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The 10 Best Ice Cream Shops in Toronto
You know what’s perfect at any time of the year? A scoop (or two) of delicious, creamy ice cream! Whether it’s a scorching summer day or the middle of a chilly winter, your taste buds can’t resist the allure of a luscious ice cream treat.
Well, lucky for you, Toronto is home to some truly drool-worthy ice cream shops that’ll leave your sweet tooth wishing it could thank you personally.
We’ve handpicked the best spots in town to savour your way through an ice-cream-centric journey your taste buds will never forget. So, read on!
Bang Bang Ice Cream & Bakery
Website: http://bangbangicecream.ca/
Address: 93A Ossington Ave, Toronto, ON M6J 2Z2, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-531-1900
Operating hours:
- Tuesday – 1 PM to 9 PM
- Wednesday, Friday to Sunday – 1 PM to 8:45 PM
- Thursday – 2 PM to 9 PM
So, you’re walking down Ossington Avenue when a waft of the most mouthwatering aroma you’ve ever smelled hits your nostrils. Follow your nose, and you’ll end up at Bang Bang Ice Cream & Bakery, a true haven for those who live for the lick.
Bang Bang specialises in killer ice cream sandwiches. And by that, I mean their ice cream scoops nestled between freshly baked cookies or puffs.
Their flavour options? Oh boy, it’s like walking into an ice cream encyclopaedia: Matcha Matcha Man for green tea lovers; London Fog for those craving a delightfully British-inspired dessert; and the list goes on.
But the real power move at Bang Bang is the daring combo of Bellwoods Stout with a puff. You really can’t go wrong with anything on their menu, but that one’s a total knockout.
| Local tip: There’s a no-sampling policy at Bang Bang due to its high demand. Oh, and there can be a bit of a line, but it’s an absolute ice cream rite of passage and totally worth the wait! |
Dutch Dreams
Website: http://www.dutchdreams.ca/
Address: 36 Vaughan Rd, Toronto, ON M6G 2N3, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-656-6959
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 12 PM to 12 AM
Next on our list is a sweet spot that’s been a Toronto go-to since the 1980s: Dutch Dreams. Just off Vaughan Road, this ice cream parlour is a love letter to all things deliciously Dutch—and the ice cream? Pure bliss.
Dutch Dreams’ ice cream masterclass comes in the form of innovative flavours like French Toast with Bacon and Halva with Salted Caramel. And let’s not forget Dutch Caramel Pecan Biscuit, which tastes like a dream covered in caramel-soaked clouds.
Now, if you want the dreamiest ice cream experience here, go for their classic waffle cone piled high with your choice of flavour and crown it with their signature toppings. Top it with whipped cream, berries, and life. Suddenly, it’s looking pretty sweet!
| Local tip: Dutch Dreams offers a heap of vegan and non-dairy options as well, so nobody is left behind in this creamy journey! |
Summer’s Ice Cream
Website: http://www.summersicecream.com/
Address: 101 Yorkville Ave, Toronto, ON M5R 1C1, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-944-2637
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 1 PM to 12 AM
- Friday – 1 PM to 2 AM
- Saturday – 12 PM to 2 AM
- Sunday – 12 PM to 12 AM
Located in the heart of Toronto, Summer’s Ice Cream showcases the timeless elegance of homemade, artisanal ice cream. They roll old school here.
With more than 30 years under their belt, they’ve perfected the art of ice cream making. Summer’s shines in its approach to flavours, ranging from a classic Cookies & Cream to the more adventurous Kulfi Surprise, an alluring blend of pistachios and cardamom.
Their Hazel Maple Crunch, a tantalising fusion of creamy hazelnut and sweet maple, is the kind of ice cream you can’t really forget. The summer’s experience isn’t complete without trying the iconic Hot Fudge Brownie Sundae.
