Top 5 Ice Cream Spots in Vancouver
Wendy Underwood
Nothing pairs with a hot summer day quite like a freshly-scooped ice cream – especially for those with a sweet tooth. Vancouver’s ice cream scene has undergone a renaissance in recent years with a whole host of flavours, textures, and ingredients to choose from. From simple selections for the traditionalists, through to out-of-this-world combos for adventurous types, there’s an ice cream parlour to perfectly pair with any palate. Here’s our list of the best ice cream in Vancouver.
Mister
1141 Mainland Street
This is not your average ice cream. The scoops served up at Mister are created using liquid nitrogen to give these cups and cones a whole new texture. To get behind the science, the cream is quickly frozen at ultra low temperatures which makes smaller ice crystals which uses less air than in regular ice cream. The result is a more intense flavour. With locally sourced ingredients, a seasonally inspired menu, and a signature pentagon cup, these treats aren’t just smart, they’re genius. The Yaletown location is closest to The Burrard, but you’ll also find Mister on Robson, and in Kitsilano.
Earnest Ice Cream
1829 Quebec Street
What started as a humble ice cream tricycle found at Vancouver Farmer’s Markets a decade ago has become four ice cream shops—including this gem in Olympic Village—and one of the city’s favourite local retail suppliers. Flavours like London Fog and Whiskey Hazelnut make Earnest Ice Cream a perennial hotspot, and their Salted Caramel is the stuff of legend around these parts. Vegans are well taken care of as well, with delights like Vegan Cookie Butter Sammies and a whole list of dairy-free scoops.
Rain Or Shine Ice Cream
1926 West 4th Avenue
When strolling the shops of West 4th Avenue in Kitsilano, a stop-in at Rain Or Shine Ice Cream offers a welcome opportunity to take a load off and treat yourself. They keep a keen focus on local, sustainable, and seasonal ingredients by partnering with British Columbian suppliers like Birchwood Dairy, Hazelmere Organic Farms, Vancouver Olive Oil Company, and JJ Bean Coffee. Look for faves like Honey Lavender, Malted Milk Chocolate, and Coffee Toffee, as well as seasonal flings such as a Roasted Strawberry and Lemon Raspberry Swirl. You’ll also find Rain Or Shine out at UBC and in Cambie Village.
KOBO Ice Cream
2541 Main Street
One of the newer entries in Vancouver’s ice cream wars, KOBO Ice Cream on Main Street in Mount Pleasant has what it takes to become a destination scoop shop. The owners claim ice cream heritage – that is, both them them had parents that owned ice cream shops when they were growing up. So expect real, old fashioned ice cream, but with a modern twist, with classic flavours along with creative offerings like Tahini and Roasted Walnut, Biscoff, and Orange Chocolate Chip.
Popina Canteen
Ferry Dock at Granville Island
Popina Canteen is certainly more than just a ice cream destination, but its highly-Instagrammable “puff cream” creations are what it’s known best for. Located in a shipping container behind the Granville Island Public Market, you can pick up the most delicious hot chicken sammie or ultra-fresh fish and chips at Popina, but save room for dessert! The puff cream – a cream puff filled with soft serve – comes in delectable and delicious creative versions such as the Violet B (freeze-dried blueberries with cornflake crunch) and the Nutzo (crushed Oreos with a Nutella centre).
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Photo Credits:
- Feature Image: Zaikina / Getty
- Made by Mister: Made by Mister Facebook Page
- Rain or Shine Ice Cream: Rain or Shine’s website
- Earnest Ice Cream: Earnest Ice Cream Instagram account
- KOBO ice cream: KOBO website
- Puff Cream at Popina Canteen: Popina Canteen Instagram account
