Scooper's Ice Cream Treats
The fact that Justin Bieber used to grab a cone at this hometown spot will likely get your kids screaming for an ice cream or frozen yogurt here. (In fact, he and girlfriend Selena Gomez paid a visit to the store on a recent trip north.) But there really is more reason to check it out: Their 46 flavours, including Creamsicle Swirl, Boo Boo Bubble and Apple Pie, are served in homemade waffle cones and are all sure to please. So is the courteous staff, who try to accommodate customers with dairy allergies by offering sorbets and slushies.
May to mid-October: 28 Erie St., Stratford. 519-272-0133
An homage to the owners’ Dutch ancestry, this parlour features eclectic, whimsical decor that delights young and old. So too will the homemade frozen treats – among them 32 kosher ice creams such as Moose Droppings (Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and chocolate) and Gold Medal Ribbon. Mix and match frozen yogurts and a smorgasbord of toppings like hot fudge and toasted coconut.
78 Vaughan Rd., Toronto. 416-656-6959
Ed has given foodies much to rave about with flavours like Guinness Stout and Burnt Marshmallow, but the kids aren’t excluded with offerings like Banana Split, Gingerbread and Beech Fudge Brownie, along with homemade chocolate and caramel sauces. Sweet tooths can satisfy their cravings when they are served frozen delights in either a sugar cone, store-made waffle cone, or as ice cream “cupcakes” in Callebaut chocolate cups. They’re also well known for their gelatos, sorbets and frozen yogurts.
2224 Queen St. E, Toronto. 416-699-6100; 920 Queen St. E., Toronto. 416-406-2525
There’s a certain skill that goes into making artisanal Italian ice cream and La Paloma has got it; you can tell from their delicious flavours, like Croccangelo (crunchy caramel) and “Pistacchio Sicilia,” as well as their thoughtful presentation with saucy swirls, nuts and fruit. About 60 flavours of gelato means there is something for everyone – Bubble Gum (a kid’s fave), Limone Lemon (one of its best) and even soy-based options.
Four locations in the greater Toronto area.
While Greg’s has been serving the University of Toronto community for three
decades, you’ll want to head down to his shop before your kids graduate. His Roasted Marshmallow ice cream is hugely popular. Other all-natural delights include Blueberry, Orange Cream, Licorice, Malt Ball Crunch and all the classics. Kid-sized servings available.
March to December: 750 Spadina Ave., Toronto. 416-962-4734
You may have already tasted the goodness of this dairy’s ice creams in select locations, but if you haven’t, it’s worth the trip to one of its Ontario stores. Standouts include Birthday Cake (vanilla icing flavour with rainbow chocolate chips and blue marshmallow ribbon) and Wolf Paws (vanilla ice cream with chocolate fudge and brownie pieces).
Mid-March to November: Several locations throughout Ontario. 877-4KD-MILK (877-453-6455) or 705-738-5123
Tom's Dairy Freeze
If the retro vibe is any indication, this parlour (with a walk-up order window) hasn’t really changed how it makes its rich soft-serve ice cream (using cream instead of milk) since it opened in 1969. Try it dipped in caramel sauce, or in a super-thick chocolate malt milkshake, or opt for the new addition – frozen yogurt – while taking a seat at an outdoor picnic table.
Mid-March to November: 630 The Queensway, Toronto. 416-259-1846
This old-fashioned dairy bar has been in business since 1948, combining real cream with fruits and flavourings to make its 50 flavours. Janet and Greta Podleski, bestselling authors of The Looneyspoons Collection, said when they lived in St. Thomas, they “loved going to Shaw’s – it was a real treat.”
Their fave flavours? Janet chose Pistachio and Greta went for Bubble Gum. The accommodating staff also whip up delightful sundaes, floats or milkshakes.
6598 Sunset Rd., St. Thomas; 519-631-2510
Enjoy Niagara farm country (and a view of 90 Holstein cows) while the kids devour a cone and play on the swings. You’ll be busy too, enjoying one of Avondale’s 45 hand-churned ice creams, whether it’s the award-winning Kahlúa Espresso Fudge, French Vanilla or English Crumb Cake. And don’t miss the 32-flavour sundae bar.
March to October: 461 Steward Rd., Niagara-on-the-Lake, 905-687-7403
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Anonymous says ....
This is the one summertime treat that those with peanut / nut allergies miss out on. Too bad no-one has found a way to make that work yet...it would be a money machine!!
Papa1717 says ....
The best ice cream shop is called Scoop's but there's only 1 that is the best. There are others by that name but are not even close to this ice cream store. The 2nd would be Dairy Queen
Anonymous (not verified) says ....
Best's Ice Cream in Grand Bend! Homemade ice cream! Yummm.
Anonymous says ....
Let's move beyond Toronto. What about the rest of the province? For example, in Ottawa, there's Truffle Treasures, Stella Luna, Piccolo Grande, Pure Gelato....
Kenora (not verified) says ....
Try north of the 401 belt
Anonymous says ....
Truffle teasure in Ottawa
Anonymous says ....
It would have been nice to have suggestions OUTSIDE of Toronto...
Anonymous says ....
toronto, toronto, toronto.....
Kat (not verified) says ....
How about some ice cream shops NOT in Southern Ontario? There's a whole lot of Ontario left out.
Natasha (not verified) says ....
Carter's near Danforth and Woodbine in Toronto. Such a sweet spot.
Cassie (not verified) says ....
Cafe Demetre's is the best of the best by far...made fresh in house mmm