To the delight of kids of all ages, the artisanal ice cream scene in Vancouver has exploded in recent years. You don’t have to walk, bike or travel far to find amazing, organic, hand-churned ice cream, gelato or sorbetto made from locally sourced ingredients. Here are six of our favorite hangouts to enjoy the best ice cream in Vancouver on a warm summer’s night.
Where to Enjoy the Best Ice Cream in Vancouver
La Glace – Kitsilano
Oh la la! The uber-creamy, French-style ice cream found at La Glace has melted its way into our ice cream-loving hearts. The super lucious creaminess is brought about through the addition of extra egg yolks. And the flavours are to die for – Bananas Foster, Passion Fruit Milk Chocolate, Strawberry Pink Peppercorn – c’est magnifique! And La Glace also has some of the best dairy free and vegan options for ice cream, as well as ice cream sandwiches and cones in Vancouver too. Location: West 16th at Macdonald.
Rain or Shine – Various Locations
The west side of Vancouver is home to the uber-popular Rain or Shine homemade organic ice cream emporium. Using local ingredients and offering delicious (including vegan) flavor combinatinations like Earl Grey Lavender, Malt Chocolate and Blueberry Balsamic, Rain or Shine scoops cones, cups, and shakes until 10 PM every day. Fans rejoice: they really celebrate ice cream goodness on Taco Tuesday, where ice cream tacos (your choice of flavor and topping in a taco-shaped waffle cone) are the most delicious deal in town. Locations: West 4th and Cambie Village
Earnest Ice Cream – Mount Pleasant
Once delivered by bicycle in 2012 to Vancouver’s ice cream cognoscenti, Earnest Ice Cream has expanded into two bricks and mortar locations on Vancouver’s east side. Earnest makes organic, small batch ice cream that is available via cone, cup or in 500 ml jars for take home enjoyment. The variety of flavors changes by the season and according to ingredient availability. Their motto of ‘seriously good’ is true to its word. The flavor varieties are intriguing and delicious – whiskey hazelnut is a standout, as are salted caramel and coconut lime sorbet. Be ready to wait in line to enjoy your taste of ice cream heaven – it’s worth it. Locations: Fraser and Quebec Streets
Soft Peaks – Gastown
Vancouver’s organic soft serve ice cream is made from local organic Avalon dairy milk, and handcrafted and ‘churned to smooth perfection‘. Soft Peaks soft serve not too sweet, and so you can choose to add natural sweeteners such as honeycomb on their signature Honeycomb Peak, or a variety of flavored syrups including organic maple syrup (yum!), agave syrup or honey. Their Gastown location is bustling well into the night, and line ups are common. Location: Alexander St., Gastown
Bella Gelateria – Downtown
Award-winning, old-world style gelato that may rock your ice cream world. Bella Gelateria excels at handcrafted, small batch gelato-making that results in a smoothly delicious gelato that comes in myriad flavors. Favorites include chocolate-amarena cherry, tahitian vanilla, and exotics like akbar mashti and black sesame. The Coal Harbour location is close to the cruise ship terminal and convention centre, so prepare for long lines in summer. Location: Coal Harbour
La Casa Gelato – East Vancouver
A local favorite ice cream shop and long-standing gelateria on Venables Street, La Casa Gelato boasts over 200 flavors of gelato, sorbetto and frozen yogurt. Reflecting Vancouver’s cultural mix, flavours include durian, garlic, and the usual suspects of chocolate, cocopine and cassata (an Italian favorite). As in Italy, pay first, then taste and select your flavor at your leisure. The outdoor seating area next to the gelateria is a popular gathering spot to enjoy your cone. Location: Venables St., Grandview-Woodlands
Uno Gelato – Various Locations
‘Best natural farm to cone’ gelato in Vancouver, with several locations including Kitsilano and the False Creek seawall. Uno Gelato specializes in hand-crafted gelato and sorbetto using local ingredients, including organic Avalon milk. Choose from a variety of intriguing flavors, including; mango tango, maple praline almond, very cherry, chocolate grand marnier and many seasonal tastes. The delicious frozen desserts are available in cones, cups or pints to go.
Photo credit: Pixabay
Where is your favorite ice cream emporium in Vancouver? Share your go-to frozen treat spot in the comments below.