It’s a guilty pleasure of vanilla ice cream, homemade brownie, hot fudge, whipped cream, and a cherry on top—the kind of pleasure you wouldn’t mind being guilty of.
| Local tip: Summer is popular around the clock. But if you swing by late in the evening, you can enjoy your ice cream amidst the charming Yorkville vibe. |
Eva’s Original Chimneys
Website: http://www.originalchimneys.com/
Address: 454 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M5S 1X8, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-519-2840
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 12 PM to 12 AM
What if I told you that you could get your ice cream served in a cone-shaped oven-baked donut? Sounds wild, eh? Well, welcome to Eva’s Original Chimneys, where they take the art of ice cream presentation to a whole new level.
Eva’s Chimneys are inspired by pastries named after chimneys, originally from Hungary. These cylindrical, crisp pastries, also known as “chimney cakes,” are filled with soft serve that hits just the right spot.
The flavours? They’re out of this world—think traditional vanilla beans or adventurous chocolate banana bread. Do yourself a favour and try the Dream Cone Apple Pie Edition.
It’s essentially a slice of apple pie transformed into an ice cream cone—no kidding! And if that doesn’t have you drooling, I don’t know what will.
| Local tip: Eva’s has multiple locations around Toronto, but Mississauga is where their first brick-and-mortar store is. Oh, and grab tons of napkins—these are bigger and messier than your standard ice cream! |
Sweet Jesus
Website: http://www.sweetjesusicecream.com/
Address: 106 John St, Toronto, ON M5H 1X9, Canada
Contact details: +1 905-374-4445
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 4 PM to 11 PM
- Friday to Sunday – 12 PM to 11 PM
Now, if you’re looking for a spot where made-for-Instagram style meets heavenly taste, Sweet Jesus is going to be your top pick!
It’s not your ordinary parlour; it’s where soft-serve ice cream becomes not just a dessert but a visually stunning work of art.
Sweet Jesus is well known for pushing ice cream boundaries. With flavour names that are as outrageous as they taste, expect the unexpected here.
Think Krusty the Cone—a cladded vanilla soft serve in cotton candy pieces. Or Red Rapture, a velvety blend of red velvet cake, cream cheese icing, raspberry puree, and meringue crumble. What’s the ultimate treat here?
Well, it’s a tough ring to throw, but the Bounty Killah with coconut soft serve, shredded toasted coconut, and dark chocolate sauce is a true mind-blower. It’s like a beach vacation in a cone. Yes, please!
| Local tip: Expect long lines during peak hours. And remember, one swirl is usually enough to share if you’re on a sugar budget! |
Ed’s Real Scoop-Leslieville
Website: http://www.edsrealscoop.com/
Address: 920 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1J5, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-406-2525
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 9:30 PM
Ed’s Real Scoop is another gem in the heart of Leslieville, adapting to the art and science of ice creamery. Think homemade, fresh, and incredibly indulgent—that’s Ed’s for you!
Here, you’ll be treated to an extensive menu of ice cream, gelato, and sorbet, each flavour crafted with meticulous attention. From staple mint chips to surprising burnt marshmallows, there are options galore for all palates.
The must-have? You’ll want to get your hands on the Wunderbar, a wonder bar indeed with its exquisite blend of peanut, caramel, and rice crisps. It’s a journey of flavours that’ll send you straight to ice cream heaven!
| Local tip: Be sure to check out their seasonal specials! Plus, they’ve got dairy-free and vegan-friendly options too, staying true to the Canadian inclusivity we all love. |
iHalo Krunch
Website: http://www.ihalokrunch.com/
Address: 831 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1G1, Canada
Contact details: +1 647-505-3777
Operating hours:
- Wednesday and Thursday – 3 PM to 9 PM
- Friday to Sunday – 12 PM to 10 PM
When you want your ice cream adventure to take a wild turn, iHalo Krunch is the place to be. With their signature black cones, you know you’re in for something out of the ordinary.
Their specialty? Soft-serve ice cream packs a punch of flavour and a pop of colour! At iHalo Krunch, they don’t shy away from creative experiments.
