the kids play on the swings, and maybe even catch a glimpse of the Holstein cows at Stewart Haven Farms.
It’s an experience that combines the joy of handcrafted, award-winning ice cream with the beauty of the surrounding cornfields and vineyards.
Favorites among its regulars are the rich Pistachio Chocolate Almond, the indulgent Salty Caramel Pecan Pie, and the unique Tiger Tail, which remains a topic of friendly debate.
| Pro Tip: When you plan a trip to Avondale Dairy Bar, consider timing your visit to enjoy not just their delicious ice cream but also the full experience. Since they’re open from noon to 8 PM, arriving early in the afternoon might give you the perfect blend of a peaceful setting and the freshest selection of their over 40 handmade flavors. |
Ice Dreams Soda Shop
Address: 3131 Muskoka District Road 169, Bala, ON P0C 1A0, Canada
Contact Details: +17057622797
Website: https://www.facebook.com/IceDreamsSodaShop/
Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday 10 AM to 4 PM; Friday 10 AM to 4 PM; Saturday 11 AM to 7 PM; Sunday 11 AM to 5 PM
A small shop that’s right by the peak of Muskoka, stands a quaint scoop shop called Ice Dreams Soda Shop that’s more than meets the eye.
Its walls are adorned with memorabilia of Coca-Cola and shelves lined with vintage sweets, a nod to the bygone era. Yet, at its core, it remains a true-blue traditional ice cream parlor.
Delving into the local lore, this charming establishment boasts a selection of Ontario’s beloved treats, with a special spotlight on a selection of Kawartha Dairy’s finest—a dozen or so flavors that capture the essence of the region.
Each scoop is not just a taste but a tribute to the local dairy heritage that has been a staple in the community for generations.
| Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for limited-edition flavors, especially those that are a result of unique collaborations, like the Salty Caramel Truffle flavor, which was turned into a beer by a local brewer. |
