Vancouver, also known as “Hollywood of the North,” will stun you with its truly diverse population, stunning natural beauty, and vibrant food scene. Thanks to its moderate oceanic climate, you can relish the best ice cream in Vancouver any time of the year. It is, after all, one of the warmest cities in Canada.
The Vancouver ice cream scene will provide you with a crazy number of choices to help satisfy your sweet tooth. Here’s a list of the best spots I recommend.
Bella Gelateria Gelato & Coffee
Award-winning gelato that’s all about true artisanship, flavor, and quality is what you find at Bella Gelateria. They take pride in using the best ingredients from local farmers. The mere sight of the different colors of gelato is a treat to the eyes. With bursting flavors and generous samples, the long lines in summer are no surprise.
Among their popular flavors that you mustn’t miss is the Akbar Mashti – their personal take on the traditional Persian ice cream treat, made with saffron and rosewater and garnished with roasted pistachio. There’s also Black Sesame, Salted Caramel, Early Grey Tea, London Fog, and Espresso with Chocolate Bark. They have a separate section only for chocolate gelato! Each bite of their gelato will take you on a flavor experience of Italy.
Would you fancy a gelato drink instead? You can get your choice of gelato covered in an espresso shot, hot chocolate, or blended into a delicious frappe.
- Bella Gelateria Gelato & Coffee, 1752 Davie St, Vancouver
Earnest Ice Cream
This ice cream parlor might have a more classic flavor offering, but it’s definitely top-notch. Their rotating seasonal flavors will give you an excellent reason to return for more.
Flavors like Whisky Hazelnut and Matcha Green Tea make this place a perennial hotspot. Among the many vegan options, the Vegan Peanut Butter Chocolate Pretzel sandwiches are a delight to even non-vegans. Their many locations include one in the Olympic Village, one in North Van, and other outlets in Metro Vancouver, apart from being one of the city’s favorite local retail suppliers.
Don’t miss out on the ice cream sandwiches!
- Earnest Ice Cream, multiple locations
La Glace
A French artisanal ice cream shop that serves the most mouth-watering French-style ice cream around; that’s La Glace for you.
The secret to their perfect-looking and tasting ice cream lies in their use of Creme Anglaise base (custard made with heavy cream and egg yolks). It’s a great place not only for its ice cream, but also for the French-style decor that’s a treat for your eyes.
They have a daily changing menu, but some of their fun choices include Mango Chili, Birthday Cake, and Calo Chocolat A L’Orange (orange zest, bay leaf, and chocolate espresso flakes), Raspberry White Chocolate and Mint Chocolate.
They also have ice cream cakes, vegan options, and ice cream-tasting flights for those who can’t choose a flavor.
- La Glace, 2785 W 16th Ave, Vancouver
Rain or Shine Ice Cream
Be it rain or shine, there’s no bad time for ice cream in Vancouver. This homemade ice cream shop might’ve opened only in 2013, but it’s become one of the best ice cream places in the city.
What’s not to love about the rich texture and flavor of the ice cream at Rain or Shine? Their popular picks include Blueberry Balsamic, Malted Milk Chocolate, Peanut Butter, Honey Lavender, Coffee Toffee, and London Fog.
Among their seasonal flavors are specials like Watermelon Margarita and Strawberry Earl Grey. Not able to make up your mind about a choice of flavor? Go for their four-flavor ice cream flights instead!
The smell of freshly-made waffle cones wafting through the store adds to the comforting dessert experience. And if you visit on a Tuesday, you can try their beloved ice cream taco!
They’re spread across several locations and also operate a mobile food truck.
- Rain or Shine Ice Cream, multiple locations
Mister Artisan Ice Cream
What you’re served here is not your average ice cream, for they use liquid nitrogen to give the cups and cones of ice cream a whole new texture.
Their signature Pentagon cup, seasonal flavors in regular rotation, and local ingredients translate to sheer genius.
Some of their menu specials include HK Milk Tea, Avocado, Strawberry Mint, and Double Oreo. If you ask me, the highlights here are the ice cream sammies and Creme Brulee.
- Mister Artisan Ice Cream, 1141 Mainland Street, Vancouver, and 1835 West 1st Avenue, Vancouver
Elephant Garden Creamery
Elephant Garden Creamery is a hidden gem in Vancouver’s ice cream scene, known for its inventive Asian-inspired flavors and small-batch craftsmanship. The shop’s sleek, minimalist interior provides the perfect backdrop for indulging in flavors like Black Sesame, Hong Kong Milk Tea, and Vietnamese Coffee. Every scoop is rich, creamy, and made with high-quality ingredients, often incorporating fresh fruit, tea, and unique mix-ins. The shop rotates its flavors seasonally, ensuring there’s always something new to try, from matcha-infused delights to coconut pandan.