Their Red Velvet Ube is an epic fusion of velvety goodness and purple yam that’s hard to resist. And we can’t mention iHalo Krunch without raving about their charcoal vanilla—the flavour is fantastic and oh-so Instagram-worthy!
But if you’re ready to push the boundaries, live a little and try the beehive: a majestic swirl of coconut soft serve adorned with charcoal-infused honeycomb and drizzles of golden honey. A word of caution: You’re about to fall in love!
| Local tip: They’re in the habit of changing their flavours every month, so don’t miss out on their current tasty creations! |
The Big Chill
Website: http://thebigchill.ca/
Address: 566 College St, Toronto, ON M6G 1A1, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-960-2455
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 3 PM to 11 PM
- Friday – 3 PM to 12 AM
- Saturday – 2 PM to 12 AM
- Sunday – 2 PM to 11 PM
Looking to plug into a shop with a blast of nostalgia and vibes of yesteryear? Then The Big Chill is your new spot. Here, you’ll find yourself surrounded by memorabilia of the good ol’ days while enjoying some scrumptious ice cream nostalgia.
Their list of flavours boasts over 30 classic options, like Superman (a whimsical fusion of banana, raspberry, and bubblegum). There’s also the elegant French lavender, which will charm your senses with a fragrant delicacy.
For the not-so-faint-hearted, venture into the unknown with The Big Elvis Shake, a divine blend of peanut butter soft serve, bacon bits, and banana. It’s what the King of Rock’n’Roll himself would have named his favourite ice cream!
| Local tip: Make sure to check out their extensive topping selection. And remember, The Big Chill gets busy during hot summer days, so plan accordingly! |
Hollywood Gelato
Website: https://www.hollywoodgelato.com/
Address: 1640 Bayview Ave, Toronto, ON M4G 3B7, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-544-9829
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 7 AM to 10 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 7 AM to 12 AM
- Sunday – 8 AM to 10 PM
As the star of our ice cream exploration, Hollywood Gelato brings glam and charm to the frozen treat game. With a name like that, you know you’re up for a glitzy scoop of heaven with each creamy, sumptuous bite.
This renowned gelato haven is well-known for its repertoire of classic and unpredictable flavours. If you’re a pioneer at heart, the tantalising Maple Bacon Crunch is a must-try.
Are you a fan of the oldies but goodies? Then a perfect scoop of Tiramisu will treat you right.
The real showstopper, however, is the Ferrero Rocher gelato. It’s like nibbling on a giant piece of your favourite chocolate, only creamier and more luxurious. A scoop of this, and you’ll feel like you’ve just made the Walk of Fame!
| Local tip: They often offer seasonal flavours, so be on the lookout for those. And while you’re there, don’t forget to snap a picture with their signature ice cream statue! |
Bar Ape Gelato
Website: http://www.bar-ape.com/
Address: 283 Rushton Rd, Toronto, ON M6C 2X6, Canada
Contact details: [email protected]
Operating hours:
- Thursday and Friday – 5 PM to 10:30 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 2 PM to 10:30 PM
Bar Ape Gelato is a fantastic spot that has pretty much made Toronto it’s tasty playground. What was once an adorable food truck is now one of the city’s finest soft-serve meccas!
Okay, just so we’re on the same page, gelato is technically not ice cream. But you know what? Who cares about technicalities when you’ve got a frosty, creamy treat in front of you?
It just hits differently. If you want to taste the best gelato Toronto has to offer, Bar Ape—pronounced “bar ah-pay” just to set the record straight—takes the cake, or rather, gelato!
Let’s talk about their flavours, and one must-try is stracciatella. It’s a dreamy blend of milk-based gelato and sporadic stretches of chocolate—an Italian favourite that would make even the sturdiest of frowns turn into the smiliest of grins.
And as for season specials, if you see Pistachio or Hazelnut pop up on their chalkboard menu, don’t think twice. Order right away!
| Local tip: This spot is more of a walk-by-and-grab-a-sweet treat place than a sit-down parlour, so be ready for a fantastic stroll around the neighbourhood while enjoying your gelato. |