One of Elephant Garden Creamery’s standout features is its ability to balance nostalgia with modern creativity. While classics like Cookies & Cream and Chocolate remain, they come with a distinct twist—think miso caramel swirls or Thai tea cookie chunks.
- Elephant Garden Creamery, 2080 Commercial Dr, Vancouver
Rocky Point Ice Cream
Rocky Point Ice Cream has become a staple in the Metro Vancouver area, offering handcrafted ice cream made from locally sourced ingredients. The flagship shop in Port Moody’s Rocky Point Park is a beloved destination, with customers lining up for signature flavors like Salted Caramel, Blueberry Lavender, and Espresso Flake.
Beyond its main location, Rocky Point Ice Cream has expanded to New Westminster and Coquitlam, bringing its artisanal approach to more neighborhoods. The shop is deeply involved in the local community, often collaborating with regional producers to create limited-edition flavors. Their ice cream sandwiches, made with freshly baked cookies, are another crowd favorite.
- Rocky Point Ice Cream, 2800 Murray Street, Port Moody, and two other locations
Soft Peaks Ice Cream
Soft Peaks Ice Cream revolutionized Vancouver’s soft-serve game with its organic, all-natural approach. Located in Gastown, this shop specializes in creamy, milk-based soft serve made with organic Avalon Dairy milk. The result is a light yet luscious texture that pairs beautifully with their creative toppings, from locally sourced honeycomb to yuzu marmalade.
Their honeycomb soft serve is a customer favorite, offering a perfect balance of creamy and crunchy textures. Other highlights include their in-house sauces, such as the rich homemade caramel or organic blueberry purée. Whether you’re after a refreshing summer treat or a comforting winter dessert, Soft Peaks is a must-visit for soft-serve lovers.
- Soft Peaks Ice Cream, 25 Alexander St, Vancouver
Timothy’s Frozen Yogurt
Timothy’s Frozen Yogurt is a Richmond institution, drawing crowds to the scenic Steveston Village for its legendary fresh fruit frozen yogurt. Since 1989, this family-run shop has been serving up ultra-creamy, tangy frozen yogurt blended with real fruit to order.
Their signature raspberry yogurt, bursting with fresh berries, has developed a near-cult following among locals and visitors alike. The menu also includes classic soft-serve ice cream and a selection of hand-scooped flavors.
- Timothy’s Frozen Yogurt, 3800 Bayview St, Richmond
Passione Gelato Artigianale
This award-winning gelateria is helmed by Italian-born gelato master Salvatore Boccarossa, who brings an authentic, handcrafted approach to every batch. The gelato is made fresh daily using organic milk, local ingredients, and traditional Italian techniques, resulting in a smooth, dense texture and deep, natural flavors.
With a rotating selection of flavors, Passione Gelato offers something for every palate, from rich Chocolate Hazelnut to refreshing Mango Sorbetto. Despite its small footprint, this shop delivers big on quality, making it a go-to spot for gelato lovers in Vancouver.
- Passione Gelato Artigianale, 55 Smithe St, Vancouver
Dolce Amore
Family-owned and operated, this cozy gelateria has been delighting Vancouverites for over two decades with its handcrafted flavors. Made in small batches, their gelato boasts a silky-smooth texture and vibrant taste, thanks to high-quality ingredients like Sicilian pistachios, Belgian chocolate, and local berries.
One of Dolce Amore’s standout features is its diverse range of flavors, which change regularly to reflect seasonal ingredients. Customers can indulge in classics like Tiramisu and Stracciatella or opt for more adventurous choices like Ube Coconut or Maple Bacon. Their commitment to innovation, paired with a warm and welcoming atmosphere, makes Dolce Amore a favorite among both gelato purists and those looking for something new.
- Dolce Amore, 1588 Commercial Dr, Vancouver
La Casa Gelato
La Casa Gelato is an iconic Vancouver destination, famous for its staggering selection of over 200 flavors. This legendary gelateria, which has been in operation since 1982, offers an unparalleled variety ranging from classic favorites like Pistachio and Lemon Sorbetto to wild and unexpected creations like Wasabi, Garlic, and Balsamic Vinegar. The shop’s pink exterior is a local landmark, drawing both tourists and longtime fans eager to sample its endless options.
Customers can sample as many flavors as they like before committing to a scoop, making each visit a fun and interactive experience!!
- La Casa Gelato, 1033 Venables Street, Vancouver
A visit to Vancouver will expose you to a plethora of activities and places to visit. And to make your trip more enjoyable is the best ice cream in Vancouver.
Whether you desire regular flavors, ice cream sundaes, soft serve ice cream, or any other frozen dessert, Vancouver has all the good stuff. Have you tried ice cream shop-hopping? Vancouver is the best place to do that!
Traveling Elsewhere? Here Are Some Great Ice Cream Shops You Can Try!
